Webroot Antivirus Renewal Scam: How Fake Renewal Emails Trick Users and How to Stay Safe

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The Webroot antivirus renewal scam is a growing online fraud that targets both existing Webroot users and people who have never purchased the software. Scammers impersonate Webroot and send fake renewal or billing emails designed to scare victims into calling fraudulent phone numbers or sharing sensitive information.

Although Webroot is a legitimate antivirus company, criminals exploit confusion around auto-renewals and subscriptions to run phishing and tech-support scams. This article explains how the scam works, how to identify fake Webroot renewal emails, and what to do if you receive one.

What Is the Webroot Antivirus Renewal Scam?

The Webroot antivirus renewal scam is a phishing and refund scam in which criminals send emails claiming your Webroot subscription is about to renew or has already been charged.

These scam emails often include:

A fake invoice or receipt
A large renewal amount to trigger panic
A phone number to “cancel” or request a refund

Once you call the number, scammers pose as Webroot customer support agents and attempt to steal your money, payment details, or remote access to your device.

Is Webroot Antivirus Legitimate?

Yes. Webroot is a real and established cybersecurity company that provides antivirus and internet security products.

Official Webroot website:
https://www.webroot.com

However, Webroot has no connection to scam emails that:

Ask you to call a phone number
Claim subscriptions you never purchased
Demand urgent action to avoid charges

Legitimate Webroot Auto-Renewals vs. Fake Renewal Scams

Understanding the difference is essential to avoid being scammed.

Legitimate Webroot Auto-Renewals

Webroot subscriptions often include automatic renewal, meaning:

Your subscription renews yearly unless canceled
Charges appear in your official Webroot account
Emails come from verified Webroot domains
You manage billing through your Webroot account dashboard

If you previously agreed to auto-renewal, a charge may be legitimate even if you forgot about it.

You can manage subscriptions here:
https://www.webroot.com/us/en/support/home-contact

Fake Webroot Renewal Emails (The Scam)

Scam emails typically:

Claim you were charged for a subscription you do not recognize
Instruct you to call a phone number to cancel
Use fear-based language like “final notice” or “account suspension”
Come from suspicious or unrelated email addresses

Many recipients have never purchased Webroot at all, which is a clear sign of fraud.

Common Warning Signs of a Webroot Renewal Scam

Look out for these red flags:

You receive a Webroot renewal email without having an active subscription
The email includes a phone number for cancellation or refunds
The message pressures you to act immediately
The sender’s email address is not from “@webroot.com”
The invoice amount seems unusually high or unfamiliar

According to consumer protection agencies, legitimate companies rarely ask customers to resolve billing issues by phone via unsolicited emails.

Learn more about tech-support scams from the FTC:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/tech-support-scams

How the Webroot Renewal Scam Works

You receive a fake Webroot billing or renewal email.
The email claims your card has been charged or will be charged soon.
You are urged to call a phone number to cancel.
A scammer pretends to be a Webroot representative.
You are asked for payment details or remote computer access.
Your money or personal information is stolen.

These scams often overlap with refund scams and remote-access scams.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Webroot Renewal Email

If you suspect a Webroot renewal scam:

Do not call the phone number in the email.
Do not click any links or download attachments.
Visit the official Webroot website by typing the address manually.
Log in to your Webroot account to verify your subscription.
Check your bank or credit card statements for unauthorized charges.
Report the email as spam or phishing and delete it.

You can also report scams to the Better Business Bureau:
https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker

What to Do If You Already Fell for the Scam

If you already contacted the scammers or shared information:

Contact your bank or card issuer immediately
Request a chargeback or block your card
Change all passwords related to affected accounts
Run a full antivirus and malware scan
Monitor your financial statements closely

If remote access was granted, consider professional technical assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Webroot antivirus renewal email a scam?

Some renewal emails are legitimate, but many are scams. If the email asks you to call a phone number or claims a subscription you do not recognize, it is likely fraudulent.

Why am I getting Webroot renewal emails if I never bought Webroot?

Scammers send mass emails to random addresses. Receiving one does not mean your computer is infected or that Webroot has your details.

Should I call the phone number in a Webroot renewal email?

No. Legitimate Webroot communications do not require calling a phone number from an unsolicited email to cancel a subscription.

Can Webroot charge my card without permission?

Webroot can charge your card only if you previously agreed to automatic renewal. This is a subscription policy, not a scam. You must cancel auto-renewal before the renewal date to stop charges.

How can I protect myself from antivirus renewal scams?

Never respond to unsolicited billing emails
Avoid calling phone numbers in emails
Verify subscriptions through official websites
Use spam filters and updated security software

Final Thoughts

The Webroot antivirus renewal scam relies on fear and urgency to trick victims into acting quickly. By understanding how legitimate subscriptions work and recognizing common scam tactics, you can protect yourself from financial loss and identity theft.

Always remember: