Top Celebs Used in Online Scams

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How Scammers Exploit Celebrity Names to Spread Malware

McAfee, the leading online protection company, has unveiled its annual report, shedding light on the celebrities whose names are most frequently hijacked by scammers to lure unsuspecting users into downloading malware or visiting unsafe websites. Notably, Canadian actor Ryan Gosling has claimed the top spot on this list. This revelation is part of McAfee’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness about online security threats and identifying the prominent figures misused by cybercriminals.

Ryan Gosling’s ascent to the number one position on this notorious list is attributed to his leading role in the summer blockbuster movie “Barbie.” As the movie gained immense popularity, it also became a prime target for scams that exploited Gosling’s name. Earlier this year, McAfee reported that “Barbie” not only resonated with moviegoers but also attracted cybercriminals offering movie downloads embedded with concealed malware.

A new report from McAfee Labs reveals celebrity names that are most often exploited by scammers—and 'Barbie' star Ryan Gosling tops this year's list. https://t.co/GF7EJ8V1lQ

— Fast Company (@FastCompany) October 27, 2023

Months later, interest in Gosling remains high, partly due to his portrayal of Ken in the film, which even landed him a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In a unique twist, Ken and Barbie outfits have emerged as the most searched-for Halloween costumes in 2023, further contributing to the actor’s online prominence.