Geek Squad offers services in-store, on-site, and via remote access over the Internet, as well as 24-hour telephone and emergency on-site support.
What is Geek Squad
Geek Squad Inc. is a subsidiary of Best Buy, an American and Canadian multinational consumer electronics corporation based in Richfield, Minnesota.
On June 16, 1994, “Chief Inspector” Robert Stephens founded the subsidiary as an independent company, offering a variety of computer-related services and accessories to residential and commercial clients.
They merged with Best Buy in 2002, with Stephens remaining as the subsidiary’s primary corporate leadership.
The Geek Squad offers services in-store, on-site, and via remote access over the Internet, as well as 24-hour telephone and emergency on-site support.
What is a Geek Squad Appointment or Consultation?
Geek-Squad Consultation Agents serve as the first point of contact for customers.
They provide consultation to whoever require product or other technical assistance, providing knowledgeable technology solutions and support while maintaining a friendly, efficient check-in and check-out experience.
What are the services provided by Geek Squad?
The Geek-Squad offers services in-store, on-site, and via remote access over the Internet, as well as 24-hour telephone and emergency on-site support.
Geek-Squad is no longer limited to computer-related issues.
It can now diagnose and repair all consumer electronics and appliances.
Is The Best Buy Geek Squad a Scam?
When a 75-year-old woman from New Jersey needed assistance with her computer, she responded to an email from Best Buy’s Geek Squad.
Instead of receiving assistance, she was duped out of nearly $100,000 [*].
According to the FBI [*], the Geek-Squad scam is just one example of a widespread tech support scam trend that will cost Americans nearly $350 million in 2021 alone.
Scammers prey on victims seeking technical assistance, or they impersonate well-known companies (such as Best Buy, Amazon, or Apple) to trick you into giving them money, personal information, or remote access to your computer.
If you require assistance with your computer or other electronic devices, the last thing you want is to be duped.
So how do you know if you’re dealing with the real Geek-Squad or a scammer?
What Are Geek Squad Scams? How Do They Work?
Geek-Squad scams are a type of imposter scam in which criminals pretend to be members of Best Buy’s tech support team and offer “assistance” with devices, accounts, or applications.
In reality, these con artists are attempting to steal your personal information, trick you into paying for bogus services, or gain remote access to your devices.
This is how most of these scams work:
- Scammers will contact you via emails, text messages, phone calls, or fake websites, claiming to be from the Best Buy Geek-Squad.
- Once in contact, they will claim that your device has been compromised, that you owe money for a subscription, or that you need to “confirm” your identity by providing sensitive information such as credit card numbers, your Social Security number (SSN), and so on.
- Depending on the scam, they may even trick you into downloading malware or applications that grant them remote access to your device.
- Once you’re “hooked,” they’ll keep scamming you for more money — either by emptying your accounts, discovering sensitive information on your device, or demanding more money for their services.
Someone who has used the Geek-Squad or purchased something from Best Buy is more likely to fall victim to a fake Geek-Squad scam. Worse, more than 60% of tech support scam victims are over the age of 60, suggesting that elderly family members may be particularly vulnerable.
Example: A Nearly Successful Geek-Squad Scam Email
Phishing emails are used in the majority of Geek Squad scams.
Scammers send convincing emails that appear to be from the Geek-Squad, and then try to persuade you to click on links, send money, or call them.
Here’s a real-life Geek Squad email scam:
This email appears to be frighteningly convincing at first glance. It contains a legitimate-looking “Subscription ID,” the purchase date and information, and phone numbers for tech support. It also conceals the fact that it is a scam by not explicitly asking you to purchase anything.
However, there are a few red flags that indicate a scam:
- It is sent from a Gmail account. The sender’s email address is not a Best Buy email address. Instead, it comes from a free Gmail account. This raises a big red flag. It’s a scam if the email doesn’t come from an official email address.
- It doesn’t use the correct Geek-Squad logo and branding. Best Buy is a large retailer with a distinct brand and logo.
This email lacks the design elements that you would expect from a legitimate company.
- It does not contain your name.
Consider the information a company like Best Buy would have about you after a purchase.
The absence of your name in the email, which instead begins with “Dear Customer,” is a red flag that this is a phishing scam.
- It contains a suspect tech support phone number.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that the phone number for “Technical Support” and the “Customer Service Executive” is the same.
Most businesses will have different phone numbers for different teams.
If in doubt, look up a company’s phone number on its official website before calling.
- It attempts to instill a sense of urgency.
The email claims that the recipient has subscribed to Geek-Squad’s plan and has only 24 hours to cancel. This false sense of urgency is a key indicator of an online scam.
- It invites you to reach out. The message makes it clear that the scammers want to get you on the phone so they can run their scheme.
- It uses vague or generic details about your purchase. It can be frightening to consider that someone has made a large purchase in your name. However, this email lacks the purchase and cost information that would normally be included in a receipt.
While Geek-Squad scams are likely to appear in your inbox, there are other ways that these devious scammers target their victims.
This is one of the most recent (and potentially dangerous) Geek-Squad scams.
In this scam, fraudsters send emails or text messages claiming that you’ve signed up for Geek Squad’s subscription service and that you’ll be billed hundreds or thousands of dollars if you don’t cancel.
Some scammers use invoicing software to send bogus subscription renewal notices.
In most cases, the message includes a phone number to call if the charge is a “mistake.”
When you call, they will request your credit card or other banking information in order to “refund you.”
In reality, they will steal from you or commit financial fraud using that information.
This scam can often evolve into a “refund scam.”
This happens when fraudsters send you extra money using stolen accounts or credit cards and then ask you to “refund” the difference.
You’ll be out the full amount plus whatever you sent to the scammer if the original account holder reports the fraud.
Geek Squad In-Store Services
Geek-Squad provides in-store services that can be scheduled online via the Best Buy website. You can make an appointment for a repair, tune-up, troubleshooting, or consultation.
You can go into the store and drop off your device for repair or meet for your consultation/troubleshooting once you have an appointment time.
You can also walk into Geek-Squad without a reservation, but this is not recommended due to long wait times.
How do I contact local Geek Squad?
Geek Squad phone number
1-800 GEEK-SQUAD (1-800-433-5778).
Geek Squad Top Alternatives
Geek Squad is not the only company that provides business IT support. Here are a few reputable companies that also offer remote and on-site computer support. Several of them are franchises or independent technicians, as shown below:
- HelloTech
- Nerds On Call
- Computer Assistant
- Bask
- Fiverr
- TaskRabbit
- Guru
- Craigslist
Geek Squad Prices
Monthly plans have a $99.99 setup fee and a monthly fee of $24.99 or $49.99 per user, depending on the plan.
You pay this fee even if you don’t use the service that month because it’s a subscription, but it can save you money if you have a major problem or require frequent IT support.
- Printer Setup or Troubleshooting: $79.99
- Wi-Fi Setup or Troubleshooting: $99.99
Can I call Geek Squad for Free
It provides unlimited Geek-Squad support for all of your home’s technology and appliances, regardless of when or where you purchased them.
Many popular services are free, and you’ll get special discounts on in-home services like TV mounting and Wi-Fi setup.
Geek Squad Chat
In the last 18 months, 22,356 customers have searched for Geek-Squad live chat-based customer service, and we have had to disappoint them: they do not provide customer service via chats.
Fortunately, there is still a way to speak with a live person about your Geek-Squad customer service issue, and that is to call them.
If you need to speak to a live customer service representative in Geek-Squad customer service you need to dial 1-800-433-5778.
To speak with a live agent, say “I don’t have one” or press 1, then “None of those,” then press 6 (to check availability, make a purchase, or get product help) and stay on the line (typical waiting time is about 2-10 minutes).
You can also use the following other options from the customer service phone menu:
- Say “Repairs” or press 1.
- Say “Tech support” or press 2.
- Say “Installations” or press 3.
- Say “Deliveries” or press 4.
- Say “Billing” or press 5.
- Say “Protection plan” or press 6.
- Say “Internet security software” or press 7.
- Say “None of those” or press 8.
Geek Squad Customer Service
Geek-Squad Customer Service Hours
Geek Squad has live customer service representatives available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Geek-Squad Customer Support Phones
- The Geek Squad Customer Service phone number is 1-800-433-5778. Geek Squad has live customer service representatives available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Geek-Squad Social Networks Customer Service
- You can contact Geek Squad support via their Twitter page.
- You can message a live customer service representative via their LinkedIn page.
The Geek Squad Live Chat Support
Geek Squad does not provide live chat assistance. The best way to reach Geek Squad is to dial 1-800-433-5778.
Geek Squad Support E-mail
It does not provide live email support.
Geek-Squad Help Center
• More information about Geek Squad Customers can be found on the Customers Support page.
Geek Squad Opening Hours
24/7
Is Webroot A Geek Squad?
Webroot Geek Squad safeguards your personal information and identity when you use your AndroidTM device to browse, shop, bank, or share content online.
1. Launch your browser and navigate to my.webrootanywhere.com, then click Sign up now.
2. Fill out your account information and register.
3. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address you provided. To confirm your account, follow the instructions in the email.
4. To log in, enter your Webroot account credentials when prompted.
You can now access security information, configure mobile devices, send commands, and manage features.
Webroot Geek Squad Download
How do I download Webroot from Geek Squad?
Webroot protects your personal data and identity when you use your AndroidTM devices to browse, shop, bank, and share content online.
1. Open the Play Store on your AndroidTM device and search for “Webroot.”
2. Locate and tap the green “Install” button for the “Mobile Security” app.
FAQs
How do I cancel my Geek Squad subscription?
By chatting with an Agent, you can cancel your Geek Squad Protection Plan online.
You can also cancel by calling 1-800-433-5778 or going to any Best Buy location.
Can Geek Squad be trusted?
The geek squad is an excellent value.
The professionalism and quality of their work impressed me.
I only use them to service my computers because they consistently outperform in-house personnel.
I’ve had problems loading software due to a bug in the software.
Can Geek Squad see your history?
Yes, Geek Squad has the authority to search your files and turn you over to the police.
How much does Best Buy Geek Squad Charge?
Geek Squad pricing for individual services ranges from $19.99 to $1450, with monthly service plans beginning at $24.99 per user. Each user is allowed to have multiple devices.
A simpler annual plan for very small businesses is available for $199.99 per year for six devices.
Do you have to buy from Best Buy to use Geek Squad?
Yes, you must purchase both your product and the specific Geek Squad Protection Plan from Best Buy.
What does Geek Squad subscription do?
The majority of Geek Squad services are included with your Best Buy TotaltechTM membership.
This includes 24/7/365 tech support for all of your home’s technology, regardless of where you purchased it. You will also receive free delivery and standard installation.
On most new Best Buy products, please see Disclaimer 1.
Where do I send my Geek Squad phishing email?
If you have received a Geek Squad scam email, please contact 1-888-237-8289 right away to report it. Reporting a scam is one of the first steps toward preventing others from becoming victims, so do your part.
How do I contact Geek Squad Canada?
Find out more about what we can do for you by calling 1-800-GEEKSQUAD or visiting geeksquad.ca.
How much is a yearly subscription to Geek-Squad?
An annual fee of $199.99 entitles members to unlimited Geek Squad technical support and a variety of services for their personal devices in-store, over the phone, online 24/7, and via the Best Buy Home app.
Is Geek Squad appointment required?
Yes, in a nutshell. Geek Squad strongly advises making an appointment, especially during the pandemic. At the moment, all Geek Squad locations have an average of two appointments every 20 minutes.
Of course, there will be no-shows, but the many clients who do make appointments will always be prioritised.
Do you have to buy from Best Buy to use Geek Squad?
Yes, you must purchase both your product and the specific Geek Squad Protection Plan from Best Buy.
Is Geek Squad computer repair or replace available?
If you purchased a Product Replacement Plan, we will replace your product rather than repair it.
We may, at our discretion, replace your device under a standard Geek Squad Protection Plan if we choose not to repair it or otherwise provide you with store credit.
Is Webroot A Geek Squad?
Webroot protects your personal data and identity when you use your AndroidTM devices to browse, shop, bank, and share content online.
Open the Play Store on your AndroidTM device and search for “Webroot.”
Is Geek Squad TV mounting available?
Our standard mounting service excludes mounting a television to any surface other than drywall or mounting above a fireplace.
It excludes the installation of a soundbar, receiver, or smart home device. Schedule an appointment online or call to order custom mounting (1-800-433-5778).
Conclusion
Geek Squad is a well-known name in home IT, but it can also handle businesses of all sizes. TotalTech’s support plan is designed for small businesses and costs $199.99 per year.
It provides installation, training, and diagnostic services, as well as discounts on more expensive repairs.
If your requirements are more complex, you can also purchase monthly business plans. You can also request on-site visits or select services from an a la carte menu.
