The fake Geek Squad renewal email
Scammers send emails and texts in Geek Squad's name saying you were charged hundreds of dollars for a renewal, and to call within 24 hours to cancel. Don't call.1
Thank you for renewing your Geek Squad membership. Your account will be charged $399.99.2 To cancel or dispute this charge, call within 24 hours3: +1 (202) 555-01634
- A well-known name from an address you don't recognize. The FTC says scammers send these in Geek Squad's name.1
- A charge of hundreds of dollars for a renewal you don't remember.1
- A 24-hour deadline, so you call before you check your statement.1
- A phone number. The person who answers works for the scammer.1
What to do Don't call the number. Check your card and bank statements, and contact the company on a number you know is real.1 How senders are faked in email
Rebuilt from the FTC's alert; the amount, address and number are made up. Checked 28 October 2026 against the sources.
What happens if you call
The FTC describes the script.1
- "We need remote access to refund you."If you let them into your computer, they can install spyware, steal your online banking login and drain your account.1
- "Oops, we refunded too much."They claim they sent you too much by mistake.1
- "Please send the difference in gift cards."They ask you to buy gift cards and send them the numbers and PINs.1
If you already called
You let them onto your computer
Update your security software, run a scan and delete anything it flags. Then change your passwords and turn on two-factor authentication.2
Then check your accounts.
If money already left your account
How you paid decides who to call first. Call today.2
| You paid by | Contact right away |
|---|---|
| Credit or debit card | Your card issuer or bank, on the number on the card, and ask for a refund. |
| Bank transfer or Zelle | Your bank or credit union. Ask them to reverse the payment. |
| Payment app | The app. Report the payment and ask for a reversal. |
| Gift card | The card's issuer, on the number on the card. Keep the card and the receipt. |
| Wire transfer | The wire transfer company. Say it was a scam and ask for a refund. |
| Cryptocurrency | The exchange or crypto ATM operator, then the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. |
More scam examples
- Unpaid toll textA small toll, a late fee and a link.
- USPS package textA delivery problem and a redelivery fee.
- How to report a scamWhere each kind of scam goes, in the US and the UK.
- "Wrong number" textA friendly stranger who turns to investing.
- Job offer text and task scamEasy pay, then a deposit to get paid.
- PayPal invoice scamAn invoice you never ordered, sent through PayPal.
- Fake bank fraud alert"Reply YES or NO", then a call.
- IRS scam texts and emailsA refund you weren't expecting, or a threat.
- Amazon scam texts and emailsA purchase or account problem that isn't real.
- Crypto romance scamA new friend with a trading app.
- All nine examplesThe home page, with every scam side by side.
Sources 2
- How to recognize a fake Geek Squad renewal scam (25 October 2022), Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice. Read 28 October 2026.
- What To Do if You Were Scammed (June 2026), Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice. Read 28 October 2026.
Every example is rebuilt from an official alert and made safe, and every source shows the day we read it. How we check