Subscription Auto-Renewal Warning Email Scam Examples
Emails impersonating software or streaming services warn that a large annual subscription is about to auto-renew and invite you to call a number to cancel — where agents push you toward remote-access fraud or refund scams.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
RENEWAL NOTICE: Your [software] annual subscription of [amount] will be charged to your card on file in 24 hours. To cancel and receive a full refund, call [fake number] immediately.
Action required: [streaming service] Premium — [amount] auto-renewal. If you did not authorise this, call our billing team at [fake number] to dispute the charge before it posts.
Your [antivirus] licence renewal of [amount] has been processed. If this is an error, contact our refund department within 24 hours: [fake number]. Do not contact your bank as this may delay your refund.
What the scammer wants
To get you on the phone where agents fabricate a refund process, gain remote access to your device via screen-sharing, and then steal money directly from your bank account.
Red flags in the message
- Renewal amount that seems far too high for any software or streaming service
- Urgency to call a number rather than manage the account online
- Warning not to contact your bank
- Email from a free domain or an address that does not match the brand
- No link to the official account portal to cancel
A safe response
Do not call the number. Log in to the service directly using the official website to check your subscription status. If in doubt, contact the company via details on their official site.
What not to send
- Remote-access software credentials
- Online banking login details
- Card or bank account information by phone
What to do if you already replied
- If you installed remote-access software, close it immediately and run a security scan
- If you shared banking details, contact your bank's fraud line now
- Change passwords for any accounts accessed during the call
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times