A common email scam making the rounds claims that your Webroot antivirus subscription has automatically renewed and that your credit card has been charged hundreds of dollars.
Many recipients become concerned because they have never purchased Webroot software or because the email references a large charge that appears to have already been processed.
The good news is that in many cases, no charge was actually made. The email is simply designed to frighten you into contacting the scammers.
Why Am I Receiving a Webroot Renewal Email?
Most victims report receiving an email that looks like an invoice or payment confirmation.
The message often claims:
Your Webroot subscription has renewed automatically
A payment between $200 and $700 has been processed
Your account will be charged immediately
You must contact customer support to cancel
A refund is available if you call right away
The scammers are counting on the fact that many people will react emotionally to seeing a large dollar amount.
How the Webroot Email Scam Works
Unlike many phishing scams, the goal is often not to get you to click a link.
Instead, the email usually contains a phone number.
A typical scam works like this:
You receive a fake renewal notice.
The email claims a large charge has been processed.
You call the customer service number listed in the email.
The scammer pretends to be a billing representative.
You are told that a refund can be issued.
The scammer asks for banking information or remote access to your computer.
Money or personal information is stolen.
Many victims report that the caller sounds professional and appears knowledgeable.
A Real Example
One common variation states:
"Thank you for renewing your Webroot Security subscription. Your account has been charged $499.99 for the annual protection plan."
The email then provides a customer service number and encourages the recipient to call immediately if the charge was not authorized.
That phone number is often the entire purpose of the scam.
Warning Signs
Several red flags appear in many of these emails.
You Never Owned Webroot
A surprising number of victims never had a Webroot subscription in the first place.
Large Charges
Scammers often use unusually high amounts because they know it will get attention.
Pressure to Call Immediately
The email is designed to create panic and encourage quick action.
Requests for Remote Access
No legitimate refund requires a stranger to control your computer.
How to Protect Yourself
Check Your Actual Accounts
Before doing anything, review your bank and credit card statements.
Many victims discover there was never a charge.
Do Not Call the Number
If you have concerns about a real Webroot account, visit the official company website directly.
Never Allow Remote Access
Be cautious of anyone asking to install remote support software.
Delete the Email
If no charge exists and the email is fraudulent, deleting it is often the safest option.
What If You Already Called?
If you contacted the number:
Disconnect any remote access software immediately.
Change important passwords.
Contact your bank if financial information was provided.
Scan your computer for malware.
Monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
Consider freezing your credit if sensitive information was disclosed.
Acting quickly may help limit the damage.
Related Resources
Need official company contact information?
CorporateOfficeHeadquarters.com – Find corporate office addresses, executive contacts, and company reviews.
CustomerServiceNumbers.com – Locate customer service phone numbers and company support resources.
ChargeOnMyCard.com – Research unfamiliar credit card charges and recurring subscriptions.
Related Scam Warnings
Consumers researching Webroot scams may also be interested in:
Have You Received a Webroot Scam Email?
Share your experience below.
What amount did the email claim you were charged?
Did the message include a phone number?
Did you contact the sender?
Was remote access requested?
Were you able to verify whether a charge actually occurred?
Your experience may help others recognize and avoid similar scams.
Disclaimer
ThinkItsAScam.com is an independent consumer information website. We are not affiliated with Webroot or OpenText. This article is intended for educational purposes and to help consumers identify common phishing and refund scams.
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