How to Recognize and Avoid These 7 Common Geek Squad Scams

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In a perfect world, you could go to any business, give your personal information, pay for their product or service, and then happily go out. Unfortunately, wherever money is exchanged, fraud can occur. Knowing this will prepare you to recognize the signs and red flags of fraud that may be sent to you.

7 common Geek Squad scams to avoid

Fraud is common in commerce, especially with well-known names in the retail industry such as Best Buy. His subsidiary Geek Squad provides technical support for appliances, computers and other electronic devices. This support includes repair, protection and installation.

This is a valid support system offered through Best Buy, but be aware that there are many scams masquerading as part of the fake Geek Squad. Common Geek Squad scams include:

1. auto renewal scam
2. protection plan scam
3. phishing email
4. overpayment fraud
5. tech support scam
6. password reset scam
7. browser popup scam

1. Auto Renewal Scam

Geek Squad auto-renewal scams work by sending emails or text messages claiming to have signed up for a subscription service. Scammers imply that you have hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in debt unless you call the number provided to cancel. is asked. don’t do that. Below are some indications that an auto-update phishing scam has been sent.

• I didn’t request the automatic renewal I received.
• I have not registered for Best Buy’s subscription service.
• The email address does not have the Geek Squad logo.
• There is a grammatical error in the email address, email body, or text message content.
• The phone number provided does not match the Best Buy phone number.

2. Protection Plan Fraud

If you receive a call or email claiming to offer antivirus protection, take it lightly. Many scammers pretending to be techs try to sell you bogus antivirus software tools that don’t work or actually infect your computer with malware. Below are some of the red flags for Protection Plan fraud.

• Phone calls or emails that attempt to sell you antivirus software are unsolicited.
• The software or tools themselves do not have online reviews.
• Scammers request remote access to your computer.

3. Phishing emails

Another trick for antivirus software is when you get a phone call or email from someone claiming to be a Geek Squad technician telling you that your computer is already infected with malware. Pack your hooks, line and weights as you may be going fishing.

The fake technician then makes a pressure-filled pitch to fix the problem by downloading antivirus software and granting remote access to the computer. Do not allow access to your computer. If you don’t allow it, not only can it download real malware and spy on your computer, but it can also gain access to everything stored on your computer, such as:

• photo or video
• confidential document
• social security number
• personal data
• Online banking information.

4. Overpayment fraud

Overpayment scams, also known as accidental refund scams, are one of the most common scams. If you’ve ever received an email claiming that you had to fill out a form to get a refund, this could be a scam.

Fraud

If you reply to the email, you may be refunded a larger amount than expected and will be asked to wire transfer the difference. You will be paid the full amount generated from the stolen funds, not just the extra money. Do not send them money or look for other signs of fraud.

• The form you are trying to fill is not working.
• You will be asked for remote access to your computer so that you can submit your refund.
• I have been sent a refund that exceeds the amount stated on the invoice.

5. Tech Support Scams

Geek Squad tech support scams are usually done over the phone. If you answer, they will try to send you money, but all you buy or download is malware.

They say you owe money for a service or your device is already infected with malware and you need their help to fix it. is.

• Calls are unsolicited as these companies rarely contact you directly by phone.
• The website displayed does not appear to be visually or grammatically correct.
• Scammers pretending to be technicians are pushy and won’t let you hang up.

6. Password reset scam

If you received an email claiming your password reset didn’t work, beware Best Buyers. A link to reset your password is also included. Note that clicking takes you to a website that looks like a Best Buy login page, but not. Once you enter your login information, scammers can use this to make fraudulent purchases or steal other important financial information.

• If you do not have a Best Buy account, we will send you a password reset link.
• If you click the link, the site you are taken to is not secure.
• This site is not part of the official Bestbuy.com domain.

7. Browser pop-up scam

Pop-ups are always annoying, especially when they act as trojan horses for viruses. Browser pop-up scams mislead you into thinking that your computer is infected with a virus and you should click on it to download antivirus software. The paradox is that actually clicking the popup inevitably downloads malware, ransomware, or some other type of virus. Be aware of these red flags.

• Pop-ups claiming to detect viruses are fraudulent and the plugin cannot scan your device for such viruses.
• Any kind of claim involving device cleaning is more likely to be a scam.
• It’s a pop-up from an adult site.

What to do if you are a victim of fraud

Whether you’re a victim of Geek Squad scams, Geek Squad email scams, or other types of scams, there are steps to undo.

Freeze your credit card or bank account if you share information with questionable sources. You will also need to change your login information to the corresponding account for which you have provided details.

Finally, don’t click on questionable links or follow instructions from people you don’t trust.