Tech support
Is the McAfee renewal email a scam?
Quick answer
Yes, in almost all cases. McAfee does not send unsolicited 'auto-renewal' emails with phone numbers to call. The fake invoice is bait — the goal is to get you on the phone with a scammer who will then drain your accounts.
Red flags to look for
- Invoice for an amount like $299, $399, $499 — designed to alarm
- Includes a callback phone number to 'cancel' — the trap
- Sender domain is not @mcafee.com
- PDF attachment mimicking an invoice
- Subject line uses 'Final Notice' or 'Auto-Renewal Confirmed'
Real examples
Email
McAfee Total Protection Auto-Renewal: $429.99 charged. To cancel, call 1-833-555-0142 within 24 hours.
Likely Scam
Real McAfee charges show in your account at mcafee.com. The callback number routes to scammers who walk you through 'refunds' that end in account drainage.
What to do
- Don't call the number.
- Check your bank statement — there won't be a real charge.
- Log into mcafee.com directly if you want to verify subscription status.
- Report to spam@mcafee.com.
- Delete the email.
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Why scammers use this approach
Same playbook as Geek Squad and Norton scams — McAfee is a recognized brand, the fake invoice for hundreds of dollars triggers panic calls, and the phone is where the real fraud happens.
Frequently asked questions
What if I have a real McAfee subscription?
Verify by logging into mcafee.com directly. Real cancellations happen inside your account.