--- title: "Geek Squad scam emails: how to spot a fake | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/geek-squad-scam-emails source: TapSafely description: "Is that Geek Squad message real? The warning signs, Geek Squad's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ Geek Squad # Geek Squad scam emails: how to spot a fake Scammers copy Geek Squad because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake Geek Squad message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short Best Buy says trusted brands, itself included, will not contact you asking for personal information or payment for a support issue unless you have already been in touch with them, and it generally does not make unsolicited calls. If you are unsure, it asks you to call 1-888-BEST BUY or use the contact options on BestBuy.com. **Most common fake:** Invoice saying you were charged hundreds of dollars to renew Geek Squad. **Safest check:** Do not call the number in the email or let anyone connect to your computer. Example · fake Geek Squad message · Illustrative, links disabled Geek Squad Invoice #GS-48213: Your Total Tech Support plan has auto-renewed and $399.99 will be charged today. To cancel and get a refund, call our billing team within 24 hours at +1 (888) 555-0147. An example fake Geek Squad message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What Geek Squad says Best Buy says trusted brands, itself included, will not contact you asking for personal information or payment for a support issue unless you have already been in touch with them, and it generally does not make unsolicited calls. If you are unsure, it asks you to call 1-888-BEST BUY or use the contact options on BestBuy.com. Source: [Best Buy](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/privacy-policy/protect-yourself/pcmcat266100050002.c?id=pcmcat266100050002) ## Common fake Geek Squad messages - Invoice saying you were charged hundreds of dollars to renew Geek Squad - Urgent request to call a number within 24 hours to cancel - Refund offer that needs remote access to your computer - Claim that too much was refunded and you must pay it back with gift cards - Request for bank or card details to process a refund ## Geek Squad's real web addresses Genuine Geek Squad links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **bestbuy.com** is real, but **bestbuy-support-center.com** or **bestbuy.com.account-check.top** are not. - **bestbuy.com** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a Geek Squad message safely 1. Do not call the number in the email or let anyone connect to your computer 2. Sign in to your Best Buy account yourself to see any real memberships or orders 3. Check your bank or card statement for an actual charge 4. Contact Best Buy using 1-888-BEST BUY or the details on BestBuy.com ## How to report a fake Geek Squad message - Email scams that use the Best Buy or Geek Squad name to abuse@bestbuy.com. [Official details on bestbuy.com](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/privacy-policy/protect-yourself/pcmcat266100050002.c?id=pcmcat266100050002) - Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. [Official details on reportfraud.ftc.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real Geek Squad website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Tech support and remote-access scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/tech-support-scams) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does Geek Squad send messages asking for payment or personal details? Best Buy says trusted brands, itself included, will not contact you asking for personal information or payment for a support issue unless you have already been in touch with them, and it generally does not make unsolicited calls. If you are unsure, it asks you to call 1-888-BEST BUY or use the contact options on BestBuy.com. How can I check if a Geek Squad message is real? Do not call the number in the email or let anyone connect to your computer. Sign in to your Best Buy account yourself to see any real memberships or orders. Check your bank or card statement for an actual charge. Contact Best Buy using 1-888-BEST BUY or the details on BestBuy.com. How do I report a fake Geek Squad message? Email scams that use the Best Buy or Geek Squad name to abuse@bestbuy.com. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. I clicked a link in a fake Geek Squad message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Protect Yourself](https://www.bestbuy.com/site/privacy-policy/protect-yourself/pcmcat266100050002.c?id=pcmcat266100050002) (Best Buy) - [How to recognize a fake Geek Squad renewal scam](https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/10/how-recognize-fake-geek-squad-renewal-scam) (Federal Trade Commission) - [How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams) (Federal Trade Commission) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Tech support and remote-access scams Pop-ups saying your computer is infected, or calls from "Microsoft". How tech support scams work and what to do if someo… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/tech-support-scams)[Brand alert ### Microsoft scam calls and emails: how to spot them Microsoft says it does not make unsolicited calls or send unsolicited emails asking for personal or financial … How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/microsoft-scam-calls-and-emails)[Brand alert ### Norton and McAfee renewal scams: spot a fake invoice Norton says its real emails never ask for passwords, Social Security numbers or card details, and they will no… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/norton-mcafee-renewal-scams)[Brand alert ### USPS scam texts: how to spot a fake USPS says it will not send you texts or emails unless you first asked for updates using a tracking number, and… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/usps-scam-texts)