McAfee scams
Last updated September 19, 2026
The short answer
McAfee scams involve fake subscription renewal emails, browser popups claiming your McAfee protection has expired, and phishing emails about account problems. These scams use McAfee's brand to either steal your credit card information or connect you with a fake tech support agent. McAfee will never show virus warnings with phone numbers in your browser or send unexpected renewal invoices.
McAfee is one of the most commonly impersonated antivirus brands in online scams. Scammers use fake McAfee renewal emails and browser popup warnings to scare people into calling fake tech support numbers or entering credit card information on phishing sites. These scams are particularly effective because many computers come pre-installed with McAfee trials, so the renewal notices seem plausible.
How McAfee scams work
- 1
Fake McAfee expiration popup
While browsing the web, a popup notification says "Your McAfee subscription has expired! Your PC is at risk." It prompts you to click to renew or call a number for "immediate protection."
- 2
Fake renewal invoice email
An email says your McAfee subscription has auto-renewed for $299.99. The email includes a phone number to call if you want to cancel and get a refund.
- 3
Fake tech support demands remote access
When you call the number, a "McAfee technician" says they need remote access to your computer to either remove a virus or process a refund. They ask you to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
- 4
Payment extracted via gift cards or bank transfer
The scammer either charges you for a fake "lifetime protection plan" or manipulates your screen during the "refund" to claim they sent too much, pressuring you to buy gift cards to return the difference.
Warning signs
- A browser popup says your McAfee subscription expired and shows a phone number
- An email says McAfee auto-renewed for $200-$400 and includes a cancellation number
- The "technician" asks you to install remote access software
- You're asked to pay for antivirus with gift cards or wire transfer
- A popup says "Your PC has 5 viruses" with a McAfee logo
- The browser popup won't close or keeps reappearing
Examples
McAfee popup "Your PC is infected"
While browsing, a notification says: "McAfee Alert: 5 threats detected on your PC. Your subscription has expired. Call 1-877-XXX-XXXX for immediate protection." You call and the agent says you need a $399 lifetime protection plan. They ask for your credit card and install remote access software to "activate" the protection.
McAfee auto-renewal invoice scam
An email says your McAfee Total Protection renewed for $349.99. You don't have McAfee. You call to cancel. The agent asks for remote access to "process the refund." While screen-sharing, they claim they accidentally refunded $3,499 and need you to send back $3,150 via Walmart gift cards.
What to do
- Close the browser popup by pressing Alt+F4 (Windows) or Cmd+Q (Mac). Don't call the number.
- If you have McAfee, check your subscription at account.mcafee.com, not through popups or emails.
- If you gave remote access, disconnect from the internet and run a scan from a clean device.
- If you paid with a credit card, call your card issuer to dispute the charge.
- Report the scam to the FTC and consider filing a police report if significant money was lost.
Report it to McAfee
Forward fake invoices to scam@mcafee.com and check your real subscription at home.mcafee.com.
Getting your money back
If you paid for a fake McAfee service with a credit card, call your card issuer to dispute the charge. If you sent gift cards, call the gift card company immediately. They may be able to freeze the remaining balance. If a scammer had remote access to your device, assume all passwords entered during that session are compromised and change them from a clean device.
Frequently asked questions
Are McAfee popup virus warnings real?
Legitimate McAfee software may show notifications within its own application, but it will never show a phone number in a browser popup or claim your PC is infected through a web notification. Browser popups saying "McAfee detected threats" are scams.
Does McAfee auto-renew subscriptions?
McAfee does auto-renew subscriptions, but they send renewal notices through your registered email and charge the card on file. They will never send an invoice with a phone number to call for cancellation. Check your subscription status at account.mcafee.com.
How do I stop fake McAfee popups in my browser?
These popups come from malicious websites that abuse browser notification permissions. Go to your browser settings > Notifications and remove any unfamiliar websites. In Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Notifications.
Other companies scammers impersonate
Scams reuse their scripts across brands. If you were contacted about McAfee, these are the guides worth reading next.