Is a 'your subscription has auto-renewed' email a scam?
It may be. These emails often impersonate real services to panic you into calling a fake number or clicking a link — check your actual account before doing anything.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
A very common scam sends emails claiming your subscription to a software product, streaming service, or security tool has automatically renewed for a large amount. The email includes a phone number to call to cancel or a link to request a refund. Calling the number connects you to scammers who will attempt remote access to your device or try to collect your banking details. Clicking the link may lead to a phishing page.
Before reacting, log in to the service directly via its official website — not through any link in the email — to see whether a charge actually occurred. Check your bank statement. Genuine renewal emails from legitimate services do not include urgent 'call this number to cancel' instructions.
Common red flags
- Large renewal amount for a service you may or may not use
- Phone number in the email to call to cancel or get a refund
- Urgency — 'call within 24 hours to reverse the charge'
- Sender email address doesn't match the real company's domain
- Link in the email goes to an unfamiliar domain
- You don't recall subscribing to this service
What to do now
- Do not call any number or click any link in the email
- Log in to the service directly through its official website to check your account
- Check your bank or card statement to see if a charge actually occurred
- If you already called and gave access, disconnect and follow remote-access scam steps
- Report the email as phishing to your email provider
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't have an account with the named service?
That's fine — the charge has not actually happened. Do not call the number or click the link. Mark the email as spam and delete it.
What if I do have a subscription and am unsure if it renewed?
Check your account and billing history by going to the official website directly, and check your bank statement. If in doubt, call the service's official support number found on its website.