online scams Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 18, 2026

I tested Norton’s Deepfake Protection — and it finally convinced me my next laptop needs an NPU

The landscape of online security has evolved significantly, with deepfake technology introducing new challenges. Users must be vigilant against both traditional malware and convincing fake images and videos. Antivirus software developers are enhancing their products by integrating cloud-based AI for better threat detection. For users with computers featuring neural processing units (NPUs), local solutions are available, such as Norton’s Deepfake Protection, which analyzes synthetic voices and images to flag potential threats. This feature operates in the background, providing peace of mind during online interactions. Norton 360 includes options for Deepfake Protection, Safe Web, and Safe SMS, but requires sufficient system resources to function effectively. Running this protection on older laptops may hinder performance, making NPUs a worthwhile investment for enhanced security against deepfakes and other online threats.

Tech Optimizer

June 17, 2026

Best antivirus software 2026: free and paid picks

Viruses and malware have become more sophisticated, with phishing emails, AI-generated scams, and deepfake videos posing significant threats. In 2025, Americans lost .9 billion to online scams, affecting even tech-savvy individuals. Built-in malware protections on devices have improved, but the need for additional antivirus software depends on individual usage and risk tolerance. Microsoft Defender, integrated into Windows 11, scored 18/18 on AV-Test and provides real-time protection against various threats. XProtect on Mac updates malware signatures but may miss newer threats, while iPhone users generally do not need antivirus software due to iOS's sandboxing. Android users face higher malware risks and should consider dedicated antivirus solutions. Paid antivirus solutions often include features like VPN services, password managers, identity theft monitoring, and multi-platform coverage, justifying their cost. Many antivirus providers offer steep discounts for the first year, followed by significant price increases upon renewal, so it's advisable to disable auto-renewal and seek new customer rates. Bitdefender Total Security is recommended for its malware detection and light system impact, while McAfee+ Premium offers unlimited device coverage for families. Norton 360 Deluxe provides a comprehensive feature bundle, and Microsoft Defender is the only recommended free antivirus, achieving a perfect score on AV-Test without intrusive ads or upsells.

Tech Optimizer

June 12, 2026

Fake verification pages are stealing Steam accounts from players

Online gamers are being warned about a scam targeting Steam accounts through counterfeit FACEIT verification pages that look authentic. These fraudulent sites feature official branding and functional links, tricking users into entering their passwords. The scam is particularly aimed at FACEIT players, as it exploits the connection between FACEIT and Steam, where players link their accounts. The scam starts with a website mimicking an official FACEIT page, claiming to offer free identity verification. Scammers use lookalike URLs, such as faceit-discord.com and faceit-clubs-verify.com, to deceive users. The site may display subtle errors, like conflicting copyright dates, and encourages users to click a “Sign in through Steam” button, which leads to a fake login window designed to steal user credentials. To protect against this scam, users should verify the website address, be cautious of blurry QR codes, treat urgent messages as suspicious, navigate directly to official sites, and consider using tools like Malwarebytes Browser Guard. If users have already entered their details, they should change their Steam password, enable Steam Guard, and check for unauthorized activity. The scam's effectiveness lies in its convincing presentation and the use of Browser-in-the-Browser attacks, which manipulate the perceived address bar.

Tech Optimizer

May 27, 2026

‘Protection needs to evolve’ — NordVPN rebrands as an all-in-one VPN app for next-generation protection

NordVPN has rebranded its app to focus on three pillars: connect, protect, and monitor. The protect segment includes a newly launched anti-gen antivirus, which blocked 4.8 million threats in April, with over 3 million of these being malware.

Tech Optimizer

April 18, 2026

Avast Antivirus: Free Protection Faces Premium Competition Pressure

Avast Antivirus offers a free version with features like real-time scanning, malware detection, a ransomware shield, and network security, appealing to budget-conscious users on multiple platforms. It has a lightweight design, regular updates, and community-driven threat intelligence. Gen Digital acquired Avast in 2022 and integrated it into its cybersecurity portfolio, focusing on transitioning users from free to premium services and emphasizing AI-driven threat detection. Avast faces competition from free alternatives like Windows Defender and premium solutions such as Bitdefender and Kaspersky, while regulatory scrutiny affects all providers. The demand for antivirus tools is driven by rising ransomware attacks and data breaches, with remote work increasing the need for endpoint protection. Risks for users include performance issues on older devices, false positives, data privacy concerns, and potential subscription traps. Future updates may incorporate more AI features, and partnerships with hardware manufacturers could expand Avast's market reach.

Tech Optimizer

April 8, 2026

Avast Antivirus: A Complete Guide to the Software and Its Security Features

Avast antivirus is a widely used digital security solution for mobile and desktop platforms, developed by Gen Digital. It offers a free version that is accessible and easy to set up, making it popular among first-time users. Key security features include real-time threat protection, web protection tools, email protection, behavior monitoring, and a network inspector. The software operates quietly in the background, has a clean and intuitive interface, and provides essential security features in its free version. However, users may experience intrusive upgrade prompts, and advanced tools require a paid subscription. Avast distinguishes itself by offering behavioral threat detection in both free and paid versions, and its extensive user base enhances its threat detection capabilities. The free version includes basic protections suitable for everyday online activities, but advanced features necessitate an upgrade. Users are encouraged to adopt strong passwords, utilize password managers, enable two-factor authentication, and practice safe browsing habits to ensure online privacy.

Tech Optimizer

March 12, 2026

Score! One of our favorite antivirus apps is up to 58% off right now

Norton is currently offering a 58% discount on its Norton 360 Deluxe plan, which covers up to five devices for a reduced price of .99 per year. The plan includes features such as file backup, a rescue disk for system restoration, and scam protection. Norton 360 Deluxe provides various types of scans, including a quick antivirus scan, a full system scan, and a deep scan. Its ransomware protection feature backs up crucial files, including those in UEFI. The promotional pricing is limited-time, encouraging prompt action for those interested in enhancing their digital security.

AppWizard

March 12, 2026

Meta Upgrades Safety Features of Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp to Protect Users From Fraud

Meta is implementing new safety measures to enhance user protection against online scams on its platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The company is expanding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) for scam detection, integrating a system that analyzes text, images, links, and account behavior to identify impersonation attempts. User alerts will be introduced to warn Facebook users about suspicious friend requests and to flag risky messages in Messenger. WhatsApp users will receive notifications for suspicious device linking requests. Meta has removed over 159 million scam advertisements and disabled 10.9 million accounts. It is collaborating with global law enforcement to combat scam networks, including a recent effort that led to the disabling of more than 150,000 accounts linked to scam centers in coordination with the Royal Thai Police.

AppWizard

March 11, 2026

Meta outlines improved scam protection in Messenger app

Meta has introduced a Safe Browsing feature in Messenger to protect users from harmful links in direct messages, responding to the rise in online scams. The FBI projects online fraud losses in the U.S. to exceed billions from 2020 to 2024, with over a billion expected in 2024 alone. The Safe Browsing feature, launched in October, warns users about malicious links in encrypted messages. Meta has also launched an Advanced Browsing Protection setting that uses a constantly updated database of harmful websites, enhancing user security by combining on-device processing with external data retrieval. This system alerts Messenger users about potential threats before they click on links, allowing them to assess the safety of the links.

AppWizard

March 2, 2026

Meta makes changes following a Solon man’s $1 million loss in scheme police say started on Facebook Messenger

A 63-year-old resident in Solon, Ohio, lost over a million dollars to a scammer posing as a cryptocurrency investment guru. The scam began with a friendly outreach on Facebook, which transitioned to WhatsApp for private conversations. Over several months, the victim was convinced to invest in what he thought was a legitimate opportunity. This incident reflects a broader trend, as the FBI reported that Ohioans aged 60 and older lost over a million to fraud in 2024. Meta Platforms is enhancing tools to detect and disrupt fraudulent activities on its platforms, including new warnings for screen sharing requests on WhatsApp. In the first half of 2025, Meta removed eight million accounts suspected of scams and shut down 21,000 pages impersonating legitimate businesses. Warning signs in the Solon case included initial contact from a stranger, a quick shift to cryptocurrency discussions, and unusually high promised returns.