How to spot scams like the "Geek Squad" email scam

What is "Geek Squad" email scam?

After examining the email, we found that it is disguised as a letter from Geek Squad, a subsidiary of Best Buy (a consumer electronics corporation). The purpose of this email is to trick recipients into calling the provided number (contacting scammers). It must be ignored. Geek Squad has nothing to do with this letter.

More about the "Geek Squad" email scam

The email claims that Greek Squad has automatically renewed the Geek Total Protection subscription. It claims that $499.99 have been charged for the services. It also contains a fake invoice number, renewal date, and service name.

These scams work when recipients believe that they have been charged for something that they have not purchased (in this case, a Geek Total Protection subscription). Scammers behind this email attempt to trick recipients into calling the +1-808-666-6112 number.

Usually, when scammers are contacted, they ask to provide personal information (e.g., full name, credit card details, social security number), or pay a "cancelation" (or other) fee. In other cases, they attempt to trick users into downloading malware or providing remote access to their computers.

Threat Summary:

Name	Geek Squad Email Scam
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim	Geek Squad Total Protection subscription has been renewed
Scammer Phone Number	+1 833-329-8486, +1 (209) 210-3320, +1 (808) 391-5600‬, +1 803-369-3453, +1-808-666-6112, +1 (205) 315 9376, +1 (833) 317-6040, + 1-(815)-627-0025, 888-297-0415, 888 3898677, 1-(800)–306–2981, 844-211-2097, 855 926 3414, 818-538-3362, 855 538 1691, 850-725-5486, (815) 219-7471, 831-531-8547, +1(818) 492-9961, (808) 500-0845‬, (888) 918-2284, +1 (855) 470-0993, (833)-382-5611, 888-949-3492‬, 866-563-2808, 807-770-9563, 989-884-0201, 855-204-1993, 888-805-3464, 888-660-5657, 888-988-2738, (808) 272-9479, 888-949-9432, +1 (888) 489-2060, 818 963 9046, (806) 839-6096, (888) 404-4624, 888-758-1025, (888) 990-6803, 888-384-0056, 818-797-0937, 904-650-0950, +1 888 228-8236, 855-857-2244, +1(888) 697 5085, 888-986-0145, 888-243-3183, 833 382 8887, (808) 720-4622‬, (808) 658-8805, 855-654-2777, 218-262-9639, 888-395-9408, 1-805-206-2624, 1-808-318-8005, 888-505-0949, +1 (808) 229-2338, (808) 229-3137, 888-795-8522, 808 272 7580, 808-229-3680, (808) 229-3034
Disguise	Letter from Geek Squad
Symptoms	Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of the computer
Distribution methods	Deceptive emails
Damage	Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft, computer infections
Malware Removal (Windows)	To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. ▼ Download Combo Cleaner To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Email scams in general

Usually, scammers behind such emails aim to steal identities, and personal accounts, extract money, etc. They disguise emails as official/important/urgent letters from legitimate companies or other organizations. It is important to know that emails sent by cybercriminals can be used to deliver malware.

Examples of email scams are "Norton Subscription Will Renew Today", "Mail Delivery Successful Email Scam", and "CANADIAN LOTTERY Email Scam".

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Emails used to deliver malware contain malicious attachments or links. Malware infections are caused after executing a malicious file (e.g., MS Office document, PDF document, executable file, a file within a ZIP, RAR archive file, JavaScript file).

It is worth mentioning that opening malicious MS Office documents does not infect computers unless macros commands are enabled. However, documents opened with MS Office versions released before 2010 do not include the Protected View mode - they infect computers after opening them.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Do not open attachments and links presented in irrelevant emails sent from unknown addresses. Download software and files from official websites. Do not use P2P networks, unofficial pages, third-party downloaders, etc., as sources for downloading any software.

Keep the operating system and installed programs up to date. Activate and update them with tools/functions provided by their official developers. If you've already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Appearance of the "Geek Squad" email scam (GIF):

Text presented in the "Geek Squad email scam" email letter:

Subject:

Greek Squad

Dear Customer,

Thank You for choosing Geek Total Protection.
We have renewed your Subscription as per your electronic consent.
Hope you are with us.
This email is to inform you that an amount of $499.99 has been charged for the services.
For any assistance, please call: +1-808-666-6112.

Order details:
Invoice Number: GS-93404-0841036
Registered Email: -
Service: Geek Total Protection
Renewal Date: May 20, 2022
Next Renewal: May 20, 2023
Item Price:  $499.99
Shipping: $0.0
Total Price: $499.99
Note: For any service activation queries or support or if you want to cancel the subscription please call us within 24 Hours for easy assistance.
We are here to assist you with every aspect.

 warm regards,
 Geek Squad Team
+1-808-666-6112
Copyright © Geek Squad Team | 2022

Another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Thank you for your order Order No : #STR-P16

GEEK SQUAD

ORDER ID : STR-P16
Order Date : 06.16.2022

Support Team : (844) 480-3111
Cancellation : (844) 870-3452

Dear Member,

Thank you for remaining a part of our Geek Squad family. Geek Squad holds a very

strong reputation in the industry and as a goodwill gesture, we are not willing to

charge our customers this year for their auto-renewal.

This email is being sent to all the users whose auto-renewal was not stopped and

was charged by the automatic debit system.

Customer Care 24*7: (844) 480 3111

Product Description

Account Type: Personal Home Subscription

Quantity:1 Device

Product:Geek Squad Internet Security

Current Plan:3 Years Subscription

Renewal Date: June 16, 2022

Payment Mode: Auto Debit

Order Total: $399.99

Payment Status: Successful

This Subscription Will Auto-Renew Every 3 Years Unless You Turn It Off. No Later Than 24 hrs. Before The End Of The Subscription Period.

If you wish to cancel this subscription Contact our Support Team (844) 480-3111 (Toll-free) for Any Queries.

Geek Squad Device Security Entitlement only PC or Mac.

Thank you,

Geek Squad

This email is being sent by Geek Squad as you have subscribed to our services

Copyright © 2022 GEEK SQUAD®, All Rights Reserved
Geek Squad, Inc.

3948 Hickory Heights Drive, Baltimore, MD 21202, US

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Your Order Receipt From 15-Feb-2022,Check Your Invoice,Thank You

 

Geek Squad

Dear Customer,

Thank you for choosing our services. We are reaching out to remind you that your computer Protection Annual subscription has expired and Auto-Renewed today.

We would like to thank you for the completion of the maintenance plan.

We have auto-renewed your plan for 2 years and charged $399.99 against your account.

We understand that you are busy and hence could not get through to you when we are trying to contact you.

Hotline:
1-(888)-738-8146
Order Summary
Product : Complete Network Security
Invoice No. : GS-9645132-365147
Subscription Date : February 15, 2022
End Date : February 15, 2024
Renewal Status : Auto-Renewed
Renewal Amount : USD399.99

If you have any question about this invoice or you want to cancel the subscription you can reach out our Customer Support at
1-(888)-738-8146

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Order Complete

 

Geek SQUAD
Invoice No: GSKBBW360AXV129
Your Subscription with GEEK SQUAD will Renew Today and $389.99 is about to be Debited from your account by Today. The Debited Amount will be reflected within the next 24. In case of any further clarifications or block the auto-renewal service please reach out Customer Help Center.
Billed To
Customer ID: 239028916
Invoice Number: GSKBBW360AXV129
Renewal Date: July 18, 2022
Description Quantity Unit Price Total
Geek Squad Best Buy Service (One Year Subscription) $389.99 $389.99
Subtotal $389.99
Sales Tax $0.00
Total $389.99

If you didn't authorize this Charge, you have 24 Hrs. To cancel & get an instant refund of your annual subscription, please contact our customer care: +1 (469) 297-2928

Sincerely,
Geek-Squad™ Best Buy Customer Care
+1 (469) 297-2928
Copyright @ GEEK SQUAD, 2022

Another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Plan renewed id*171368

Dear #  -

Customer Order Number: DHRW49

This mail is to let you know that your yearly membership for the prior year ëxpired on (18 Aug 2022)

We are renewing your membership plan for the device & internet security shield for this year because you choose automatic payments.

The payment of $ 379.78 is being processed from the updated nominated payment method and it will appear on your banking statement in few hours.

This is a recurring charge which will be automatically debited on (18 Aug 2023) ( Next Year) unless we get a verbal consent to deactivate the current services.

In case you change your mind and cancel/void the charges or stop the auto debit payments , please contact us within 24 hours on the below mentioned number.

For ány queries or assistance , reach out to us # +1 (888) 452 7924

"Thanking you"

Tonya Keibler

«Geek Squad» Customer Care Team

Another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Geek Squad
INVOICE
Geek United States

Geek Squad Inc.
7601 Penn Avenue, South Richmond, MN 55423 USA
Toll Free Helpline 1(888) 632-2710

Invoice Number: #5545455
Invoice Date: August 22, 2022
Payment Due: August 22, 2022
Amount Due (USD): $349.85

Items Quantity Price Amount
Geek Drive Anti Drive 1 $349.85 $349.85
Total: $389.56
Amount Due (USD): $389.56

Notes and Termos & Condition
Your Payment for Geek Anti Drive Services has been purchased. The charge of purchase will appear in your account in next 24-48 hours. To stop or unsubscribe call now to Geek Squad Tech Support at 1(855) 632-2710. If you did not Authorize this charge or would like to cancel the subscription call now at  1(888) 632-2710

Subtleties of your Recent Invoice:
Item: Geek Anti Drive
Receipt ID: SMKAY/587120
Installment Made By: Online
Method of shipment: Not Updated Yet Kindly call us for more Info On 1 (888) 632-2710

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Geek Squad

Dear Geek squad user ,

Thank you for being a customer of Geek Suad Security sesrvices .Your membership request has been successfully placed.Membership fund was charged from the card linked with your malware account. Charged amount will be reflected in your a/c within next 24hrs and it will charged you $413.00.

Billed To
Customer Id Number :6538778974
Invoice Number :GEEK7865SQUAD
Renewal Date : August 24™,2022

Description Quantity Unit Price Total
GEEK SQUAD protection security service Annual Subscription $413.00 $413.00

If You Didn't Authorize This Charge, You Have 24hrs. To Cancel & Get An Instant REFUND Of Your One year Subscription, To CANCEL the subscription , reach us at : +1 (808) 649-2494

Thanks and regards ,
GEEK'S
Customer support , +1 (808) 649-2494
BEST BUY
Geek SQUAD

Another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Here's Your INV ID No p#0077566329 Has been Activated!

 

GEEK SQUAD

Date: Aug 24, 2022

Notification

This email is in regard to letting you know that your computer software update will be renewed for another 3 Years.

Details

Invoice Number INV2300203US9
Amount $359.99 USD
Discount $59.99 USD
Amount Total $300.00 USD

Customer Care: (209) 243-5596

In case you have any further query please call our customer care help line number.
We will be glad to assist you with. You have 48 hours to cancel the subscription else it may be renewed with 300.00 USD from the accounts associated with our records.

If the email received in your spam box asks the service desk to verify machine identity.
Please do not reply to this email. This mailbox is not monitored, and you will not receive a response.

Another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Payment Invoice

GEEK SQUAD

Invoice ID: 64582Q31548G

Payment Debited Successfully!

We are happy to see your purchase on Geek Squad.
Your payment is debited and it will reflect on your account within 48 hours.
The order is processed and will be soon delivered to you on your email.
For any queries, Kindly contact us on : +1(818) 649-9410.

Plan Purchased : Geek Squad Antivirus

Invoice ID : 64582Q31548G

Total Amount : $449.99

Note: This is an Auto-generated message please call us for any query

Customer Support: +1(818) 649-9410.
GEEKSQUAD™

Another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

INVOICE
Geek SQUAD Tech Support
Helpline Number: +1(888) 902-0782

Invoice Number: 00057-19873671
Invoice Date: Sep 02, 2022.

Good day, Sir/Madam

We're pleased that you chose Geek Squad as your computer security provider. Due to the auto renewal date, your antivirus protection plan will expire today and you will be charged $399.99 as of today. It will be taken out instantly from your bank's checking account. The charges will appear on your statement in the next 48 hours.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Account Type: - Personal Home Subscription
Product: - Geek Squad Protection Plan
Device : - Windows Computer (1 Users)
Quantity: - 1
Tenure: - 1 Years
Mode: - Auto Debit
Renewal Amount - $ 399.99

However, you can contact us at our helpline number, +1(888) 902-0782 if you want to cancel subscription.

Thanks & Regards,
Team Billing Department.

+1(888) 902-0782
THANK YOU

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themem spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Dear, Customer

 

Receipt From: September 08, 2022

Your Email Id: -

Your Order Details

Dear valued customer, your Geek Squad Tech subscription has been renewed automatically as you have subscribed for auto debit payments.

The automatic transaction of $ 429.99 is successfully processed from the updated mode of payment against the PC and Internet Security services.

The current subscription is activated on 08 Sep 2022, and it will be expired on 07 Sep 2023 unless you void the charges or unsubscribe the services.

In any circumstances you wish to upgrade, cancel, or deactivate the services please do so within 24 hours from the date of transaction to avoid further charges.

For Assistance, Contact Helpdesk +1 (888) 391 5163  Toll-free.

#Thanks for visit again#

Sophia Johnson
Geek Squad Services
Helpline Phone +1 (888) 391 5163.

Yet another variant of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

BEST BUY Geek SQUAD
INVOICE

Invoice ID: 984-84561846
Date: 08-09-2022.
Helpline Number: +1(888) 730 7996.

Greetings, Geek Squad User

This email serves as confirmation that your computer protection plan's auto-renewal date is today. As a result, you will be charged $ 398.68USD, which will be automatically deducted from your checking account at your bank. Our service will be available to you for the upcoming 12 months.

Product Details: -
Description Geek Squad Premium
Quantity 01
Amount $398.68USD
Total: $398.68USD

Please be aware that this email was automatically created, so refrain from responding to it. The subscription charges will appear on your statement within the following 48 hours. However, please call our helpline at +1(888) 730 7996. if you want to review or cancel the subscription.

We appreciate your subscription.

Regards,
Billing Department,

Yet another variant of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Geek SQUAD
Purchase Details

Dear user,

Thank you for choosing our services

Your personal subscription GEEK SQUAD CARE will expire today. This subscription will be Auto-Renew as per plan selected at your end. Please Review your purchased summary below.

Customer support : +1 (888) 245-9426

Billed To

Customer Id : 7326587632876348565
Invoice Number: 6542RDFE546789OLKI
Order No : MUHY6542WEDFR556

Product Description :-
> A/C Type :- Personal PC
> Product :- GK/PC4
> Charges :- $413.00
> Device :- Windows Computer (4 Users )
> Quantity :- 12 Months Subscription
> Payment Mode :- Auto-Debit

This Email confirms that your subscription has been renewed for another 1 year with Geek Squad for $13 on September 14™ , 2022.

This Subscription will Auto-Renew Every year unless you turn it OFF. No later than 24 hour of before the end of subscription period .

To Cancel The Subscription, CALL: +1 (888) 245-9426

Regards,
Team GeekSquad .

Another variant of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Geek SQUAD
INVOICE
Invoice No: # 854-632589
Invoice Date: Sep 13, 2022.
+1 (888) 207-3683
Hello, Customer
We appreciate your loyalty over the years, and this invoice serves as notice that your subscription plan will be automatically renewed today for the next two years at a cost of $329.99, which will be deducted from your bank account.

Invoice Information:
Product Geek Squad Computer Protection
Quantity 01
Amount $ 329.99
Total $ 329.99

However, it is entirely up to you if you wish to terminate the membership you can.
To do so, Call our Helpline at: - +1 (888) 207-3683
Regards,
Billing Division.

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: RECEIVED PAYMENT ASAP BILL NO#1876

 

Geek Squad
DATE : 09-16-2022

Your Subscription with GEEK SQUAD will Renew Today and $399.99 is about to be Debited from your account by Today. The Debited Amount will be reflected within the next 24.
If case of any further clarifications or block the auto-renewal service please reach out Customer Help Center. +1 (808) 755-4671

Customer ID: 2398466879
Invoice Number: GE3973EK
Description Quantity Unit Price Total Geek Squad Best Buy Service (One Year Subscription)
Subtotal $399.99
Sales Tax $0.00
Total $399.99

If you didn't authorize this Charge, you  have 24 Hrs. To cancel & get an instant refund of your annual subscription, please contact our customer care: +1 (808) 755-4671

Please do not reply to this email. This mailbox is not monitored, and you will not receive a response.

Thanks and regards ,
BEST BUY
Geek SQUAD
Customer support: +1 (808) 755-4671
BEST BUY Geek Squad

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

GEEK SQUAD
Customer ID: CX94203 Date: Sept 19, 2022

Payment Receipt
Dear Customer,
This email confirms your purchase of the following subscription.
Subscription Type Auto Pay Every 2 Yrs.
Subscription Period 2 Yrs.
Auto Charged 359.99 USD
Auto Paid Amount 359.99 USD
Toll Free: 88-831-3237

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Geek SQUAD ACADEMY
TAX-INVOICE
ORDER#GFVC5489565488
Support Line: (1085) 960 5323
Geek Squad Department
Date 09/28/2022
$377.75
Print or save
Powered by BEST BUY

Thank you for your GEEK SQUAD billing payment. Your payment has been successfully processed and your account has been updated.

Product Description:
Account Type: Personal Home Subscription
Product: Geek Squad security
Quantity: 01
Tenure: 36 months
Payment Mode: Auto Debit
Renewal Amount: $377.75

If you have any questions regarding your bill, Please contact our support line at-(1085) 960 5323

You will be billed each plan period untill you cancel by downloading to the free plan
From your Android device, Mac or Windose PC.

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Contract renewed (A4ODAK8P)

 

Hi There!
-

Thank you for choosing Geek Squad Tech for your computer and network security!

You are receiving this notification because you have subscribed for ultra PC security shield plan last year which expired today.

So as per our previous communication wherein you opted for automatic debit, we have once again renewed and restored the annual services.

The annual subscription cost $ 389.99 is processed from the updated account credit balance, the charge will appear on the statement within 24 hours.

This subscription secures your 04 home devices along with the home network for a period of one year, the current subscription will be expired on 13 Oct. 2023.

Should you have any queries or doubt regarding this subscription or you have any payment related issues, kindly contact us immediately to avoid transactional disputes.

For Assistance # Contact Support # +1 (866) 316 7798

Please note, in case of service cancellation the amount will be refunded back to the original payment source within 24 hours.

kind regards,

Elizabeth C. Burton
Plan updated

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

GeeK SQUAD Billing Team
INVOICE
1958 Ferguson Street,
New York, New York 10002
+1 (833) 737 - 2632
INVOICE # Due Date
77911180 October 21, 2022
Qty Description Unity Price Line Total
1 Geek Life Lock Service 299.99 299.299
1 Service 49.99 49.99
Subtotal 349.98
Sales Tax 34.99
Total 384.97
As our inbox is not monitored, you can contact us if you have any queries.
Thank you for your business!
Geek SQUAD Billing Team 1958 Ferguson Street, New York, New York 10002 Phone: +1 (833) 737 - 2632

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

INVOICE Geek SQUAD
Invoice ID: #852-789DS641F755
Date: 25/10/22
+1 (888) 354-1387
Good day.
We appreciate you choosing our service.
This invoice serves as a notice that your Geek Squad PC Protection Plan annual subscription plan is due for automatic renewal today. The subscription fee is $ 320.00, and your saved bank account will be automatically debited for that amount.
Invoice Details:
Description: Geek Squad Computer Protection Plan.
Quantity: 1
Tenure: 3 Years.
Payment Mode: Direct-Debit.
Subscription Charges: $ 320.00
If you have any concerns about the payment process, assuming it isn't too much difficulty, or you'd like to cancel the membership, please get in touch with us within 12 hours to file a complaint at +1 (888) 354-1387

Another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Geek SQUAD
Invoice #GS365-359463216
Support Center: + +1 801 833 0348
INVOICE DETAILS

Hey, We hope you are happy with the services. Your personal subscription with 360-life-lock will expire today and the subscription will be automatically renewed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRODUCT
Account Type: Personal Home Subscription
Product: PC Support
Quantity: 1
Tenure: 3 years
Payment Mode: Auto Debit
Order Amount: $ 349.00

We are sending you this Invoice regarding your subscription for 349.00USD It will automatically renew every 1 yers unless you turn it off.

Reach our customer support: +1 801 833 0348, if you have to cancel/modify it.
Thanks

Yet another example of Geek Squad-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Geek SQUAD
YOUR ORDER HAS BEEN DELIVERED
Your order Has been processed and as a change an amount of 463.95 USD has been debited from your account.

PRODUCT NAME GEEK SQUAD
TOTAL AMOUNT 463.95 USD
TRANSACTION DATE November 03, 2022
ORDER NUMBER ASW789-KHJ652
PAYMENT STATUS SUCCESSFULL

Thank you for remaining a part of our GEEK'S SQUAD family. Geek Squad holds a very strong reputation in the industry as a goodwill gesture, We are not willing to charge our customers this year for their auto-renewal.

IF YOU DIDN'T AUTHORIZE THIS CHARGE, YOU HAVE 24HRS. TO CANCEL & GET AN INSTANT REFUND OF YOUR ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION, TO CANCEL THE SUBSCRIPTION,
REACH US AT: (808) 800-8785

Thanks, and regards,
GEEK'S SQUAD
Customer Support (24x7) (808) 800-8785

Update 22 December 2022: Fraudsters have been observed using scam emails masquerading as letters from Geek Squad to trick recipients into installing a remote administration tool called ScreenConnect (formerly known as ConnectWise). Their goal is to gain remote access to computers.

Once a connection is established, cybercriminals can drop malware (e.g., ransomware), steal sensitive information, and perform other malicious activities on accessed computers.

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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

• What is Geek Squad scam?
• 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?

You have received this email even if you do not use any of the services provided by the Geek Squad. Scammers have sent the same email to all addresses in their database. Usually, they obtain email addresses when they get leaked after data breaches.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by this email, what should I do?

If you have provided any account credentials, change all passwords immediately. If you have provided other personal information (e.g., credit card details, ID card information) or transferred money to scammers, contact corresponding authorities as soon as possible.

I have downloaded and opened a file attached to an email used to deliver malware, is my computer infected?

It depends on the file type. If you have opened an executable file, your computer is probably already infected. In other cases, you may have avoided the infection.

I have read the email but did not open the attachment, is my computer infected?

No, computers cannot be infected by emails. They become infected after opening links or files in emails.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections that were present in email attachment?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove almost all known malware. Usually, high-end malware hides deep in the operating system. Thus, running a full system scan is required to remove it.

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