Gen Z Hit Harder by Online Scams

A McAfee Research study finds one in three Gen Z members lost money to a scam in the last year.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Youth

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Has online scam worry ever made you hesitate before applying for a job?

McAfee Research found that one in three Gen Z members reported losing money to a scam in the past year. Gen Z also encountered higher rates of fake social media profiles, AI-generated images, deepfake-style videos, fake job offers, and fake celebrity endorsements than other Americans.

Why it matters

The findings show that scams are reaching younger Americans through the digital tools they use most, from social media to online job searches. Concerns about scams are also changing behavior, with many Gen Z adults hesitating to apply for jobs online.

In the last year, one in three Gen Z members reported losing money to a scam, and 65% said scam concerns made them hesitate or avoid applying for a job online, compared to 54% of other Americans. Gen Z also reported higher exposure than other groups to AI images presented as real (51% vs. 44%) and deepfake-style videos (40% vs. 34%).

The players

McAfee Research

McAfee Research is the research arm of the cybersecurity company McAfee, which publishes consumer threat and scam surveys.

The details

Gen Z reported encountering fake social media profiles, AI-generated images, deepfake-style videos, fake job offers and recruiters, and fake celebrity endorsements at higher rates than other Americans. The survey also found that Gen Z reported losing money more often to package delivery scams, fake customer support scams, and AI-generated impersonation scams.

In the last year: one in three Gen Z members reported losing money to scams.

Culture Shift

McAfee Research's recurring consumer scam surveys show scam risk increasingly tied to AI-generated content and social platforms rather than only email. This Gen Z data extends that pattern by showing younger adults facing the same tactics at higher rates, and changing how they approach online work.

Job seekers who use social media or online job boards may face fake recruiters and fake offers, so verifying a recruiter before sharing personal details is a practical step. Anyone who has been scammed should report losses to their bank promptly, since the survey found many Gen Z members lost money to scams in the past year.

The takeaway

Pausing before sending money or personal information to a new online contact, recruiter, or celebrity-endorsed offer can prevent many common losses. Treat unexpected job offers and urgent payment requests with skepticism, especially when they arrive through social media.