Fake Auto-Renewal and Refund Scam Emails
Category
Business and Email
Affects
Residents
Status
Ongoing
Source
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office has warned about a scam disguised as the auto-renewal of identity theft protection or security software. Scams of this type typically claim you were charged and give a phone number to dispute it, then push you toward remote access to your computer or your bank login.
How it works
- A message says you were billed for a renewal you never ordered.
- You are told to call a number to cancel or dispute the charge.
- A common next step is a request to install remote access software or to send money back after a fake refund error.
Red flags
- A charge for a product you do not recognize with a phone number only.
- Anyone asking you to install remote access software.
- A refund sent 'by mistake' with a request to return part of it.
What to do
- Do not call the number. Check your bank or card statement directly.
- If you allowed remote access, disconnect from the internet, change passwords from a clean device, and call your bank.
- Report to the Sheriff's Office and the FTC.
Already paid or shared information? See the step-by-step checklist and the list of places to report. You can also report to the FTC or the FBI IC3.
Does your group want a short talk on scams? Request a free community talk.
Posted solely for community awareness. This is not an official government or law enforcement notice, and High Sierra Cyber is not affiliated with any agency named here. Board last updated October 10, 2026. Details, phone numbers, and policies change, so confirm with the official agency before acting. Submitted reports are unverified. General information only, not legal or financial advice.