ScamPause

Immediate Answer

This is a scam if: You received an email claiming your Geek Squad, Norton, McAfee, or other tech support subscription is renewing for a large amount (often $300-$500), but you don't have that subscription. The email includes a phone number to call to cancel. This is always a scam.

How This Scam Works

You receive an email that looks like it's from Geek Squad, Best Buy, Norton, McAfee, or another tech company. The email claims:

• Your subscription is auto-renewing for $300-$500
• Your credit card will be charged soon
• You need to call a number to cancel or get a refund

The catch is you never signed up for this subscription. When you call the number (worried about the charge), scammers posing as customer service will:

• Ask for remote access to your computer to "process the cancellation"
• Show fake screens claiming they've refunded too much money
• Pressure you to return the "overpayment" via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
• Access your real bank account while controlling your computer

In some versions, they manipulate your online banking screens to make it look like they deposited thousands of dollars, then claim it was a mistake and demand you send it back.

Signs This Is a Scam

• You don't have a subscription with the company mentioned
• The email address looks suspicious or slightly off
• Poor grammar or formatting in the email
• A phone number is provided asking you to call
• The amount is unusually high ($300-$500 is common)
• They ask for remote access to your computer
• They claim to have made an error and overpaid you
• They ask you to return money via gift cards or wire transfer
• They create urgency and pressure to act quickly

What To Do Right Now

1. Do not call the number in the email. Simply delete the email.
2. If you already called and they haven't accessed your computer yet, hang up immediately and do not give them access.
3. If they already have remote access, disconnect from the internet immediately by unplugging your network cable or turning off Wi-Fi, then shut down your computer.
4. Check your real accounts. Log into your actual bank and credit card accounts to verify no unauthorized charges exist.
5. If you're genuinely concerned about a subscription, contact the company directly using a phone number you find yourself on their official website, not the number in the email.

If You Already Sent Money or Information

If they had remote access to your computer:

• Disconnect from the internet and run a full virus scan
• Change all passwords immediately, especially for banking and email
• Check your computer for remote access software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.) and uninstall it
• Monitor your bank accounts closely for several weeks
• Consider having a professional check your computer

If you sent money via gift cards:

• Contact the gift card company immediately with the card numbers and receipts
• Report the scam — they may be able to freeze unused funds

If you sent money other ways:

• Contact your bank immediately to attempt to stop or reverse the payment
• Report the fraud and ask about protection options

If you provided banking passwords or personal information:

• Contact your bank immediately
• Change all passwords
• Consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports

Report the scam:

• Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Report to the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov
• Report to local police if you lost significant money
• If the scam impersonated a real company, report it to them

How To Protect Yourself Going Forward

• Delete emails about subscriptions you don't have — don't call the numbers
• Never give anyone remote access to your computer
• If concerned about a real subscription, look up the company's number yourself
• Remember: No legitimate company will ask you to pay refunds back via gift cards
• Be suspicious of any email claiming you'll be charged large amounts
• Keep a list of your actual subscriptions so you can verify charges
• Set up alerts with your bank and credit cards for transactions over a certain amount

You Are Not Alone

This scam works because the initial panic of seeing a large charge makes people act quickly without thinking. The scammers count on this emotional response. Thousands of people receive these emails every day, and many fall for them. You're not foolish — you're dealing with professional criminals who use psychological manipulation.