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 a pop-up scam tricked you into downloading an unwanted program — or you suspect your device is infected — follow the free, step-by-step removal guide below to clean it completely.
Before you start: this guide may look long, but that’s only because we’ve broken everything down into clear, detailed steps that anyone can follow — no technical skills needed, and every tool we use is free. Please follow the steps in order. If you get stuck or have doubts at any point, stop and ask for help in our free support forum — our team will guide you personally.
Choose your device to get started. Browser hijackers, unwanted apps, and adware can infect Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices alike — click your operating system below to jump straight to the right instructions.
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
Open the Settings app
Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, right-click the Start button and select “Settings” from the menu.
Go to “Apps & Features”
In the Settings window, click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Apps & Features“.
Find and uninstall the malicious program
Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. Quick tip: click “Sort by” and choose “Install date“. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.
When you find the malicious program, click the three dots next to it and select “Uninstall“.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Complete the uninstall
Confirm by clicking Uninstall in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.
Open the Settings app
Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings. Alternatively, click the Start button on the taskbar and select “Settings” (the gear icon).
Click on “Apps”
In the “Windows Settings” window, click “Apps“. The “Apps & Features” section should open by default — if it doesn’t, select it from the list on the left.
Find and uninstall the malicious program
Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. Quick tip: click “Sort by” and choose “Install date“. Malware is usually one of the most recently installed programs, so it will appear near the top.
When you find the malicious program, click on it and select “Uninstall“.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Complete the uninstall
Confirm by clicking Uninstall in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.
Open “Programs and Features”
Right-click the Start button in the taskbar, then select “Programs and Features“. This takes you straight to the list of installed programs.
Find and uninstall the malicious program
Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. Click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Complete the uninstall
Confirm by clicking Yes in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.
Open the Control Panel
Click the “Start” button, then click “Control Panel“.
Click on “Uninstall a Program”
In the Control Panel, click “Uninstall a Program” under the Programs category.
Find and uninstall the malicious program
Scroll through the list of installed programs and look for anything suspicious — a program you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. Click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Complete the uninstall
Confirm by clicking Yes in the message box, then follow the remaining prompts. Read each prompt carefully — some malicious programs use confusing wording or pre-ticked boxes hoping you’ll click through without looking.
Is a stubborn program refusing to uninstall? Use Revo Uninstaller to force-remove it completely, including leftover files and registry entries.
With the malicious programs removed, you’re ready for 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 Restore settings to their original defaults.
Confirm the reset
In the dialog that appears, click Reset settings. This restores your homepage, search engine, new tab page, and pinned tabs to default, disables all extensions, and clears temporary site data — undoing the changes the malware made.
Don’t worry: your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords are safe and will not be deleted.
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.
Open the Firefox menu and click “Help”
Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of Firefox to open the main menu, then select “Help“.
Click “More troubleshooting information”
In the Help menu, click “More troubleshooting information“.
Click “Refresh Firefox”
On the “Troubleshooting Information” page, click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the top-right area of the page.
Confirm the refresh
In the confirmation window, click “Refresh Firefox” again. This removes extensions, themes, and customized settings — the usual hiding places for browser hijackers — while keeping your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords safe.
Click “Finish”
Firefox will close, reset itself to default settings, and reopen with a window listing the information that was restored. Click “Finish” — your Firefox is now clean.
About the “Old Firefox Data” folder: Firefox saves a copy of your old profile on your desktop. If something you need is missing after the reset, you can recover it from this folder. Otherwise, delete the folder — it contains sensitive data like passwords and cookies, and may also still hold the malicious files you just removed.
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.
Open the Edge menu and click “Settings”
Click the three dots (…) in the top-right corner of Microsoft Edge to open the main menu, then click “Settings“.
Click “Reset settings”
In the left sidebar, click “Reset settings“.
Click “Restore settings to their default values”
In the main window, click “Restore settings to their default values“.
Confirm by clicking “Reset”
In the confirmation dialog, click “Reset“. This restores your homepage, search engine, new tab page, and startup pages to default, disables all extensions, and clears temporary data like cookies — undoing the changes the malware made.
Don’t worry: your favorites, browsing history, and saved passwords are safe and will not be deleted.
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 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 and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
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.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
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:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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.
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, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
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 — it’s designed to catch what your main antivirus might have missed. Instead of relying on a single detection engine, it checks the behavior of files in the locations where malware usually hides. Anything suspicious gets sent to the cloud, where it’s analyzed by two of the best antivirus engines available: Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
Good news: scanning is completely free, with no limits. You only need a license when it’s time to remove what was found — and even then, you can activate a free one-time 30-day trial to clean your PC at no cost. (A full license is $24.95 per year for 1 PC.)
Download HitmanPro
Click the button below to download HitmanPro. Remember — the scan is free, so you have nothing to lose by checking your PC.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the file: “hitmanpro.exe” on 32-bit Windows, or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” on 64-bit Windows.
If a User Account Control pop-up asks whether HitmanPro can make changes to your device, click “Yes” to continue.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts
On the HitmanPro start screen, click “Next” to begin the system scan. No lengthy setup required — it goes straight to work.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
HitmanPro will now check your computer for malicious programs. This usually takes just a few minutes thanks to its cloud-based scanning.
Review the Results and Click “Next”
When the scan is done, HitmanPro will show you everything it found. Click “Next” to remove the detected threats.
Click “Activate Free License”
To remove the malicious files, click the “Activate free license” button. This starts your free 30-day trial — no payment details needed — and unlocks the full cleanup.
When the removal is complete, HitmanPro will show a summary of everything it cleaned. Click Next, then click Reboot if prompted. If there’s no reboot prompt, just click Close — your PC is clean.
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 on-demand scanner that specializes in adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted toolbars — the exact threats that mainstream antivirus programs often miss. It also includes tools that repair the damage malware leaves behind, like hijacked browser settings and malicious policies. It’s a quick scan that’s well worth running.
Download AdwCleaner
Click the button below to download AdwCleaner — it’s free, portable, and requires no installation.
Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file named “adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe“. There’s no installation — the program starts right away.
If Windows asks whether you want to allow AdwCleaner to run, click “Yes“. When the license agreement appears, click I agree to continue.
Enable “Reset Chrome policies”
This setting removes malicious browser policies — a trick malware uses to lock your browser settings so you can’t change them back. Click “Settings” on the left side of the window, then turn on “Reset Chrome policies“.
Start the Scan
Click “Dashboard” on the left side of the window, then click the “Scan” button.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
AdwCleaner will now check your computer for adware and other malware. This usually takes only a few minutes — it’s one of the fastest scanners around.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan finishes, AdwCleaner will list everything it found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the malicious items at once.
Click “Continue” to Finish the Cleanup
Save any open work first — AdwCleaner needs to close your open programs before it can clean. When you’re ready, click the “Continue” button.
AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. If it asks you to restart your PC, allow it — your computer will be clean when you log back in.
That’s it — your Windows computer is now clean. The unwanted apps, adware, and any other malware have been removed.
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 Settings”
From the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of the screen, select System Settings. (On macOS Monterey and earlier, this is called System Preferences.)
Look for “Profiles”
In the System Settings window, search for Profiles — on newer macOS versions you’ll find it under Privacy & Security, or you can type “Profiles” in the search box.
No Profiles section? Good news — that means no profiles are installed on your Mac, which is completely normal. Skip ahead to the next step of this guide.
Remove the malicious profiles
Malware uses configuration profiles to lock your browser settings — forcing a fake search engine or homepage on you and preventing you from changing it back. If you see a profile you don’t recognize (and your Mac isn’t managed by your workplace or school), select it, press the − (minus) button, and click Remove to confirm.
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
Check the Apple menu bar in the top-right corner of your screen. If you see an icon you don’t recognize, click it and select Quit. This stops the malware from running so it can’t interfere while we remove it.
Open “Finder”
Click the Finder icon in your dock.
Click on “Applications”
In the Finder sidebar, click “Applications“.
Find and remove the malicious app
Scroll through the list of installed apps and look for anything suspicious — an app you don’t remember installing, or one with a strange or generic name. When you find it, right-click it and select “Move to Trash“.
Some known malicious programs to look for: SearchMine, TakeFresh, TopResults, FeedBack, ApplicationEvents, GeneralOpen, PowerLog, MessengerNow, ImagePrime, GeneralNetSearch, Reading Cursors, GlobalTechSearch, PDFOnline-express, See Scenic Elf, MatchKnowledge, Easy Speedtest, and WebDiscover. The names change constantly, though — so treat any app you can’t account for as suspect.
Empty the Trash
Right-click the Trash icon in your dock and select “Empty Trash“. This permanently deletes the malicious app you just removed — until you do this, the malware is still on your Mac.
Find and remove the malicious files
Malware on Mac uses launch agents and launch daemons — small files that automatically restart the malware every time you boot your Mac. We’ll check the four folders where they hide:
Click the desktop to make sure you’re in Finder, then open the “Go” menu and click “Go to Folder“.
Copy and paste each of the paths below into the window, one at a time, and click Go after each:
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/Application Support
/Library/LaunchDaemons
In each folder, look for suspicious .plist files — typically named after the malware or with odd, random-looking names. Some known examples: “com.adobe.fpsaud.plist”, “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, and “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”. When you find a malicious file, move it to the Trash — then empty the Trash again when you’re done.
Be careful: these folders also contain files belonging to legitimate apps — especially /Library/Application Support, where programs like Adobe, Google, and Microsoft store their data. Only delete files you’re confident are malicious. If you’re unsure about a file, search its exact name online first — or skip it; the Malwarebytes scan in the next step will catch what you miss.
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 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 and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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“.
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.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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.
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.
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, your Mac is clean.
That’s it — your Mac is now clean. The unwanted apps, adware, and any other malware have been removed.
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 Android 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.
That’s it — your Android device is now clean. The malicious apps, adware, and browser redirects have been removed.
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.
First, we’ll clean Safari using the built-in “Clear History and Website Data” feature. This removes your browsing history, cookies, and cached data — including the stored data that scam sites use to keep showing you pop-ups and redirects. Don’t worry: this won’t delete your photos, apps, or saved passwords.
Don’t tap anything inside the scam page or pop-up — the buttons are designed to trick you. Instead, tap the tabs icon in the lower-right corner of Safari, as shown below.
Tap the X on the malicious tab (or swipe it up) to close it safely.
Open the Settings app.
Turn on Airplane Mode. This temporarily disconnects your iPhone from the internet, so the scam site can’t load anything while we clean up. We’ll turn it back off at the end.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm by tapping “Clear History and Data” in the pop-up.
While you’re still in Safari settings, turn on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning. These two switches stop most scam pages before they can even load.
Tap Settings in the upper-left corner to return to the main Settings menu.
Turn Airplane Mode back off to reconnect your iPhone to the internet.
STEP 2: Delete unwanted apps
Next, we’ll remove any suspicious apps from your iPhone. If a shady website redirected you to the App Store and you installed an app — or you spot an app you don’t remember downloading — delete it now:
On the home screen, tap and hold the unwanted app’s icon until the icons start to wiggle.
Tap the minus (–) badge in the corner of the app icon, then tap Delete App. (On older iOS versions, this badge appears as an “X”.)
Confirm by tapping “Delete“.
That’s it — your iPhone is now clean and safe to use.
To stop these scam pages from coming back, we recommend installing an ad blocker like AdGuard. It blocks the malicious ads and redirects that cause these pop-ups in the first place.
Still having issues after completing these steps? Try one of the following:
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.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
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.
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Windows
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Windows
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Mac
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
Didn’t find any suspicious programs? That’s fine — not all infections install visible apps. Just continue with the next step in this guide.
No Profiles section? Good news — that means no profiles are installed on your Mac, which is completely normal. Skip ahead to the next step of this guide.
