Fake Refund Scams
(September 10, 2026 — Leonardtown, MD)
Type of Scam: Fake Refund Scam
Method: The scam may begin with a phone call claiming you were charged for a service you did not purchase, often something associated with companies such as Geek Squad or McAfee. In other cases, you may notice what appears to be an unauthorized charge on your bank account.
The scammer offers to issue a refund and instructs you to install remote-access software such as UltraViewer, AnyDesk or TeamViewer. Once installed, the software may allow the scammer to see or control what appears on your computer screen.
You may then be asked to complete a “refund form” and enter the amount you are supposedly owed, often a few hundred dollars. The scammer manipulates what appears on your screen to make it look as though you accidentally received a much larger refund. For example, a $300 refund may suddenly appear to be $30,000.
The scammer then pressures you to “return” the extra money, often claiming they will lose their job or face serious consequences if you do not act immediately. Victims may be instructed to withdraw large amounts of cash, sometimes from more than one bank, and package the money for delivery. They may be told to leave the package for someone to pick up, ship it by UPS or FedEx, or meet a “courier” in a public place.
Red Flags: No legitimate company will require you to install remote-access software on your computer to receive a refund. An even bigger warning sign is a request to withdraw cash to repay a company or correct a supposed refund error. Legitimate businesses, banks and government agencies will not instruct you to withdraw large amounts of cash and deliver, ship or hand that money to a courier. Be suspicious of anyone who creates a sense of urgency or pressures you to act immediately.
Prevention: Do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognize. If you notice a charge on your bank account that you do not recognize, contact your bank directly using a trusted telephone number. When possible, verify your account from another trusted device or visit your bank in person. Never install remote-access software at the direction of an unsolicited caller. Be cautious when clicking online advertisements, pop-ups or links. Fraudulent ads and websites can look legitimate and may be used to install malicious software or direct you to scammers.
What to Do: If you believe you may have fallen victim to this scam, contact your bank immediately to determine whether your account has actually been compromised and to discuss steps to protect your funds. If you installed remote-access software or believe someone accessed your computer, do not delete files or programs. Power down the computer and do not use it until it can be examined. Notify law enforcement so the incident can be documented and investigated.
Remember: If someone tells you that you received too much money and must withdraw cash to “pay it back,” stop. It is a scam.