Medium riskEmail

Fake Subscription Renewal Email

This scam emails that a subscription is renewing for a large amount, hoping you call a fake support number or click a link to cancel and hand over details.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Subscription billing scam
Main red flag
A renewal notice for a costly subscription with a number to call to cancel.
What to do first
Do not call or click. Check the real account or your card statement directly.

What to know first

This scam emails that a subscription is renewing for a large amount, hoping you call a fake support number or click a link to cancel and hand over details.

Email scams, or phishing, remain one of the most common ways criminals steal logins, payment details, and money. A convincing message imitates a brand or contact and steers you toward a fake login page, a malicious attachment, or a fraudulent payment.

The core pattern to watch for is clear: A renewal notice for a costly subscription with a number to call to cancel. Do not call or click. Check the real account or your card statement directly.

Related tricks worth knowing: the Fake Invoice Email Scam and the Fake Netflix Payment Email. For the wider picture, browse the Email Scams guides or run the message through our scam checker.

Scam statistics

Most reported
phishing was the most common type of cybercrime complaint reported to the FBI in 2023
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
$12.5B
total reported internet-crime losses in the US in 2023
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

Tell-tale red flags

  • A renewal notice for a service you do not use or recognise
  • A large charge designed to make you act quickly
  • A phone number urging you to call to cancel or dispute
  • A sender address that does not match the named company
  • A request to confirm card details or install software

Staying safe

  • Do not call the number or click links in the email
  • Check the real subscription account or your card statement directly
  • Report the email as phishing and delete it
  • Block the sender

How it usually reads

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'Your annual antivirus subscription will auto-renew today for $399.99. To cancel or dispute this charge, call our support team at 1-800-XXX-XXXX.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

What to notice: A renewal notice for a costly subscription with a number to call to cancel.

Steps if you already acted

  • Do not install remote-access software for 'support'
  • Hang up if asked for payment or remote control of your device
  • Contact your bank if you shared card details
  • Run a security scan if you downloaded anything

Common mistakes

  • Do not call the support number provided
  • Do not give remote access to your device
  • Do not share card details to 'cancel' a charge

Scams like this one

Medium risk Email

Fake Invoice Email Scam

This scam emails an invoice or receipt for something you did not buy, hoping you call a fake 'support' number or click a link to dispute it.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Email

Fake Netflix Payment Email

This scam warns that your Netflix payment failed and your account is on hold, linking to a fake page that steals your login and card details.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
High risk Email

Fake Refund Email Scam

This scam emails that you are owed a refund and asks you to confirm bank or card details, or to accept a refund that is really designed to steal your money.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Your questions answered

Why does the email list such a high price?
A large charge creates urgency and pushes you to call the number, where a fake agent tries to get remote access, payment, or your details.
Is it safe to call the number to cancel?
No. The number connects to the scammer, not real support. Check the charge through your real account or bank instead.
The agent wants to install software to refund me. Is that normal?
No. Remote-access requests are a scam tactic to control your device and accounts. Refuse and end the call.
How do I confirm a real subscription charge?
Log in to the actual service or check your bank statement directly. If there is no matching charge, the email is fake.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.