Malwarebytes Launches Free Scam Link Checker Amid Rising Cyber Fraud…

Event summary

Malwarebytes launched a free Scam Link Check tool on October 5, 2026, allowing users to verify URL safety before clicking.
The tool analyzes URLs for malicious sites, phishing pages, and redirect chains, providing safety verdicts and recommended actions.
Global scam losses reached $442 billion in 2025, with cyber-enabled fraud surpassing global trade in weapons, drugs, and human trafficking.
Malwarebytes research shows 85% of people struggle to distinguish scams from legitimate content, up from 66% a year earlier.
The Scam Link Check is part of Malwarebytes' broader anti-scam ecosystem, which includes tools for digital footprint scanning and personal data removal.

The big picture

Malwarebytes' Scam Link Check launch comes as cyber fraud becomes a dominant global crime, surpassing traditional illicit trades. The tool reflects a strategic shift towards proactive defense, leveraging the company's threat intelligence to empower users rather than relying on their ability to detect scams. This move positions Malwarebytes as a key player in the fight against cyber-enabled fraud, particularly as digital transactions and communications continue to rise.

What we're watching

Adoption Pace: How quickly consumers and businesses will integrate the Scam Link Check into their digital safety routines, especially during high-risk shopping events like Amazon Prime Day.
Effectiveness: Whether Malwarebytes' threat intelligence ecosystem can keep up with the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, given the rapid escalation of scam sophistication.
Competitive Response: The likelihood of competitors introducing similar free tools, potentially leading to a race for the most comprehensive anti-scam solutions.