Geek Squad subscription renewal scam: how to spot the fake invoice email
Quick answer
An email saying your Geek Squad subscription renewed for hundreds of dollars, with a number to call within 24 hours, is a scam. Scammers pretend to be Geek Squad. Don't call it. Check your own account and report the email at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Comes by
- Email, Phone call
- Pretends to be
- Geek Squad
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers send an email that looks like an invoice. It says you were charged, or will be, hundreds of dollars to renew a Geek Squad membership, and that you must call a number within 24 hours to dispute it.
The FTC warns that if you call, the person on the line may ask for remote access to your computer. That can let them install spyware and see your online banking details.
Geek Squad is a real service. Scammers borrow its name because many people have heard of it. The goal is your money, your logins or control of your computer.
Red flags
- An invoice for a renewal you never signed up for
- A short deadline, such as 24 hours, to dispute the charge
- A phone number in the email as the only way to cancel
- A request for remote access to your computer
- A sender address that doesn't look like it belongs to the company
Example message
Your Geek Squad protection plan has renewed for $[amount]. If you did not authorize this charge, call [phone number] within 24 hours to cancel and get a refund.
What to do
- 1
Don't call the number or open the attachment
Delete the email or mark it as phishing. Don't click any link in it.
- 2
Check your own accounts
Look at your bank or card statement and your Best Buy account by typing the address yourself. If there's no charge, nothing renewed.
- 3
If you called and gave remote access, shut it down
Turn off the computer's internet connection, uninstall any remote-access software they had you install, and run a security scan. Change passwords from a different, clean device.
- 4
If you paid or shared card details, call your bank
Use the number on your card. Report the fraud, ask to cancel the card and watch your statements.
- 5
Report it
File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers send these emails in bulk and tailor them with names and addresses they can find. That data often comes from people-search sites and breaches. Serus finds where your email, phone number and address are listed and removes them where it can, and alerts you when your details appear in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
More Geek Squad scams
Frequently asked
Is Geek Squad running this scam?
No. Scammers pretend to be Geek Squad. If you're unsure about a real charge, check your own account or contact the company using details from its official website.
What if I really have a Geek Squad plan?
Log in to your account by typing the website address yourself, and check your statements. Don't use the contact details in the email.
I called the number. What now?
Don't give anything else. If they had remote access, disconnect and secure your computer and passwords. If you paid, call your bank.
Where do I report it?
At ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources
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