It lands in your inbox like a warning you cannot ignore.
A Webroot “renewal notice” claims your antivirus is about to auto-renew today for $249.99, and the message makes it sound like the charge is already in motion. There is a phone number to call if you want to cancel, and the wording is just urgent enough to make you hesitate before you think.
Here is the problem. This email is designed to push one reaction, fast.
Before you call anyone, click anything, or try to “stop the payment,” take 60 seconds to read what is really happening behind these Webroot renewal emails, and why the next step you take matters more than the email itself.
Scam Overview
The “Webroot renewal charge” email is a classic tech support scam that uses a fake billing notice to push you into calling a scam phone number.
It is not really about Webroot.
It is about creating panic, then using that panic to get access to your device, your accounts, or your money.
What the scam email typically says
Most versions of this scam follow a predictable template. The wording changes slightly, but the structure stays the same.
You will often see claims like:
Your “membership renewal” is scheduled for today
You will be charged through your selected payment method (Visa, MasterCard, bank debit)
The product is described in generic, official-sounding terms (for example, “Internet Security Complete with Antivirus”)
The charge is high enough to scare you, often $249.99
You cannot cancel through your bank or card issuer
You must call a phone number to cancel
That last bullet point is the giveaway.
Real companies may include phone support, but legitimate renewal notices usually direct you to log into your account, manage subscriptions in a customer portal, or contact support through official channels you can verify independently. They do not force you into a phone call as the only option, especially not in an email that you did not request.
Why the price is often $249.99
The amount is carefully chosen.
It is big enough to feel like an emergency. You do not want to “wait and see” when $249.99 is on the line.
At the same time, it is not so outrageous that it instantly screams fake. Antivirus and security software can be expensive in enterprise contexts, and many people do not know what consumer pricing “should” be. Scammers exploit that uncertainty.
You will also see other amounts, such as $199.99, $299.99, or $399.99. The exact number is not the point.
The point is to trigger a fast emotional reaction that bypasses verification.
The “do not contact your bank” warning is pure manipulation
Many victims mention the same chilling line: the email warns you not to contact your bank or card issuer, sometimes claiming you cannot stop the renewal anyway, and sometimes threatening legal trouble if you try.
This is not a real policy.
It is an isolation tactic.
Banks and card issuers are one of the fastest ways to shut down fraud. If you call the number on the back of your card, they can tell you whether any charge exists, and they can help block or dispute unauthorized charges. Scammers know that if you call your bank first, their story collapses.
So they try to keep you from making that call.
Some versions even toss in intimidating names like the Better Business Bureau, government agencies, or vague “legal action” claims. The goal is not accuracy. It is fear.
Why these emails often come from weird addresses
Victims often notice that the message came from an email address they have never heard of, sometimes with a random domain, a free email provider, or a display name that does not match the address.
That is common.
Scammers spoof display names, use disposable domains, and rotate sender addresses constantly to evade filters. Even if one address gets blocked, another pops up tomorrow.
This is also why you should never trust an email “because it looks official” at a glance. Logos, signatures, and formatting can be copied in minutes. The real proof is verification through trusted channels you choose, not the attacker.
Why the scam relies on a phone number instead of a link
A lot of modern scams push you to click a link. This one often pushes you to call.
That is intentional.
A phone call gives scammers control in a way email never can.
On a call they can:
Apply pressure in real time
Change the story based on your reactions
Keep you from asking a friend or relative for advice
Walk you through steps quickly, before you can think
Build fake credibility with confident, professional-sounding scripts
It is also easier to run at scale. A call center script can be reused across dozens of brands. Only the company name and the “invoice amount” need to change.
Webroot today, Geek Squad tomorrow, Norton next week, McAfee after that. Same scam, different costume.
What happens when you call the number
If you call the number in the email, you are not reaching Webroot. You are reaching a fake support center.
The person on the line may answer with “Webroot billing,” “customer service,” or a generic phrase like “support department.” They often sound calm and helpful at first, because the goal is to keep you talking.
Then the call usually moves into one of these paths:
Path 1: The “refund or cancellation” setup
They tell you they can cancel the renewal and issue a refund, but they need to “verify your identity” or “process the cancellation form.”
They may ask for:
Your full name and address
Your phone number
Your card details
Your online banking login, directly or indirectly
Permission to connect to your computer
The “refund” story is a hook that makes victims cooperative. People want the charge reversed, so they follow instructions.
Path 2: The “your device is infected” scare
They claim the renewal is linked to a security event. They may say your computer shows “hacking attempts,” “malware,” or “suspicious traffic.” This creates a second fear on top of the money fear.
Now it is not just $249.99. It is your entire digital life.
This path often leads to remote access software.
Path 3: The “billing error” and “over-refund” trick
This is one of the most damaging variations.
They claim they sent a refund, but “accidentally” refunded too much, like $2,499.99 instead of $249.99. Then they pressure you to return the difference immediately.
Victims are pushed to send money through methods that are hard to reverse, such as wire transfers, crypto, or gift cards.
It sounds absurd when you read it calmly. On a live call, with a scammer controlling your screen and using urgent language, it can feel real.
Why remote access is the most dangerous step
Many versions of this scam eventually ask you to install remote access software such as AnyDesk or similar tools.
Scammers frame it as normal support:
“I need to connect to stop the renewal.”
“I will help you complete the refund form.”
“I need to secure your device before canceling.”
But once someone you do not know has remote access, the situation escalates dramatically.
With remote access, a scammer can:
See what you type
Open saved passwords in your browser
Redirect you to fake banking pages
Install additional software
Change security settings
Search your files for scans of IDs, invoices, or tax documents
Create persistence so they can reconnect later
Remote access transforms the scam from “an annoying email” into “a security incident.”
Why scammers ask for gift cards
Gift cards are a favorite payment method for scammers because they are fast and difficult to reverse.
If the scammer gets you to buy gift cards and read the codes out loud, the money can be drained almost instantly.
Scammers may claim gift cards are needed for:
A “cancellation fee”
A “refund processing fee”
A “security service”
A “verification step”
A “technician charge”
None of these are legitimate reasons to pay with gift cards.
If you hear “gift cards” in a tech support call, you can treat it as a confirmed scam.
The most important point to understand
This email does not prove you have a Webroot subscription.
It does not prove a renewal is scheduled.
It does not prove a charge exists.
It is a pressure tactic designed to get you on the phone, where the scammer can take control and push you into actions you would never take in a calm moment.
Example scam email text
Subject: Your Webroot Subscription Renewal Is Scheduled Today
Hi [Name],
We are contacting you to inform you that your membership renewal is scheduled for today. The renewal will be charged through your selected payment method (Bank, Visa, or MasterCard).
Important Notice: Do not contact your bank or credit card issuer to stop this renewal. Disputing the charge may lead to legal action or reporting to consumer agencies.
If you did not authorize this renewal or you want to cancel, contact our billing department immediately at: [Scammer Phone Number]
Thank you, Webroot Billing Team [Fake invoice or reference number]
We received your request to cancel your Webroot renewal. To complete the cancellation and initiate your refund of $249.99, a support agent must verify your payment details and assist with the refund process.
Call the refund desk now: [Scammer Phone Number]
Note: Refund processing requires a verification step to confirm the device and payment account.
Thank you, Webroot Refund Team Case ID: [ID]
How The Scam Works
Step 1: The scammers blast out renewal emails at scale
These emails are sent in huge batches.
Scammers do not need to know who uses Webroot. They only need a small percentage of recipients to react.
That is why the message often feels generic. It may not include your full name. It may not include an account number you can verify. It may not include any details that would hold up under scrutiny.
The scammers are not trying to convince everyone. They are trying to catch the anxious, distracted, or busy person who calls without checking.
Step 2: The email creates urgency and financial fear
The email uses a simple psychological trick: it sets a near-immediate deadline.
“Scheduled for today” is powerful language.
It creates the feeling that you have minutes or hours to act, even though you could easily verify the situation in a calm way. The email also uses a high dollar amount to make inaction feel risky.
This is how pressure scams work. They do not win by logic. They win by rushing you past logic.
Step 3: The email presents one solution: call the number
This is the funnel.
The scammer wants you off email and onto the phone. On the phone, they can:
Build credibility quickly
Handle objections in real time
Create a sense of “process”
Push you into remote access
Push you into payment
A real company does not need you to call a random number inside a suspicious email to manage a subscription. That is the core contradiction.
Step 4: The fake agent confirms your fear and offers relief
When you call, the agent usually confirms the worst part:
“Yes, the renewal is scheduled.”
Then they offer relief:
“I can cancel it for you.”
That emotional whiplash is effective. It makes you grateful. It makes you cooperative. It positions the scammer as the person who can save you.
Scammers may also add subtle pressure:
“We need to do this before it posts.”
“This is time sensitive.”
“Stay on the line so we can finish quickly.”
The goal is to keep you engaged until you follow their instructions.
Step 5: They move you toward remote access
Once you are on the call, many scammers push remote access as a normal part of support.
They will often guide you to download software from a legitimate site because it reduces suspicion. AnyDesk, TeamViewer, and similar tools are real programs. That is what makes them so useful to scammers.
The scammer may say they need remote access to:
“Stop the renewal”
“Fill out the cancellation form”
“Verify your subscription”
“Secure your computer”
“Process the refund”
In reality, remote access is about control.
It lets the scammer drive your device, and it reduces your ability to see what is happening. Victims often focus on the scammer’s voice and stop checking the details on the screen.
Step 6: They gather information while acting “helpful”
During remote access, scammers often multitask.
They may “look professional” by opening settings windows, event logs, or command prompts. They might point to normal system messages and call them “errors” or “evidence of hacking.”
While doing that, they may also be:
Looking for saved passwords
Checking browser autofill data
Searching for financial documents
Opening email in the background
Trying to access your online banking
Even if you never give them a password directly, remote access can expose you. Many people have browsers that remember logins or store sensitive data.
Step 7: The refund scam mechanics
If the scam goes down the refund path, the steps often look like this:
They claim a refund will be issued.
They instruct you to log into your bank account “so you can see it post.”
They manipulate what you see, sometimes by editing a webpage, using screenshots, or using built-in browser tools.
They show you a fake “refund” amount that is much larger than promised.
They pretend to panic, saying it was an accident.
They pressure you to send the “extra” money back immediately.
The entire thing is theater.
There is no refund. The “overpayment” is fake. The urgency is manufactured.
But the stress is real, and that stress is used to push you into sending money.
Step 8: The payment push, usually into irreversible methods
Once the scammer has you in a worried, rushed state, they steer you toward payment methods that are hard to reverse.
Common asks include:
Gift cards (read the code to them)
Bank transfer or wire
Crypto
Payment apps
Cash deposits
If a stranger on the phone is telling you to go buy gift cards to fix a subscription renewal, it is not support. It is a scam.
Step 9: What they do if you hesitate
Scammers are trained to handle resistance.
If you hesitate, they may:
Increase the fear by claiming you will be charged today
Add a threat, like collections or legal trouble
Claim the problem is now “bigger,” like hacking or identity theft
Keep you on the line while they “talk to a supervisor”
Sound empathetic, as if they are protecting you
Sometimes they flip to anger and intimidation. Other times they stay calm and persuasive.
Both approaches are designed to keep you engaged until you pay or until they get enough information to target you again.
Step 10: The hidden damage that can happen even without payment
Some victims hang up before paying and assume they are safe.
If remote access happened, you should not assume that.
Even a short remote session can be used to:
Install additional tools
Create a new user account
Change settings to weaken security
Collect information for later attacks
This is why it is important to respond based on what you did, not just whether you paid.
If you installed remote access software or allowed someone to control your screen, treat it as a serious event and secure your device and accounts.
Step 11: Follow-up attempts and repeat targeting
Once scammers know you respond, they may try again.
You might receive:
Another email “confirming cancellation”
A follow-up call claiming to be your bank’s fraud department
A new invoice from a different brand
A threat message saying you will be charged unless you “finalize” something
This is why it is important to stop engagement completely. Do not argue. Do not negotiate. Do not try to “waste their time” if you already interacted. The priority is securing your accounts and devices.
Step 12: A quick way to reality-check the claim
If you receive a renewal email like this, you can quickly ground yourself with three checks:
Check your bank or card account directly for any pending or posted charge.
If you see a charge you do not recognize, call the number on the back of your card, not any number in the email.
If you actually use Webroot, go to the official website by typing it into your browser or using a bookmark you trust, then check your account status there.
The scam depends on you staying inside the email’s instructions. The moment you switch to your own trusted verification method, you take control back.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you called the number, shared information, installed remote access software, or sent money, do not panic.
You are not the first person this has happened to, and you can still limit the damage. The key is acting calmly and methodically.
End contact immediately and stop following instructions Hang up. Do not keep talking to “verify” anything. If they call back, do not engage. Block the number if you can.
If you allowed remote access, disconnect your device from the internet Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug the ethernet cable. This cuts off live access and reduces the chance of additional changes while you respond.
Uninstall remote access software you installed for them Remove AnyDesk or any other remote tools they told you to install. Restart your computer after removal.
Check for additional remote tools or suspicious programs Open your installed programs list and look for anything you do not recognize. Also check startup apps. Scammers sometimes add software that launches automatically.
Change your passwords, starting with your email account Email is the gateway to password resets. If a scammer gets into your email, they can take over other accounts. Then change passwords for banking, shopping, and any accounts saved in your browser. Use strong, unique passwords. Turn on 2-factor authentication where available.
Call your bank or card issuer using official contact information Use the number on the back of your card or your bank’s official website. Explain that you interacted with a tech support scam and that your information may be compromised. Ask them to review recent transactions and help you block or reverse fraudulent activity.
If you paid by card, ask about chargebacks and fraud claims The sooner you report, the better the odds of stopping or reversing charges. Be clear that the transaction was unauthorized or scam-induced.
If you paid using gift cards, act fast and document everything Keep the receipt, the gift card details, and any messages or call logs. Contact the gift card issuer’s support and ask if any balance can be frozen or recovered. Even when recovery is difficult, reporting quickly is still worth it.
Run a full security scan on your device Use reputable security software to run a full scan. If you are unsure how, consider getting help from a trusted local technician or someone you know personally. Avoid calling any phone numbers found in pop-ups or suspicious emails.
Review your browser for saved passwords and unknown extensions Check for new extensions you do not recognize and remove them. Review saved passwords and consider clearing them if you suspect compromise. Check your browser’s homepage and search settings for changes.
Look for signs of account takeover Watch for password reset emails you did not request. Watch for login alerts from new devices or new locations. If you see these, change passwords immediately and log out other sessions.
Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze if you shared personal details If you gave your full name, address, phone, or other identity details, it can be wise to add extra protection. The right step depends on your country and local credit system, but the principle is the same: reduce the ability for new accounts to be opened in your name.
Report the scam Reporting helps investigators track patterns and helps platforms block future campaigns. Report to your email provider as spam or phishing, and consider reporting to consumer protection and cybercrime reporting portals in your region.
Expect follow-up attempts and stay skeptical After an interaction, victims often get targeted again with “refund confirmation” messages or fake bank calls. Do not trust inbound calls that claim to be support or fraud departments. Verify by calling back using official numbers you find yourself.
How to Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware
If you have accidentally downloaded unwanted programs or malware from a pop-up scam, you can find below a full malware removal guide.
This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the number of steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free. Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubts at any point, stop and ask for our assistance.
Browser hijackers, unwanted apps, and adware can infect Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android devices, so we’ve covered below all these operating systems. Depending on which operating system is installed on your device, please click on the operating system icon below and follow the displayed steps.
In this first step, we will manually check if any unknown or malicious programs are installed on the computer. Sometimes adware and browser hijackers can have a usable Uninstall entry that can be used to remove them.
Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
First, open Windows Settings by pressing Windows+I on your keyboard. You can also right-click your Start button and select “Settings” from the list.
In the Settings app, click on “Apps” and then “Apps & features”.
When Settings opens, click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Apps & Features”.
Find the malicious program in the list of installed apps and uninstall it.
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for unknown or suspicious programs. To make things easier, you can sort all installed programs by their installation date. To do this, click “Sort by” and select “Install date”. Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. When you find a malicious program, click the three dots button beside it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read them closely.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. You can also ope the Settings app by clicking the Start button on the taskbar, then select “Settings” (gear icon).
In the Settings app, click on “Apps”.
When the “Windows Settings” window opens, click on “Apps“. By default, it should open “Apps and Features” but if it doesn’t, select it from the list on the left.
Find the malicious program in the list of installed apps and uninstall it.
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for unknown or suspicious programs. To make things easier, you can sort all installed programs by their installation date. To do this, click “Sort by” and select “Install date”. Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. When you find a malicious program, click on it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
Go to “Program and Features”.
Right-click on the Start button in the taskbar, then select “Programs and Features”. This will take you directly to your list of installed programs.
Search for malicious program and uninstall it.
The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find any unknown or suspicious program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malicious program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
Open the “Control Panel”.
Click on the “Start” button, then click on “Control Panel“.
Click on “Uninstall a Program”.
When the “Control Panel” appears, click on “Uninstall a Program” from the Programs category.
Search for malicious programs and uninstall them.
The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find any suspicious or unknown program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button. Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malicious program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
If you are experiencing difficulty while attempting to uninstall a program, you can use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove the unwanted program from your computer.
Now that the malicious programs have been removed from your computer, we can proceed with the next step in this guide.
STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this step, we will remove spam notifications, malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware. Please note that this method will remove all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.
ChromeFirefoxMicrosoft EdgeInternet Explorer
Reset Chrome for Windows to default settings
We will now reset your Chrome browser settings to their original defaults. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.
Open the Chrome menu
In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the three-dot (⋮) icon to open the menu.
Go to Settings
From the menu, select Settings.
Select “Reset settings”
In the left sidebar, scroll down and click Reset settings.
Choose “Restore settings to their original defaults”
Click the Restore settings to their original defaults option.
Confirm the reset
In the dialog that appears, click Reset settings to restore Chrome to its default state. Bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will remain, but extensions will be disabled and temporary data cleared.
Reset Firefox for Windows to default settings
We will now reset your Firefox browser settings to their default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.
Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on “Help”.
Click on Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled “Help“.
Click “More troubleshooting information”.
From the Help menu, click on “More troubleshooting information“.
Click on “Refresh Firefox”
When the “Troubleshooting Information” page opens, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button.
Confirm that you want to reset your browser settings.
To finish the reset process, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
Click “Finish”.
Firefox will now close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on “Finish“.
Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named “Old Firefox Data“. If the reset didn’t fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don’t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.
Reset Microsoft Edge to default settings
We will now reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings to their default. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.
Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on “Settings”.
In the top right corner, click on Microsoft Edge’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal dots. When the drop-down menu appears, click on “Settings“.
Click on “Reset Settings”.
On the left side of the window, click on “Reset Settings“.
Click on “Restore settings to their default values”.
In the main window, click on “Restore settings to their default values“.
Click “Reset”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the “Reset” button. Microsoft Edge will now erase all your personal data, browsing history, and disable all installed extensions. Your bookmarks, though, will remain intact and still be accessible.
Reset Internet Explorer to default settings
We will now reset your Internet Explorer browser settings to their default. You can reset Internet Explorer settings to return them to the state they were in when Internet Explorer was first installed on your computer.
Go to “Internet Options”.
Open Internet Explorer, click on the gear icon in the upper-right part of your browser, then select “Internet Options“.
Select the “Advanced” tab, then click “Reset”
In the “Internet Options” dialog box, select the “Advanced” tab, then click on the “Reset” button.
Click on “Reset”.
In the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” section, select the “Delete personal settings” checkbox, then click on the “Reset” button.
Click on “Close”.
When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the “Close” button in the confirmation dialogue box. Close your browser and then you can open Internet Explorer again.
STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware and unwanted programs
In this third step, we will install Malwarebytes to scan and remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present on your computer.
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.
STEP 4: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for badware
In this next step, we will scan the computer with HitmanPro to ensure that no other malicious programs are installed on your device.
HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner that takes a unique cloud-based approach to malware scanning. HitmanPro scans the behavior of active files and also files in locations where malware normally resides for suspicious activity. If it finds a suspicious file that’s not already known, HitmanPro sends it to its clouds to be scanned by two of the best antivirus engines today, which are Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
Although HitmanPro is shareware and costs $24.95 for 1 year on 1 PC, there is no limit on scanning. The limitation only kicks in when there is a need to remove or quarantine detected malware by HitmanPro on your system and by then, you can activate the one-time 30-days trial to enable the cleanup.
Download HitmanPro.
You can download HitmanPro by clicking the link below.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
Install HitmanPro.
When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on “hitmanpro.exe” (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” (for 64-bit versions of Windows) to install this program on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
Follow the on-screen prompts.
When HitmanPro starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below. Click on the “Next” button to perform a system scan.
Wait for the HitmanPro scan to complete.
HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malicious programs.
Click on “Next”.
When HitmanPro has finished the scan, it will display a list of all the malware that it has found. Click on the “Next” button to have HitmanPro remove the detected items.
Click on “Activate free license”.
HitmanPro may now require to activate the free 30-days trial to remove the malicious files. To do this, click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
When the malware removal process is complete, it will display a screen that shows the status of the various programs that were removed. At this screen, you should click on the Next button and then if prompted you should click on the Reboot button. If HitmanPro does not prompt you to reboot, please just click on the Close button.
STEP 5: Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies
In this final step, we will use AdwCleaner to remove the malicious browser policies that were set by browser hijackers on your computer and delete malicious browser extensions.
AdwCleaner is a free popular on-demand scanner that can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to find. This on-demand scanner includes a lot of tools that can be used to fix the side effects of adware. browser hijackers and other malware.
Download AdwCleaner.
You can download AdwCleaner by clicking the link below.
ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download AdwCleaner)
Double-click on the setup file.
Double-click on the file named “adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe” to start AdwCleaner. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
AdwCleaner program will now open and you will be presented with the program’s license agreement. After you read it, click on the I agree button if you wish to continue. If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
Enable “Reset Chrome policies” to remove malicious browser policies.
When AdwCleaner starts, on the left side of the window, click on “Settings” and then enable “Reset Chrome policies“.
Click on the “Scan” button.
On the left side of the AdwCleaner window, click on “Dashboard” and then click “Scan” to perform a computer scan.
Wait for the AdwCleaner scan to finish.
AdwCleaner will now scan your computer for malware. This process can take a few minutes.
Click on “Quarantine” to remove malware.
When the AdwCleaner scan is completed it will display all of the items it has found. Click on the “Quarantine” button to remove the malicious programs from your computer.
Click on “Continue” to remove the malicious programs.
AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to close any open programs before it starts to clean. Click on the “Continue” button to finish the removal process.
AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. When the malware removal process is complete, you may be asked to restart your computer.
Your computer should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware 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:
Profiles are used by IT admins in businesses to control the behavior of their Macs. These profiles can configure a Mac to do many different things, some of which are not otherwise possible. When it comes to home users, adware and browser hijackers are using the configuration profile to prevent users from removing malicious programs from the computer. This also prevents the user from changing that behavior in the browser’s settings.
In this first step, we will check your computer to see if any configuration profiles are installed. To do this, follow the below steps:
Open “System Preferences”
From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
Search for “Profiles”
When the System Preferences window opens, search for the Profiles icon.
If there isn’t a Profiles icon, you don’t have any profiles installed, which is normal and you can continue with the next steps.
Remove the malicious profiles
If there’s a Profile icon, click on it and select any suspicious profile that you want to remove, and then press the – (minus) button. Click Remove to remove the profile.
STEP 2: Delete malicious apps
In this second step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious apps and files that might be installed on your computer. Sometimes redirects or adware programs can have usable Uninstall entries that can be used to remove these programs.
Quit the malicious programs
On the Apple menu bar, in the top-right corner, if you see any unknown or suspicious icon, click on it and then select Quit.
Open “Finder”
Click the Finder application on your dock.
Click on “Applications”
In the Finder left pane, click on “Applications“.
Find and remove the malicious app.
The “Applications” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your device. Scroll through the list until you find the malicious app, right-click it, and then click “Move to Trash”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. Here are some known malicious programs: SearchMine, TakeFresh, TopResults, FeedBack, ApplicationEvents, GeneralOpen, PowerLog, MessengerNow, ImagePrime, GeneralNetSearch, Reading Cursors, GlobalTechSearch, PDFOnline-express, See Scenic Elf, MatchKnowledge, Easy Speedtest, or WebDiscover.
Click “Empty Trash”
On the dock, right-click on the trash icon and select “Empty Trash”. Doing so deletes the Trash’s contents, including the program that you just sent to the Trash.
Find and remove the malicious files
Click the desktop to make sure you’re in the Finder, choose “Go” then click on “Go to Folder“.
Type or copy/paste each of the below paths into the window that opens, then click Go.
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/Application Support
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Look out for any suspicious files that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. These are some known malicious files: “com.adobe.fpsaud.plist” “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, or “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”. When you find a malicious file move it to the Trash.
STEP 3: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this third step, we will remove spam push notifications and malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.
Safari BrowserChrome for Mac BrowserFirefox for Mac Browser
Remove malicious extensions and settings from Safari
To remove malware from Safari we will check if there are any malicious extensions installed on your browser and what settings have been changed by this malicious program.
Go to Safari’s “Preferences”.
On the menu bar, click the “Safari” menu and select “Preferences”.
Check Homepage.
This will open a new window with your Safari preferences, opened to the “General” tab. Some browser hijackers may change your default homepage, so in the Homepage field make sure it’s a web page you want to use as your start-up page.
Click “Extensions”
Next, click on the “Extensions” tab.
Find and uninstall malicious extensions.
The “Extensions” screen will be displayed with a list of all the extensions installed on Safari. Look out for any suspicious browser extension that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine extension. By default, there are no extensions installed on Safari so it’s safe to remove an extension
Remove spam notifications ads
Click Preferences, click Websites, then click Notifications. Deselect “Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications”.
Remove all data stored by websites on your computer.
In the Safari menu, choose “Preferences…”, select “Privacy” at the top of the new window that appears, and then click the “Manage Website Data” button.
In the next dialog box, click “Remove All“. It will ask you if you are sure you want to remove all data stored by websites on your computer. Select “Remove Now” to clear data that could be used to track your browsing.
Empty Safari Caches.
From your Safari menu bar, click Safari and select Preferences, then select the Advanced tab. Enable the checkbox to “Show Develop menu in menu bar“.
From the menu bar select Develop, then click on Empty Caches as seen in the image below.
Remove malware from Chrome for Mac
To remove malware from Chrome for Mac we will reset the browser settings to their default. Doing these steps will erase all configuration information from Chrome such as your home page, tab settings, saved form information, browsing history, and cookies. This process will also disable any installed extensions. All of your bookmarks, though, will be preserved.
Click on the three dots at the top right and go to Settings.
Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three dots at the top right corner. Now click on the menu option labeled Settings as shown by the arrow in the picture below, which will open the basic settings screen.
In the left sidebar, click on the “Reset and Cleanup” option.
In the left sidebar, click on “Reset and clean up“.
Click “Reset settings to their original defaults”.
Now click on the “Reset settings to their original defaults”. link as shown in the image below.
Click “Reset Settings” button.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the “Reset Settings” button.
(Optional) Reset Chrome Data Sync.
In case a malicious extension reinstalls itself even after performing a browser reset, you have an additional option to reset the data sync for your browser. To do this, navigate to chrome.google.com/sync and click on the Clear Data button.
Remove malware from Firefox for Mac
To remove malware from Firefox for Mac we will reset the browser settings to its default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.
Go to the “Help” menu.
Click on Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled “Help“.
Click “Troubleshooting Information”.
Next click on the “Troubleshooting Information” option as indicated by the arrow in the image below. This will bring you to a Troubleshooting page.
Click on “Refresh Firefox”
Click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.
Confirm.
To continue, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
Click on “Finish”.
Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on the “Finish“.
Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named “Old Firefox Data“. If the reset didn’t fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don’t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.
STEP 4: Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
In this final step, we will scan the computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to find and remove any malicious programs that might be installed on your Mac.
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.
Your computer should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware and other malware.
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.
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
To remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from your phone or tablet, follow these steps:
In this first step, we will check if any malicious apps are installed on your phone. Sometimes browser hijackers or adware apps can have usable Uninstall entries that can be used to remove these apps.
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find the malicious app.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the applications that are installed on your phone. Scroll through the list and look out for any suspicious app that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. Most often, cyber criminals hide malware inside video or photo editing apps, weather apps, and camera apps.
Uninstall the malicious app
When you find a suspicious or malicious app, tap on it to uninstall it. This won’t start the app but will open up the app details screen. If the app is currently running press the “Force stop” button, then tap on “Uninstall”.
A confirmation dialog should be displayed to confirm you want to uninstall the app, tap on “OK” to remove the malicious app from your phone.
STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this second step, we will reset your browser to its default settings to remove spam notifications, unwated search redirects, and restore its factory settings
Resetting the browser settings to their default it’s an easy task on Windows or Mac computers; however, when it comes to Android, this can’t be done directly because it’s not an option built-in into the browser settings. Restoring the browser settings on Android can be done by clearing the application data. This will remove all the cookies, cache, and other site settings that may have been saved. So let’s see how we can restore your browser to its factory settings.
Chrome for AndroidFirefoxOperaSamsung Internet BrowserMicrosoft Edge
Remove malware from Chrome for Android
To reset Chrome for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Chrome.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Chrome app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When Chrome’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Chrome’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from Firefox for Android
To reset Firefox for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Firefox.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Firefox app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When Firefox’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Firefox data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from the Opera browser
To reset the Opera browser to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Opera.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Opera app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When Opera’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Opera’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from Samsung Internet Browser
To reset the Samsung Internet Browser to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Samsung Internet Browser.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Samsung Internet Browser app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When the Samsung Internet Browser’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Samsung Internet Browser’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from Microsoft Edge for Android
To reset the Microsoft Edge for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Microsoft Edge.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Microsoft Edge app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When the Microsoft Edge’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Microsoft Edge’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes for Android to remove malicious apps
In this final step, we will install Malwarebytes for Android to scan and remove malicious apps from your phone or tablet.
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.
Your phone should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware and other malware.
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.
In this first step, we will clean your Safari browser by using the built-in “Clear History and Website Data” feature. “Clear History and Website Data” allows you to delete the browsing history and website data that is stored on your device. This can include information such as the websites you have visited, your search history, and any data that has been stored by websites you have visited, such as cookies and cache.
Do not tap on the malicious browser window or pop-ups. Instead, tap on the tab icon located in the lower right corner of the screen, as shown in the image below.
Tap the X button on the tab or swipe up to safely close it.
Tap the Settings app.
Toggle on Airplane Mode to temporarily disconnect your phone from the internet and block unwanted access.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm that you want to clear the history and data by tapping “Clear History and Data” in the pop-up window.
While in Safari settings, make sure to toggle on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning.
Tap on Settings in the upper-left corner to return to the main Settings menu.
Toggle Airplane Mode back off to re-connect your phone to the internet.
STEP 2: Delete unwanted apps
In the next step, we will remove any potentially unwanted apps that may be installed on your iPhone. If you have downloaded an app after being redirected to the App Store by suspicious websites, it is recommended to delete it.
On the home screen, tap and hold on the app icon until all of the icons start to wiggle.
Tap the “X” button that appears on the top left corner of the app icon.
Confirm that you want to delete the app by tapping “Delete”.
That’s it, your iPhone should be clean and you can continue browsing the Internet. We recommend that you install an ad blocker like AdGuard [recommended] to block the malicious ads.
If you continue to have malware related issues with your device after completing the above steps, we recommend to take one of these actions:
The Webroot renewal email claiming a $249.99 charge is designed to scare you into calling a scam phone number. The “billing notice” is just a hook for a tech support scam that can lead to remote access, stolen information, and payments through irreversible methods like gift cards.
If you received one, the safest response is simple: do not call the number. Verify any charge directly through your bank or card issuer, and manage subscriptions only through official accounts you access on your own.
FAQ: Webroot Scam Email
What is the “Webroot renewal” scam email?
It is a fake billing email that pretends your Webroot antivirus subscription is renewing and you will be charged something like $249.99. The real purpose is to get you to call a scam phone number so the scammers can pressure you into paying money or giving remote access to your device.
Is the $249.99 Webroot charge real?
In most cases, no. The email is usually sent to random addresses with no connection to Webroot. The scammers want you to panic and call. The fastest way to confirm is to check your bank or card account directly for any pending or posted charge.
How can I tell the email is fake?
Common red flags include:
A phone number you must call to “cancel”
Threats or warnings like “do not contact your bank” or “legal action”
Generic product names and vague “membership” wording
A sender address you do not recognize
Urgent timing like “scheduled for today”
Poor grammar, odd formatting, or inconsistent branding
Webroot says I cannot cancel through my bank. Is that true?
No. A legitimate company does not prevent you from contacting your bank, and it will not threaten you for disputing a charge. That language is designed to isolate you and stop you from getting real help.
Why does the scam email include a phone number instead of a link?
Phone calls give scammers more control. They can pressure you in real time, keep you on the line, and guide you into dangerous steps like installing remote access software or sending payments.
What happens if I call the phone number?
Usually you reach a fake “billing” or “support” agent who will claim the renewal is real. Then they try to:
Get personal information (name, address, phone, email)
Get payment details
Convince you to install remote access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.)
Run a “refund” trick that ends with you sending money
Push you to buy gift cards and read the codes to them
Why do they ask to install AnyDesk or remote access tools?
Remote access lets scammers control your device and see what you do. They may look for saved passwords, banking access, personal documents, or install other tools. Even a short remote session can create serious risk.
Why do scammers ask for gift cards?
Gift cards are fast and hard to reverse. Scammers can drain them immediately once you share the codes. Real companies do not use gift cards to process refunds, cancel subscriptions, or verify identity.
I clicked something in the email. What should I do?
If you only opened the email, you are usually fine. If you clicked a link or downloaded anything:
Close the page immediately
Do not enter any information
Run a full antivirus scan
Watch your accounts for unusual activity for the next few days
I gave them remote access. What should I do right now?
Do these steps in order:
Disconnect your device from the internet (turn off Wi-Fi or unplug ethernet)
Uninstall AnyDesk or any remote tool you installed
Restart your device
Change passwords starting with your email, then banking, shopping, and social accounts
Check for unknown programs and browser extensions
Run full security scans
Contact your bank if you logged in or shared any financial details while they were connected
I paid the scammers. Can I get my money back?
It depends on how you paid:
Credit or debit card: call your bank immediately and ask about fraud claims and chargebacks
Bank transfer or wire: report immediately, but recovery can be difficult
Gift cards: contact the gift card company right away and keep the receipt; recovery is often hard but quick reporting helps
Crypto: recovery is usually very difficult, but you should still report it
Should I reply to the email or ask them to cancel?
No. Replying confirms your email is active. Do not engage. Mark it as spam or phishing and delete it.
How do I check if I actually have a real Webroot subscription?
Use a method you control, not anything in the email:
Go to Webroot’s official site by typing it into your browser
Log into your account (if you have one)
Check your bank or card statements for real Webroot charges from past months If you are unsure, contact Webroot using the support info published on their official website, not the email.
Can simply opening the email infect my device?
Usually, no. Most of these scams do not rely on sophisticated malware delivery. The biggest risk comes from calling the number, installing remote access software, or entering information into a link or form.
Why am I getting this if I never used Webroot?
Because scammers blast these emails to huge lists. They do not care who actually uses Webroot. They only need a small number of recipients to call.
What should I do if a family member got this email?
Tell them one simple rule: never call the number in the email. Help them check their bank account for charges and, if they already called or installed something, follow the remote access safety steps above.
Where should I report this scam?
At minimum:
Mark the email as phishing or spam in your email provider
Report fraud to your bank if money or financial info was involved You can also report to your country’s consumer protection agency or cybercrime reporting portal.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
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If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
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If there isn’t a Profiles icon, you don’t have any profiles installed, which is normal and you can continue with the next steps.
