Email & Online
Fake tech support renewal
An email, invoice, or computer pop-up claims a subscription — often Geek Squad, Norton, or McAfee — is about to auto-renew for hundreds of dollars, with a phone number to call to cancel. When you call, the 'refund desk' asks to take remote control of your computer or log in to your bank to 'process the refund.' Then they fake a mistake, claim they refunded too much, and pressure you to send the difference back.
What it looks like
Example scam message“Your Total Protection plan has been renewed for $399.99. This amount will be charged to your account within 24 hours. To cancel and receive a refund, call our billing desk at [phone number].”
Example scam message“SECURITY ALERT: Your computer has been infected. Do not shut down. Call support immediately at [phone number].”
Details like names, amounts, and links change — the pattern stays the same.
Red flags to watch for
- An invoice or renewal notice for a service you do not remember buying.
- A phone number you must call to cancel or get a refund.
- Anyone asking to install remote-access software on your computer.
- A 'refund' that supposedly went wrong, followed by demands to send money back.
What to do
- Do not call the number in the message or pop-up.
- Check your real card or bank statement for an actual charge — there usually is none.
- Never let a stranger take remote control of your computer.
- If a pop-up locks your screen, hold the power button to restart — the warning is fake.
Where to report it
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ShieldGuard provides informational guidance to help you spot likely scams. It is not legal or financial advice and not a guarantee — no tool catches every scam. When money is involved, slow down and talk to someone you trust before acting.