Established by a former federal prosecutor · 20+ years prosecutorial experience · $12.5B lost to fraud in 2024 (FTC)
The Fraud CodexScam Intelligence
Live Threats
NewPig-butchering scams estimated to have stolen $75B globallyAlertIRS impersonation scams surge this 2026 filing seasonNewFake Coinbase support calls reported nationwide
● HIGH RISK

Geek Squad / Best Buy Scam

An email says your Geek Squad membership just auto-renewed for a few hundred dollars and gives you a number to call for a "refund." There is no subscription and no charge. Calling hands you to a scammer who will walk you into giving up bank access to "reverse" it.

Losses: Part of $924 million in tech support fraud (FTC 2024)
Targets: Anyone with email, especially older adults
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Best Buy Scam · Geek Squad Renewal Scam · Refund Scam
01

How It Works

You receive an email that looks like it's from Geek Squad or Best Buy claiming your subscription has auto-renewed for $299-$499. The email includes an "invoice" and a phone number to call if you want to cancel and get a refund. When you call: 1. The scammer confirms your "subscription" and offers a refund 2. They ask for remote access to "process the refund" 3. They pretend to accidentally refund too much (e.g., $3,000 instead of $300) 4. They guilt you into "returning" the overpayment via gift cards or wire transfer 5. In reality, they've either moved money between your own accounts or stolen from you
How Scammers Make Contact
EmailText messagesPhone calls
02

Warning Signs & Red Flags

  • You receive an invoice for a service you never signed up for
  • Email asks you to call a phone number (not click a link to your account)
  • Sense of urgency — "Call within 24 hours"
  • Generic greeting instead of your name
  • Email address doesn't match official Best Buy domain
  • They ask for remote access to process a "refund"
  • They claim to have refunded too much and need money back
03

Real-World Example

"I got an email saying my Geek Squad subscription renewed for $349. I never signed up for this, so I called the number. They said they'd refund me but accidentally sent $3,499 instead of $349. They showed me my bank account on screen with the higher balance. They begged me to send back the difference in Target gift cards or they'd lose their job. I sent $3,000 in gift cards before my son told me it was a scam."

— AARP Fraud Watch Network
04

How to Protect Yourself

  • Don't call phone numbers in unexpected invoices — go to the official website instead
  • Check your actual Best Buy account at bestbuy.com for any real subscriptions
  • Never give remote access to someone claiming to give you a refund
  • Legitimate companies don't ask for refunds via gift cards or wire transfers
  • Look closely at the sender's email address — scammers use lookalike domains
05

What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1If you gave remote access, disconnect and run antivirus immediately
  2. 2Change your passwords from a different device
  3. 3Contact your bank about any unauthorized transactions
  4. 4If you sent gift cards, report to the gift card company (they may be able to freeze funds)
  5. 5Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  6. 6Forward the scam email to Best Buy: abuse@bestbuy.com
Report This Scam
FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft
?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Geek Squad / Best Buy Scam?

An email says your Geek Squad membership just auto-renewed for a few hundred dollars and gives you a number to call for a "refund." There is no subscription and no charge. Calling hands you to a scammer who will walk you into giving up bank access to "reverse" it.

What are the warning signs of Geek Squad / Best Buy Scam?

You receive an invoice for a service you never signed up for. Email asks you to call a phone number (not click a link to your account). Sense of urgency — "Call within 24 hours". Generic greeting instead of your name. Email address doesn't match official Best Buy domain.

How do I protect myself from Geek Squad / Best Buy Scam?

Don't call phone numbers in unexpected invoices — go to the official website instead. Check your actual Best Buy account at bestbuy.com for any real subscriptions. Never give remote access to someone claiming to give you a refund. Legitimate companies don't ask for refunds via gift cards or wire transfers.

What should I do if I'm a victim of Geek Squad / Best Buy Scam?

If you gave remote access, disconnect and run antivirus immediately. Change your passwords from a different device. Contact your bank about any unauthorized transactions. If you sent gift cards, report to the gift card company (they may be able to freeze funds).

How serious is this threat?

We rate this high risk. Reported losses: Part of $924 million in tech support fraud (FTC 2024). Most exposed: Anyone with email, especially older adults.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report Geek Squad / Best Buy Scam?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. You should also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
  1. 01FTC: Geek Squad Email Scams
  2. 02Best Buy: How to Spot Scams
Related Scams

Tech Support Scam

A pop-up, email, or call claims your computer is infected and that Microsoft or Apple needs to fix it — for a fee, and with remote access to your machine. None of it is real. Microsoft and Apple do not cold-call you about viruses, and the only thing that gets compromised is whatever you let them touch.

Amazon Impersonation Scam

A call, text, or email claims there is a problem with your Amazon account, order, or Prime membership, and that you must act now. Amazon does not fix account problems by asking for gift cards, remote access, or your password. The "problem" exists only to get you on the phone.

Think you've encountered this scam?

Use the free AI scanner to analyze suspicious messages, websites, or phone numbers.

Scan Now — It's Free