McAfee Launches "Keep it Real" Campaign to Raise Awareness on AI-Driven Scams and Reduce Stigma Around Being Scammed.

McAfee launches "Keep it Real" campaign to raise awareness about AI-driven scams and reduce stigma around being scammed. The campaign uses AI-powered ads that spark conversation about what's real and fake online, and empowers scam survivors to share their stories through "Scam Stories." The campaign aims to shift the narrative from shame to understanding and reminds people that anyone can be fooled. Initial results show high social engagement and CTR.

McAfee Corp., a leading provider of online protection solutions, has launched the "Keep it Real" campaign to raise awareness about the growing threat of AI-driven scams and reduce the stigma associated with being scammed. The campaign leverages AI-powered digital ads that challenge the distinction between what is real and fake online, while also empowering scam survivors to share their stories through the "Scam Stories" initiative.

The campaign, developed in partnership with VSA Partners, includes a series of digital ads designed to mimic the subtle, clever ways AI can mimic reality. One notable ad shows a woman lounging on a beach whose head suddenly rotates 360 degrees, causing viewers to question whether the scene is real or artificial [1]. This surreal visual aims to highlight the increasing difficulty in distinguishing between genuine and AI-generated content, emphasizing the need for protective tools like McAfee's Scam Detector.

In addition to the creative ads, the "Keep it Real" campaign features the "Scam Stories" initiative, which encourages real scam survivors to share their experiences using the hashtags #KeepItReal and #MyScamStory. The goal is to break the stigma around being scammed and help others stay alert. Notable participants include actor Chris Carmack and his wife, performer Erin Slaver, who share their own experiences of being misled [2].

To further enhance the campaign's impact, McAfee has partnered with FightCybercrime.org, a nonprofit focused on educating people about scams. The partnership includes a donation of $50,000 worth of McAfee protection to individuals and volunteers involved in FightCybercrime programs. Additionally, McAfee is collaborating with influencers such as Alexandra Madison, Theo Shakes, and Kristen Knutson to educate their audiences about the rise in scams and how to stay safe [2].

The "Keep it Real" campaign reflects McAfee's commitment to using technology and empathy to spark conversations, shift perceptions, and drive action. The initial results indicate significant social engagement, with a 50% increase in engagement and a 55% increase in click-through rates (CTR) compared to benchmark levels [1]. This suggests that the campaign is resonating with audiences and effectively raising awareness about the risks of AI-driven scams.

References:

[1] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250515729763/en/McAfee-Launches-Keep-it-Real-Campaign-Blending-Purposeful-AI-Creative-with-Survivor-Led-Storytelling

[2] https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/mcafee-news/keep-it-real-how-mcafee-is-using-ai-to-fight-ai-and-end-scam-stigma/