Geek Squad, a subsidiary of Best Buy that offers various tech services and support, has become the latest well-known brand targeted by scammers. There have been reports of fake Geek Squad emails making the rounds that aim to trick recipients into contacting scammers and potentially handing over sensitive personal and financial information.
This article will break down exactly how the Geek Squad email scam works, provide tips on how to spot fraudulent emails, and outline what you should do if you receive one or already fell victim. After reading, you’ll have all the information needed to steer clear of this scam.
How the Geek Squad Email Scam Works
The fake Geek Squad emails follow a similar formula to other tech support scams. They claim that the recipient’s Geek Squad subscription has been automatically renewed and that a charge of $499.99 has been made to their account.
A fake invoice number, renewal date, service name like “Geek Total Protection,” and phone number to call are also included. The email urges the recipient to call the provided number right away if they did not authorize the charge.
The goal is to scare recipients into calling the number, at which point the scammers posing as Geek Squad agents attempt to obtain personal and financial information or charge a “cancellation” fee. They may also try to get remote access to the victim’s computer under the guise of providing support services.
Once scammers have access to someone’s devices, accounts, or payment methods, they can steal money, identities, download malware, and cause tremendous financial and personal damage.
How to Spot Geek Squad Scam Emails
While the scam emails pretend to come from Geek Squad, there are various red flags that can help you determine their fraudulent nature:
Grammatical errors/typos/strange phrasing: Scam emails often contain numerous typos, grammar mistakes, and odd phrasings. Legit companies carefully proofread communication.
Requests sensitive information: Geek Squad would never ask for personal details like credit card information over email. Be wary of any requests for sensitive data.
Threatening urgent action: Scare tactics demanding immediate action are common in phishing emails. Geek Squad would not threaten or rush customers.
Unusual links/attachments: Do not click links or download attachments from unsolicited emails, as they can lead to malware.
Generic greetings: Phishing emails rarely use your name. Greetings like “Dear customer” signal an impersonal scam.
Spoofed sender address: Check that the email address matches Geek Squad’s actual domain name, like @geeksquad.com. Scammers often slightly alter addresses.
Request for payment: No legitimate company demands payment solely through an unsolicited email. Delete messages asking for direct payments.
Spelling/consistency errors in company name: The scam emails may spell “Geek Squad” incorrectly at times or have other mismatched details.
What to Do If You Receive a Geek Squad Scam Email
If you receive an email you suspect to be a Geek Squad phishing scam, do not call the phone number listed. This will only lead to potential fraud. Instead, take the following steps:
Do not reply: Don’t engage with the scammers at all. Replying alerts them your email is active, leading to more spam.
Send to spam: Mark the message as spam so your email provider can block future scam messages.
Forward to Geek Squad: Forward the scam email to Geek Squad at phishing@geeksquad.com to alert them of the fraudulent activity.
Report the scam: Notify the FTC about the phishing attempt at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/. The more reports received, the easier it will be to combat these scams.
Update passwords: Change passwords on your Best Buy and Geek Squad accounts as a precaution. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts.
Beware of other contact methods: Scammers may attempt to reach you via phone, text, social media, etc. Use the same precautions across communication channels.
Following these steps can help protect yourself and others from falling victim to tech support scams impersonating trusted brands. You successfully avoided the scam by not contacting the scammers!
What to Do If You Already Contacted the Scammers
If you, unfortunately, called the phone number on one of these fraudulent emails and provided any personal information or payments, remain calm and take these steps immediately:
Contact your bank/credit card company: Alert your financial institutions that you shared account details with scammers so they can monitor for fraudulent activity. Consider canceling those cards.
Change all passwords: Log into your accounts and reset passwords, starting with any related to the information compromised. Make them long and complex.
Place fraud alert: Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a free 90-day fraud alert on your credit file to help prevent identity theft.
Monitor accounts closely: Keep a very close eye on all your financial accounts and statements to spot any suspicious activity right away.
File an FTC complaint: Submit a complaint to the FTC detailing what information was lost at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Local authorities: File a report with your local police department about falling victim to fraud. This creates an official record that can help in resolving issues later.
Geek Squad: Contact Geek Squad directly to report the incident and ensure they are aware of scammers impersonating the brand.
The quicker you act, the better chance you have of limiting damages from any lost personal data or fraudulent activity that may occur. Stay vigilant, and learn how to identify scam emails moving forward to avoid this happening again.
Why the Geek Squad Scam Works
There are several reasons why many people fall for the Geek Squad phishing scam:
Familiarity with brand: Geek Squad is a well-known, trusted tech brand. People are more likely to trust an email seemingly from them.
Fear of unknown charge: The fear of being charged almost $500 out of the blue scares people into hastily contacting the scammers.
No awareness of scam: If people are unaware of this phishing scam, they will assume the email is legitimate.
Good urgent call-to-action: The scam email provides a clear call-to-action with a phone number, making it easy (and tempting) for victims to call right away.
Professional design: The emails often appear well-designed and official, adding to their credibility.
No knowledge of scam signs: Recipients who don’t know what to watch for to identify scam emails can easily be deceived.
The scammers behind these phishing attempts rely on these human vulnerabilities to trick people. Being aware of the psychological tricks they use can help you recognize and avoid scams.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
Tips to Avoid All Tech Support Scams
While this article focuses specifically on the Geek Squad scam, variations of tech support scams impersonating major companies are unfortunately common. Here are tips to avoid all forms of tech scams:
Be wary of unsolicited contact: Legitimate tech companies will not contact you out of the blue requesting personal information or money. Delete any random calls/emails/messages claiming to offer “support.”
Don’t panic: Scams try to incite fear or urgency to get you to act rashly. Stay calm, and don’t fall for high-pressure scam tactics.
Never allow remote access: No company needs remote access to your devices to provide support. This is always a scam attempt to steal data or install malware.
Hang up and call back: If you answer a suspicious tech support call, hang up and call back using the company’s official number to verify validity.
Know billing practices: Familiarize yourself with how major tech companies handle billing. Unusual payment requests are always a red flag.
Use strong passwords: Having complex passwords on all devices and accounts protects you in case scammers breach any credentials.
Keep software updated: Maintain up-to-date antivirus software and operating system updates to avoid vulnerabilities scammers can exploit.
The more knowledge you have about legitimate tech support practices, the less likely you’ll fall prey to scams impersonating leading tech brands.
Conclusion
The Geek Squad email phishing scam targeting Best Buy customers is designed to trick people into handing over money or sensitive information under false pretenses. By learning the tactics used in these fraudulent emails, you can easily identify and avoid this specific scam. But tech support scams impersonating trusted companies are constantly evolving, so maintaining awareness of the latest schemes and using best security practices is the ultimate way to protect yourself.
If you receive an unsolicited contact from a tech company requesting immediate payment or access to your devices, pause and verify it through official channels before taking any action. Avoid becoming fearful or rushed into making a mistake. With caution and awareness, you can steer clear of tech support scams and keep your information safe.
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
