Beware! Geek Squad Email Scam Impersonates Known Brand (updated)
Geek Squad email scam is the name given to yet another scam that is circulating the Internet.
In this case, the scammers opted for a slightly different tactic. The scam email relies on scaring the victim that they have had a service subscription renewed and that they will be charged an exorbitant $499 for it. The scam uses the brand imagery and name of Geek Squad - a legitimate entity and a subsidiary of BestBuy. The purpose of this is to lend some air of credibility to the otherwise ridiculous scam.
Victims are expected to call a support phone line if they need "any assistance". This is no legitimate support line, of course, and it has nothing to do with Geek Squad. The phone number is operated by the scammers and anyone who contacts them will either be made to reveal personally identifiable information to them, or told they need to pay a "cancellation fee" to reverse the $499 transaction that was never real from the start.
In some cases, the scammers on the phone may even refer the victims to downloads of malware that will allow remote access to the victim's system.
Check out the different versions of the Geek Squad Email Scam's messages:
Table of Contents
Version #1
Geek Squad
Dear Geek squad user ,
Thank you for being a customer of Geek Suad Security sesrvices .Your membership request has been successfully placed.Membership fund was charged from the card linked with your malware account. Charged amount will be reflected in your a/c within next 24hrs and it will charged you $413.00.
Billed To
Customer Id Number :6538778974
Invoice Number :GEEK7865SQUAD
Renewal Date : August 24™,2022Description Quantity Unit Price Total
GEEK SQUAD protection security service Annual Subscription $413.00 $413.00If You Didn't Authorize This Charge, You Have 24hrs. To Cancel & Get An Instant REFUND Of Your One year Subscription, To CANCEL the subscription , reach us at : +1 (808) 649-2494
Thanks and regards ,
GEEK'S
Customer support , +1 (808) 649-2494
BEST BUY
Geek SQUAD
Version #2
Payment Invoice
GEEK SQUAD
Invoice ID: 64582Q31548G
Payment Debited Successfully!
We are happy to see your purchase on Geek Squad.
Your payment is debited and it will reflect on your account within 48 hours.
The order is processed and will be soon delivered to you on your email.
For any queries, Kindly contact us on : +1(818) 649-9410.Plan Purchased : Geek Squad Antivirus
Invoice ID : 64582Q31548G
Total Amount : $449.99
Note: This is an Auto-generated message please call us for any query
Customer Support: +1(818) 649-9410.
GEEKSQUAD™
Version #3
Subject: Thank you for your order Order No : #STR-P16
GEEK SQUADORDER ID : STR-P16
Order Date : 06.16.2022Support Team : (844) 480-3111
Cancellation : (844) 870-3452Dear Member,
Thank you for remaining a part of our Geek Squad family. Geek Squad holds a very
strong reputation in the industry and as a goodwill gesture, we are not willing to
charge our customers this year for their auto-renewal.
This email is being sent to all the users whose auto-renewal was not stopped and
was charged by the automatic debit system.
Customer Care 24*7: (844) 480 3111
Product Description
Account Type: Personal Home Subscription
Quantity:1 Device
Product:Geek Squad Internet Security
Current Plan:3 Years Subscription
Renewal Date: June 16, 2022
Payment Mode: Auto Debit
Order Total: $399.99
Payment Status: Successful
This Subscription Will Auto-Renew Every 3 Years Unless You Turn It Off. No Later Than 24 hrs. Before The End Of The Subscription Period.
If you wish to cancel this subscription Contact our Support Team (844) 480-3111 (Toll-free) for Any Queries.
Geek Squad Device Security Entitlement only PC or Mac.
Thank you,
Geek Squad
This email is being sent by Geek Squad as you have subscribed to our services
Copyright © 2022 GEEK SQUAD®, All Rights Reserved
Geek Squad, Inc.3948 Hickory Heights Drive, Baltimore, MD 21202, US
There are multiple other versions as well, so be careful with your email inbox and pay extra special attention to everything that comes in it, so you can sniff out similar scams when they land there.
Here are some recommendations on how to protect yourself from and avoid the Geek Squad Email Scam and similar email scams that may attempt to compromise your personal information and security.
Recognize the Nature of the Scam
Scammers often craft emails to appear as official communications from reputable companies, such as Geek Squad, to create a sense of urgency. These emails typically aim to steal personal information, access accounts, or extract money from unsuspecting victims. Being aware of this can help you approach such emails with a critical eye.
Identify Suspicious Emails
Cybercriminals' emails can disguise important or urgent notifications from legitimate organizations. They may include familiar company logos, official-sounding language, and other elements that make them appear authentic. However, remember that scammers may also use generic greetings, poor grammar, or spelling errors, which can be indicators of a scam.
Avoid Clicking Links or Opening Attachments
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself from email scams is to avoid clicking on any links or opening attachments in emails from unknown or suspicious sources. Malicious links can lead to phishing sites that steal your credentials, while attachments may contain malware that infects your device. If an email seems relevant but suspicious, navigate directly to the company's website by typing the URL into your browser instead of using the links provided in the email.
Be Cautious with Software Downloads
Always download software and files from official and reputable websites. Avoid using peer-to-peer networks, unofficial pages, or third-party downloaders, as these sources can host compromised software. Scammers often disguise malware within seemingly legitimate files, such as MS Office documents, PDFs, and ZIP or RAR archives.
Understand Malware Delivery Methods
Scammers may use emails to deliver malware through malicious attachments or links. Malware infections can occur when you execute a harmful file. For example, opening an infected MS Office document won't infect your computer unless macro commands are enabled. However, be particularly cautious if you're using older versions of MS Office, as they may not have security features like Protected View, allowing them to infect your device immediately upon opening.
Enable Security Features
Ensure that your email provider's security features are activated, which may include spam filtering and phishing protection. Additionally, keep your operating system, antivirus software, and applications updated to minimize vulnerabilities that scammers can exploit.
Verify the Sender
Before responding to or acting on an email, verify the sender's address. Scammers often create email addresses that closely resemble legitimate addresses. A simple check can help you determine if the email is genuinely from the company it claims to represent.
Educate Yourself on Common Scams
Familiarize yourself with various email scams, such as the "Norton Subscription Will Renew Today," "Mail Delivery Failure Scam," and "CANADIAN LOTTERY Email Scam." Knowing the common tactics and themes used by scammers can help you recognize potential threats more quickly.
Report Suspicious Emails
If you receive an email that you believe to be a scam, report it to your email provider and the company being impersonated. This action can help protect others from falling victim to the same scam.
Stay Informed and Vigilant
Finally, regularly educate yourself about cybersecurity threats and scams. Scammers are constantly developing new tactics to trick individuals, so staying informed can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
By following these recommendations, you can enhance your protection against the Geek Squad Email Scam and other similar threats, safeguarding your personal information and finances.
