{"id":226670,"date":"2026-02-13T03:10:53","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T11:10:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=226670"},"modified":"2026-02-12T10:12:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T18:12:13","slug":"scam-news-this-week-deepfakes-romance-scams-data-privacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/security-news\/scam-news-this-week-deepfakes-romance-scams-data-privacy\/","title":{"rendered":"This Week in Scams: How Jules Lost $80K in a Romance Scam"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s Friday the 13th, but you have nothing to fear online if you&#8217;re scam-savvy and well protected.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Every week, we round up the biggest scam and cybersecurity stories of the moment so you can recognize red flags, protect your accounts, and avoid the most common traps scammers are using.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This week in scams, we&#8217;re talking Valentine&#8217;s Day, deepfake deception, and online privacy.<\/p>\n<p>Let&#8217;s jump in:<\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">New McAfee Research Shows Romance Scams Spiking<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Valentine\u2019s Day is supposed to be peak season for connection. But for scammers,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0peak season for something else:\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">emotional leverage.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/internet-security\/online-dating-ai-research-romance-scams\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">New McAfee research<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0shows romance\u00a0scams\u00a0are not rare edge cases,\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0becoming a common part of the online dating experience. In fact,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1 in 7 American adults (15%) say\u00a0they\u2019ve\u00a0lost money to an online dating or romance\u00a0scam.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Even more alarming: of the people who lost money,\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">only 1 in 4 (24%) were able to recover all of it.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">And many\u00a0scams\u00a0start exactly the way real relationships do.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One McAfee interviewee, Jules, a healthcare professional in her 40s, joined a dating app hoping to meet someone as a busy working single mom. She met \u201cAndy,\u201d who seemed local, charming, and emotionally invested. He\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0rush into money. He built trust. He mirrored her life. He made her feel safe.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Then he introduced a \u201ccrypto opportunity\u201d that looked legitimate. The app showed gains. She even withdrew\u00a0small amounts\u00a0at first. But weeks later, her account froze, and she was told she needed to pay a $25,000 \u201ctax payment\u201d to unlock it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">She paid. Then the account froze again.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By the time Jules realized the truth, she had lost more than\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">$80,000,<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0including $25,000 borrowed from her elderly mother.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is the new shape of romance\u00a0scams:\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">slow, believable, and psychologically engineered.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0McAfee Labs also reports that romance-related\u00a0scam\u00a0activity spikes during peak dating season, including fake profiles, cloned apps, and AI-driven spam\u00a0behavior.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"4\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">red flags to watch for<\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:319,&quot;335559739&quot;:319}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They move fast emotionally (\u201cI\u2019ve never felt this way before\u201d)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They push you\u00a0off-platform\u00a0quickly (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Their story sounds polished but hard to verify (military, oil rig, entrepreneur)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They introduce \u201cinvestment advice\u201d or crypto opportunities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They ask for payment apps, gift cards, wire transfers, QR payments, or \u201cfees\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They claim your money is \u201cfrozen\u201d unless you pay one more time<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"none\">How\u00a0romance\u00a0scams\u00a0typically\u00a0unfold<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:160,&quot;335559739&quot;:80}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While\u00a0scams\u00a0can take many forms, most follow a familiar pattern. Understanding the progression can help people recognize\u00a0risk\u00a0earlier.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoNormalTable\" data-tablelook=\"1696\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stage<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><b>The Red Flags \/ How it Unfolds<\/b><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What the scammer wants<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What to do instead<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>1)\u00a0The hook\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A friendly DM, a \u201cwrong number\u201d text, a dating match, a comment reply, a follow request<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A response. Any response.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t\u00a0move fast. Keep the convo\u00a0on-platform.\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0give out your number.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>2)\u00a0Love bombing\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Daily messages, fast intimacy, mirroring your interests, \u201cI\u2019ve never felt this way\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trust and routine<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Slow it down. Ask for a real-time video call and\u00a0a specific, verifiable detail.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>3)\u00a0Private\u00a0channels\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cLet\u2019s talk on WhatsApp\/Telegram\/Signal.\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t tell anyone yet.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Control and privacy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If someone pushes you\u00a0off-platform\u00a0quickly, treat it as a red flag.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>4)\u00a0Building credibility\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A \u201cjob\u201d story (military, oil rig, entrepreneur), polished photos, voice notes, even AI-assisted video<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Believability<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Verify independently. Reverse image search photos. Watch for inconsistencies.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>5)\u00a0A\u00a0financial\u00a0request\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A \u201csmall\u201d emergency, a plane ticket, a crypto opportunity, \u201chelp me unlock my account,\u201d gift cards, payment app request<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Money or financial access<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Never send money to someone you\u00a0haven\u2019t\u00a0met. Never share financial info or account details.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>6)\u00a0Escalation\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cI need a verification code.\u201d \u201cCan you receive money for me?\u201d \u201cOpen an account.\u201d \u201cCo-sign.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Identity theft, account takeover, new credit<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Never share MFA codes.\u00a0Don\u2019t\u00a0open accounts for anyone. Lock credit if\u00a0you\u2019ve\u00a0shared info.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><strong>7)\u00a0Ghosting\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ghosting,\u00a0deleted\u00a0accounts, new persona, rinse-and-repeat<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Exit before consequences hit them<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Preserve evidence, report, and secure your accounts\u00a0immediately.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Key point:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0the scariest\u00a0scams\u00a0may never send you\u00a0a sketchy\u00a0link. They may only send convincing words,\u00a0and the pressure to act.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Deepfake Fraud Is Going \u201cIndustrial\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Deepfake\u00a0scams\u00a0used to sound like something only elite hackers could pull off. Not anymore.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2026\/feb\/06\/deepfake-taking-place-on-an-industrial-scale-study-finds\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reporting from\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Guardian<\/span><\/i><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0highlights a new analysis from AI experts suggesting deepfake fraud has gone \u201cindustrial,\u201d\u00a0meaning\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it\u2019s\u00a0now cheap, scalable, and increasingly accessible to non-experts.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Researchers tied to the AI Incident Database described a landscape where impersonation\u00a0scams\u00a0are becoming one of the most common types of AI-driven incidents reported month after month.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Instead of crude phishing emails, scammers can now use AI tools to generate:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Realistic fake videos of public figures<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fake doctors promoting products<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fake journalists endorsing\u00a0scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Realistic job applicants and \u201ccandidates\u201d who\u00a0aren\u2019t\u00a0real people at all<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One example described in the reporting involved an AI security CEO who posted a job listing and quickly received a referral for a candidate who looked perfect on paper. The resume was strong. The emails were polished. The interview was scheduled.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But when the video call began, the candidate\u2019s image loaded slowly, and the background looked artificial. The face was blurred around the edges. The person glitched slightly as they spoke. A deepfake detection firm later confirmed:\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the interviewee was AI-generated.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The most unsettling part? Even the target\u00a0didn\u2019t\u00a0know what the scammer was after&#8230;.\u00a0a salary? access to internal systems? company secrets?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is what makes deepfake\u00a0scams\u00a0uniquely dangerous:\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0not always about stealing money\u00a0immediately.\u00a0They\u2019re\u00a0often about\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">getting trust, access, and leverage first.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"4\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Key<\/span> red flags <span style=\"color: #000000;\">of deepfake impersonation\u00a0scams\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Video or audio glitches (especially around facial edges)<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Backgrounds that look \u201ctoo smooth\u201d or artificial<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Delays before video loads or odd syncing between voice and mouth movement<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Overly polished speech with little natural hesitation<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pressure to move fast, hire fast, or approve payments quickly<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is also why deepfake fraud is so effective: it exploits the assumption that \u201cseeing is believing.\u201d\u00a0In 2026, that assumption is no longer safe.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This is also backed up by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/McAfee_State-of-the-Scamiverse-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">McAfee&#8217;s previous research.<\/a> In 2025, McAfee Labs conducted a study of 17 different deepfake-creation tools and found that for just $5 and with just 10 minutes of setup time, scammers can create powerful, realistic-looking deepfake video and audio scams.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wpa-warning wpa-suspicious-alt aligncenter size-large wp-image-226672\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-12-at-9.10.10\u202fAM-1024x520.png\" alt=\"Image showing how a deepfake tool transforms faces to celebrities.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"520\" data-warning=\"Suspicious alt text\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-12-at-9.10.10\u202fAM-1024x520.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-12-at-9.10.10\u202fAM-300x152.png 300w, https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-12-at-9.10.10\u202fAM-768x390.png 768w, https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-12-at-9.10.10\u202fAM-1536x780.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-12-at-9.10.10\u202fAM-205x104.png 205w, https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Screenshot-2026-02-12-at-9.10.10\u202fAM.png 1576w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>This example from our 2025 State of the Scamivers report shows how a deepfake creation tool can realistically transform a live video chat with our McAfee researcher into a chat with &#8220;Tom Cruise&#8221; or &#8220;Keanu Reeves.&#8221;<\/em><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Google\u00a0\u201cResults About You\u201d Update Shows How Personal Data Fuels Scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:281,&quot;335559739&quot;:281}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not every scam story this week is about criminals. This update is about fighting scammers, as shared by Google.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.google\/products-and-platforms\/products\/search\/results-about-you-government-id-numbers\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Google announced this week<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0that it has expanded its\u00a0\u201cResults about you\u201d tool, which helps people\u00a0monitor\u00a0and\u00a0remove sensitive personal information\u00a0from Search results. Previously, the tool focused on personal contact details like phone numbers, email addresses, and home addresses.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Now, users can also request the removal of Search results that include highly sensitive information like:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Passport numbers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Driver\u2019s license numbers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social security numbers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Google is also making it\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.google\/products-and-platforms\/products\/search\/remove-explicit-images\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">easier to request removal of\u00a0non-consensual explicit images<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0allowing users to\u00a0submit\u00a0multiple images at once rather than reporting them individually.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This matters because personal data is often the fuel behind the\u00a0scams\u00a0we\u2019ve\u00a0been tracking all year,\u00a0including romance\u00a0scams.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Removing sensitive data from search results\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0erase it from the internet completely but it can reduce how easily scammers can weaponize it.\u00a0To take your online privacy\u00a0to the next level,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/learn\/personal-data-cleanup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">consider McAfee\u2019s Personal Data Cleanup<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which will\u00a0help\u00a0remove your personal information across the web.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"4\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What this tool helps protect against<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:319,&quot;335559739&quot;:319}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Identity theft attempts<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Impersonation\u00a0scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Doxxing threats<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fake \u201cverification\u201d schemes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Social engineering and targeted romance\u00a0scams<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The\u00a0scam\u00a0lesson here is simple:\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the less information scammers can find, the harder it is for them to tailor the con.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">McAfee\u2019s Safety Tips for This Week<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:299,&quot;335559739&quot;:299}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This week\u2019s\u00a0scam\u00a0pattern is all about\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">emotional manipulation + AI credibility + personal data exposure.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0The best\u00a0defense\u00a0is slowing down and verifying before you trust.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here are the smartest moves to make right now:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t\u00a0confuse emotional intensity with authenticity.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Love bombing is a tactic, not a love language.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Never send money to someone you\u00a0haven\u2019t\u00a0met in real life,<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0no matter how convincing their story is.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Treat \u201ccrypto investing tips\u201d from strangers as an immediate red flag.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t\u00a0move\u00a0off-platform\u00a0quickly.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0If someone insists on WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal early on, assume\u00a0they\u2019re\u00a0trying to isolate you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Never share verification codes<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or screenshots of financial apps, even if they claim\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0\u201cjust for confirmation.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reverse image search profile photos<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0and look for inconsistencies in background details, timelines, or personal stories.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If a video call feels off, trust your instincts.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Deepfakes often look almost real,\u00a0but \u201calmost\u201d is the danger zone.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reduce your digital footprint.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0The more personal info available online, the easier it is for scammers to tailor believable impersonations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use tools like McAfee Scam Detector<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to help\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/scam-detector\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">flag risky messages across text<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, email, and social platforms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you suspect a romance\u00a0scam, stop engaging\u00a0immediately, document everything, and report it.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0The sooner you act, the more damage you can prevent.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019ll\u00a0be back next week with another roundup of the\u00a0scams\u00a0making headlines,\u00a0and what you can do to stay ahead of them.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s Friday the 13th, but you have nothing to fear online if you&#8217;re scam-savvy and well protected. Every week, we&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1440,"featured_media":208678,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10667,13,1838],"tags":[],"coauthors":[16632],"class_list":["post-226670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-security-news","category-privacy-identity-protection","category-mobile-security"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>This Week in Scams: How Jules Lost $80K in a Romance Scam | McAfee Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It&#039;s Friday the 13th, but you have nothing to fear online if you&#039;re scam-savvy and well protected. Every week, we round up the biggest scam and\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"This Week in Scams: How Jules Lost $80K in a Romance Scam | McAfee Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"It&#039;s Friday the 13th, but you have nothing to fear online if you&#039;re scam-savvy and well protected. 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