Fake McAfee pop-ups fuel Bitcoin and gold scams

Criminals are using counterfeit McAfee pop-ups to hijack personal computers in Pinellas County, Florida, leading to significant financial losses.

These scams involve gaining unauthorised remote access to victims' devices, then manipulating them into transferring funds via Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) ATMs, purchasing gold bars, or withdrawing large cash sums.

In one recent case, a victim lost over $530,000.

The scammers exploit trust in the McAfee brand by creating fake virus alerts that appear legitimate.

Once victims are deceived into granting remote access, they are coerced into making financial transactions.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has issued warnings against sharing sensitive information online or by phone and encourages residents to report any suspicious interactions.

“We advise citizens not to give personal information or account information over the phone or computer,” stated sheriff officials, urging caution.

This scam highlights the dangers of pop-up impersonations, particularly those masquerading as trusted brands like McAfee.

Similar scams have been reported elsewhere, often involving fake antivirus software or subscription renewals.

These scams aim to extract personal and financial data or install malware, leading to identity theft and monetary losses.

To prevent such scams, users should verify the authenticity of messages, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and contact official customer support for assistance.

At the time of reporting, the Bitcoin (BTC) price was $85,166.24.