Total Drive Scam - How to Protect Yourself

How the Scam Works

• The Hook: You receive an urgent alert or email claiming your phone's storage is full and your photos or files are at risk of being deleted.
• The Trap: The alert directs you to a fake website offering Total Drive storage, usually for an enticingly low introductory fee (e.g., $1.99).
• The Hidden Costs: Once your card is linked, users frequently find themselves in hidden, recurring, and escalating subscriptions (sometimes charging them multiple times a month).
• No Official Connection: Total Drive is not affiliated with Apple iCloud, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never click links in alerts: Always verify storage warnings by manually logging into your official account (e.g., via the native settings on your iPhone/Android or via Apple iCloud or Google Drive).
• Review your bank statements: Check for unauthorized or recurring charges from Total Drive.
• Use official channels only: Never use third-party apps to upgrade iCloud, Google, or Microsoft storage capacity.

If You've Been Scammed

1. Cancel the Subscription: Try to cancel the service via the Total Drive Portal.
2. Contact Your Bank: If the company ignores cancellation requests or continues to charge your card, contact your credit card company or bank immediately to dispute the charges, block future payments, and potentially request a new card to break the billing cycle.
3. Change Passwords: If you entered your main Google or Apple password on a fake Total Drive site, immediately log in to your official accounts and reset your passwords to prevent your accounts from being hijacked.