The fake subscription-renewal invoice

What the scam looks like

An email arrives that looks like a receipt: your antivirus, a tech-support plan, or an online subscription has "auto-renewed" for a large amount - often $300 to $600. The email says that if you didn't authorize it, you should call a number or click a link to cancel and get a refund.

There is no real subscription. The goal is to make you panic about a charge you don't recognize and call the number - where a fake "support agent" asks for remote access to your computer or your banking details to "process the refund."

Red flags

• A surprise renewal receipt for a product you don't remember buying.
• A large amount, plus a phone number to call to "cancel" or "dispute."
• Pressure to act before the charge "goes through."
• An agent who wants remote access to your device, or asks you to log in to your bank while they watch.

What to do

• Don't call the number in the email and don't click its links.
• Check your real bank or credit-card statement directly for any actual charge.
• Never give anyone remote access to your computer to "refund" you - that is always a scam.
• Unsure whether the email is genuine? Paste it into our email checker for a second opinion.