Scam alert
The Geek Squad renewal email scam
An email arrives: your Geek Squad, Norton, or McAfee subscription just auto-renewed for $399, with a number to call if you want to cancel. There's no subscription — and that phone number is the scam.
How the scam works
- You get an "invoice" for a renewal you don't recognize, with a big charge.
- A "call to cancel" number connects you to a fake agent.
- They ask for remote access to "process a refund", then steal money or data — or "accidentally refund too much" and demand you send the difference back.
What to do
Don't call the number. Check for real charges in your bank app and the vendor's official account page. Legitimate companies don't require remote access to cancel a subscription. Paste the email into Scam Doctor to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Geek Squad auto-renewal email real?
Almost always no. These invoice emails are phishing designed to get you to call a fake support line. Verify charges only in your bank app and the official vendor account.
Why do they want to "refund" me?
It's a setup: they pretend to refund too much, then pressure you to send the "extra" back — often via gift cards or transfer.