Got A “Geek Squad Renewal Processed” Email? It’s A Scam!
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A deceptive email scam has been making the rounds that pretends to be from Geek Squad notifying recipients of an automatic subscription renewal. This “Geek Squad Renewal Processed” phishing scam is completely fake, but tricks many into paying fraudulent charges.
This article will break down exactly how the scam works, what to do if you receive one of these emails, and steps to take if you already fell victim. Continue reading to learn how to protect yourself from this sneaky phishing attack.
This article contains:
Overview of the “Geek Squad Renewal Processed” Scam
The “Geek Squad Renewal Processed” email is a prevalent scam designed to trick recipients into paying for non-existent technical support services. The email claims that Geek Squad, Best Buy’s computer repair service, has renewed a subscription for their “Total Protection” service for a fee of $499.99.
However, the renewal is completely fraudulent, as the recipient never signed up for any Geek Squad subscription in the first place. The email includes fake order details and asks the victim to call a number to cancel the bogus subscription. If the recipient calls, they will be connected to a scammer posing as a Geek Squad representative who will try to obtain remote access to their computer or extract payment.
This scam email takes advantage of Geek Squad’s reputation as a legitimate technical support service. The professional branding and corporate language give the email an air of authenticity. But make no mistake, it was not sent by Geek Squad or Best Buy.
How the “Geek Squad Renewal Processed” Scam Works
The “Geek Squad Renewal Processed” scam begins with an unsolicited email sent to the victim’s inbox. The subject line will be similar to “Geek Squad Renewal Processed” or “Your Geek Squad Subscription.”
The email body thanks the recipient for choosing Geek Squad Total Protection and states that their subscription has been automatically renewed per their consent. It includes fake details like an invoice number, renewal date, item price, and a customer support number.
The email urges the recipient to call the number provided within 24 hours if they want to cancel the renewal, seek activation support, or require any other assistance. This phone number leads to a call center staffed by scammers posing as Geek Squad agents.
Once the victim calls the number, the scammer will use high-pressure tactics to gain remote access to their computer under the guise of providing support services. From there, the scammer can install malware, steal personal data, delete files, or hold the computer ransom until the victim pays a fee.
If remote access is not achieved, the scammer may attempt to collect a payment over the phone for cancelling the non-existent subscription renewal. Credit card information entered on a website provided by the scammer may result in identity theft as well.
Some red flags that indicate the “Geek Squad Renewal” email is a scam:
You never signed up for Geek Squad or authorized any renewal
Misspellings, grammatical errors, or other typos
Generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name
Requesting immediate payment and activation within 24 hours
Use of threatening language or false claims
Requests for remote access to your computer
Suspicious attachments or links to unfamiliar websites
What to Do if You Receive This Scam Email
If this fraudulent email ends up in your inbox, take the following steps:
Do not call the phone number in the email under any circumstances. The number will connect you with scammers, not legitimate Geek Squad representatives.
Do not click on any links or download attachments from the email. They may contain malware.
Forward the scam email to Geek Squad at phishing@geeksquad.com. This allows them to track the scam and warn others.
Report the scam email as phishing or spam in your email client. This helps improve spam filters.
Delete the email to remove it from your inbox. Be sure to empty your trash folder as well.
Run a scan with your antivirus software to check for and remove malware if you clicked anything in the email.
Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication if you believe your accounts may have been compromised.
Watch for suspicious charges or activity on your financial accounts used for online payments. Contact your bank if you see any.
Educate yourself on common online scams. Knowledge is your best defense against repeated tricks.
What to Do if You Already Paid the Scammers
Unfortunately, some victims of the “Geek Squad Renewal” scam get duped into paying the fake renewal fee over the phone or online. If you were deceived and lost money to this scam, take these steps right away:
Contact your bank to report the fraudulent charges and have them reversed if possible. Cancel any compromised credit cards.
Call the legitimate Geek Squad at 1-800-Geek-Squad to alert them of the situation if you revealed any personal information.
Change any account passwords you may have exposed to the scammers. Enable two-factor authentication if available.
Scan your computer for malware, worms, spyware, remote access tools, or other threats that may have been installed if the scammer gained access.
File a report about the scam with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local police department. Provide any details that may aid investigations.
Be wary of any future contact from the scammers. They may threaten or offer services to redeem yourself but cut off all communication.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
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 for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
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.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, 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:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
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 Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, 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.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
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 adware, browser hijackers, 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.
Why do people fall for the “Geek Squad Renewal” scam?
This scam is effective because it uses the trusted brand name of the legitimate technical support service Geek Squad. Many people have actually used Geek Squad before, so an email about renewing a subscription seems plausible. The professional design also lends credibility. Scammers exploit the assumption that big corporations send automated renewal notices.
How do the scammers obtain email addresses?
Email addresses are often compiled from data breaches and sold on the dark web. Cold calling or engaging on social media can also extract email addresses. Some scammers use email scraping tools or generators to create randomized addresses for mass spamming.
What are the scammers trying to gain from this scam?
The end goal is monetary theft, either through directly collecting fake renewal fees or stealing personal and financial data. Allowing remote access enables scammers to install keylogging malware to capture sensitive information as well. Calls to the victims are recorded to learn personal details and improve social engineering tactics.
Does Geek Squad actually offer an auto-renewing subscription service?
No, Geek Squad does not have any subscription services that automatically renew without the customer’s consent. Their services are provided on-demand when a customer requests and pays for them. Any email claiming Geek Squad renewed a non-existent subscription is a scam.
What other Geek Squad scams exist?
Variations of the “Geek Squad Renewal” scam may claim you are eligible for a refund or owe money on an expired subscription. Scammers also impersonate Geek Squad via cold calls pretending your computer sent error messages. Emails containing fake security warnings that provide a Geek Squad phone number are also common.
What can I do to avoid falling for tech support scams?
Be suspicious of any unsolicited contact requesting payment or remote computer access, even if they claim to be a well-known company. Verify renewal and billing notices directly with the business. Check for grammatical errors, generic greetings, and other signs of a scam. Keep your software up-to-date and use antivirus to avoid real infections.
In Conclusion
The “Geek Squad Renewal Processed” email scam demonstrates how cybercriminals impersonate real companies to trick users into paying for fake services. If you receive an email like this, report it as spam immediately rather than calling the number or clicking any links. Never provide remote access or sensitive information to unsolicited contacts. Stay vigilant for variants of this scam mentioning other tech brands. With knowledge of their tactics, you can avoid becoming the victim of frauds like this.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
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.
