Is the McAfee Renewal Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a phishing scam that impersonates McAfee.

What should I do if I received the McAfee Renewal Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the McAfee Renewal Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the McAfee Renewal Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

McAfee Renewal Scam: Is It a Scam?

Very High Prevalence Type: Phishing Impersonates: McAfee

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

Scammers send fake McAfee subscription renewal emails claiming you are about to be charged hundreds of dollars for an antivirus plan you never signed up for. The emails direct you to call a number or click a link to cancel, leading to a tech support scam.

How This Scam Works

You receive an email with a realistic-looking McAfee invoice stating your subscription is renewing for $349.99 or a similar high amount. The email says the charge will be processed within 24 hours unless you cancel. When you call the listed phone number, a scammer posing as McAfee support asks you to install remote access software so they can 'process your refund.' They then pretend to accidentally refund too much money and pressure you to return the difference via gift cards or wire transfer. Some variations skip the phone call and simply link to a phishing site that collects your payment information.

Red Flags to Watch For

You do not have a McAfee subscription but received a renewal notice
Invoice total is unusually high ($300+)
Email asks you to call a phone number to cancel
Sender address is not from mcafee.com
Payment is demanded within 24 hours to create urgency

Example Scam Messages

Subject: Your McAfee Total Protection has been renewed - Invoice #MCF-29481 Thank you for renewing your McAfee Total Protection plan. Plan: McAfee Total Protection (3 Devices) Amount Charged: $349.99 Renewal Date: Auto-renewed today If you did not authorize this renewal, please contact our billing department within 24 hours at 1-877-555-0133 to request a full refund. --- Subject: Payment Confirmation - McAfee Antivirus $449.99 Dear Valued Customer, Your annual subscription for McAfee Antivirus Plus has been successfully renewed. Amount: $449.99. If you wish to cancel, contact us imediately at 1-855-555-0199.

What to Do If You Received This

Do not call the phone number in the email
Do not click any links
Check your bank statement to confirm no charge was actually made
If you have McAfee, log in at mcafee.com directly to check your subscription
Delete the email

What to Do If You Fell For It

Uninstall any remote access software installed during the call
Contact your bank immediately to report the fraud
If you sent gift cards, contact the gift card company with the receipt
Change passwords for email and banking accounts
Run a full antivirus scan on your computer
File a police report for documentation

How to Report This Scam

Report to McAfee at service.mcafee.com
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM)

Last updated: February 10, 2026