All common scams

Fake renewal and invoice messages (Geek Squad, antivirus, PayPal)

A message says a plan you never bought has renewed and charged you a large amount, and gives a number to call to cancel.

What it looks like

Your Geek Squad protection plan renewed today and $389.99 was charged to your account. If you did not approve this, call our billing helpdesk at +1 (202) 555-0144 immediately to cancel and get a refund.

A made-up example. Real messages change the words, the names and the numbers.

The signs to look for

• A surprise charge or renewal for something you do not remember buying. The shock is meant to make you call.
• It puts a phone number in the message to "cancel" or "dispute". The number leads to the scammer, not to the company named.
• It wants you to hurry. A real company that charged you in error does not need you to act within minutes.

What they usually ask for next

1. An unexpected charge or order is often how it starts.
2. They usually ask you to call a number to "cancel" or "dispute" it.
3. They often ask you to install an app so they can see your screen.
4. They may ask for a bank login or a code while you are on the call.
5. They often ask you to pay by gift card, crypto or wire transfer to "fix" it.

If you already paid, gave access or gave a code

These are the same steps the tool shows after a check, in the same words.

1. Think back over the call. Was a code, a password, a card or account number or an ID number given to the caller, or did you agree to install anything or to pay? If so, update your answers above so the steps match what happened.
2. Contact your bank, card company, or payment provider right away, by phone or in their official app, using a number from your card or statement. Ask whether the payment can be stopped or disputed. That depends on the payment type and the timing, and an outcome can't be promised. Phone is usually the fastest first move. Going to a local branch (a later step) is the follow-up, not a replacement.
3. End contact and block the number. Do not call back, and expect follow-up calls that pretend to help.

These steps are general guidance. They have not yet been reviewed by the organizations named, and agencies, deadlines and rules differ by country, so use your own government's official website to find the right office. We can't tell whether any step will help in your case.

This is general information, not legal, financial or investigative advice. We can't promise any money will come back.

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