How to recognize scams like Norton Subscription Has Expired email scam?
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is the Norton Subscription Has Expired email scam?
Scammers use various techniques to monetize their spam emails. One is to trick recipients into believing that their antivirus software is expiring (or has already expired) and into renewing their licenses via provided website links.
If they succeed, the rogue affiliates (scammers behind these emails) earn a commission from the sale (antivirus renewal). Emails of this type should be ignored. Note that most antivirus solutions inform their users regarding license expiry via notifications from the software, however, some companies do send such reminders via email.
Norton Subscription Has Expired email scam in detail
Scammers behind this email attempt to trick recipients into believing that the installed Norton 360 software has expired (or will expire in 24 hours) and into renewing it via the provided website link ("Renew NOW" button).
Moreover, they encourage recipients to do this as soon as possible. Scammers claim that, if recipients renew the Norton license on the same day, they will receive a 50% discount. Note that these emails often are not targeted: even users who do not have any Norton product installed on their computers might receive the emails.
As mentioned, scammers send these emails to scare recipients into purchasing a Norton license so that they can earn commission from the sales. Be aware that legitimate companies do not allow affiliates to promote their software or other products using misleading, false advertising, or other deceptive methods.
Norton is not the only antivirus product that rogue affiliates advertise using deceptive techniques.
| Name | Norton Subscription Has Expired Email Scam |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Norton antivirus subscription has expired |
| Disguise | Letter from Norton renewal center |
| Related Domains | developedfuture[.]com, neutromargeens[.]com |
| Serving IP Address (developedfuture[.]com) | 104.21.50.242 |
| Symptoms | Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of the computer. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
What other harm can be caused via email?
Note that emails that contain attachments or links are often sent to trick recipients into installing malware onto their computers. Usually, the emails are disguised as official messages from legitimate companies or other entities. Recipients install malware when they download and open the malicious attachment/file.
Some examples of emails scams that cyber criminals employ to trick recipients into providing personal information or installing malware are "EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Email Scam", "Budapest Bank Email Virus", "Banco De Espana Email Scam" and "Ministero Dello Sviluppo Economico Email Virus".
How do emails can be used to infect computers?
Cybercriminals send emails that have a malicious file attached, or include a website link designed to download a malicious file. Their main goal is to trick recipients into executing the file, which then infects the computer with malware. That file could be a Microsoft Office document, archive file (ZIP, RAR), PDF document, executable file, JavaScript file.
Note that malicious MS Office documents can install malware only when users enable editing/content (macros commands). If the documents are opened with MS Office versions prior to 2010, however, the documents install malicious software automatically, since these older versions do not include "Protected View" mode.
How to avoid installation of malware
You are advised to download files and programs from official websites and via direct download links. Other tools and sources such as third party downloaders and installers, unofficial pages, and Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., eMule, torrent clients) should not be used to download or install software.
Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings (or available checkboxes) for offers to download and/or install unwanted apps. Do not click ads on dubious websites, since they can be designed to open bogus web pages or cause unwanted downloads and installations.
Remove any unwanted, suspicious extensions, plug-ins and add-ons installed on the browser, and software of this kind from the operating system.
If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.
Text presented in the email:
Subject: Last reminder, Your Antivirus expires in 24 hr
The Norton subscription has expired today
Norton Renewal Center
Your Norton Security subscription has expired Your subscription to Norton 360 Total Protection Expired on 02-17-2021
After the expiration date has passed Your computer is susceptible to many different virus threats.
Norton Antivirus protects your family from viruses, spyware, malware botnets and mare.• Available (-50%) Renwal, Discount Today
Renew Your Norton License Now!
Click here to renew your Norton Anti-virus
Renew NOWCopyright © 2021 Norton Inc. All Rights reserved
The advertiser does not manage your subscription.
If you prefer not to receive further communication please unsubscribe here
Appearance of the deceptive Norton renewal page:
Example of another Norton-themed scam email promoting an identical website:
Text presented within:
Subject: your Computer Could Be at Risk ! Stay Protected GET Norton NOW
Protect all your devices from viruses and hackers
Norton Anti Virus Protection 50% Off
Without AntiVirus protection, Your computer could be At Risk!
Purchase or renew now to keep your PC protected
if your PC doesn't have AntiVirus Protection, it is risk for viruses and malware
Limited Time Offer: 50% discount on Norton Antivirus
Act today to protect your devices
Activate your Anti-Virus Protection
GET PROTECTED
Copyright © 2021 Norton Inc. All Rights reserved
Example of another Norton-themed spam email used to promote a phishing (phone) scam rather than a phishing website:
Text presented within:
Subject: Thank you for your Payment Norton
NortonLifeLock
Dear ********
Thanks for using NORTON LifeLock Computer Protection Plan for the last 2 year.
Your subscribtion has been Auto-renewed and your Account/Card has been debited by $499.99.Amount will be auto debited and will be reflected in your bank account by today's EOD.
If you wish to cancel this Subscription then Contact our Billing Department 1(360) 284-4337Download the pdf below to get details about your service.
Regards
Billing Department
+1(360) 284-4337
Yet another example of Norton-themed spam email:
Text presented within:
Subject: Hurry!! your device has been infected again !!Subject: dfcvbc
Subscription Details
! Subscription: Expired
NORTONYour Antivirus Protection Has Expired
Account ID : 35541
User : [to]
Safe status : Suspended
Discount : 75%Renewal discountYour Norton for for the windows subscription has expired today 00:00. .
Norton subscriptions are recommended to protect your device. is activated to use a special discount on Thu, 16 Sep 2021 10:51:37 -0400
Once the expiration date has passed, the computer is exposed to many different threats.
It cannot be protected, it can be exposed to viruses and other Malware software?
You are entitled to the discount: 75%discount on renewal for 1 year
The offer expires: 30/10/2021
Renew membership
Yet another example of Norton subscription-themed spam email promoting a phishing site:
Text presented within:
Subject: Hurry up info Activate your Anti-Virus Protection
Norton
LifeLock
EXPERATION NOTIFICATIONOur records indicate that your subscription to Norton Internet Security
May have expired: Soon
Therefore, you are no longer receiving automatic updates that protect you against the latest threats,
including viruses, spyware, hackers and identity theives.if you are browsing, banking, shopping, checking mail or doing anything online, we hightly recommend you renew your subscription now and get the new Norton Internet Security.
RENEW NOWYou will receive a full year of protection for up 3 Household PCs and peace of mind when you're online.
Sincerely,
The Norton Team
You may unsubscribe at any time. Unsubscribe
click here to remove yourself from our emails list
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Quick menu:
- What is Norton Subscription Has Expired spam?
- Types of malicious emails.
- How to spot a malicious email?
- What to do if you fell for an email scam?
Types of malicious emails:
Phishing Emails
Most commonly, cybercriminals use deceptive emails to trick Internet users into giving away their sensitive private information, for example, login information for various online services, email accounts, or online banking information.
Such attacks are called phishing. In a phishing attack, cybercriminals usually send an email message with some popular service logo (for example, Microsoft, DHL, Amazon, Netflix), create urgency (wrong shipping address, expired password, etc.), and place a link which they hope their potential victims will click on.
After clicking the link presented in such email message, victims are redirected to a fake website that looks identical or extremely similar to the original one. Victims are then asked to enter their password, credit card details, or some other information that gets stolen by cybercriminals.
Emails with Malicious Attachments
Another popular attack vector is email spam with malicious attachments that infect users' computers with malware. Malicious attachments usually carry trojans that are capable of stealing passwords, banking information, and other sensitive information.
In such attacks, cybercriminals' main goal is to trick their potential victims into opening an infected email attachment. To achieve this goal, email messages usually talk about recently received invoices, faxes, or voice messages.
If a potential victim falls for the lure and opens the attachment, their computers get infected, and cybercriminals can collect a lot of sensitive information.
While it's a more complicated method to steal personal information (spam filters and antivirus programs usually detect such attempts), if successful, cybercriminals can get a much wider array of data and can collect information for a long period of time.
Sextortion Emails
This is a type of phishing. In this case, users receive an email claiming that a cybercriminal could access the webcam of the potential victim and has a video recording of one's masturbation.
To get rid of the video, victims are asked to pay a ransom (usually using Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency). Nevertheless, all of these claims are false - users who receive such emails should ignore and delete them.
How to spot a malicious email?
While cyber criminals try to make their lure emails look trustworthy, here are some things that you should look for when trying to spot a phishing email:
- Check the sender's ("from") email address: Hover your mouse over the "from" address and check if it's legitimate. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft, be sure to check if the email address is @microsoft.com and not something suspicious like @m1crosoft.com, @microsfot.com, @account-security-noreply.com, etc.
- Check for generic greetings: If the greeting in the email is "Dear user", "Dear @youremail.com", "Dear valued customer", this should raise suspiciousness. Most commonly, companies call you by your name. Lack of this information could signal a phishing attempt.
- Check the links in the email: Hover your mouse over the link presented in the email, if the link that appears seems suspicious, don't click it. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft and the link in the email shows that it will go to firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0... you shouldn't trust it. It's best not to click any links in the emails but to visit the company website that sent you the email in the first place.
- Don't blindly trust email attachments: Most commonly, legitimate companies will ask you to log in to their website and to view any documents there; if you received an email with an attachment, it's a good idea to scan it with an antivirus application. Infected email attachments are a common attack vector used by cybercriminals.
To minimise the risk of opening phishing and malicious emails we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Example of a spam email:
What to do if you fell for an email scam?
- If you clicked on a link in a phishing email and entered your password - be sure to change your password as soon as possible. Usually, cybercriminals collect stolen credentials and then sell them to other groups that use them for malicious purposes. If you change your password in a timely manner, there's a chance that criminals won't have enough time to do any damage.
- If you entered your credit card information - contact your bank as soon as possible and explain the situation. There's a good chance that you will need to cancel your compromised credit card and get a new one.
- If you see any signs of identity theft - you should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission. This institution will collect information about your situation and create a personal recovery plan.
- If you opened a malicious attachment - your computer is probably infected, you should scan it with a reputable antivirus application. For this purpose, we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
- Help other Internet users - report phishing emails to Anti-Phishing Working Group, FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, National Fraud Information Center and U.S. Department of Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did I receive this email?
These email letters are not personal (most of the times). Scammers send the same emails to a number of people without targeting anyone in particular.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by this spam email, what should I do?
If any account credentials have been disclosed, then it is strongly recommended to change all passwords immediately. If other details like credit card numbers, ID card details have been provided, then it is recommended to contact the relevant authorities.
I have read a spam email but didn't open the attachment, is my computer infected?
Computer infections can be caused through email by opening malicious attachments or website links. It is not harmful just to open an email used to distribute malware.
I have downloaded and opened a file attached to a spam email, is my computer infected?
It depends on the type of file. Microsoft Office, PDF documents do not infect computers unless users enable macros commands (enable editing/content). Other files (for example, executable files, JavaScript files) can infect computers once they get opened.
Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate practically all known malware infections. Performing a full system scan is recommended because malware can be sophisticated and hide itself deep within the system.
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