Last updated: 10/10/2025
MalwareTips exists to help people stay safe online. We publish scam warnings, malware removal guidance, and cybersecurity explanations that are practical, readable, and based on evidence.
This page explains how we work, what we will and will not do, and what you should expect from us.
Our mission
We aim to:
- Protect readers from scams, fraud, phishing, and malicious software
- Explain threats in plain language, without hype or fear tactics
- Share actionable steps that improve real-world safety
- Preserve trust through accuracy, transparency, and corrections
Editorial independence
Our editorial decisions are independent.
- Advertisers and partners do not tell us what to write, what to remove, or how to label a topic
- We do not accept payment to publish favorable coverage or to attack competitors
- We do not “sell” mentions, links, or article placements as editorial content
If we publish sponsored content, it is clearly labeled as sponsored.
How we choose what to cover
We cover topics that present genuine user risk, including:
- Scam sites and deceptive funnels
- Phishing messages and impersonation attempts
- Malware campaigns, unwanted software, and risky downloads
- Crypto scams, fake exchanges, and fraudulent “investment” claims
- Consumer-facing security issues and unsafe online practices
We prioritize stories that are actively affecting users or showing a consistent pattern of harm.
Sources of information and verification
We use a mix of sources, which may include:
- User reports and victim experiences
- Technical analysis of pages, domains, redirects, and behavior patterns
- Public records and open-source intelligence
- Security research, vendor documentation, and reputable disclosures
- Statements from companies or representatives when available
We try to verify important claims through multiple signals, such as reproduction/testing, independent confirmation, or cross-checking with reliable sources.
Scam labeling, gray areas, and fair treatment
Scams evolve fast, and the internet is full of gray areas. Because of that:
- We may describe a site, service, or product as “potentially fraudulent” or “suspicious” when the evidence supports concern
- A site we flag may later become legitimate, change ownership, fix issues, or be misunderstood
- A site that looks legitimate may still be dangerous
We focus on behaviors and patterns, not personal attacks. If we make a strong claim, we aim to explain the reasoning and the evidence behind it.
When we use labels like “scam,” “likely scam,” “suspicious,” or “unverified,” they reflect an evidence-based judgment at a point in time, not a permanent verdict.
Corrections, updates, and accountability
We take accuracy seriously. If we discover an error, or a reader reports a credible issue:
- We review promptly
- We correct factual mistakes
- We update/remove articles when new, relevant information becomes available
- When practical, we note what changed and why
If you believe an article is inaccurate or outdated, contact us with specific details and supporting evidence.
Advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate links
Running a large site costs money. We may generate revenue through advertising and affiliate links.
Advertising
Ads help fund hosting, research, and publishing. Ads do not influence our editorial conclusions.
Sponsored content
If we publish sponsored content, it will be clearly marked so readers can immediately understand the commercial relationship.
Affiliate links
Some pages may include affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
- Affiliate relationships do not determine our conclusions
- We aim to recommend tools and services only when they provide real value
- We avoid recommending products solely to generate commissions
Product reviews and recommendations
When we review or discuss products or services:
- We aim to be honest about strengths, limitations, and realistic outcomes
- We do not accept payment in exchange for a favorable review
- If we received a product for testing, or if a relationship exists, we disclose it clearly
Tips, press materials, and embargoes
We may receive tips or pre-release information.
- We do not accept tips with conditions that control our conclusions
- We do not agree to prewritten narratives as a requirement for access
- We may still choose not to publish if we cannot verify the information or if it creates unnecessary risk
Protecting sources and user privacy
Some people who contact us may fear retaliation or exposure.
- We limit the personal information we publish
- We do not publish private identifying details of victims unless they explicitly request it and it is necessary
- We treat private submissions as sensitive and handle them carefully
If you send us screenshots, emails, or logs, remove sensitive information when possible.
Responsible handling of malware and harmful content
We do not publish content intended to help criminals.
- We avoid sharing step-by-step instructions that enable wrongdoing
- We do not provide weaponized code, exploitation guidance, or instructions designed to compromise systems
- When we discuss threats, we focus on defense, detection, and safe remediation
Malware removal guidance standards
Removal guides can be risky if followed incorrectly. We aim to:
- Provide steps that are understandable and reasonably safe
- Encourage backups before major changes
- Recommend reputable tools and explain why they are suggested
- Avoid unnecessary “nuke it from orbit” instructions unless clearly justified
Even with care, results vary by device and environment. Readers should proceed cautiously and, when needed, seek professional help.
Conflicts of interest
We avoid conflicts that could compromise trust.
- We disclose relationships that could reasonably be viewed as a conflict
- We may decline coverage or reassign work if a conflict exists
- We do not let personal disputes shape our reporting
How to contact us about ethics, corrections, or disputes
If you believe we made a mistake, want to provide evidence, or want to request an update:
- Email: [contact@malwaretips.com]
- Subject line suggestion: “Correction Request” or “Evidence for Review”
- Include the article URL, the specific claim you dispute, and supporting documentation
We review good-faith requests and aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe.