PRODUCT, SCAMS Watch out for renewal scams pretending to be Malwarebytes by Pieter Arntz | June 24, 2026 Fake subscription renewal notices are doing the rounds again. Some of these scams impersonate Malwarebytes, and we’ve also seen them reach our customers. You’re more likely to trust the message if you’re already a customer of the company mentioned in the email. That’s what the scammers are counting on. So we want to make people aware that these scams are becoming increasingly common, and explain how to spot them. Software renewal scams (including fake Malwarebytes “renewal” emails and calendar invites) are a specific, very active form of phishing and tech support fraud that contribute to millions of dollars in losses every year. What to look out for The template is easy enough to recognize once you know how to spot the signs: The sender’s email address doesn’t belong to the company the sender claims to represent. Often the messages come from compromised accounts or from lookalike domains designed to appear legitimate. Always check the sender’s email address carefully. The emails will often include lots of official-looking (but made-up) details and reference numbers, along with a charge large enough to provoke concern. The amount is typically several hundred dollars, but it can be much higher. The message usually ends with a phone number to call or a link where you can supposedly dispute the charge. The wording and amounts vary from scam to scam. The phone numbers change too, often using local-looking numbers or hosted voice services to appear more trustworthy. Below is one example we saw that uses a callback lure, encouraging the target to call a phone number and engage with a tech support scam: Subject: Account Maintenance Update From: <redacted sender name> <redacted-email@example.com> Your order for Malwarebytes Ultimate Protection has been confirmed. The total amount of $276.50 USD has been successfully charged. Invoice Details: Invoice #: INV‑ZIDNQCWSMO Product: Ultimate Security Pack License Term: 3 Years Seats: 3 Devices Subtotal: $276.50 USD Tax: $0.00 USD Grand Total: $276.50 USD Activation Code: 8fd14ea8‑4014‑4430‑ba19‑313554098112 Your license is now active and will renew automatically. For billing inquiries, reach us at +1 (810) 210‑5434. Other fake renewal notices may pretend to come from PayPal or other payment providers and direct you to a website where you’re asked to log in. These are phishing emails trying to steal your banking credentials. How to stay safe If you receive a subscription renewal communication claiming to be from us, our Help Center article explains how our legitimate renewal notices work and how to verify they’re genuine. In general: Do not click links or call phone numbers in unsolicited emails. When in doubt, check the origin of the email by going directly to the company’s official website and ask about it through official channels. Don’t follow sponsored search results to get there, as these can be scams. D