Fake invoice emails claiming your account was just charged $399.99 for software or crypto—and urging you to call a toll-free 'cancellation' number—are among the top financial scams reported to the FTC. Here is how to verify every bill safely.
How the Fake Renewal Invoice Callback Scam Works
Criminals send a convincing PDF invoice impersonating Geek Squad, Norton, PayPal, or Amazon. When you call the phone number printed on the fake PDF to cancel, the scammer asks to install remote-desktop software on your computer to 'process the refund' and steals your banking session.
Rule #1: Never Call a Phone Number Printed on an Unexpected Email
If you receive an unfamiliar charge notice, close the email, open your actual credit card or bank app independently, and check your real posted transactions. If nothing is there, delete the email.
"If an email claims you were charged $499 for an order you did not place, check your bank app directly—never dial the phone number inside the email."
Why Bank 'Push' Bill Pay Is Safer Than Giving Out Your Routing & Account Number
Instead of giving dozens of merchants your checking account and routing numbers for 'pull' ACH debits, initiate payments from inside your own bank's Bill Pay portal, or route recurring utility and streaming bills through a dedicated cash-back credit card.
Stopping Paper Check-Washing Mail Theft
Never leave outgoing paper checks in an unlocked residential mailbox with the red flag raised. Pay electronically via your bank portal or drop mail directly inside a US Postal Service building.
Official US Consumer Verification
Always verify financial rules, tax credits, and consumer protections directly through official US government portals (ConsumerFinance.gov, IRS.gov, FTC.gov, and AnnualCreditReport.com). Need to match platforms to your profile? Try our 2026 Interactive Eligibility Finder →