How to Avoid the Geek Squad Scam

What is a Geek Squad Scam?

A Geek Squad Scam occurs when a scammer impersonates a member of the Geek Squad to exploit consumers’ limited knowledge of their devices. Remember, Geek Squad is a subsidiary of Best Buy, and they are the go-to experts in consumer electronics repair. They offer services and assistance to consumers facing a range of issues, such as the following:

• Setting up your new laptop
• Repairing your refrigerator
• Fixing slow devices
• Removing viruses & malware
• General Troubleshooting
• Data Recovery, Backup, Transfer
• Software installation
• 24/7 support including online chat support & phone support

For more details, check out their website.

Who do Scammers Target?

Scammers often target individuals who are already using or have used services like Geek Squad. Recognizing a fake Geek Squad renewal scam is essential to protect yourself from falling victim to fraudsters who impersonate legitimate services. Below are common methods used by Geek Squad scammers:

• Geek Squad Scam Email
• Geek Squad Renewal Scam
• Geek Squad Billing Scam
• Geek Squad Invoice Scam
• Geek Squad Security Scam

Here are the facts:

• Geek Squad (or any other tech support group) almost never contact you with unsolicited phone calls or emails. 
• No one can tell you if your computer has been hacked without having access to it. 
• Geek Squad agents are trained to never access data on a customer’s device except in limited circumstances and only to the extent necessary to perform the requested service.
• No browser plugin can scan for viruses.

Scammers are smart. Indeed, you are smarter. Below are ways for you to protect yourself from scammers.

7 Ways to Avoid Geek Squad Scams

Email claiming to be Geek Squad from a free email account

• Scammers may use URLs or email addresses that resemble the official Geek Squad website or email but have subtle differences. But, always double-check the authenticity of the website or email domain.

They tell you your device is infected via email or phone call

• How would they know? Why do they care unless you have an account with them and you’re paying them to fix it? Be cautious if you receive unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages claiming to be from Geek Squad, especially if you didn’t initiate contact or have an existing relationship with them.

Send you a subscription Auto-Renewal Message and you don’t have an account

• Although, they want you to call the number or click the link they provide in the email. Go around them and contact the Geek Squad directly using their official contact information to talk to the (real) professionals.

They make you download a “Device Cleaner” software that is actually malware

• Beware of any browser plugin that claims to scan your device for viruses, they can’t do that. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails. These could contain malware or phishing attempts.

Send you a Password Reset Email for an account you don’t have

• This will be a two-step approach. First, hover over the password reset link in the email and confirm the domain (it should be BestBuy.com). If it is not, don’t click it. Next, call the number on the official BestBuy.com to ask a representative if a fraudulent account was opened in your name. 

They send you too much money for a refund and ask you to wire the difference

• If you did call the number in the fake auto-renewal email and ask for a refund, the support agent will ask you to fill out a form to receive your refund. However, if the form does not work, the support agent will ask to remotely access your device to help you complete the refund. Lastly, they will “accidentally” enter a higher amount as a refund and then have the nerve to ask you to wire back the difference to their account. 
• In this case, don’t send any money. Contact your bank and wait a few days for the funds to clear. 

Offer you a protection plan that has no online reviews

• Basically, Geek Squad rarely reaches out to sell antivirus software, and if they did, they would recommend reputable solutions found on top review sites like Security.org. 

How to Report Suspicious Activity

If you suspect you’ve encountered a fake Geek Squad renewal scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S., and to Geek Squad’s official customer support.

If you need an expert to identify a scam, use Hogo’s ScamAssist tool to further investigate potential scams.

Therefore, by staying vigilant, verifying information through official channels, and exercising caution when dealing with unexpected renewal offers, you can avoid falling victim to fake Geek Squad renewal scams.

Categorised in: Scams

This post was written by Adrian Yang