Avoid infecting your system via fake eFax emails

What is "eFax Email Virus"?

"eFax Email Virus" is a spam campaign used to proliferate a trojan-type virus called Hancitor. It is virtually identical to many other spam campaigns, such as Important Documents IRS, Sage Invoice, and Payslip SPAM. The deceptive "eFax Email Virus" email contains a message stating that users have received a fax message.

To view it, they must visit the link address provided, however, opening the link triggers download of a malicious MS Office document that infiltrates trojan into the system.

"eFax Email Virus" overview

The email states that users have received a number of unread fax pages. To access them, they must visit a website and download an MS Office document (named "invoice_[random_number].doc") that supposedly contains the fax. This is a scam - cyber criminals attempt to trick unsuspecting users into downloading and opening malicious attachments.

In addition, eFax is a legitimate company and has nothing to do with this spam campaign. Research shows that many cyber criminals claim to be legitimate companies or government departments to make their emails seem legitimate. Criminals continually register email addresses and web domains by including the names of companies/departments.

As mentioned above, the "eFax Email Virus" spam campaign is used to proliferate the Hancitor trojan. This virus opens backdoors for other malware (such as Pony) to infiltrate the system.

Most of these viruses record sensitive information (logins/passwords, banking information, etc.) These 'chain infections' can lead to serious privacy issues and significant financial loss. In addition, Hancitor connects infected computers to a botnet.

If you have already opened malicious attachments distributed using the "eFax Email Virus" spam campaign, immediately scan the system with a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite and eliminate all detected threats.

Spam campaign proliferated malware examples

There are many trojan-type viruses distributed using spam campaigns including, for example, TrickBot, Adwind, and FormBook. In most cases, these viruses gather personal information in various ways. Cyber criminals misuse private data to generate revenue (online purchases, money transfers, and so on).

In addition, viruses such as Hancitor are used to proliferate other malware (in most cases, ransomware). Therefore, trojans pose a direct threat to your privacy and web browsing safety.

How did eFax Email Virus infect my computer?

As mentioned above, "eFax Email Virus" spam emails are used to distribute malicious MS Office attachments. After opening this file, users are immediately asked to enable macro commands, otherwise the content will not be displayed properly. Once macros are enabled, the attachment immediately executes commands that stealthily download and install the Hancitor trojan.

Note that the malware only targets the Windows Operating System and users of other platforms are safe. Furthermore, the malicious attachment cannot execute commands if it is not opened using MS Office. Therefore, if the file is opened using other apps capable of reading these formats, the malware will not be downloaded.

How to avoid installation of malware?

To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet. Carefully analyze each received email attachment. If the file seems irrelevant or has been received from an unrecognizable email address, it should never be opened (these emails should be deleted immediately, without reading). Be cautious when downloading/installing/updating apps.

Some trojans are distributed using fake software update tools and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of third party apps together with regular programs). Keep installed applications up-to-date, however, this should be achieved using implemented functions or tools provided by the official developer only.

Carefully analyze each window of the download/installation dialogs and opt-out of all additionally-included programs. Software should be downloaded from official sources only, using direct download links. Third party downloaders/installers are monetized using the "bundling" method, and thus should never be used.

Having a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running is also paramount. Furthermore, newer versions (2010 and above) of MS Office open newly-downloaded documents in "Protected View" mode.

This prevents malware download. Therefore, using old MS Office versions is risky - we strongly advise you to update them. If you have already opened an "eFax Email Virus" attachment, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

A few variants of text presented in the "eFax Email Virus" email letters:

Subject: eFax
You have an unread 4 page(s) fax.
Your fax can be viewed online, on our website, by visiting: hxxps://www.efax.com/
For additional assistance, please visit our help center at hxxps://www.efax.com/efax-help-center
Thank you for choosing eFax

------------------------------------------

Subject: efax
Fax Message[Caller-ID: 1-543-276-0865]
You have received a 1 page fax
*The reference number for this fax is at did-1400166434-31309133229-154.
Please download and view Microsoft Word attachment
Please visit www.eFax.com/en/efax/twa/page/help if you have any questions regarding this message or your service

 

------------------------------------------

 

Subject: You have a new fax from eFax!
Faxing Simplified
You have a new fax from eFax! Click attachment to view.
Thank you for choosing eFax!
Sincerely,
The eFax Team
P.S. Too busy to answer all your business calls? Let eVoice answer, manage and route your phone calls 24/7. Try a Free 30-Day Trial Today!

Malicious attachment distributed via "eFax" spam campaign:

Another sample of malicious attachment:

Another spam email campaign using eFax company name. This one is spreading TrickBot trojan through an infected email attachment pretending to be a fax received through eFax platform:

Screenshot of a malicious .doc attachment that infects victim's computer with a TrickBot trojan:

Another variant of "eFax" spam campaign which is now used to spread Agent Tesla RAT ("10357780.doc" attachment):

Text presented within this email:

eFAX Message from #10357780

Fax message

Sent date: Mon,  03 Feb 2020 8:38:36 +0800

Screenshot of the malicious MS Word attachment ("10357780.doc"):

Screenshot of MS Excel window (asking to enable Macro commands) displayed once the aforementioned malicious attachment is opened:

Another variant of eFax-themed spam email that redirects to a deceptive SharePoint-themed site which, in turn, redirects to a fake Microsoft login website used for phishing purposes:

Text presented within:

Subject: 8799271526-790_DownloadAUDIO ?

You have a new Message
39 seconds
From: T  01622 791999
 
Pages: 3
 
Resolution: 160x320 DPI
 
Reference: Did6-690062768-029361388-796
CLICK TO LISTEN >

Notification section.

Screenshot of the promoted deceptive SharePoint-themed site:

Screenshot of the fake Microsoft login website:

Yet another example of eFax-themed spam email spreading a malicious executable:

Text presented within:

Subject: eFax message from  - 1 page(s), Caller-ID: 344479069

eFax

You have a new fax! click here to view the attachment to view.

Fax Details

Caller ID: 344479069
Date Received: 2021-04-20 06:54:35 GMT
Type: Attached in efx
Number of pages: 1
Reference #: pdx_did9-1557125645-14137235795-62

Thank you for choosing eFax!

Sincerely,
The eFax Team

Yet another example of eFax-themed spam email used to promote a phishing website:

Text presented within:

Subject: EFAX FROM PETROFAC MALAYSIA HBD SDN

 

Good Morning ********!!!

Attachment File Type: PDF/HTML
Number of Images: 9

Please Preview Scanned Documents File Here

Device Name: ******** DocuCentre-SCANFX-2EFF73
Device Location: Frontdesk

Thank you for using Xerox Scanner for secured Documents

Screenshot of the promoted phishing website:

Another example of eFax-themed spam email promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: - (PO: 36772501-32).docx 5/19/2022 3:52:06 a.m.

-

Reciever:-

Filename: - (PO: 36772501-32).docx
Date: 5/19/2022 3:52:06 a.m.

Pages: 3 Pages received.

Description

Date: 5/19/2022 3:52:06 a.m.
Length: 1:57 Secs

Read Fax

Thank you for going paper-less.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Another example of eFax-themed spam email distributing a malicious HTML document:

Text presented within:

Subject: Paystub Payment Received On Sun, December 4, 2022

-

eFax3899 Received.
Name      -
File     

One New File Received & Ready For Preview.
Time      09:43:55 PM
Date Received      Sun, December 4, 2022
Attach-Paystub      Paid Inv-3904876.html

Email was sent to :[[-Email-]]!

Screenshot of the distributed HTML attachment designed for phishing purposes:

Example of another email from eFax-themed spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Subject: _Delivered successfully to ********!.

 

Fax e-********

User : ********

Ticket : E-fax Received & Ready For Preview

Query Email: ********

Date Received : 3/2/2023 2:14:22 p.m.

Location : Attached_Paystub03855555

Screenshot of the HTML attachment designed for phishing:

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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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

---

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?

Cyber criminals send spam emails in mass-scale operations; hence, thousands of users receive identical letters.

I have read a spam email but didn't open the attachment, is my computer infected?

No, opening/reading a spam email will not jumpstart any malware download/installation processes. Systems are infected when the attachments or links present in spam mail are opened/clicked.

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

Whether an infection occurred might depend on the file's format. If it was an executable (.exe, .run, etc.) - most likely, yes. However, document formats (.doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.) may require additional user interaction (e.g., enabling macro commands) to begin downloading/installing malware.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and remove threats. It is capable of detecting and eliminating nearly all known malware infections. Note that sophisticated malicious software tends to hide deep within systems - therefore, running a full system scan is crucial.