Fake renewal invoice (callback scam)
Email says you were charged for a renewal and gives a number to call.
How to spot it
- Charge you never made
- Phone number, no link
- Pressure to call now
What to do
Check your bank or card statement and the vendor's own account page; never call a number in the email.
What the real thing looks like
- A genuine renewal reminder sent from the vendor's domain
Try an example
A practice example with fictional companies. Answer it, then see the tells.
Is this email a scam or legit?
FromFrom: ShieldGuard BillingSender address: billing@shieldguard-renewals.example
Tome
Receipt: your 3-year plan has renewed ($349.99)
Thank you for renewing ShieldGuard Total Protection for 3 years.
Amount charged: $349.99. If you did not authorize this charge, call our billing line right away: 555-0142 (open 24 hours).
Order ID: SG-88213
Sure and right: +15. Sure and wrong: -5. Calling a legitimate item a scam counts as a miss.
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