(Credit: Tharon Green/PCMag/Getty Images/Norton/Seraph Secure)
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At PCMag, we've been reviewing online safety and privacy tools for more than 30 years. This year, in addition to testing identity theft protection services and personal data removal tools, I'm trying out all the new online scam-prevention packages offered by well-known cybersecurity companies. Many of these plans include familiar features like ad blocking and dark web monitoring, while others offer truly unique and useful features like remote connection blocking and AI-powered scam detection. I'm highlighting the best free and bundled scam protection features here, so keep reading to learn more about each service.
Our Top Tested Picks
Bitdefender Scam Protection
Norton Scam Protection
McAfee Scam Detector
Coveron
Seraph Secure
Malwarebytes Scam Guard
F-Secure Scam Protection
Bitdefender's Scamio chatbot is a quick and effective way to check for ongoing scams. It correctly identified scammy emails, phishing links, and social media messages in testing.
Platforms: Scamio is available for Discord, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp. The WhatsApp version of the chatbot opens a continuous conversation tab that doesn't need to be closed or refreshed each time you ask the chatbot a question. There's also a web app version of Scamio.
Price: Bitdefender's Scamio chatbot is free. If you want to upgrade your scam protection beyond the free level with Bitdefender, you'll need to subscribe to one of Bitdefender's security suites. Bitdefender Premium Security starts at $129.99 and includes access to the Scamio chatbot and phishing link checks in browsers, emails, and messaging apps.
Test results: To test the scam detection features, I opened the chatbot via WhatsApp's web app and pasted a particularly obvious scam email from my spam folder into the chatbot window. Scamio correctly identified the email as "Likely a scam" and even pointed out red flags, like the email being an unsolicited business inquiry that lacks specific details about the project or the sender.
To give the chatbot a workout, I dove back into the depths of my work address spam folder to unearth a link I suspected was a phishing attempt. I pasted the URL into the chat window, and Scamio almost immediately identified it as a phishing attempt. That said, when I asked the chatbot to identify the red flags, the answer was a bit vague: "The link is associated with known malicious activity." When I requested additional information, I was directed to three articles about phishing, rather than a detailed explanation about the link itself.
Right now, the chatbot can receive images and videos, but it can't determine whether they are AI-generated. I pasted an AI-generated photo of a woman into the chat window, and Scamio asked me to provide messages or screenshots from our conversations to determine whether the person is a scammer.
Frequent texters: Scamio is free and effective at identifying potential scams before they become dangerous. I was particularly impressed with how quickly the chatbot identified a phishing link. Before clicking or tapping links in texts or emails, hover over the link to copy it, then paste it into the Scamio chat window or web app.
When you need a second opinion about a possible scam-in-progress, why not try AI? That's the idea behind Norton Genie, a free AI chatbot that claims to detect scams in progress by screening text in screenshots or text pasted into the chat window.
Platforms: I downloaded the iOS app to try it out. Genie is also available on the web and for Android devices. The app layout was simple and straightforward, and I didn't have trouble using it.
Price: Genie is part of a larger suite of scam protection tools from Norton, a big name in the cybersecurity software industry. In addition to Genie, Norton's 360 Deluxe plan ($124.99 annually) includes scam protection features like Safe Email, which scans and flags suspicious emails in your inbox, Safe SMS and Safe Call, which use AI to automatically detect scammy texts, and blocks scam calls, and Safe Web, which uses AI to comb websites for signs of scams to keep you from entering your sensitive data, like passwords, on phishing sites.
Test results: For this story, I tested only the free Norton Genie chatbot because it's available to anyone without a subscription. I pasted in particularly scammy-looking text from the spam folder of my work email address. To me, the email seemed like an obvious scam: the sender didn't give a name or any identifying information, and the email was from a construction firm, while I'm a writer, but Norton Genie didn't see it that way. Instead, the chatbot told me, "Good news! No red flags on this one."
You can't scan more than one piece of media at a time with Norton Genie, so you have to close the chat window and restart Norton Genie each time you need to check for a scam. To compare, Bitdefender's Scamio chatbot can scan consecutive pieces of text or links without needing to restart after each one.
I tested Norton Genie's ability to identify phishing links, and the chatbot couldn't determine whether a link in a pretty obvious phishing email from our corporate IT department was legitimate. I tried a second link I knew was a phishing attempt, and Norton Genie was unable to reach a firm conclusion and urged caution before clicking it. As a sanity check, I ran the links through Scamio, and it quickly flagged them as likely phishing links.
Lastly, I wanted to see if Norton Genie could identify deepfake videos, as claimed on the Norton website, but that option is only available for early access users, so no luck. Currently, I can't recommend Norton Genie for detecting or preventing based on my time with the chatbot.
Current Norton 360 subscribers: If you're already using Norton 360's powerful antivirus, malware, and ransomware tools, it's worth it to check out the included scam protection options. I had little luck with Norton Genie's AI-powered scam detection, but the Safe Web and Safe SMS options seem like nice add-ons to try if you're already a subscriber.
McAfee is a well-known cybersecurity company that offers highly rated antivirus and security suites. The company doesn't offer free scam protection, but if you're a current subscriber, you can access McAfee's Scam Detector tools. I successfully used the phishing link detection feature.
Platforms: McAfee's tools are available for Android, iOS, Windows, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. I used the Web Advisor extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and the settings menus and extension window layouts were easy to navigate.
Price: All McAfee+ security suites include scam-protection features, but they'll cost you. The Basic plan starts at $89.99 per year for one person and one device, and includes the Scam Detector, identity monitoring, and web protection, along with the usual antivirus and VPN tools. The higher-priced McAfee+ plans include helpful tools for removing your private data (such as your phone number or home address) from the open web, identity theft insurance, identity restoration support, financial transaction monitoring, credit freezing, parental controls, and a tool for managing your privacy settings on social media accounts.
Test results: The star of McAfee's scam protection offerings is the Web Advisor browser extension, which scans and blocks fake ads and phishing links on websites and claims to detect deepfake videos. I was unable to test the video detection feature, but I liked that the extension scanned links on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram and flagged potentially malicious links with red or green checkmarks. If you're tired of scammy spam messages clogging up your messages app, you can download McAfee's mobile app and enable the McAfee Security text message filter within the settings menu on your device.
To try and trigger McAfee's video deepfake alert system, I downloaded the desktop app on my computer, installed the Web Advisor app, and watched obviously AI-generated videos of animals performing impossible stunts on YouTube for about 15 minutes. The app and browser extension never detected AI-generated video during my viewing session, despite my efforts to find and watch videos of fake cats hula hooping.
Anyone who needs phishing protection: I was most impressed with McAfee's ability to quickly scan links in social media profiles, YouTube video descriptions, and on websites. It was easy to tell which links were legit and which ones required caution before clicking, which can make the difference when trying to avoid phishing scams.
Coveron (formerly NordProtect) is a scam-prevention add-on service from the makers of the highly rated NordVPN. While the service's big draw is its fraud insurance coverage, it also offers key scam-detection features you won't want to ignore.
Platforms: CoverOn's scam-detection features are available through NordVPN, on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and major browsers.
Price: In addition to the VPN service, Coveron (which starts at $5.99 per month) includes dark web monitoring, insurance against online extortion, fraud, and scams, and personal data removal services courtesy of Incogni. If you aren't looking for insurance coverage, a NordVPN Plus subscription (starting at $15.29 per month) includes Threat Protection Pro, a browser extension that blocks ads and flags potentially unsafe links, which may be enough scam protection for you.
Test results: I review a lot of ad-blocking extensions each year, and Nord's Threat Protection Pro fits the bill. The extension successfully blocked ads on ad-heavy websites like recipe blogs and news sites. It also successfully blocked access to a couple of known malicious websites, and I didn't encounter any phishing alerts during testing.
People who want to block ads: We've been seeing a lot more scam activity from criminals running ads on legitimate websites to trick victims into downloading fake apps that steal your personal data, your money, or both. Nord's Threat Protection Pro successfully blocked ads and unsafe sites during testing, and since it includes a VPN subscription, you may not need to buy additional scam protection.
Seraph Secure blocks scammers from creating remote connections to your computer. This is a particularly helpful app for people who frequently encounter antivirus or tech support scams online or over the phone.
Platforms: Seraph Secure is available for macOS and Windows. I tested the app on a Windows desktop computer.
Price: The free version of the software runs in the background on your computer or other internet-connected device and blocks all incoming connections; scammers can't access your devices even if you grant them permission. There's a premium version (starting at $4 per month for one device) of the software that detects scam websites, fake virus pop-ups, and phishing scams, and identifies imposter sites that look like real shopping websites.
Test results: The free version successfully blocked new remote connections and removed existing connections that may be related to scam attempts. I ran a manual scan on my test desktop, and Seraph Secure identified a potential threat: Quick Assist, a default Windows application that scammers often use to gain access to victims' computers. I successfully blocked access to the app using Seraph Secure.
Anyone frequently contacted by phone scammers: Tech support scammers send pop-up messages, emails, or texts urging people to call a support desk number to uninstall malware from their devices. When the person calls the phone number, a so-called technician walks them through establishing a remote connection between their devices. While the victim waits for assistance, the scammer installs spyware on the device or uses its data to drain the victim's financial accounts. Seraph Secure blocks scam attempts before they can convince anyone to let them connect to the device, making it a particularly powerful tool for fighting scams.
Malwarebytes' Scam Guard is a comprehensive scam-fighting tool that comes bundled with the company's premium security suites. The AI chatbot was particularly effective when identifying AI-generated images and scammy email messages.
Platforms: Malwarebytes' Scam Guard is available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows as part of the Malwarebytes Premium Security app. I tested the desktop version of the app on a Windows machine.
Price: Scam Guard comes bundled with a Standard Individual security suite subscription that starts at $29.99 annually and covers up to three devices. I recommend trying the two-week free trial subscription. You can also use Scam Guard with Malwarebytes Free, Browser Guard, and the free mobile apps.
Test results: During my testing session, Scam Guard successfully identified AI-generated images, though my AI prompt engineering skills got quite a workout. For example, a lot of trial and error fuels the following recommendation: Ask the chatbot, "Is this image generated by AI?" rather than "Is this a real person?" or "Is this person fake?" to get a definitive answer. Scam Guard can also detect scam texts, phishing links, scammy emails, and spam phone numbers. I like that the chatbot provided excellent and very thorough scam-fighting tips whenever it identified a scam in progress.
Anyone who needs help identifying scams: Scam Guard scans your texts and flags suspicious messages as potentially malicious. You can also use the AI chatbot to analyze any other texts you receive. If the chatbot determines the sender is malicious, it will explain how to disengage from the scammer while protecting your money and privacy.
F-Secure Scam Protection does a bit of everything, and in my experience, it does it all well. I used the service to identify safe and malicious banking platforms and to analyze screenshots for possible scams in progress.
Platforms: F-Secure Scam Protection is available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. I tested the Android version of the app on a Samsung phone.
Price: F-Secure Scam Protection is reasonably priced at $4.99 per month for up to five devices. You can try the service for free for 7 days.
Test results: To test the service, I let the app scan a screenshot of a dodgy email I received in my work inbox. The app correctly alerted me that a scam may be afoot and advised me to exercise caution if I choose to reply, which is sound advice. F-Secure Scam Protection also removes ads while you browse, as I demonstrated by blocking ads on PCMag.com. The service includes a feature found in many ad blockers, too: automatically declined cookie consent pop-ups. I'll get into this feature more later, but it's a nice privacy-protecting perk that I wish were included in more scam protection suites.
Anyone who is tired of cookie consent pop-ups: As mentioned above, F-Secure's Scam protection will automatically decline website tracking requests and cookie consent pop-ups, a feature found in popular ad-blocking extensions. That means that whenever you visit a new website, you won't have to click through a menu of confusing choices to keep a website from tracking you, sometimes indefinitely. The cookie consent blocker saves you a few clicks and keeps your data out of advertisers' hands for another day.
How Scam Protection Tools Actually Keep You Safe
Here’s a look at some of the most common features found in scam protection plans. You'll find many of these options bundled with security suites, so if you're already a subscriber, check your plan to see if scam protection is included. I’ve highlighted services that offer unique features, such as personal data monitoring or blocking incoming remote connections to your computer or other devices.
Account Monitoring: Track Financial Activity and Catch Identity Fraud Early
A common feature of scam protection services is financial account monitoring, which keeps you on top of all of your banking and investment accounts, so you’ll know when someone opens new accounts in your name. Some services, like Coveron (formerly NordProtect), also monitor real-time arrest and booking data from jails across the United States. If someone is arrested and gives your name or other identifying information, you’ll get an alert so you can clear your name.
Ad and Pop-Up Blocking: Stop Malicious Ads Before They Can Hook You
Many scammers ensnare victims through maladvertising, such as ads for fake apps or dating sites on legitimate platforms like local TV news websites. If you click one of these ads, either accidentally or intentionally, it will trigger a pop-up asking you to allow notifications or download an app. Clicking one of these notifications or allowing the download could infect your device with adware or malware.
You can’t accidentally click on an ad that isn’t there, which is why many of the scam protection suites included in this list contain a browser extension with ad-blocking capabilities. If you want to learn how to block ads for free, read our list of the best ad blockers.
A common feature of ad-blocking extensions is blocking pop-up windows. Some services, like F-Secure's Scam Protection, take this kind of blocking a step further by auto-declining cookie tracking pop-up requests from websites, so you don't have to click through those windows ever again.
AI-Powered Scam Detection: Use AI to Spot Scams in Real Time
One of the best things you can do to stop a scam in progress is to seek a second opinion about the situation from someone you trust. Some services provide AI-powered scam detection assistance in the form of chatbots trained to analyze your messages, links, images, or descriptions of a situation, and tell you whether or not you’re being scammed. Bitdefender’s Scamio is a free, scam-detection chatbot you don’t need to download or install, which is ideal.
There are also AI tools that scan your emails, messages, video messages, voicemails, and website text as you browse, and will send alerts about fraud patterns or scam-related messaging. This scam protection is available in a few Norton 360 plans and in McAfee’s Scam Detector.
Dark Web Report Alerts: Know When Your Data Hits the Dark Web
If one of your online accounts is caught up in a data breach at a company, you’ll want to keep an eye out for dark web reports from your scam protection provider. Dark web report scanning is also a common feature found in password managers. These reports show whether your personal information, such as login credentials, emails, passwords, credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, or any other highly sensitive information, is available on the dark web. Most scam protection providers will send you an alert if your data shows up in a dark web report.
Remote Connection Blocking: Stop Scammers From Taking Over Your Device
One of the most powerful tools on this list is Seraph Secure, which blocks scammers from using software to remotely connect to your computer, even if you grant them permission. This keeps tech support scammers from tricking you into giving them access to your devices. Seraph Secure runs in the background on your devices and blocks phishing links, malicious advertisements, and access to known scam websites.
Removal from Data Broker Websites: Erase Your Personal Info From Broker Sites
Scammers can call you, send emails, and flood your phone with texts because your information is readily available on public web data broker websites. These sites are “people search” platforms like Whitepages or Spokeo. These sites usually provide information such as your name, current and past home addresses, phone numbers, and family connections, often for free. They’re a gold mine for advertisers and scammers alike, and they may be the source of a lot of scam and spam calls and texts.
We review personal data removal services; you can read those reviews for more information about how the apps work. Many scam protection services on this list offer data removal tools in partnership with a well-known brand, such as Incogni.
Remember, if you don’t want to pay for a personal data removal service, you can always request profile removals from people finder sites yourself; it just takes time. Anecdotally, it took me less than 5 minutes to remove my profile from a popular people-finder website, and now, several months later, I receive far fewer spam calls and texts.
What Happens After a Scam: Recovery Tools That Help
Scam Protection companies usually offer services to help you recover your identity, mental health, or money after being scammed. We have a list of the best identity theft protection services you can peruse, and you’ll find the services below in scam protection suites.
Credit Protection: Lock Down Your Credit to Prevent New Fraud
Many of the services on this list will help you freeze and unfreeze your credit with ease. It’s a helpful feature, but you can do it pretty easily for free. Credit freezes do not affect your credit score and prevent strangers from accessing your credit reports or opening new lines of credit. Unfreeze your credit when you need to make a major purchase, such as a car or a house.
Scam Recovery Insurance: Get Financial Backup After a Scam
Many of the services on this list include cyberattack, cyber extortion, identity theft, or online fraud insurance plans that help cover the costs of ransom payments, legal assistance, and negotiation fees. You can also buy identity theft recovery insurance to help you recoup some of your losses while replacing documents or paying legal fees. I recommend checking with your current insurance providers first, as you may already receive some of the benefits covered under these scam protection plans.
VPN Access: You Don't Need It, But It Can't Hurt
Do you really need to use a VPN to prevent online scams? No, I don’t think so, but it’s one of those tools that’s nice to have. A VPN creates a private, separate tunnel for your online activity, keeping your browsing data from advertisers and your ISP, which is helpful. In the past, we told readers to use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi, but web browsing traffic is now encrypted, making a VPN less useful. A VPN won’t keep you from clicking on malware-laden links, downloading fake apps, or accepting browser notifications from malicious websites, so unless you have a specific need for a VPN, I’d skip the download and save a little money.
