Many users have reported receiving scam mail from Geek Squad, a service they have never used.
For your reference let me clarify that Geek Squad is a company that repairs and maintains electronic devices.
The mail claims that the annual subscription for the service has been automatically renewed.
Here we have discussed what is Geek Squad email scam and how you can avoid it.
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What Is Geek Squad Scam Email?
The Geek Squad scam email says that your Geek Squad subscription has expired and $399.99 has been deducted from your account for renewal.
The subscription is set to auto-renewal and to cancel the automatic charge you will be provided with a phone number.
When the user calls the given number, the scammers get access to their computers.
Many of the users reported losing money and important data this way.
How To Verify A Geek Squad Scam Email?
To check whether the email is a Geek Squad scam, follow the methods given below.
1) Check The Sender’s Email ID
If you have never made any Geek Squad service purchase and received such emails, then surely it is a scam mail.
These types of mails are often sent from registered services like Yahoo or Gmail.
Many users have reported receiving these scam mails from ‘intuit.com’. Besides, the mail does not have a proper Geek Squad logo and branding. You can verify the logo from here. Check the email address properly and make sure its the official one.
2) Check How You Are Addressed In The Email
If you have purchased the services earlier then the company will address you with your name or surname.
But as the scammers do not have your details, so, they will address you as Dear Customers or so.
Also, check if the scammers are creating any urgency through their emails.
Sometimes they may provide a timeline for requesting a refund through the phone numbers or links provided by them.
As soon as you click on the link or call them over the phone, they will get your details.
3) Beware Of The Embedded Links
Sometimes the emails may carry links and when you click on them the scammers may hack your personal information or some malware may automatically get downloaded to your PC.
Even the links may be embedded in the email.
As you click on the link, scammers will get access to your system and steal away all your data and money.
So, first, hover the cursor over the link for previewing it. You may also copy & paste the link elsewhere and check if it is legitimate.
4) Check If The Email Is Asking For Any Personal Information
Some users have reported that the Geek Squad Scam emails contain links that are redirected to pages where they ask for personal information.
So, beware of this. Never share your details as this can be vulnerable. Do not give any credit card details.
What To Do If You Are A Victim Of The Geek Squad Scam?
If you accidentally fall into the trap of the geek Squad emails, then follow the steps given below:
1) Freeze your credit
A credit freeze seals your credit history to prevent any sort of financial fraud.
No one will get access to your credit until you remove the freeze.
This way the scammers will not get any personal information and draw a loan on your behalf.
Report to your bank immediately and block your credit card.
2) Be Offline
As soon as you disconnect yourself from the internet the hackers cannot steal your information anymore.
So, disconnect all your devices from the internet.
3) Change All Your Passwords
Change all your passwords and also make sure to use two-factor authentication to ensure more protection.
4) Delete Any Program Or Service Installed
Uninstall any program or service that you have installed by clicking on the provided link in the scam mail. Use your antivirus program to scan your PC.
5) Report The Scam
On getting these types of fraud emails, you can report the scam to police.
You may also forward the email to any cybercrime authority in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Here are some frequently asked questions asked by the users about the Geek Squad email scam:
- How do I report scam emails?
To report phishing, contact your regions cybercrime authorities. They will do an investigation and take care of it.
- Can you get scammed by clicking on an email?
Yes, you can get scammed by clicking on an email. When you click on a link provided by the scammers, they steal all your important data and money.
- How Can You Recognize A Scam?
To recognize a scam, verify the sender’s email, check if the Geek Squad logo is original, and check if the email is asking to provide any personal information or so.
Final Words
So, make sure not to click on any link provided through these scam emails also do not provide any personal details to such mails or websites.
If you still have any doubt, ask us in the comments section provided below.