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Scam Alert · March 8, 2026 · Source: FTC

Fake subscription cancellation emails

These emails commonly impersonate Norton, McAfee, Geek Squad, or Apple. They include a fake invoice and the threat of an upcoming charge to create urgency. Calling the number connects to a scammer who 'helps' you cancel — by getting remote access to your computer.

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Older adult reviewing a suspicious package delivery message
What it may look like

Fake antivirus subscription invoice

"Subject: Your Norton subscription has been renewed - Invoice #87456 Thank you for renewing your Norton 360 Premium subscription. Your card has been charged $499.99 for the annual plan. If you did not authorize this charge, please call our billing department immediately at 1-855-555-0177 to cancel and process a refund within 24 hours."

What not to do

  • Do not call the phone number in the email.
  • Do not click 'cancel' or 'refund' links in the email.
  • Do not reply to the email confirming or denying the subscription.

Safer next step

  • Check your real bank or credit card statement online. If the charge isn't there, the email is a scam.
  • If you do have an account with the company mentioned, log in directly through their official website — not the email — to see your subscriptions.
  • Delete the email. The 'urgent' deadline is fake; nothing will happen if you ignore it.

Family discussion prompt

Practice together: 'When we get a surprise charge email, we check our actual bank statement first. We never call a phone number from an email.'

Source: FTC Consumer Alerts. KeepUp Academy summarizes and republishes plain-language guidance for older adults; we are not affiliated with the FTC.

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