Have you received an alarming message warning that your email is “due for renewal” or that your inbox is almost full? You’re not alone. A growing number of people are being targeted by the “Email Is Due For Renewal” scam, a clever phishing campaign that tricks users into revealing sensitive login information. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how this scam works, what to watch out for, and what to do if you’ve already taken the bait.
What Is the “Email Is Due For Renewal” Scam?
The “Email Is Due For Renewal” scam is a type of phishing attack disguised as a legitimate email service notification. The core message typically states that the recipient’s email storage is full or nearing capacity, and that immediate action is required to upgrade or renew their account to avoid service disruption.
Key Characteristics of the Scam Email
- Urgent Language: Scammers use phrases like “Your email storage is at 95% capacity,” “Renew now to avoid deactivation,” or “Immediate upgrade required.”
- Impersonation of Trusted Brands: These messages often use logos, color schemes, and sender names that resemble well-known email providers like Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or company-specific domains.
- Suspicious Links: The email contains a call-to-action button or hyperlink labeled something like “Renew Now,” “Verify Account,” or “Upgrade Storage.”
- Fake Web Pages: Clicking the link redirects users to a spoofed website that mimics a legitimate login page. This is where credentials are harvested.
Why This Scam Works
Scammers are successful because they tap into users’ fears of losing access to their email accounts. For many people, email is tied to essential services like banking, work, communication, and cloud storage. The threat of sudden interruption compels users to act quickly without verifying the authenticity of the message.
Moreover, these emails often bypass spam filters because they’re cleverly constructed to mimic real alerts. Attackers use domain spoofing, display name deception, and minimal suspicious content to sneak past email security tools.
Real-World Examples
Many users have reported receiving messages that read:
- “Your mailbox has reached 99% of its quota. Upgrade now to avoid email loss.”
- “We could not automatically renew your mailbox. Please confirm your credentials.”
- “Storage capacity warning: Your mailbox will be suspended unless action is taken.”
In each case, the design and tone appear authentic. The URLs, however, redirect to phishing domains that harvest personal information.
Consequences of Falling for the Scam
If a user enters their login credentials on the spoofed site, the attackers gain access to their entire email account. This opens the door to:
- Identity theft
- Access to linked financial services
- Compromise of work-related data
- Distribution of additional spam or scams from the hijacked account
- Password resets for other services tied to the email
The threat doesn’t end with the compromised account. Once inside, attackers may use that access to launch further attacks on colleagues, clients, or friends.
How the Scam Works: Step-by-Step Breakdown
Let’s dissect this scam in detail so you can better understand how attackers orchestrate the deception from beginning to end.
Step 1: Target Selection
Scammers use automated tools to harvest email addresses from data breaches, leaked databases, or public sources. Sometimes, they buy lists from underground forums. Their targets can be individuals, business professionals, or entire organizations.
Step 2: Email Construction
Using HTML email templates, scammers craft messages that appear to come from trusted providers. They replicate brand logos, email footers, and even legitimate-sounding email addresses. Here’s what they usually include:
- A fake sender address like support@mailbox.com or no-reply@outlookrenewal.com
- Branding from the supposed provider
- A message body warning of full storage, deactivation, or required renewal
- A call-to-action link labeled “Upgrade Now” or “Renew”
Step 3: Link Redirection
The link in the email doesn’t lead to your real email provider. Instead, it redirects through a chain of shortened or obfuscated URLs to land on a phishing site. These fake pages often look nearly identical to real login portals, down to the colors, fonts, and layout.
Some tactics used include:
- Using subdomains that resemble real ones, like mail.google-support.com
- Registering domains that are close misspellings of real providers (e.g., outllok.com)
- Hosting phishing pages on compromised websites
Step 4: Credential Harvesting
Once a victim lands on the fake login page and enters their username and password, those credentials are instantly captured. The page may then redirect to a legitimate-looking confirmation message or even forward the user to the real site to avoid suspicion.
Step 5: Account Takeover
With the login details, scammers log into the victim’s real email account. They may:
- Change the password and recovery options
- Enable forwarding rules to monitor future emails
- Access stored data, photos, documents, and contacts
- Reset passwords for other linked accounts (e.g., social media, banking)
Step 6: Spread and Exploit
Scammers may use the compromised account to send the same phishing email to the victim’s contacts, thus propagating the attack. They might also use the email account to:
- Defraud others
- Impersonate the user
- Request wire transfers
- Install malware through file attachments
What to Do If You’ve Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you suspect or know that you’ve entered your login details into a phishing page, act fast. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Change Your Password Immediately
- Go to your email provider’s official website.
- Change your password to something strong and unique.
- If you use the same password elsewhere, update those accounts too.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Most email providers offer 2FA.
- This adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised.
3. Scan for Suspicious Activity
- Check your sent messages for unknown emails.
- Look for new filters or rules you didn’t set.
- Review your login history and locations if your provider offers it.
4. Remove Unauthorized Access
- Go to your account’s security settings.
- Remove any unfamiliar devices or sessions.
- Check for changes to recovery email or phone numbers.
5. Run a Full Malware Scan
- Use a trusted antivirus program to scan your device.
- Phishing attacks can also deliver malware or spyware.
6. Alert Your Contacts
- Inform your contacts that your account was compromised.
- Warn them not to click on suspicious links from your email.
7. Report the Scam
- Report phishing attempts to your email provider.
- Forward the original message to reportphishing@apwg.org or the appropriate authority in your country.
8. Stay Vigilant
- Bookmark your email provider’s official login page.
- Never click on links from unsolicited or suspicious emails.
- Educate yourself and others about new scam tactics.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
- Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
- Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
- Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
- Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
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 scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
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.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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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.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
FAQ: Email Is Due For Renewal Scam
What is the “Email Is Due For Renewal” scam?
This is a phishing scam where cybercriminals send fake emails pretending to be from your email provider. The message falsely claims that your inbox is full or your email account is about to expire, urging you to click a link to “renew” or “upgrade” your storage.
Why do scammers use email storage warnings?
Scammers use urgency and fear to prompt quick action. By warning that your account may be deactivated or you may lose access to important emails, they pressure you into clicking malicious links and entering login credentials without verifying the email’s legitimacy.
What happens if I click the link in the scam email?
You’ll be directed to a fake login page designed to look like your real email provider. If you enter your login details, they’re captured by the scammer, who can then access your email and any connected services.
How can I tell if an email is part of this scam?
Look for generic greetings, urgent language, suspicious links, sender addresses that don’t match the official domain, and poor grammar or formatting. Hover over links to preview where they lead, and always verify the sender.
What should I do if I already entered my email credentials?
Change your password immediately, enable two-factor authentication, scan your account for suspicious activity, and notify your contacts. It’s also important to run a full antivirus scan and report the incident to your provider.
Can these scam emails bypass spam filters?
Yes. Scammers often design these messages to mimic real service notifications and use tactics like domain spoofing to get past spam detection systems. This is why user vigilance is critical.
Will enabling two-factor authentication stop this scam?
While 2FA doesn’t prevent the scam itself, it significantly reduces the risk of a full account takeover if your credentials are compromised. It adds an additional verification step before access is granted.
Who should I report phishing emails to?
You can report phishing emails to your email provider, the Anti-Phishing Working Group (reportphishing@apwg.org), or your country’s cybersecurity agency. Reporting helps limit the spread and improves detection tools.
Can scammers access other accounts if they get my email login?
Yes. Many online accounts use your email for password resets. If scammers access your inbox, they can potentially reset passwords for banking, shopping, social media, and more.
How can I prevent falling for similar scams in the future?
Bookmark the official login pages of your email and other services, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, and always double-check sender addresses. Stay informed about common scams and keep your security software up to date.
The Bottom Line
The “Email Is Due For Renewal” scam is part of a wider trend of sophisticated phishing campaigns designed to exploit fear and urgency. It preys on our reliance on email and our instinct to act quickly when faced with potential account loss. But by understanding how the scam works and what to do if targeted, you can protect yourself and others.
Stay alert, verify before you click, and help spread awareness to make these attacks less effective. If you ever doubt the legitimacy of an email, take a breath and investigate before taking action. Your security depends on it.
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