FRAUD FRIDAY: Subscription Renewal Email Scams (Antivirus, Streaming)

As the number of frauds and scams continues to grow in the Nicola Valley, Merritt & Nicola Valley Crime Stoppers, and Q101 are teaming up to present Fraud Fridays, a feature designed to inform those in the community of the dangers of fraud, what they should look for, and what to do if they are a victim of fraud.

Marlene Jones, chair of the local chapter of Crime Stoppers, says that her organization is making fraud and fraud prevention a top priority in 2026, with hopes to keep the community safe from those looking to scam people out of their money and personal information.

Today’s Fraud Friday: Subscription Renewal Email Scams

These scams look like renewal notices for services you may use, but they’re designed to make you call a fake support number or click a harmful link.

How They Work

• Emails claim your subscription is about to renew.

• They include fake invoices or large charges.

• Victims are urged to call a number to “cancel.”

• Scammers then request remote access or payment.

Steps to Protect Yourself

• Check your real account directly, not through the email.

• Avoid calling numbers listed in unsolicited messages.

• Delete emails with unexpected renewal notices.

• Keep antivirus and software up to date.

What to Do If Targeted

• Disconnect from the internet if you allowed remote access.

• Change passwords and run a security scan.

• Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and to your local police, if you have lost money.

Bottom Line

” Always verify renewals through your actual account, not through an email link.”

The Merritt & Nicola Valley Crime Stoppers are also looking for volunteers this year to help out with local events. If you can spare just a few hours a month or would like to become more active within the organization by reaching out to Crime Stoppers via their website at www.nicolavalleycrimestoppers.com.