Rob dobi/Getty Images recently paid $715.15 for a five-year subscription to McAfee Total Protection covering 20 devices. However, it turns out that the transaction may have been a scam. The fake invoice received via email looked convincing enough to fool an unsophisticated recipient. The email congratulated the recipient on their purchase of a subscription to McAfee, a common tactic used in phishing scams.
Upon calling the toll-free number provided in the email, the victim was convinced by an individual claiming to be a McAfee employee to install software that gave the scammers access to her computer. The scammer manipulated the victim into withdrawing $15,000 in cash from her bank account and converting nearly $11,000 of that cash into Bitcoin at two separate Bitcoin ATMs. The scammers then used the victim’s email to transfer the funds to a Binance wallet controlled by them.
Fortunately, the Secret Service was able to trace the funds and freeze the account holding the stolen money. The victim, identified only as V1 in the affidavit, fell victim to this elaborate scam, losing nearly $11,000 in the process.
This type of scam, known as an imposter scam, preys on individuals’ fears and anxieties to convince them to part with their money. It is essential to trust your instincts, remain calm, and avoid engaging with suspicious emails or pop-ups. If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.