Fake Geek Squad Customer-Support Tech-Scam Calls
Fraudsters pose as Geek Squad technicians to offer fake computer-repair or virus-removal services, gaining remote access to steal data or charge for worthless work.
Part of: Fake Customer Support Scams
Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
Beyond the invoice-based auto-renewal scam, a related but distinct fraud targets consumers who actively search for Geek Squad or Best Buy tech support. Fraudulent websites and paid search advertisements impersonating Geek Squad appear when users search for PC repair help, antivirus assistance, or Geek Squad contact details.
When the victim calls the number on the fake site, a fraudster posing as a certified Geek Squad technician conducts a fake diagnostic — pointing to harmless Windows processes or logs as evidence of 'serious infection' — then charges a substantial fee for removal work performed via remote access. The 'work' accomplishes nothing except allowing the scammer to harvest sensitive files, browser-saved passwords, and banking credentials.
Some victims are also enrolled in a fake monthly support plan after the initial call, with recurring charges billed to the card they provided.
How this scam works on the Best Buy Geek Squad brand
Fake Geek Squad websites are designed to rank in search results or appear as paid ads for terms like 'Geek Squad support number' or 'Best Buy tech help'. They display the Geek Squad logo and a phone number, but the URL is not bestbuy.com or geeksquad.com.
The fraudulent 'technician' uses scare tactics during the fake diagnostic: showing the victim benign error entries in Windows Event Viewer as evidence of serious malware, or claiming the PC will be 'locked by authorities' unless cleaned immediately. Remote-access tools are installed to perform the 'repair'. During the session, the scammer may exfiltrate documents, install actual malware for future access, or directly access financial accounts.
Victims who paid by credit card over the phone often find additional unauthorised charges in subsequent months from the same or related fraudulent companies.
Common red flags
- Tech support number found through a search engine ad or an unfamiliar website rather than bestbuy.com
- Technician points to Windows Event Viewer errors or Task Manager processes as proof of infection — these are normal system entries
- Request to install remote-access software before any diagnosis begins
- Unusually high fee for 'virus removal' or a subscription for 'ongoing protection'
- The technician is reluctant to give a full name, employee ID, or verifiable Best Buy location
- Payment requested by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency rather than the standard Best Buy payment methods
How to protect yourself
- Find Geek Squad's real contact details only at bestbuy.com/geeksquad — never from a search engine ad or pop-up
- Geek Squad appointments are bookable online at bestbuy.com or in-store — legitimate support does not cold-call you or appear in alarming browser pop-ups
- If a technician asks you to open Event Viewer to 'show' infections, know that error and warning entries there are normal and not evidence of malware
- Never pay for tech support by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- If you have already given remote access, close the application, disconnect from the internet, run a legitimate security scan from a known tool (Windows Defender, Malwarebytes), and change important passwords from a separate device
How to report it
- Report fake Geek Squad websites to Best Buy via bestbuy.com
- Report tech support fraud to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report fraudulent paid search ads to Google or Bing using the 'Report ad' function
- If you lost money, contact your bank and local law enforcement
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the real Geek Squad phone number?
Go directly to bestbuy.com and navigate to Geek Squad from the site's menu. The official Geek Squad support number is 1-800-GEEK-SQUAD. Do not rely on numbers found in search-engine ads or pop-up browser alerts.
A Geek Squad technician showed me lots of errors on my PC. Are they real?
Windows Event Viewer always contains warning and error entries as part of normal operation. Showing you these entries is a common trick used by fraudsters to create false alarm. A real Geek Squad technician would not use this as 'proof' of infection.