The renewal receipt for something you never bought

How it works

The email looks like a receipt or invoice from a well-known software company or online store. It says your subscription has renewed automatically and you have been charged. It includes a phone number for anyone who wants to cancel or dispute the charge.

There is usually no link and no attachment, which helps it get past email filters. The trap is the phone call. The “support agent” offers a refund and asks you to install remote access software so they can process it. Then they claim to have refunded too much by mistake and pressure you to send the difference back, or they help themselves to your online banking.

What gives it away

• You do not recognize the purchase.
• The email asks you to call instead of signing in to your account.
• The sender address does not match the company it claims to be.
• The agent wants control of your computer to issue a refund.

What to do

• Do not call the number in the email. Check your account by going to the company’s website yourself, or look at your card statement.
• Never let a caller install remote access software unless you contacted your own IT team.
• If you already called and let someone in, disconnect the computer from the internet, call IT and call your bank.