Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Malwarebytes Scam Email and Text

Malwarebytes is a legitimate, award-winning cybersecurity company and is not a scam. However, its brand name is frequently exploited by cybercriminals to deceive users.

Common Scams

Scammers often impersonate Malwarebytes to gain trust and steal personal information:

  • Fake Invoice Emails: Users receive emails (often appearing to be from "Geek Squad" or similar) claiming a high-priced Malwarebytes subscription has been renewed (e.g., $560). These contain a phone number to call for "refunds," which leads to a tech support scam.
  • Imposter Websites: Cybercriminals create fake websites that look like the official Malwarebytes site to distribute malware (like info stealers) or sell illegal, overpriced copies of the software.
  • Phishing Messages: You may receive texts or emails asking you to click a link to "verify" your account or "fix" a security issue. These links often lead to sites designed to steal login credentials.

Verify Legitimacy

To ensure you are dealing with the real company:

  • Check the URL: Only download software from the official malwarebytes.com domain.
  • Verify Email Senders: Legitimate communications will come from a @malwarebytes.com email address. Watch for misspellings like "Malware bytes" or "mware bites".
  • Check Official Prices: A standard 5-device license typically costs around $80/year. If an invoice claims a significantly higher amount (e.g., $500+), it is likely a scam.
  • Review Account Status: If you receive a renewal notice, log in directly to your Malwarebytes MyAccount to check your actual subscription status rather than clicking email links.

Tools to Fight Scams

The company provides features specifically designed to help users identify other scams:

  • Scam Guard: An AI-powered tool available on mobile and desktop that analyzes suspicious texts, emails, and links to tell you if they are legitimate.
  • Browser Guard: A free extension that blocks malicious websites, trackers, and tech support scam pop-ups.

If you believe you have already fallen for a scam involving Malwarebytes' name, stop all communication immediately, secure your financial accounts, and use the official Malwarebytes Support for assistance.

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