Scam warning
Fake Subscription Renewal Email
An email says your subscription to Norton, McAfee, Geek Squad or Amazon Prime has renewed for $300–$500. It gives a phone number to call if you want to cancel. The person who answers is a scammer.
Also called: Geek Squad scam, Norton scam, McAfee scam, Auto-renewal scam
The one thing to remember
Don't call the number in the email. Check your bank or card statement. If the charge isn't there, it's fake.
How it happens
- You get an email that looks like a receipt for a big renewal charge.
- It often comes from a regular Gmail address, not the company.
- You call to cancel. They say they'll refund you, but need to connect to your computer.
- They pretend to refund too much, and ask you to send the extra back with gift cards or a wire.
Warning signs
- A bill for a product you don't use, or don't remember buying.
- A phone number to call about a refund.
- An email from a personal address like @gmail.com.
- Being asked to install a program or log in to your bank.
What to do
- Don't call or click. Delete the email.
- Look at your real bank or card statement.
- If you do have an account with the company, log in through its real website.
Last checked: October 31, 2026