Scam Warning: Geek Squad, A Division of Best Buy
We recently received the following email notification and I’m writing this so that at least a few folks won’t get drawn into the same potentially disastrous scam we have experienced:
GEEKSQUAD
Renewed: 10/06/2022
Help-Desk: +1 844 334 2776
Dear Customer,
Thank you for being our valuable user for so long.
Your renewal has been completed, and your account has been debited for $249.89.
If you require any additional information or wish to cancel your subscription, please reach Help-desk +1 844 334 2776 immediately.
Next Renewal: 6 Oct 2023
Bill to:
Renewal ID:
Details:
Geek 360 Subscription
(Annual subscription for PC & other devices)
03 Users
Total: $
We promise to serve you in the same way as we have been serving.
Thanks
Renewal & Billing Team
Realizing I had not authorized an automatic renewal and deciding we did not need this service any longer, I decided to “bite the bullet” (as one feels these days when one must get on the phone to these “help” desks, an oxymoron if there ever was one) and make the call and get our money refunded. As noted above, little did I realize this was one of the most potentially devastating mistakes I have ever made in my long life, and considering the severity of some of those mistakes, that’s a very high bar indeed!
Space does not permit going through all the details by which these scammers had meticulously planned to steal a significant portion of our funds from our bank account. Suffice it to say that it was quite involved with phone conversations lasting for what seemed like a very long time. It must be noted, as well, that had it not been for the extremely competent and professional service of our banker, who spotted the scam for what it was immediately (as she had seen the same scam involving Geek Squad) , the money may well have been lost forever.
While I have no magic answers as to how to avoid this kind of thievery, I do feel it is incumbent upon those who have been scammed to let others know so they can be on the lookout; as in this case, do not, repeat not, call the Geek Squad “help” desk without checking out their website to be sure the emails match- a suggestion made by my banker.
I had heard that going through identity theft is a wrenching experience, taking sometimes forever to straighten out. I now have received a taste of that frightening feeling and it is truly one I would not wish on anyone.
As the wonderful old Sergeant used to say at Roll Call on the Hill Street Blues TV show, “be careful, it’s a jungle out there!”