Subscription Renewal Scam

Fake 'your subscription is renewing' messages that harvest card details.

How it appears in scam messages

A subscription renewal scam sends a fake 'your plan is renewing' or 'payment failed' alert for a service you may use — streaming, antivirus, cloud storage, or a marketplace. It offers a link to 'cancel', 'update payment', or 'get a refund', which leads to a page that harvests your card details. The surprise charge is designed to make you click before thinking.

Example only - do not act on it

Example only: Your subscription renews today for $89.99. To cancel, update your details here. [link removed]

Why it matters

Surprise renewal alerts are a common phishing hook.

Common red flags

A renewal or 'payment failed' alert you didn't expect
A link to 'cancel' or 'get a refund' that asks for card details
A service name you're not sure you even use
Urgency to act before being charged

Safe next steps

Stop and verify through official channels you find yourself
Never share codes, passwords, or card details from a message
Use the message checker if you are unsure
Report and block the sender

Check a suspicious message

See the red flags in a real message and what to do next.

Check a message

PhishingPhishing is when a scammer pretends to be a trusted person or organisation to trick you into revealing passwords, codes, or financial details, or into clicking a malicious link.Brand impersonationScammers copy a trusted brand's name, look, and tone to make fake messages seem real.

Related scam messages you can check

Related scam-type hubs

Related red flags

Emergency guides

Frequently asked questions

How can I avoid subscription renewal scam?

Slow down, never act on urgency, and verify through official apps or websites you open yourself. Use the free checker if a message seems off.

What if I have already been affected?

Contact your bank or the relevant provider through official channels, change any exposed passwords from a trusted device, and save evidence. See our recovery guides.