Every day, cybercriminals devise new ways to trick people into handing over money or sensitive data. Recently, one of our customers nearly lost $40,000 to a sophisticated phishing scam—one that could have been avoided with the right knowledge.
In this post, we’ll break down how the scam works, red flags to watch for, and actionable steps to protect yourself. Plus, we’ll cover urgent cybersecurity updates and even how to stream the Kentucky Derby without cable!
The $40,000 Scam: How It Works
The Bait: A Fake McAfee Invoice
The victim received an email appearing to come from McAfee, claiming they had been charged $352.16 for a "5-year encrypted USB subscription." The email included:
- A fake order number and customer ID.
- A "customer support" phone number.
- Urgent language: "Your subscription renews today—payment will be processed!"
The Hook: Calling the "Support" Number
If the victim called the number, scammers would:
- Pose as McAfee support agents.
- Request remote access to their computer.
- Log into the victim’s bank account and manipulate transactions.
- Trick them into sending a "refund" of thousands—only to steal the money.
Red Flags to Spot the Scam
- Suspicious Sender Email – The email came from a random Gmail address (ayak919...), not an official McAfee domain.
- Odd Payment Amounts – Legitimate subscriptions usually charge round numbers (e.g., 99.99,not99.99,not352.16).
- Grammar & Formatting Errors – Poorly written emails often indicate foreign scammers.
- Urgency & Fear Tactics – Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Never call numbers or click links in unsolicited emails.
✅ Verify charges directly with the company (use their official website/phone number).
✅ Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on financial accounts.
✅ Educate family members—scammers target all ages.
Urgent Cybersecurity Updates
- Apple "Airborne" Vulnerability – Affects AirPlay. Update to:
- iOS 18.4
- macOS Ventura 13.7.5 / Sonoma 14.7.5
- SonicWall SMA 100 Exploits – Critical flaws allow remote attacks. Patch immediately.
- AI-Powered Phishing – Scammers now use AI to clone websites in multiple languages. Always double-check URLs!
- Outdated Mobile Devices – 50% of phones run old, vulnerable OS versions. Enable auto-updates.
For Businesses: If managing security updates feels overwhelming, consider professional IT support to harden your defenses.
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby Without Cable
Cut the cord but still want to catch the race? Here’s how:
📡 Digital Antenna – Best with an outdoor setup (indoor may work near towers).
📺 Peacock (NBC’s Streamer) – $7.99/month; pre-race starts at 2:30 PM ET.
🆓 Free Trials – YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, or Fubo offer trials (cancel after).
Pro Tip: If using an antenna, position it toward local broadcast towers for the best signal.
Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant!
Scammers are getting smarter, but you can outsmart them by:
- Questioning unexpected emails/calls.
- Verifying requests directly with companies.
- Keeping software updated.
Have you encountered a scam like this? Share your story in the comments!
📞 Call us: 772-878-5978
💻 Visit: AFasterPC.com
🔒 Need help securing your devices? You need A Faster PC! If you want to take your cybersecurity to the next level, call A Faster PC at 772 878 5978 or book an appointment at your earliest convenience.
