Most Common Geek Squad Scams & How to Avoid Them
Scammers are impersonating Best Buy’s Geek Squad to send fake renewal invoices and trick you by phone. Learn the signs, how to protect your family, and what to do if you already clicked.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
About this scam type
Impersonation scams trick victims by pretending to be a trusted business or support provider. In this case, criminals pose as Geek Squad or Best Buy to send fake renewal invoices or solicit phone calls, then try to gain remote access to victims’ devices or convince them to send money. Scammers use urgency and familiar branding to pressure people into making quick decisions.
How scammers contact victims
Scammers usually reach victims through phishing emails or spoofed invoice attachments, but phone calls and pop-ups are common as well. The emails urge you to call a fake support number, starting the scam. Some pop-ups mimic Geek Squad branding and direct you to call for fake virus removal.
Who is most at risk
Older adults and small businesses are prime targets because they may be less familiar with newer tech support scams, and often manage household or business expenses that scammers exploit. Scammers know that older adults are more likely to answer cold calls or worry about surprise bills.
Understanding the risk level
Victims can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars, have banking or identity information stolen, and may suffer ongoing re-victimization if remote control and spyware tools remain installed. Small businesses and families are at special risk for ongoing fraud or data loss.
Most Common Geek Squad Scams
How it works: You receive a surprise email claiming your Geek Squad plan has renewed for several hundred dollars. It says you must call a phone number within 24 hours to cancel. The invoice usually includes your name or a generic greeting and a very large amount due.
Sample Inbox Email (2025)
Invoice Alert: Your Geek Squad subscription has been renewed. Amount: $489.90. To cancel call 1-844-XXX-XXXX. Fake Renewal Notice
Your membership will renew on Thursday. Cost: $698.99. Call us before [date] to avoid a recurring payment. Red Flag Signs:
- • Email sent from a non-@bestbuy.com address
- • Callback number does not match Best Buy's official contact info
- • Generic greeting such as 'Dear Customer'
- • Urgent deadline urging you to call quickly
- • Attached PDF or suspicious link
- • You never had a Geek Squad plan
How it works: After you call the fake support number, the scammer claims to process a refund but says too much money was accidentally sent to you. They pressure you to 'return' the overpayment using gift cards, Zelle, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, keeping you on the phone throughout.
Real Scam Call Script
We refunded too much. To return it, buy gift cards and read me the numbers. Red Flag Signs:
- • Requests to pay using gift cards, Zelle, crypto, or bank wire
- • Tells you to stay on the phone the whole time
- • Asks you to log in to your bank while they are connected remotely
- • Threatens to close your account if you do not comply
How it works: The caller asks you to install remote access software on your computer under the guise of checking or canceling a charge. They install spyware or manipulate what you see to make it look like your account was charged or money was 'accidentally' refunded.
Support Session Setup
Download this support app so we can cancel your renewal and issue your refund. Red Flag Signs:
- • Requests to install remote control or 'virus removal' tools
- • Asks you to log into sensitive accounts during the remote session
- • Flashing terminal windows or pop-ups meant to scare you
How it works: You see a pop-up or website that uses Geek Squad branding and displays a phone number to call for anti-virus help. Real Geek Squad messages do not tell you to call a number for support.
Fake Pop-Up Warning
Security Alert! Call Geek Squad at 1-888-XXX-XXXX for immediate virus removal. Red Flag Signs:
- • Pop-up demands you call a support number
- • Website URL is not on BestBuy.com
- • Claims you must pay immediately for 'cleanup' or virus removal
How it works: You receive an invoice or request for payment on platforms like PayPal, branded as Geek Squad. The contact number leads to scammers who push remote access and fake refund processes.
Third-Party Invoice Example
Invoice from Geek Squad: Annual protection plan renewal $398.44. For support, call 1-855-XXX-XXXX. Red Flag Signs:
- • Brand mismatch between sender and payment platform
- • Called number directs you to cancel and install a 'support' app
- • Pressure to act quickly or pay by unusual methods
Red Flags & Warning Signs
Top 5 Phrases Scammers Use
- 1 ""Your Geek Squad subscription has been renewed""
Creates urgency and fear about a fake large charge.
- 2 ""Call within 24 hours to cancel""
Pressures you to act fast and not think critically.
- 3 ""Invoice ID: GS-#####""
Tries to look official, but invoice details do not match your records.
- 4 ""Refund issued in error""
Sets up the scam where you ‘owe’ money back.
- 5 ""Download this app so we can process your refund""
Tricks you into installing remote-control software.
Scam Warning Signs
- Sender address is not @bestbuy.comScammers use lookalike or random email addresses.
- Any phone number in the messageLegitimate renewal emails from Best Buy do not tell you to call.
- Unexpected attachments or linksScammers lure you to click dangerous files or phishing websites.
- Requests remote access or payment by gift cardReal support will never ask for this.
- Asks for sensitive account logins during a callNo real tech support should ever see your banking screen.
Legitimate Communications
- Check bank or card directlyVerify charges by logging into your bank, not by calling an email number.
- Official contact info only on BestBuy.comReal Geek Squad support numbers are found online at Best Buy.
- No gift card or unusual payment requestsGenuine staff do not request gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.
- No remote access unless you initiate via BestBuy.comReal tech support is always started by you, not by surprise contact.
- Email from @bestbuy.com addressLegitimate emails come from verified company domains.
How to Protect Yourself
A few simple precautions can prevent Geek Squad scams. Take these steps to guard your identity, money, and devices.
- 1. Never Call Numbers or Click Links in Unfamiliar Emails or Pop-Ups
If you receive a Geek Squad invoice, always type BestBuy.com in your browser to check your account or look up support. Do not use any phone number or link provided in an email or pop-up.
Save Best Buy’s official number (1-888-237-8289) in your contacts. Ignore contact info in emails.
- 2. Verify Charges with Your Bank or Card App
Check directly in your banking or card account to confirm if there really was a Geek Squad charge before responding.
Print a reminder near your computer: 'Never give out codes or pay by gift card.'
- 3. Forward Suspicious Emails to Best Buy and Report
Send scam emails to abuse@bestbuy.com. You can also report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov so authorities can track trends.
- 4. Keep Devices and Software Updated; Use Security Scans Regularly
Stay protected against malware and spyware by pausing to run full antivirus scans after a suspicious call. If anything strange was installed, disconnect from Wi-Fi and get trusted help.
- 5. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA on your email and anywhere you shop online, such as your Best Buy account.
- 6. Set a Family Agreement About Tech Support
Agree that no one will install software or accept refunds during a support call, no matter how convincing. Remind older family members that tech support will never ask for payment using a gift card or to access your online banking.
Lifeguard is an easy way to get real-time scam alerts and family monitoring—sign up today to stay ahead of the latest threats.
What to Do If You're a Victim
If you already clicked or paid, acting quickly can prevent further losses. Here’s what to do right now:
- 1. Hang Up and Disconnect Immediately (Do immediately)
End any call or remote support session with the scammer and disconnect from the internet. Never log in to financial accounts while remote tools are running.
- 2. Call Your Bank Using the Number on Your Card (Do immediately)
Tell your bank about the scam, request a new card, and ask if any suspicious transactions can be stopped or reversed.
- 3. Change Passwords and Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (Within 24 hours)
Within 24 hours, change email and bank passwords, and enable 2FA to secure your accounts. Do this from a clean device if possible.
- 4. Remove Any Remote-Access Tools or Malware (Within 24 hours)
Run a full antivirus scan, delete unfamiliar programs, and get help from a trusted tech support provider. If unsure, seek local expert help.
- 5. Report to Authorities and Save Evidence (Within 24 hours)
Submit a report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI at IC3.gov. Save the scam emails, phone numbers, payment receipts, and screenshots.
- 6. Monitor Accounts and Set Up Fraud Alerts (Within 1 week)
Place a fraud alert or freeze your credit if sensitive information was shared, and review all account statements for unusual activity.
- 7. Alert Family and Your Workplace If Needed (Within 1 week)
Warn relatives, especially if you share computers, and notify any business accounting team if company emails or payments were involved.
You can also find help at Best Buy support or the FTC’s scam resources. Remember, you are not alone—many people experience these scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scammers often pose as Geek Squad with fake renewal emails. Only verify renewal notices directly on BestBuy.com or call 1-888-237-8289. Never use numbers found in emails or pop-ups.
Disconnect from the internet immediately, run a trusted virus scan, and change all passwords from a separate, clean device. Remove any unknown programs and seek expert help if needed.
These payments are hard to reverse and let scammers get your money quickly. Never pay for tech support with gift cards, cash apps, or crypto.
No. Real security pop-ups from Geek Squad or Best Buy will never tell you to call a number for help. Ignore and close those pop-ups.
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI’s IC3.gov website. The more information you include, the better authorities can help.
Older adults are often targeted due to less familiarity with online scams and more frequent use of support services.
Yes—fake invoices often target small business email accounts, especially those that process payments or manage supplier accounts.
Check that the sender’s address ends with @bestbuy.com, avoid any email directing you to call a number, and log in directly to BestBuy.com for all account details.
Defend Against Geek Squad Scams Today
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