The "you were charged, call for a refund" scam
This made-up bill says you owe money. It gives a phone number for help. That call leads to a fake refund story. Check the charge with your real bank or the company you know.
Step 1 See what it looks like
Subject: Your order is confirmed. Thank you for your purchase. Your Norton 360 subscription has renewed. Amount charged: $499.99 to your card on file. Order #NRT-90381. If you did NOT make this purchase, you must call our Billing Department within 24 hours to cancel and get a full refund. Call now: 1-888-555-0147. This charge will post to your account today.
This is a made-up example to teach you. We will never show you a real person’s message.
Step 2 Find the red flags
- 1
“Amount charged: $499.99”
A sum in an email does not prove you were charged. Check your real account.
- 2
“within 24 hours”
Check the issue and any real deadline with the company.
- 3
“Call now: 1-888-555-0147”
Use a known company number, not the one in this suspect email.
- 4
“get a full refund”
The refund promise lures you into giving device access.
- 5
“Order #NRT-90381”
An order number can be made up. Check your own records.
Step 3 See why it works
A fake bill makes you want a refund fast. The caller then claims to refund too much. They ask you to return it in gift cards. A balance on their screen is not proof that money arrived.
- Do not use the links or number in this message.
- Check the charge in your bank app or call the number on your card.
- Find the company site or support number yourself.
- Do not install the caller's refund tool or give remote access.
- Do not buy gift cards to return a claimed extra payment. Ask your bank what really arrived.
- If you shared codes or access, get help now. Keep the message and receipts.
Check the real charge yourself. Do not give a caller remote access or card codes for a refund.