It's unbelievable how a company designed to stop annoying software can be so annoying itself. Seriously, their Better Business Bureau page is a mess. Malwarebytes has a 1.1 out of 5-star rating from customers and has racked up 181 complaints in the last three years alone. Most of them are about the exact things that drive people crazy, like aggressive auto-renewal policies and a cancellation process that feels designed to make you give up. If you've been charged for a renewal you didn't want or you're just tired of the constant upselling, you are not alone. It's time to get your money back and your problem solved.
Best ways to complain to Malwarebytes
Getting a hold of a real person can feel like a mission. They really prefer you to use their automated systems. Here’s how to navigate it.
Contact Method | Details & Availability | Why use this instead... |
---|---|---|
Support Portal / Ticket | support.malwarebytes.com (24/7 to submit) | This is their main channel. Use it to create a paper trail for billing disputes or technical issues. |
Live Chat | Available via their support portal, typically during business hours. | Best for quick, simple questions, but be prepared for a wait and potentially a bot first. |
Social Media | Twitter: @Malwarebytes | Use this for public complaints. Companies often respond faster when their brand image is on the line. |
⏱️ Estimated Response Times from Malwarebytes After Complaining
Immediate to 48 hours, but honestly, it often feels longer.
Method | Expected Wait Time |
---|---|
Support Ticket / Email | 24 - 72 business hours |
Live Chat | 5 - 30 minutes (plus queue time) |
Social Media | 4 - 24 hours |
🔍 Tips to Get a Quicker Response from a Complaint
- Have your license key or account email ready before you start.
- Contact them during US business hours, preferably mid-week, for a better chance at a faster response.
- Be direct and clear in your first message. State what the problem is and what you want (e.g., a refund).
- Take screenshots of any errors or unauthorized charges.
How to Escalate Your Complaint
If you've sent an email or ticket and have gotten nowhere, it's time to escalate. Don't just wait and hope they'll eventually do the right thing.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Filing a complaint with the BBB is a solid next step. It's a formal process where the BBB acts as a mediator. Malwarebytes has a history of responding to complaints filed here, likely because they are public. The process can be slow, so be prepared to wait, but it often gets results when direct contact fails.
Credit Card Chargeback
For billing issues, like an unwanted auto-renewal, a chargeback is a powerful tool. Contact your bank or credit card company and explain the situation. Tell them you tried to resolve it with the merchant first. This process directly disputes the charge and can often force a refund.
Email Template to Complain to Malwarebytes
Subject: Formal Complaint: Unresolved Issue with Subscription [[Your License Key or Account ID]]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing again to resolve an issue with my Malwarebytes account. Despite my previous attempts to contact support on [[Date]], my problem remains unsolved and, frankly, my patience is wearing thin.
On [[Date of Charge]], my card was charged [[$Amount]] for an automatic subscription renewal that I did not authorize. I specifically recall turning off auto-renewal, and finding this charge on my statement was an unwelcome surprise. Having to spend my time chasing this down is incredibly frustrating.
This process has been far more difficult than it should be.
To resolve this, I require an immediate and full refund of [[$Amount]] to my original payment method. I also need you to provide written confirmation that my subscription has been permanently canceled and my payment information has been removed from your system.
If I do not receive a satisfactory response and confirmation of my refund within 48 hours, my next step will be to file a chargeback with my bank and submit a formal complaint to the Better Business Bureau.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
[[Your Name]]
Additional Helpful Tips to get Your Complaint Resolved
- Always ask for a ticket number. If you're on a chat, ask for the reference ID. It's your proof.
- Save the chat transcript. Most chat windows have an option to email or download the conversation. Do it. It's invaluable if they later deny what was said.
- Use specific keywords. When writing, use phrases like "unauthorized auto-renewal," "unclear terms," and "difficult cancellation process." These are common complaint topics that can trigger a more serious review.
- Mention the BBB early. One user on a forum said they got an immediate response after casually mentioning in a support chat, "Okay, if you can't help, I guess my next step is the BBB." It can sometimes light a fire under them.
Let Pine AI Help Raise the Complaint to Malwarebytes
Tired of navigating support bots just to cancel a subscription you didn't even want renewed? Or trying to get a refund from a company that makes it nearly impossible? Sound familiar? Pine AI handles the frustrating back and forth for you. We draft the complaint, follow up, and manage the whole tedious process. No more waiting on hold or checking your inbox for a ticket response that never comes. It just gets it done. Let us handle the headache.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malwarebytes Complaint Filing

Rachel Adams
Technology & Software Editor
Rachel Adams is the Lead Tech & App writer at Pine AI, where she decodes the complexities of the digital software landscape. With over eight years of experience as a software reviewer and tech journalist, her work focuses on the security, usability, and subscription models of popular apps and SaaS platforms. Rachel's insights empower consumers to make informed decisions, avoid predatory billing, and select software that genuinely adds value.