McAfee launches AI tool to detect & stop online scams

McAfee has introduced the AI-powered Scam Detector aimed at identifying and halting scams delivered through text, email, and video platforms.

With rising concerns over online scams, McAfee's new solution seeks to empower consumers by proactively providing real-time protection. Tyler McGee, Head of APAC at McAfee, emphasised the increasing sophistication of scams, stating, "Scammers are getting smarter every day, using technology like artificial intelligence to make their tricks more convincing and harder to spot." McAfee's latest offering will be integrated into existing plans this summer without additional cost to customers.

This development comes in response to the notable uptick in scam activity, partially attributed to the accessibility of AI tools capable of producing deepfake videos or fake voices. A report from McAfee Labs highlights that creating a convincing deepfake video can now cost as little as $5 and take merely ten minutes to produce. McAfee's study reveals that two-thirds of Australians have either fallen victim to scams themselves or know someone who has.

The Scam Detector employs McAfee Smart AIä technology to flag suspicious content by examining potential threats across various formats. This includes emails, texts, and videos, with specific features tailored for each medium. The Email Scam Detector, for example, not only flags risky emails but also provides users with explanations of why these emails are deemed dangerous. Similarly, the Text Scam Detector cautions about dubious texts that may compromise user security.

McAfee's comprehensive coverage extends to deepfake detection, underlining the tool's ability to alert users of AI-generated content designed to mislead. The service will soon support additional languages, such as French, German, and Japanese, reinforcing its global application.

Acknowledging the widespread impact of scams, McGee noted, "They play on people's emotions – like fear, urgency, or trust – to get what they want. That's why we created McAfee Scam Detector, powered by AI. It warns you about scams before they can cause harm, helps you stay in control of your personal information, and helps you build the skills needed to outsmart scammers for good."

The problem of online scams is pervasive, with Australians reportedly receiving over ten scam messages daily. Studies suggest a significant portion of the populace, about 41%, have incurred financial losses ranging from $101 to $1,000 due to falling prey to scams. Furthermore, the psychological toll is evident, with 81% of individuals indicating an impact on their confidence in recognising scams and trusting others.

The introduction of McAfee's AI-powered Scam Detector reflects the company's commitment to empowering consumers with tools to navigate and secure their digital interactions. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to provide seamless, reliable protection across devices, ranging from phones to laptops. Users are equipped with unobtrusive notifications to ensure suspicious content does not go unnoticed.

The product's integration, available through the McAfee mobile app on Android or iOS, promises simplicity in setup, with no need for additional downloads post-integration. This all-in-one solution is built to automatically handle incoming scams, offering continuous protection.