Have you recently received an email telling you to “Renew Your Webmail Access”? At first glance, it might look official, even urgent. The message may warn you that your email account will expire unless you act immediately. It might even use the logo and formatting of your email provider. But here is the truth: this is a scam. Cybercriminals use such fake renewal notices to trick users into handing over login credentials, personal details, or even financial information. This article breaks down exactly how the “Renew Your Webmail Access” scam works, how to recognize it, and most importantly, what to do if you have already fallen victim.
The “Renew Your Webmail Access” scam is a classic phishing campaign that preys on urgency and fear. It usually arrives in your inbox disguised as an official notice from your email service provider. The message claims that your email account or webmail access is about to expire. To avoid losing access, you are told to renew your account immediately by clicking a link or button.
This scam is carefully designed to look legitimate. Fraudsters often mimic the branding of well-known email providers, using similar fonts, colors, and layouts. They may even spoof the sender’s email address so it appears to come from your provider’s support team. This gives the illusion of credibility and lures users into trusting the message.
The text typically follows a formula:
A bold subject line demanding urgent action, such as “Action Required: Renew Your Webmail Access”.
A warning that your current version of webmail is about to expire.
Instructions to click a link or button to “renew” immediately.
A threat of consequences, like losing access to your inbox or experiencing service interruptions.
A prominent call-to-action button (e.g., “Renew My Account Now”).
At first glance, nothing seems suspicious. The urgency of losing access to your email account can pressure recipients into acting without thinking. This psychological trick is one of the scam’s strongest weapons.
The real goal, however, is not to help you renew your email access. Instead, scammers want you to click on their fraudulent link. That link leads to a fake login page that looks like your provider’s webmail portal. When you enter your username and password, the attackers capture them. From there, they can access your account, read your emails, and even reset passwords to other accounts connected to your email.
Phishing scams like this one can also go further. Some links may download malware onto your computer, allowing criminals to steal even more information. Others may request payment, claiming there is a fee to “renew” your account, tricking you into entering credit card details.
Why This Scam Works So Well
Email Is Essential: Most people rely on email daily. Losing access to your inbox is inconvenient and potentially damaging.
Fear of Service Disruption: The threat of being cut off pushes recipients to act fast.
Official Appearance: Fake logos and professional formatting make the message look legitimate.
Psychological Manipulation: Urgency overrides critical thinking, making users click without hesitation.
Mass Targeting: This scam is often sent to thousands or even millions of addresses. Even if a small percentage falls for it, the criminals profit.
Real-World Consequences
The fallout from falling for this scam can be severe:
Account Takeover: Criminals gain full access to your email, including sensitive communications, financial records, and personal data.
Identity Theft: With your email, scammers can reset passwords for bank accounts, social media, and shopping sites.
Financial Loss: Victims who enter payment information may face unauthorized charges or drained bank accounts.
Wider Exploitation: Once inside your email, attackers may impersonate you to trick your contacts, spreading the scam further.
Phishing emails like this one are not isolated. They are part of larger criminal networks that trade stolen data on the dark web. This means that even if you realize your mistake quickly, your information could already be circulating.
How the Scam Works
To fully understand the “Renew Your Webmail Access” scam, it helps to break down the process from the scammer’s perspective. Here is a detailed step-by-step explanation:
Step 1: Crafting the Fake Email
The scam begins with the creation of a convincing email template. Cybercriminals use techniques such as:
Spoofing the sender’s address so it looks like the message comes from your provider.
Copying official branding including company logos, headers, and signatures.
Using urgent language like “Action Required” or “Immediate Renewal Needed”.
Inserting fake customer service details to appear legitimate.
This preparation ensures the email can bypass casual suspicion.
Step 2: Sending the Phishing Campaign
Once the email is ready, scammers distribute it to large numbers of email addresses. They may obtain these addresses from:
Leaked databases
Purchased email lists
Automated bots scraping websites
Previous breaches
The wider the net, the higher the chance of catching victims.
Step 3: Creating the Fake Login Page
The core of the scam is the phishing website. This page is designed to look identical to your email provider’s login portal. Features include:
Matching design and color scheme
Provider’s logo
Input fields for username and password
Sometimes even fake security seals to build trust
The website may have a similar domain name, with slight misspellings or extra characters, such as “skybetsupport.com” instead of “skybest.com”.
Step 4: Tricking Victims into Clicking
The fraudulent email contains a button or link labeled something like “Renew My Account Now”. When users click, they are redirected to the fake login page. The urgency in the email makes users less likely to double-check the URL.
Step 5: Harvesting Login Credentials
When a victim enters their email address and password into the fake portal, the scammers instantly capture that information. Victims may then be redirected to a genuine page, leaving them unaware they have been tricked.
Step 6: Exploiting the Stolen Information
Once attackers have your login details, they move quickly:
Email Access: They log into your inbox and read through messages for sensitive information.
Password Resets: They use your email to reset passwords on banking, shopping, or social media accounts.
Identity Theft: They may piece together personal details to commit fraud.
Monetization: Stolen credentials are often sold on the dark web to other criminals.
Step 7: Expanding the Attack
In many cases, scammers use your email account to send out more phishing emails to your contacts. Since the messages appear to come from someone they know, your friends or colleagues are more likely to fall for it.
Step 8: Potential Malware Infection
Some versions of the scam go beyond credential theft. The fake renewal link may also download malware or spyware onto your device. This allows attackers to:
Track your keystrokes
Steal stored passwords
Access files and photos
Monitor browsing activity
This extra layer of attack deepens the damage.
Step 9: Covering Their Tracks
To avoid detection, scammers often:
Delete the phishing email from your account
Change your account recovery options
Set up email forwarding so they receive a copy of all your incoming messages
This makes it harder for you to realize your account has been compromised.
What to Do if You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you have already clicked the link or entered your information, it is critical to act quickly. The longer attackers have access to your account, the more damage they can cause. Follow these steps immediately:
1. Change Your Email Password
Log in to your email account directly through the official website.
Change your password to something strong and unique.
Do not reuse an old password.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Activate 2FA on your email account if available.
This adds a second layer of protection, requiring a code sent to your phone or app.
3. Check Account Recovery Settings
Review your recovery email and phone number.
Make sure they have not been changed to the attacker’s details.
4. Scan Your Devices for Malware
Run a full antivirus and anti-malware scan.
Remove any suspicious files or programs.
5. Notify Your Contacts
Inform friends, family, or colleagues that your account was compromised.
Warn them not to click on suspicious messages that may have come from your email.
6. Review Recent Account Activity
Look at your email account’s login history.
Identify any unfamiliar IP addresses or devices.
7. Reset Passwords for Connected Accounts
Change passwords for banking, social media, or shopping accounts linked to your email.
Prioritize accounts containing financial or personal data.
8. Monitor Financial Statements
Check your bank and credit card activity regularly.
Report any unauthorized transactions immediately.
9. Report the Scam
Forward the phishing email to your provider’s abuse department (e.g., abuse@domain.com).
Report to government anti-phishing services if available in your country.
10. Stay Educated and Vigilant
Learn how to spot phishing scams.
Always double-check URLs before entering login details.
Remember that legitimate companies rarely demand urgent action by email.
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.
The Bottom Line
The “Renew Your Webmail Access” scam is a dangerous phishing attempt designed to steal your email credentials and potentially much more. Its success lies in creating urgency, copying official branding, and preying on fear of losing access. Falling victim can lead to account takeover, identity theft, and financial fraud.
The best defense is awareness. By understanding how this scam works and recognizing the warning signs, you can protect yourself and your contacts. If you have already been targeted, acting quickly to secure your accounts is essential.
Staying cautious online is no longer optional. Cybercriminals will continue to refine their tactics, but informed users remain their toughest obstacle. Always pause, verify, and think twice before clicking that urgent button in your inbox.
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.
