If you’ve ever received an email claiming your Geek Squad subscription is about to renew or expire, you’re not alone. Many people fall victim to fake Geek Squad renewal emails every year, tricked into giving away personal information or making unnecessary payments. In this guide, we’ll show you how to spot a fake Geek Squad renewal email scam and what to do if you receive one.

What Is a Fake Geek Squad Renewal Email Scam?

The fake Geek Squad renewal scam is a phishing attempt where scammers impersonate the well-known Best Buy tech support service to trick victims into paying for services they don’t need.

These emails often claim that your Geek Squad subscription is about to renew and may suggest that the charge is “pending” or “automatic.” Sometimes, they even include alarming threats, like suspending your services unless you act fast. But how can you tell if the email is real or fake? Watch out for these red flags:

1. Suspicious Sender Email Address
   One of the easiest ways to spot a scam is by looking closely at the sender’s email address.
   
   Official Geek Squad emails will come from a @bestbuy.com domain. If the email address is anything different, such as @geeksquad-support.com or a random series of letters and numbers, it’s likely a scam.
   
   
2. Grammatical Errors
   Phishing emails often contain spelling mistakes, awkward phrasing, or poorly structured sentences.
   
   A professional service like Geek Squad would never send out emails filled with these kinds of errors. If you notice unusual language, it’s a red flag.
   
   
3. Urgency or Threats
   Many scam emails try to create a sense of urgency, with phrases like “Immediate action required” or “Your account will be suspended unless you pay now.”
   
   Legitimate companies do not use these scare tactics. Always take a step back before acting on an email that pressures you into making hasty decisions.
   
   
4. Suspicious Links or Attachments
   Fake Geek Squad emails often include links or attachments designed to steal your personal information.
   
   Never click on any link or open any attachment unless you’re certain the email is legitimate. Hover over links (without clicking) to see where they lead. If they don’t point to an official Best Buy or Geek Squad website, avoid them.
   
   
5. Fake Billing Details
   Some phishing emails may include fake invoices or order confirmations that appear to show charges for Geek Squad services.
   
   If the email includes billing information or asks you to review an order, always verify this by logging into your actual Geek Squad or Best Buy account—never by clicking on links in the email.

What to Do If You Receive a Fake Geek Squad Email

1. Do Not Respond or Click on Links: If you suspect the email is a scam, do not respond to it, click any links, or open any attachments.
2. Verify the Email with Geek Squad: If you’re unsure about an email, directly contact Geek Squad through their official website or customer service number. Do not use any contact information provided in the suspicious email.
3. Report the Scam: If you receive a fake Geek Squad renewal email, report it. You can forward the email to Geek Squad at abuse@bestbuy.com or to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
4. Check Your Accounts: If you have clicked on a link or provided personal information, immediately check your bank account, credit card statements, and Geek Squad/Best Buy accounts for any unauthorized transactions. You may also want to freeze your credit if you suspect identity theft.
5. Update Your Security Settings: Ensure your email account, social media, and other important online accounts have strong, unique passwords. It’s also a good idea to enable two-factor authentication where available to prevent unauthorized access.

If you ever have doubts, reach out to Geek Squad directly through their official channels, and always trust your instincts when something feels off. Stay vigilant, and remember — if it seems too urgent or good to be true, it probably is.

Secure Yourself with Trend Micro ScamCheck

Traditional antivirus software is not enough today. That’s why we created Trend Micro ScamCheck, which offers comprehensive protection from deceptive phishing scams, scam and spam text messages, deepfakes, and more:

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With the increasing number and sophistication of scams, staying one step ahead is more crucial than ever. Available on both Android and iOS, why not try ScamCheck today?