Fake Invoice and Subscription Renewal Email Scam

An email says you were charged for a subscription you never bought and gives a number to call to cancel. Here’s how this refund scam works.

By the Explain My Paper team · Updated October 20, 2026

What the message looks like

Scam messages change all the time, but they often look something like this example (the names and links are made up):

How the scam works

You receive an official-looking invoice or receipt for an expensive subscription, often antivirus software, computer support or an online store membership. You didn’t buy it, so you call the number to cancel. The “support agent” offers a refund but needs to connect to your computer or see your online banking. They then fake a mistake, claim they refunded too much, and pressure you to send money back, often by gift card or bank transfer.

Warning signs

• A large charge for something you don’t remember buying.
• The only way to cancel is to call a phone number in the email.
• Sent from a personal or free email address, not the company’s own domain.
• No real account details, or details that don’t match any account you have.
• Anyone asking to install software so they can “process your refund.”

What to do

1. Don’t call the number or open attachments.
2. Check your real bank or card statement. If no charge appears, the email is fake.
3. If you do have an account with that company, log in through their official website or app, not a link in the email.
4. Delete the email and mark it as spam or phishing.

If you already called or let them connect

Disconnect the computer from the internet, uninstall any software they had you install, and have the device checked. Contact your bank using the official number, change your passwords from a different device, and never send money “back” to a caller.

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