Geek Squad Scams: How They Work and How to Avoid Them

Geek Squad is a popular tech support service from electronics retailer Best Buy, helping customers with repairs, installations, and technical issues across a wide range of devices. However, with Geek Squad’s trusted brand reputation also comes more frequent impersonator scams that try to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Scammers use clever social engineering and urgent threats about non-existent issues to steal money and sensitive personal data from victims. Stay vigilant about these fraudulent schemes that falsely claim to be from Geek Squad. This article will examine the most common Geek Squad scams, how they work, tips to avoid becoming a victim, and steps to take if you were already deceived by an imposter. Forewarned is forearmed against these tech support scams.

Scam Overview

Geek Squad, a subsidiary of Best Buy, offers various technical support services for electronics and appliances. Unfortunately, scammers often try to take advantage of Geek Squad’s reputation by running elaborate scams targeting unsuspecting customers. These scams aim to steal money, personal information, or install malware on victims’ devices.

Common Geek Squad scams include:

1. Geek Squad Auto-Renewal Scam

   Scammers send fake emails or texts claiming your Geek Squad membership will auto-renew at a high cost. They tell you to call a number to cancel. When you call, they demand remote access to your computer to “cancel” and steal your data.

2. Geek Squad Protection Plan Scam

   Scammers call or email pretending your device protection plan is expiring. They try to get you to pay to renew it. In reality, they pocket the money without providing any actual protection.

3. Geek Squad Phishing Emails

   Fraudsters send fake Geek Squad emails urging you to provide personal information or download malware disguised as “security software.”

4. Geek Squad Overpayment Scam

   Scammers email you posing as Geek Squad, telling you that you’re owed a refund. When you provide your information for the “refund,” they drain your accounts.

5. Geek Squad Tech Support Scam

   Scammers call claiming to be from Geek Squad tech support. They try to sell you useless or malware-infected “antivirus software.”

6. Geek Squad Password Reset Scam

   Scammers contact you pretending your Geek Squad password needs to be reset immediately. They steal account info and data when you reset it.

7. Geek Squad Pop-ups Scam

   Malicious pop-up ads pretend to be Geek Squad, telling you that you have a virus. They try to get you to buy fake “anti-virus software” that is actually a virus.

How the Scams Work

Geek Squad scammers are cunning social engineers who manipulate psychological triggers to take advantage of unsuspecting people. Here is an in-depth look at how the main scams operate:

Geek Squad Auto-Renewal Scam

1. You receive an email or text claiming your Geek Squad membership will auto-renew, costing several hundred dollars.
2. The message urges you to call a number within 24 hours to cancel the charge.
3. When you call, the scammer claims they need remote access to your computer to cancel the service.
4. If you grant them access, they secretly install malware that steals your personal data and bank account info.
5. They use the stolen details to drain your accounts and commit identity theft.

Geek Squad Protection Plan Scam

1. You get a call or email that your device protection plan is expiring.
2. The scammer says you need to renew it and pay immediately to maintain coverage.
3. If you pay, they simply take your money without actually renewing anything.
4. In other cases, they trick you into downloading malware disguised as “protection software.”

Geek Squad Phishing Emails

1. You receive an email pretending to be from Geek Squad.
2. The email urges you to click links to verify account details, offering enticing promotions.
3. The links lead to fake login pages that steal your Geek Squad credentials.
4. Other emails attach or direct you to malware disguised as “security software.”
5. Once installed, the malware compromises your data and spies on your activity.

Geek Squad Overpayment Scam

1. You get an email claiming you’re owed a refund from Geek Squad.
2. To get the “refund,” it asks you to provide bank account information.
3. When you provide your details, the scammers drain your account instead of paying you.

Geek Squad Tech Support Scam

1. You receive a call from someone claiming to be Geek Squad tech support.
2. They falsely claim that your computer sent them an error code or alert.
3. They insist you have a virus and need to buy their “antivirus software.”
4. If you comply, they scam you out of money and install malware.

Geek Squad Password Reset Scam

1. You get a call or email that your Geek Squad password has been compromised.
2. They claim you must immediately reset it to protect your account.
3. If you reset it, the scammer gains access and steals all your personal data.

Geek Squad Pop-ups Scam

1. A fake pop-up ad appears warning that viruses were detected on your computer.
2. The pop-up pretends to be Geek Squad, offering to scan for threats if you call a number.
3. If you call, they try to get you to pay for worthless “anti-virus software.”
4. In other cases, clicking anything on the pop-up infects you with actual malware.

How to Spot and Avoid Geek Squad Scams

Here are some tips to help you recognize and avoid falling for Geek Squad scams:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls, emails, texts and pop-up ads claiming to be from Geek Squad. Legitimate messages will not make urgent threats or demands.
• Look for poor grammar, spelling errors and stylistic red flags in emails. This indicates scammers, not the professional Geek Squad.
• Verify the sender’s email address. Scammers often spoof legitimate addresses.
• Never provide personal information or remote computer access to unsolicited callers claiming to be tech support. Real Geek Squad employees won’t call asking for this.
• Don’t trust any pop-up ads claiming you have a virus. Geek Squad does not send these kinds of messages.
• Be wary of “limited time offers” pressuring you to buy antivirus software or protection plans. This is a common scam tactic.
• Never make payments via wire transfer, prepaid debit cards, gift cards or other unusual methods. Real Geek Squad transactions only use credit cards.
• Avoid clicking links in emails and text messages. Type geeksquad.com directly into your browser if you want to access your account.
• Keep your device and security software up-to-date. This prevents vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all your important accounts. Password reuse allows scammers to access multiple accounts.

What to Do if You Fall Victim to a Geek Squad Scam

If you fear you’ve fallen prey to a Geek Squad scam, remain calm and take these steps immediately:

• Contact your bank and credit card companies to halt payments and report unauthorized charges. Cancel any compromised cards.
• Change online account passwords and security questions that may have been exposed. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Scan all your devices with legitimate security software to find and remove any malware the scammers may have installed.
• Place fraud alerts and freezes on your credit reports to protect against identity theft.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• File a complaint about the incident with the Better Business Bureau and your state attorney general’s office.
• Document details about the scam – phone numbers used, account details requested, payment methods, etc. This aids investigations.
• Let contacts know to disregard any communications scammers may have sent using your compromised accounts.
• Consider involving law enforcement if losses are significant. They may be able to trace some payments or build a case.

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.

Geek Squad Scam FAQs

How can I tell a Geek Squad call is a scam?

Legitimate Geek Squad technicians won’t call unexpectedly about alleged problems on your computer. Be very wary if callers demand immediate payment or remote access to your device. Ask for their name and credentials, hang up and call back using Best Buy’s official number to verify their identity.

I got a suspicious Geek Squad email, what should I do?

Don’t click any links or attachments. Send the email as an attachment to phishing@geeksquad.com. Geek Squad reviews these emails to improve scam detection and shut down fraudulent domains.

Are Geek Squad phishing emails really common?

Yes, Geek Squad is frequently impersonated in phishing emails because it’s a well-known, trusted brand. Scammers exploit that familiarity. Be on high alert for telltale signs of phishing like bad grammar, threats and requests for information.

Can real Geek Squad techs remote into my computer?

Genuine Geek Squad staff can remote into your device, but only during active support sessions initiated by you. They will never cold call demanding immediate remote access – that’s a huge red flag for scams.

I got a browser pop-up ad from “Geek Squad” about a virus. What should I do?

This is definitely a scam. Geek Squad does not send pop-up notifications. Call them directly if you have concerns. Close out the web browser pop-up without clicking anything on it. Run full antivirus scans to check for and remove any malware.

How can I report a Geek Squad scam?

Contact the FTC and IC3 to file an official scam report. Submit details to the BBB and your state attorney general. Call Best Buy corporate and ask to report fraudulent activity involving Geek Squad. The more reports they receive about a specific scam, the better able they are to address it.

What are signs my device has Geek Squad scam malware?

Unusual pop-ups, new toolbars/extensions, crashes, sluggish performance, password prompts, unauthorized requests for permissions, and mystery charges could indicate malware installed by scammers impersonating Geek Squad techs. Run thorough antivirus scans.

How do I remove malware installed by a fake Geek Squad call?

Disconnect the infected device from networks immediately. Backup data and then perform a complete reset/factory restore if possible. If not, use legitimate antivirus software to scan for and quarantine threats. Examine browser extensions closely for anything suspicious. You may need professional help removing some threats.

In Conclusion

Geek Squad scams can seem convincing and even tech-savvy people let their guard down. Always apply critical thinking before providing any sensitive information or payments. Verify identities over the phone and double check email senders. Avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading unsolicited files. With vigilance and caution, you can protect yourself and your devices from these criminal schemes.