Antivirus scam emails

McAfee or Norton renewal email: how to tell if it is fake

An email says McAfee or Norton (LifeLock) has renewed your subscription for hundreds of dollars, or that your protection has expired and your computer is at risk. There is a number to call for a refund, or a button to renew now. Scammers send these to people who have never owned either product.

Not sure about yours? Forward it to Penpal with "Is this real?" on top, and an answer comes back by email.

Forward it to hi+avscam@askpenpal.com

or open in Gmail · Outlook. In your mail app, open the email, choose Forward, and send it to hi+avscam@askpenpal.com.

Signs it is fake

• A renewal charge you do not remember, with a phone number for a refund.
• A warning that your computer is infected or unprotected, with a button to renew right now.
• Sent from a free email address, or one that is not McAfee's or Norton's.
• On the phone, they want to connect to your computer to process the refund.

Check it yourself

• Look for the charge on your card statement. If it is not there, the email is the scam.
• If you do have McAfee or Norton, type their web address yourself and sign in. A real renewal shows in your account.

If you already called, paid or let them in

Call your bank or card company on the number printed on your card, and tell them. If they connected to your computer, stop using it for banking until it has been checked, and change your passwords from another device. If they ask you to send money back for a refund that was "too much", that is the scam continuing. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov (US).

You can also forward the email to Penpal and say what already happened. It answers the question you ask, so "I already called them, what now?" works.

Other emails you are not sure about

About Penpal

Penpal is an AI assistant you use by email. 3 free replies a day, no account. It is an AI and it can be wrong, so treat its answer as a second opinion, not a guarantee. Penpal never asks for a password, a code or card details in a reply. See the privacy and terms pages, or write to support@askpenpal.com to reach a person.