How to identify scams like "Assistance To Move Funds"

What is "Assistance To Move Funds"?

Upon thorough examination, it has been determined that this email exemplifies a classic investment scam, often recognized as an advance-fee scam. The intention is to deceive recipients into sending money to fraudsters. Additionally, it is typical for scammers associated with these emails to solicit personal information. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to disregard such emails.

More about the "Assistance To Move Funds" scam email

In this email, the sender, claiming to be Colonel Ricky Hobbs from Northern Ireland, serving in a NATO base in Poland, seeks the recipient's assistance in moving a substantial sum of money, specifically $21,900,000, to their country for safekeeping and future investment. The promise of a 20% share of the total fund serves as bait to entice the recipient.

However, such emails are typically fraudulent attempts to trick individuals into sending money upfront or providing personal information. Once the victim engages, the scammers may invent various fees, taxes, or expenses, requesting payment before the supposed funds can be transferred.

In reality, there is no large sum of money, and the scammers aim to exploit the recipient's trust and financial resources. It is crucial to exercise extreme caution and promptly ignore and report such emails to relevant authorities to prevent falling victim to scams.

Similar scam emails in general

In conclusion, emails like the one purportedly sent by Colonel Ricky Hobbs are indicative of classic advance-fee scams. Such deceptive messages exploit trust by promising significant financial gains in exchange for assistance or upfront payments.

Individuals must exercise vigilant skepticism and promptly disregard unsolicited emails making such lucrative offers. Avoid engaging with the sender, refrain from sharing personal information, and report such instances to appropriate authorities to contribute to the prevention of online scams.

More examples of scam emails are "Issue With The Billing Information", "LOTERIA NAVIDAD 2023", and "Central Loteria Nacional Europa". It is important to be aware that emails sent by cybercriminals can be used to deliver malware.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Emails carrying malware include harmful links or attachments that, upon being clicked or opened, can initiate the execution of malicious code on the recipient's computer. Compromised or malicious websites pose a threat through drive-by downloads, potentially infecting computers without user interaction.

Malicious actors frequently deploy various types of files, such as executable files, infected documents (like PDF or Microsoft Office), ISO files, JavaScript files, and compressed archives (e.g., ZIP or RAR files), as vehicles for disseminating malware. However, merely opening these files does not guarantee a computer infection.

For instance, infections may occur when users enable macro commands in malicious Microsoft Office documents.

How to avoid installation of malware?

To bolster your computer's security, ensure that both software and operating systems are regularly updated. Employ reputable antivirus software and exercise caution when interacting with email links or attachments. Steer clear of suspicious websites, and refrain from engaging with ads or pop-ups on them.

Download files and applications exclusively from trustworthy sources, such as official websites and app stores. Avoid the risk associated with pirated software or unofficial activation tools. Stay informed about the most recent security threats to proactively safeguard your system.

If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the "Assistance To Move Funds" email letter:

Subject: investment

I am Colonel Ricky Hobbs from Northern Ireland.

I am am currently serving in the Nato base in Poland .

I urgently need your  assistance to move my $21,900,000 usd to your country

for safe keeping and future in investment in any lucrative business of your choice.

I am willing to give you 20% of the total fund , if you accept my proposal.

Thanks and waiting to hear from you.

Yours truly

Colonel Ricky Hobbs

Other examples of emails from the "Assistance To Move Funds" spam campaign:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: I Resend The email again

 

My name is Reem E. Al-Hashimi, the Emirati Minister of State. I am writing to you to stand as my partner to receive my share of the gratification from the foreign companies that I helped during the bidding process to the Dubai World Expo 2020/2021 Committee.

I am serving as a minister and I have a limit to my personal income and investment level, I cannot receive such a huge amount back to my country or my personal account.

I have agreed with the foreign companies to transfer the gratuities to an open beneficiary account at a financial institution where I will be able to direct further transfer of the funds to a third party account.

The amount is valued at $47,745,533.00 with a financial institution awaiting my instructions for further transfer to a destination account as soon as I have your information indicating interest and I will compensate you with 30% of the total amount and you will also benefit from the investment.

Please note that the above details are subject to my working with you as a partner. reply to me by email: reem.alh2023@gmail.com

If you can make the fund a good investment.
Kind regards,
Reem

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: I NEED YOUR HELP

Hello Dear,

Due to my careful search for an honest and sincere business partner, Still, it took me time to make up my mind to contact you and to offer you this proposal of mine of which my whole life depends on.

My name is Miss Agnes Sango, from Zimbabwe, During the current crises against the farmers in Zimbabwe from the support of President Robert Mugabe to claim all the white-owned farms to his followers, Because My father did not support him, his supporters invaded my fathers farm and killed him. Before his death, my father had deposited with the FINANCE HOUSE the sum of (USD 6,500,000.00) Six Million, Five Hundred Thousand. Because of this, I re-located under political asylum to seek a foreign partner overseas that will assist me to move this money.

As an asylum seeker I am not allowed to operate any Bank Account within. I have agreed to offer you 15% of the total sum for your assistance.

I want truth and honesty to be our watchword in this transaction.

Thanks and God bless you.
Sincerely Yours,
Agnes Sango
I NEED YOUR HELP

Sample 3:

Text presented within:

Subject: Miɗo yiɗi jaabawol maa ko yaawi

 

Sanu
Eɗen ñaagii nde njaafoto mi e naatgol am. Miin ko mi Miss Mary Simon ko mi ɓiɗɗo debbo maayɗo Simon Steven miɗo yahra e duuɓi 21 ummoriiɗo Kodduwaar.
Miɗo ñaagii ballal mon ngam nawde kaalis (Miliyoŋaaji capanɗe tati e jeetati dolaar Amerik) mo Baaba am maayɗo oo acci e gooto e konte mum e nder Banke gooto to leydi mon ngam waɗde heen njulaagu. Miɗo jaɓi rokkude ma 30% e kaalis oo so a wallii kam.
1). Jokkondiral telefoŋaaji
2). ko gollordu yah-ngartaa
3). Otel koode joy
4). Koɗorɗe
Ejowo mo nilo ninu olo serious tan.
Miɗo fadi miijooji mon
Be caangal,
Miss Mariyam Simon
..............................................................

I need your urgent response

Hello
Please pardon my intrusion. I am Miss Mary Simon I am a daughter late Simon Steven and I am 21 years old from Côte d’Ivoire.
I am soliciting your help to move the funds (Thirty Eight million united state dollars) my late Father left behind in one of his accounts in a Bank to your country for investment purposes. I am willing to give you 30% of the funds if you help me.
1). Telecommunication
2). the transport industry
3). Five star hotel
4). Real Estate
Please I need a serious minded person only.
I await your feedback
Best regards,
Miss Mary Simon

Sample 4:

Text presented within:

Subject: Investment Manager: Can i Trust You?

Good Afternoon,
My name is Dr/Mrs. Maimunah Binti Ibrahim , a member of the Malaysian parliament and also an aide to Former Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad who is being apprehended in

connection with a graft probe involving his sons. I was lucky enough to flee to Australia where i seek asylum currently.

-

I sincerely came across your email address from an online business journal which i found satisfying and could not hesitate to contact you due to the urgency of my this transaction i present to you for

you to assist me in receiving my funds and also invest on any viable project in your region. I would like this to be kept highly CONFIDENTIAL, considering my position as a political office holder.

However, i would like you to guide me on investments that would be of best interest, with high ROI and also act as my investment manager over  there, since i'm ready to inject the sum of Thirteen

Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($13,500,000) or more.

If you can consider cooperating with me on the project with high confidentiality, kindly reply with details including your mobile number to my email: rustem@rustemu.ru.

Yours Sincerely,
Dr/Mrs. Maimunah Binti Ibrahim
Tel: +61-947-101-656

Sample 5:

Text presented within:

Subject: I need your urgent response

--

Hello
Please pardon my intrusion. I am Miss Mary Simon I am a daughter late Simon Steven and I am 21 years old from Côte d'Ivoire.

I am soliciting your help to move the funds (Thirty Eight million united state dollars) my late Father left behind in one of his accounts in a Bank to your country for investment purposes. I am willing to give you 30% of the funds if you help me.

1). Telecommunication
2). the transport industry
3). Five star hotel
4). Real Estate
Please I need a serious minded person only.

I await your feedback

Best regards,
Miss Mary Simon

Sample 6:

Text presented within:

Subject: Hello ********, Partnering for Mutual Success!!

Dear ******** ,

I hope you are doing well.

My name is Balvinder Singh Sahni also known as Abu Sabah. I am the founder and chairman of the Raj Sahni Group (RSG) property development firm, which operates primarily in the UAE, the US and India. I am of Indian origin but based in Dubai where I have built and situated the HeadQuarters of my business empire.

I have taken this ambitious but unconventional method to contact you regarding this pressing subject matter.

Just recently, the Dubai Court under the instruction of the Dubai Monarch has conspired and falsely sentenced me to 5 years in prison under false allegations of money laundering. So far, they have stolen hundreds of millions of dollars from me and have moved to confiscate all my assets in the UAE.

Therefore, my sole purpose of contacting you is to solicit for your assistance and partnership to move my hidden funds and assets out of Dubai. I have carefully concealed a huge chunk of my assets and I want you to help me get them out of Dubai. My family and close associates from around the world are being watched, therefore I need a neutral person who is not hitherto connected to me for this mission.

I am happy to share a substantial part of the assets with you as payment for your services.

I greatly appreciate the time taken to read this proposal and would be happy to work out further details. For more information, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via a return email. I will greatly appreciate your support.

NOTE: I put a lot of effort to be able to send you this email from my current location, therefore, though my response may not be very punctual, I will respond as soon as I can.

Thank you in advance.

Regards,
Balvinder Singh Sahni

Sample 7:

Text presented within:

Subject: PLEASE REPLY ASAP!!!

Dear Friend,

My name is (Staff Sgt) STEVE GRAY , I'm an American soldier, who is among the few soldiers still serving in Iraq as part of the combined joint task force-operation inherent resolve effort We are here to help train and assist Iraq swecurities forces against ISIL insurgency.

I have a very desperate need for assistance and have summed up courage to contact you. I'm seeking your kind assistance to move the sum of Eight Million United States Dollars (US$8M) to you in the United States as far as I can be assured that my share will be safe in your care until I complete my service here.

The money was discovered in a barrels at a farmhouse near Barham Salih old house during a rescue operation. I and Staff Sgt Kenneth Buff saw the money first and it was agreed that we share part of it between us before informing anybody about it. This doesn't sound right to do but believe me, No compensation can make up for the risk we have taken with our lives in this hell hole.

I have now found a very secured way of getting the package to you at home for you to pick up, and I will discuss this with you when I'm sure that you are willing to assist me and the money will be shared amoung us.

Regards,

Sgt STEVE GRAY

Sample 8:

Text presented within:

Subject: From Mr. Robert AND Miss Sharon Nkomo

FROM. MR. DANIEL NKOMO FAMILY

Dear Friend

we are here with our mother and our younger ones meanwhile we got your name in our search for a foreign partner who will help us as we and our mother status as refugee cannot allow us to transfer our money. Please accept our apology if this e-mail is embarrassing as you don't know us. Our mother and we are in need of urgent assistance. I the son and my sisters miss Sharon, the daughter of Sir, and Daniel NKOMO of Zimbabwe. During the current crises against farmers in Zimbabwe and from the support of Zimbabwean government to claim all the white owned farms in our country.

All the white farmers were ordered to surrender their farms to his party members. Our father who was one of the best farmers in our country did not support his idea. And so the party members invaded my father's farms and burnt everything in the farm, and our father was beaten up by this evil man and made away with a lot of properties in our father's farm company and the tension was so much on him he was rushed to a SPECIALIT HOSPITAL in South Africa along with us and our mother and our junior ones we move out of Zimbabwe because our lives were in danger. And after much distress our beloved father died here in South Africa. But before then, our father handed over to our mother a proof of deposit slip/Agreement and some documents which was made between him and A VERY RELIABLE FINANCIAL SECURITY COMPANY here in South Africa on which he deposited the sum of $30M (THIRTY MILLION UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DOLLAR)

This money was raised by his farmer's group for the purchasing of farming equipment s/machineries before the land dispute Rose. So we decided to make contact with an overseas person, who will assist us to transfer this money out of South Africa, we want to be there in your country. We are here as refugee and our status don't allow us to stand for the fund for transfer, we will like you to stand as our father's beneficiary, and with the help of our father's financial attorney this transfer is going to be fast and easy.

Note that for your time and help 35% of this fund is yours and 5% of the fund is for any expenses incurred both locally and internationally in the course of this transfer and the remaining 60% is for our family to start up business in your country with your support.

When you reply we will tell you things you need to do.

THANKS AND GOD BLESS YOU
Mr. Robert AND Miss Sharon Nkomo
(FOR THE FAMILY)

Sample 9:

Text presented within:

Subject: [CERT.SA #5941825] OUR REF:Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)

Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to propose a mutually beneficial business opportunity that requires your assistance as a trusted foreign partner.

Two of my colleagues and I are seeking a reliable international partner to help facilitate the transfer of funds totaling USD 60,000,000.00 (Sixty Million United States Dollars). This amount represents the surplus from a contract awarded by the South African Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources to an expatriate company. The contract has been successfully executed, and the original payment has been made. However, the over-invoiced amount remains, and we are looking to transfer these funds out of the country for disbursement.

Due to our positions as government officials, we are restricted from operating foreign accounts. This is why we are reaching out to you for assistance. We propose that you or your company act as the beneficiary of these funds, enabling the transfer to a designated foreign bank account.

In exchange for your cooperation, we have agreed to the following terms:
25% of the total sum will be allocated to you for providing the account.
5% will be reserved to cover any expenses incurred during the transfer process.
The remaining 70% will be allocated to us.

We assure you that this transaction is entirely secure and risk-free. All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and successful transfer of funds. Upon completion of the transfer, we intend to travel to your location to finalize the disbursement of our share.

Confidentiality is of utmost importance in this matter. We kindly request that you treat this proposal with the highest level of discretion and refrain from disclosing it to any third parties.

Your prompt response would be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in proceeding, please reply to this email with the following details:
Bank name and address
Account number
Telephone number

Please note that the nature of your company's business is not a factor in this transaction. We are solely seeking a trustworthy partner to assist with this transfer.
We look forward to your positive response and hope to establish a successful partnership.

Warm regards,
Mr. Thabo Kekana
Programmes and Projects
Deputy Director General
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
Tel/Fax: +27 86 202 2407
Email: JoshuaBandileNoah@qualityservice.com

Sample 10:

Text presented within:

Subject: Please Read My Request

Dear Friend,

My name is Kamran Hüseynov, and I have been detained in Iran since the beginning of the year.

I am a miner by profession. When I was three years old, I moved to England with my foster father, who was originally from Azerbaijan. He worked as an expatriate miner until his passing.

I will keep this brief. At the beginning of the year, I accepted a contract with a mining company in Iran. At the time, I was unaware that the company allegedly had affiliations with Israel. When the United States and Israel launched coordinated military operations on February 28, 2026, the authorities began investigating the company. Some people left the country immediately. As I was only a contract employee, I did not believe I had done anything wrong or had any reason to leave. Unfortunately, I, along with three others, was arrested and sentenced to execution.

I have no close family to turn to. I grew up in England with my foster father, and after his death, I was left without relatives who could assist me. Two of the four people arrested with me have already been executed.

My health has also deteriorated significantly. Since last year, I have received very little medical attention. On February 28, 2026, after collapsing, I was examined by a prison doctor, who informed me that I have a brain tumor. He told me that I may have only a few months to live if my condition continues untreated.

You may be wondering why I am writing to you. Before my arrest, the company I worked for paid me US$4,211,000 on February 28, 2026. Because of financial restrictions involving Iran, I was unable to transfer the funds there, so I left them in my bank account in England.

I would like you to help me claim these funds on my behalf. I can provide the necessary account information and supporting documents so you can verify that the funds exist and communicate with the bank regarding the appropriate procedures.

As a devoted Muslim, I have accepted whatever lies ahead and pray that Allah grants me Jannah. My sincere wish is that, if the funds are successfully claimed, you keep half as compensation for your assistance and distribute the remaining half to orphanages and organizations that support those in need.

For security reasons, I would prefer to send the account information, proof of funds, and the bank's contact details by email. Mobile phones are not permitted in the detention facility, and I am only able to send this message because a compassionate prison warder has briefly allowed me to use his phone.

If you are willing to assist, please reply with your email address at your earliest convenience so I can forward the relevant documents and banking information.

Thank you for taking the time to read my message, and may God bless you.

Best Regards.

Kamran Hüseynov | Mining Engineer
Email: Kamran.Huseynov@contractor.net

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Types of malicious emails:

If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file from a suspicious email, run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner. If you only received the email and didn't engage with it, you don't need to scan anything - just identify the scam and delete it. The full procedure below covers both situations and what to do if you already clicked, replied, or sent money.

Credential theft Phishing emails

Fake login pages disguised as PayPal, Microsoft, Apple, banks, or social networks. The email pushes a link to a near-perfect copy of the real login screen. The moment you type your username and password, the attacker has them.

Common subject lines

• "Action required: confirm your account"
• "Your password expires today"
• "Unusual sign-in attempt detected"
• "Verify your billing information"

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

Trojans hidden inside fake invoices, faxes, shipping confirmations, or Office documents. Opening the attachment runs the payload and infects the system - often with an info-stealer or remote-access trojan.

Common subject lines

• "Invoice INV-2026-XXXX attached"
• "Fax received - 3 pages"
• "Your shipping document is ready"
• "Voicemail from +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX"

Extortion Sextortion emails

Fake claims of webcam recordings demanding cryptocurrency. Almost always a bluff: the attacker pulls a real password from an old data breach to make the threat look credible, then claims to have video of you. They have no recording and no access.

Common subject lines

• "I know your password is XXXX"
• "Your account has been hacked"
• "I have recorded you - 48 hours to pay"
• "You have been compromised"

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

"Your subscription was renewed for $499 - call to cancel." Norton, McAfee, Geek Squad, PayPal, and Wells Fargo variants are all common. There's no real subscription. The phone number in the email connects directly to the scammer, who walks you through "refunding" yourself - which is actually them stealing money from your bank.

Common subject lines

• "Norton subscription auto-renewed - $499.99"
• "McAfee Total Protection invoice"
• "Geek Squad order confirmation"
• "Your PayPal payment is being processed"

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

"Your account will be deleted in 24 hours - verify now." The artificial deadline is the whole point: it pressures you to click before checking details. The "verify" link goes to a phishing page styled to look like the real provider.

Common subject lines

• "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
• "Suspicious activity detected - verify now"
• "Final warning: account closure"
• "Action required to keep your account active"

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

Fake DHL, USPS, UPS, or FedEx tracking, customs fees, or "package undeliverable" notices. Targets anyone expecting a parcel - the timing alone catches many people. The link hides either phishing (asking for card details to "release" the package) or a malware download.

Common subject lines

• "Your DHL package is held at customs"
• "USPS - delivery attempt failed"
• "FedEx tracking update - action required"
• "Pay $2.99 redelivery fee to release your parcel"

Remote access Tech support scams

Fake Microsoft, Apple, or "Windows Defender" security alerts pushing a phone number. Real Microsoft and Apple never email a phone number to call. The number connects you to a scammer who asks for remote access to "fix" the imaginary problem and then demands payment.

Common subject lines

• "Microsoft Defender expired - renew now"
• "Apple ID security alert"
• "Critical: virus detected on your PC"
• "Windows license expired - call now"

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

Inheritance, lottery wins, romance, or business deals that ask for a small fee to release a much larger sum. The classic "Nigerian prince" 419 family of frauds. Once you pay the first fee, more fees appear (taxes, lawyer, transfer charges) until you stop paying. The promised money never exists.

Common subject lines

• "Inheritance from a relative you didn't know about"
• "You won the international lottery"
• "URGENT - business proposal worth $XX million"
• "Compensation fund release for fraud victims"

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

CEO impersonation asking employees to wire money or buy gift cards, or fake supplier invoices with newly "updated" bank details for payment redirection. The email often spoofs a real internal executive's display name and uses an external lookalike domain.

Common subject lines

• "Quick task - need you to buy gift cards"
• "Updated banking details for invoice payment"
• "Wire transfer request - urgent"
• "Are you available?" (CEO impersonation opener)

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

---

1

Check the sender's actual address, not the display name

30 sec

The display name (the human-readable part) is trivial to fake. Always check the full address that comes after it. Common red flags:

• Domain mismatch - service@paypa1.com, support@micros0ft-help.com, look-alike domains using digits or extra hyphens
• Free-email impersonation - any "official" message from a bank, courier, or platform sent from a @gmail.com, @outlook.com, or @yahoo.com address
• Reply-To mismatch - the From address looks legitimate but Reply-To points somewhere completely different

Why this matters

Real companies own their domains and send mail from them. A "DHL" message from a Gmail address is never legitimate, regardless of how convincing the body looks.

2

Watch for urgency, threats, and generic greetings

30 sec

Scams almost always rush you. The point is to make you act before you think. Treat any of the following as a strong signal:

• "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
• "Final notice" / "Immediate action required"
• "Dear Customer" or "Dear User" instead of your real name
• Threats of fines, account closure, legal action, or arrest
• Promises of refunds, prizes, or money you didn't earn
• Spelling and grammar mistakes in messages claiming to come from a major brand

3

Hover over every link before clicking

30 sec

On a desktop, hover the mouse over the link without clicking. The real destination shows in the bottom-left status bar of your browser or email client. On a phone, long-press the link to preview the URL.

• Real Microsoft, PayPal, or bank links go to those exact domains, not redirects through unrelated sites
• Shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl, t.co) hide the real destination - never click them in unsolicited mail
• The visible link text and the actual URL must match - mismatches are the single biggest phishing red flag

Pro tip

When in doubt, don't click the link. Open a new browser tab and type the company's address yourself, then log in normally. If there really is an issue with your account, you'll see it there.

4

Treat unexpected attachments as hostile

30 sec

If you didn't ask for the file, don't open it - even if it appears to come from someone you know. Categories that should never be opened from email without verification through another channel:

• .exe, .scr, .iso, .img, .vbs, .bat - executables, never legitimate attachments
• .docx, .xlsx, .pptx with "Enable macros" prompts - the macros run the malware
• .pdf with "Click here to view" buttons - usually a phishing redirect, not a real document
• .zip, .rar, .7z archives, especially password-protected ones - the password defeats the email scanner

Phase 2~ 2 min

Report and delete - if you haven't engaged

---

If you only received the email and didn't reply, click, or open anything, the steps below are all you need. Your computer is not infected.

5

Don't reply, don't click "unsubscribe"

30 sec

Replying confirms your address is real and monitored, which gets you added to higher-value scam lists. The "unsubscribe" link in a scam message is rarely a real opt-out - it usually leads to a phishing page or downloads a tracking pixel.

Instead, mark the message as junk or phishing inside your email client (this trains the spam filter), then block the sender.

6

Report the scam to your email provider and authorities

1 min

Inside your email client:

• Gmail: open the message → ⋮ menu → Report phishing
• Outlook / Outlook.com: ⋯ menu → Report → Report phishing
• Apple Mail / iCloud: Move to Junk, then forward to reportphishing@apple.com

Forward or report to authorities:

• International: forward to reportphishing@apwg.org
• United States: ic3.gov (FBI)
• United Kingdom: forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC SERS); for financial loss report at reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
• Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
• Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
• EU: your national CERT - find yours via the ENISA CSIRT map

After reporting, delete the email and empty the Trash folder so you don't accidentally open it later.

Phase 3~ 10–60 min

Recover - if you already engaged with the scam

---

Pick the step below that matches what you did. If multiple apply, work through them in the order they appear - the steps are arranged from lowest to highest risk.

7

You only clicked a link (didn't enter anything or download anything)

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

Close the page right away. Don't enter any information, even if the page looks legitimate.

• Clear your browser cache and cookies for the last hour - Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+Del → Last hour → check Cookies and Cached files
• Run a quick scan with Combo Cleaner in case the page tried to drop a file silently (drive-by download)
• Update your browser to the latest version - most drive-by exploits target outdated browsers
• Watch for new browser pop-ups, redirects, or unfamiliar notifications over the next few days

Why this matters

Modern browsers block most drive-by attacks, but a single click on a phishing page can still be enough on an outdated browser or unpatched plugin. A quick scan catches anything that landed silently.

8

You opened an attachment or downloaded a file - run a full malware scan

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

Opening an attachment is the most common path to actual infection. Treat the system as compromised until the scans below come back clean. Work through these sub-steps in order:

8.1Disconnect from the network

Unplug Ethernet and turn off Wi-Fi. If the attachment was an info-stealer or remote-access trojan, this stops it from sending data out or receiving commands. Keep the network off until you've booted into Safe Mode (next step) - you'll reconnect there briefly to download the scanners.

8.2Boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then download the scanners

Windows 11: Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: hold Shift, click Power → Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in 8.4) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in 8.5). Safe Mode loads only minimal drivers, so most malware can't auto-run while you're getting the tools. Save both installers to your Desktop.

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads - this is what catches rootkits and bootkits.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Install Combo Cleaner and run a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete fully, review what it found, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner will quarantine known trojans and remove their persistence in the registry.

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe). The binary expires every 10 days, which means every download has the latest signatures. Run a full scan after Combo Cleaner to catch anything one engine alone might miss.

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

Many email-borne trojans drop adware that hijacks browsers. Reset each browser you use:

Chrome: chrome://settings/reset → Restore settings to their original defaults. Then chrome://settings/content/notifications - remove unfamiliar sites.

Edge: edge://settings/reset. Then edge://settings/content/notifications.

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

8.7Re-enable Defender, Tamper Protection, and update everything

Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Then run Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and update browsers and applications.

Important

If the scans keep finding new threats on each run, or files reappear after deletion, you may have a deeper compromise that needs a clean Windows reinstall. See pcrisk's full manual malware removal guide for the extended procedure (Process Explorer, Autoruns, hosts file inspection).

9

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

Assume the attacker has your password and is using it right now. Speed matters.

1. Change the password from a different, known-clean device (your phone is fine if it's not infected). Don't reuse the old password anywhere else.
2. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already. Prefer an authenticator app or hardware key over SMS.
3. Sign out of all sessions - most platforms have a "sign out everywhere" option in security settings, which kicks the attacker out.
4. Review recent activity - look for unfamiliar logins, new devices, forwarding rules, or app permissions. Remove anything you don't recognize.
5. Check your other accounts - if you reused that password anywhere else, change it there too. Check your exposure at haveibeenpwned.com.
6. Update security questions - the attacker may have seen the answers in your account profile.

Why email comes first

If you only have time to change one password, change your primary email password - it's the recovery hub for every other account. An attacker who controls your email can reset everything else.

10

You sent money or shared bank, card, or ID details

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

Time is the single biggest factor in recovering money. Banks can sometimes recall a wire or reverse a card transaction within the first few hours.

1. Call your bank or card issuer immediately. Use the number on the back of the card, not any number from the scam email. Ask them to freeze the card, reverse the transaction if possible, and flag the account for fraud monitoring.
2. If you sent a wire transfer or used a money-transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle, Wise), call them directly and request a recall. Some can be reversed within minutes if reported fast.
3. If you sent cryptocurrency or gift cards, recovery is unlikely - but report it anyway, since law enforcement tracks these patterns.
4. File a police report. You'll need the report number for any insurance, bank, or credit-bureau claim. Save the report number.
5. File with the right authority for your country:
   • US: ic3.gov + reportfraud.ftc.gov
   • UK: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
   • Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
   • Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
   • EU: your national CERT or police cybercrime unit
6. Set fraud alerts on all major credit bureaus if you shared any ID details. US: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion (Cifas Protective Registration is a stronger option).
7. Save all evidence - the original email (with full headers), screenshots of the fake site, transaction records, any phone numbers or chat logs.

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

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11

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

Reconnect to the network and run one final full scan with Combo Cleaner, followed by a Windows Defender quick scan. Then open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and switch to Startup apps - disable anything unfamiliar.

Make sure Windows, browsers, and any applications you use are fully up to date. The infection vector that worked on you once usually involves outdated software.

12

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most fraud follow-ups land in the first month. Until that window closes, keep watching:

• Bank and card statements - daily for the first week, then weekly
• Email - watch for password-reset confirmations or login alerts you didn't trigger
• Credit report - US: free at annualcreditreport.com; UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion all have free tiers
• Breach alerts - sign up at haveibeenpwned.com to be notified when your email appears in new leaks

If anything new appears in any of those, treat it as a continuing compromise: change passwords again, contact the bank again, and update the police report.

Important: If you didn't click anything, didn't reply, and didn't open any attachment, your computer is not infected - just delete the email and move on. If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there. That path catches the vast majority of email-borne malware without the risk of breaking Windows by deleting the wrong file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

Scammers dispatch identical letters to thousands of recipients with the goal of deceiving at least someone. These spam emails lack personalization.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by this email, what should I do?

If you have disclosed any account credentials, swiftly update all passwords. In the event of revealing additional information, such as credit card details, social security numbers, or ID card information, promptly reach out to the relevant authorities.

I have downloaded and opened a malicious file attached to an email, is my computer infected?

The likelihood of infection is notably greater when the file is an executable. However, when handling document files like .pdf or .doc, there is a chance of having avoided infection. In certain instances, simply opening the document does not always result in the infiltration of malware into the system.

I have sent cryptocurrency to the address presented in such email, can I get my money back?

Transactions of this nature are nearly untraceable, making retrieval improbable.

I have read the email but did not open the attachment, is my computer infected?

Simply opening an email is not inherently threatening. System infections usually occur when users click on links embedded within the email or open attached files.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections that were present in email attachment?

Combo Cleaner has the capability to identify and eliminate virtually all known types of malware. It is important to emphasize that advanced malware may hide deeply within the system, underscoring the importance of performing comprehensive system scans to ensure successful detection and removal.