How It Works
Scammers send an email or pop-up that looks like an automatic renewal notice from a well-known antivirus brand, claiming your subscription has been charged or is about to expire. Calling the included "support number" connects you to a fraudster who either asks for payment for a fake "refund process" or seeks remote access to your computer.
Real Example
Email: "Your McAfee subscription has auto-renewed for ₹6,499. If this wasn't authorized, call our support team to cancel and refund." The number connects to a scammer who asks for remote access to process the "refund."
Red Flags 🚩
- Email claims an antivirus subscription was just auto-renewed for an unusually large amount
- Asks you to call a phone number to dispute or cancel the charge
- Caller asks for remote access or banking details to process a "refund"
- Sender email domain doesn't match the official antivirus company
Protection Steps 🛡️
- Check your actual bank/card statement to verify whether any charge really occurred.
- Manage subscriptions only through the official antivirus company website or app.
- Never call numbers provided in unsolicited renewal emails — find official support independently.
- Never grant remote access to "process" a refund.