How to spot scams like the "Porn Blackmail" scam

What kind of scam is Porn Blackmail?

"Porn Blackmail" is a spam email campaign used to blackmail unsuspecting users. Cyber criminals falsely claim that they have infected recipients' computers with malware and encourages them to pay ransoms in exchange for a removal of a disgraceful video of the victim that they supposedly have recorded. Note that "Porn Blackmail" is a scam.

Porn Blackmail scam in detail

As mentioned above, "Porn Blackmail" states that the victim's computer has been infected with malware that tracks web browsing activity. The malware is supposedly capable of recording activity and browsing history on various adult websites and exploits the computer webcam to record the victim "masturbating".

The message also states that the user has already been filmed and that the video is stored on a remote server controlled by the developers. If the victim wishes it to be deleted, a ransom of $400 in the Bitcoin cryptocurrency must be paid. Bear in mind, however, that this spam campaign is merely an attempt to extort unsuspecting users.

In fact, cyber criminals do not harm victims' computers in any way. They simply send thousands of threatening email letters simply to scare and trick users into sending money. Therefore, ignore these emails. If you have received such emails, scan the system with a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite to ensure that the system is clean.

Similarities with other scams of this kind

"Porn Blackmail" shares similarities with many other spam campaigns, such as eFax, Important Documents IRS, You Have A Santander Secure, and HM Revenue & Customs Outstanding Amount. Unlike "Porn Blackmail", these campaigns do not make ransom demands, but encourage users to download and open various email attachments (e.g., invoices, bills, or similar) that are often presented as MS Office documents.

The attachments are malicious - they download and install high-risk viruses, such as TrickBot, Adwind, FormBook, etc. These viruses pose a significant threat to your privacy and Internet browsing safety - they gather sensitive data (logins/passwords, banking details, etc.), and might also open "backdoors" for other infections (mostly, ransomware).

The presence of these viruses can lead to serious privacy issues, significant financial loss, and further high-risk computer infections.

We get a lot of feedback from concerned user about this scam email. here's the most popular question that we receive:

- Hi pcrisk.com team, I got an email stating that a my computer was hacked and they got a video of me, now they are asking for a ransom in bitcoins. This must be true because they listed my real name and password in the email. What should I do?

The simple answer to this question is - don't worry, hackers haven't infiltrated your computer and they don't have a video recording of you watching pornography. Don't send any bitcoins to them.

The fact that they have your email, name and password indicated that at some point in time your data was stolen from some compromised website, for example yahoo, etc. Website breached are quite frequent. To check if you have an account that has been compromised in some data breach we recommend visiting haveibeenpwned website.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Once opened, rogue MS Office attachments ask the user to enable macro commands. Immediately after macros are enabled, attachments execute a number of commands that stealthily download and install malware.

Note, however, is that these attachments are only harmful if they are opened using MS Office apps (Word, Excel, etc.) If the file is opened using other software capable of reading the format, malware will not be downloaded. Furthermore, most of these viruses are developed to work only on the MS Windows Operating System. Therefore, users who run other platforms are safe.

How to avoid installation of malware?

To prevent this situation, be very cautious when browsing the Internet and downloading/updating/installing software. Carefully analyze each received email attachment. If the file seems irrelevant or has been received from a suspicious email address, it should not be opened.

Furthermore, be aware that rogue programs are also distributed using fake updaters, and a deceptive marketing method called "bundling" (stealth installation of deceptive apps with regular software). Therefore it is very important to keep installed software updated, however, to achieve this, use implemented functions or tools provided by the official developer only.

You are also advised to avoid using third party download/installation tools, since developers monetize them by "bundling" (promoting) rogue software. Download your programs from official sources only, via direct download links. Having a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running is also paramount.

Later MS Office versions (2010 and above) open newly-downloaded documents in "Protected View" mode. This prevents malicious attachments from downloading viruses.

Therefore, using old versions of MS Office suite is risky. The main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge and careless behavior - the key to safety is caution. If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Samples of text presented in various "Porn Blackmail" email messages:

Hi, dear user of -

We have installed one RAT software into you device.
For this moment your email account is hacked (see on , I messaged you from your account).
Your password for -: -

I have downloaded all confidential information from your system and I got some more evidence.
The most interesting moment that I have discovered are videos records where you masturbating.

I posted my virus on porn site, and then you installed it on your operation system.
When you clicked the button Play on porn video, at that moment my trojan was downloaded to your device.
After installation, your front camera shoots video every time you masturbate, in addition, the software is synchronized with the video you choose.

For the moment, the software has collected all your contact information from social networks and email addresses.
If you need to erase all of your collected data, send me $800 in BTC (crypto currency).
This is my Bitcoin wallet: 1PuYAe7BLxNE6F6zE2PeVthfXCeYH88PmQ
You have 48 hours after reading this letter.

After your transaction I will erase all your data.
Otherwise, I will send video with your pranks to all your colleagues and friends!!!

And henceforth be more careful!
Please visit only secure sites!
Bye!

 

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Subject: Malware on your device ID

Hey, While you were sitting in front of the computer browsing redtube and pulling your willy yours notebook computer caught a malicious program through your browser.
This program is intended to exploit your web cam, records all your movements and browser history of the adults Web sites you are made a visit.
But the wickedest thing about this virus is that it can activate your WebCam, access your e-mail and backup your contact files.
Mind that I also have access to your social media profiles.
So, I have pictures and videos of you, with your pants down. Vids where you are stronk.
If you don’t want your all you family, and random users to see you masturbating, I advise you do this: pay me 400 dollars.
This is my Bitcoin account 1Nia3EtmACkfdzVvjw8c3NvgcHFw1twZUS
When I ll get the that money, I ll del all the compromising photos and you will never hear from me ever again.
If you dont send the money within 23 hours since the moment you read this msg, I will send your videos to your colleagues, through your social media for everyone to see, to your co-workers, family, to your friends.
P.S. My English isn’t good because I’am not too fluent, but you get the point.
Dont answer to this letter. It isnt mine and I wont be using it anymore.

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Good Morning my friend. I represent the group of web criminals in Iran. I use this mail address because we think that you will check it. Few times ago my team put the virus on web-site with porn and as far as you clicked on a play button your system started shooting your screen and activating camera to capture you self-abusing. Eventually I mean you understand what compromising evidence Ive earned. Moreover, this software made your device act as dedicated server with plenty of functions like keylogger, parser etc. To sum up, my software picked all data, especially all your contacts from messengers, e-mails, social networks. If you wanna make me silent you must make a transaction of 260 dollars with bitcoin. 1K2auXQEKz7Ro8cRa2xr3bAPV2n6KT5vi1 You must use it as usual credit card number. If you send bitcoins nobody will see your shame. Watch youtube manuals about methods of buing BTC... I can offer you this exchanger: localbitoins.com. If you have a problem with this, you can search comfortable ATM for bitcoin at coin atm radar. I give you no more than twenty four hours since you read our message to pay. You can complain cops, but they can not find us I use bot network, and of course we live abroad. If you want us to show proofs we will share it to seven mates from your data after that you will be given their contacts. So you will ask them if something strange was received about you. For some questions just reply. Dont be fullish, AmAZinGcRackeR$.

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Do you want to make a spectacle of yourself? I will tell you what to do To leave behind that dirt you have to give $ 400 In a case if you forward I will eliminate this materials. Pay USD 400 to 1PWfPY5cf4ukpnLGyuBG26VtcQmf469T7k Bitcoin wallet failing this you should became star in the Internet.
Otherwise I would show it to all your contact information If not it going to sent to all your contact files.
All the closely related people and collaborates would see this Are you going to make a surprise to all your nearest and dearest and workmates?
Its mine Bitcoin wallet 1PWfPY5cf4ukpnLGyuBG26VtcQmf469T7k.
I can give you just 24 hours to do this.
You pay me cash and I should destroy that dirty pictures entirely and permanently.
P.S. I beg pardon for my mistakes, but I am sure you understood. I am cracker China is my native country. I have had cracked this mailing box so please and don’t give an answer to it.

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Good morning, I write you because I uploaded my virus on a web page with porn which you have visited.
When you went on that site you let the malware steal all your private information and turned on your web-camera that captured the act of your onanism. Then the soft made a copy of all your contacts.
I will delete the compromising video and info if you send me 380 USD in bitcoin.
This is bitcoin address to pay: 16x3VyC2ug3TdNKijxbMxA4F4TJMr7Jfhp
You have 28 h after reading this letter for making the payment.
There is no need to write me that you have paid. This address is given only to you, everything will be removed automatically after transfer verification.
If you need 48 h just write back +.
You can complain to the police but they will not help you.
I am foreigner. So nobody can trace me even for 7 weeks.
All the best. Dont forget about the disgrace.

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

Good day! Yours notebook was injected to a time where you stronk watching adults website. Thanks to this all the needed files and contact numbers of all your closely related people are in my hands for now. Your front camera was put to work with a help of this product and filmed and makes pictures. All passwords to yours social media service accounts are in my disposal. You ought to dispatch $USD 400 to my Bitcoin number 1MYUvQq72fNzWFqj3LR4YWr4w9gURZErSP In a case if you don’t like me to dispatch all the photos and video ( when you have been tossing ) to your acquaintance and workmates. All closely related people and workmates receive black PR image if I do not receive transmission within twentyfour hours. If you going to fulfill all the conditions I should destroy all these dirty laundry. You have to know that the main thing in this life is family and it will be a good experience for the future. There was no that sort of situation in a case if you don’t make that dirty things. Be careful for the future Yours respectfully. P.S. After watching that mail you own only twentyfour hours.

 

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Good day.
If you were more scrutiny while playing with yourself, I wouldn’t write dis message. I don\’t think that playing with yourself is very awful, but when all colleagues, relatives and friends get video of it- it is unpleasant for u.
I adjusted malicious soft on a web-site for adults (with porn) which was visited by you. When the object tap on a play button, device begins recording the screen and all cameras on ur device begins working.
Moreover, soft makes a dedicated desktop supplied with keylogger function from the system , so I was able to save all contacts from ur e-mail, messengers and other social networks. I’ve chosen dis e-mail because It\’s your working address, so you must read it.
I think that 350 usd is pretty enough for this little misstep. I made a split screen vid(records from screen (u have interesting tastes ) and camera ohh… its funny AF)
So its your choice, if u want me to erase ur disgrace use my bitсоin wаllet adress: 1CvwXG7AMgunAHqU8UVvAQkpEAS3VsVtnU
You have one day after opening my message, I put the special tracking pixel in it, so when you will open it I will see.If ya want me to show u the proofs, reply on this letter and I will send my creation to five contacts that I’ve got from ur contacts.
P.S. You are able to complain to police, but I don’t think that they can solve ur problem, the investigation will last for one year- I’m from Ukraine – so I dgf lmao

 

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It seems that, -, is your password. You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this e mail, right?
actually, I setup a malware on the adult vids (porno) web-site and guess what, you visited this site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your internet browser started out functioning as a RDP (Remote Desktop) having a keylogger which gave me accessibility to your screen and web cam. after that, my software program obtained all of your contacts from your Messenger, FB, as well as email.
What did I do?
I created a double-screen video. 1st part shows the video you were watching (you've got a good taste haha . . .), and 2nd part shows the recording of your web cam.
exactly what should you do?
Well, in my opinion, $2900 is a fair price for our little secret. You'll make the payment by Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search "how to buy bitcoin" in Google).
BTC Address: 1KiCTVUq5A9BPwoFC8S965tsbtqcWr8bty
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)
Important:
You have one day in order to make the payment. (I've a unique pixel in this e mail, and at this moment I know that you have read through this email message). If I do not get the BitCoins, I will certainly send out your video recording to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so on. Having said that, if I receive the payment, I'll destroy the video immidiately. If you need evidence, reply with "Yes!" and I will certainly send out your video recording to your 6 contacts. It is a non-negotiable offer, that being said don't waste my personal time and yours by responding to this message.

 

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It seems that. +1-702-xxx-xx60. is your phone number You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this e mail. right?
actually. I setup a malware on the adult vids (porno) web-site and guess what. you visited this site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos. your Internet browser started out functioning as a RDP (Remote Desktop) having a keylogger which gave me accessibility to your screen and web cam_ after that. my software program obtained all of your contacts from your Messenger. FB. as well as email.
What did I do?
I backuped phone. All photo. video and contacts. I created a double-screen video. 1st part shows the video you were watching (you've got a good taste haha recording of your web cam.
exactly what should you do?
. and 2nd part shows the
Well. in my opinion. S100 is a fair price for our little secret. You'll make the payment by Bitcoin (if you do not know this. search "how to buy bitcoin" in Google).
BTC Address: 19Gfc36i682Y7kZqhvkKUJKxLav9Sq6zai (It is cAsE sensitive. so copy and paste it)
Important: You have one day in order to make the payment. (I've a unique pixel in this e mail. and at this moment I know that you have read through this email message). If I do not get the BitCoins. I will certainly send out your video recording to all of your contacts including relatives. coworkers. and so on. Having said that. if I receive the payment. I'll destroy the video immidiately. If you need evidence. reply with "Yes!" and I will certainly send out your video recording to your 6 contacts. It is a non-negotiable offer. that being said don't waste my personal time and yours by responding to this message.

 

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I know [user's password] one of your password. Lets get directly to point. You may not know me and you're probably wondering why you're getting this email? Nobody has compensated me to check about you.
actually, I actually placed a software on the 18+ videos (sex sites) site and there's more, you visited this web site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your internet browser initiated operating as a RDP with a key logger which provided me access to your display and also web camera. Just after that, my software program obtained all your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook, as well as e-mail . After that I created a video. First part shows the video you were watching (you have a good taste : )), and 2nd part shows the recording of your cam, yeah it is you.
You actually have two different alternatives. Let us take a look at the possibilities in particulars:
First option is to dismiss this email message. In this situation, I most certainly will send your videotape to each of your your contacts and then imagine concerning the disgrace yo u will see. Or if you are in an affair, exactly how it will eventually affect?
In the second place alternative should be to pay me $3000. We will describe it as a donation. Consequently, I most certainly will without delay eliminate your video recording. You could go on your way of life like this never happened and you will not hear back again from me.
You will make the payment by Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search "how to buy bitcoin" in Google).
BTC Address to send to: 1MzPj6xVZBHjgHY1v9Z5KqdsPLbP3Zrsx1 [CASE-SENSITIVE so copy and paste it]
In case you are planning on going to the authorities, anyway, this e mail can not be traced back to me. I have taken care of my actions. I am just not trying to demand a lot, I would like to be compensated.
You now have one day to make the payment. I've a specific pixel in this message, and now I know that you have read this message. If I don't get the BitCoins, I will definitely send out your video recording to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, etc. Nonetheless, if I receive the payment, I will destroy the recording immediately. If you want proof, reply Yea then I definitely will send your video recording to your 11 contacts. This is the non:negotiable offer thus don't waste my personal time & yours by responding to this e mail.

 

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Well I am going to make it as fast and short possibly can,
Few months back while visiting one of compromised web sites, your pc was infected by our Malware
and it broken into all your network devices such as your cell phone, ever since its collecting large amount of information about yourself using your pc and your smart phone , we have got your video clips , photos , call recordings , contacts , your social network connections , your e-mails , your home address and even videos of yours changing clothing , showering etc
I am sure its really distressful for you and you'll be wondering what should you do ? isn't it ?
Relax breathe deeply , dont stress and read carefully now , if you wish these audio video recordings, e-mails, computer files, Mobile data,  pictures etc plus your other secrets (you can guess it very well) to stay in between us, and do not want me to share it with your family members, best friends, colleagues, or on well known web-sites like Fb, Reddit, Xvideos, Pornhub and others , there's a simple way to avoid.
Simply pay 500$ worth of bitcoin to my bitcoin wallet address,  to my opinion its really fair and low amount to keeping your little secret. (if you do not know this, search "how to buy bitcoin" search engines like google).
Bitcoin Address: 1HZyGQXoEKptyJmrmZxttgizmJbDNAQZNV
(It is case sensitive, so copy and paste it)
Important:
You've one day to make the payment. (I have a special pixel within this e mail, and at this moment I know you have read this email message). If I do not get the BitCoins, I will certainly send out your video recording to all of your contacts including relatives, colleagues, and so forth. Having said that, if I receive the payment, I'll destroy the video immidiately. If you want evidence, reply with "Yes!" and I will definitely mail out your videos to your 6 contacts. It is a non-negotiable offer, that being said don't waste my personal time and yours by answering this message.

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

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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

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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?

This email is not personal. Scammers sent this email to all addresses (or at least more than one address) they have in their database. Usually, scammers obtain email addresses after data breaches.

Was my computer actually hacked and does the sender have any information?

No, your computer was not actually hacked/infected or compromised in any other way. Scammers only claim that they have been able to access your computer. As a rule, none of their claims are true.

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

Crypto transactions are irreversible. It means that retrieving the transferred funds is impossible unless cybercriminals would be willing to send them back.

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

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove almost all known malware. Computers infected with high-end malware must be scanned using a full scan. Typically, malware of this kind hides deep in the operating system. Thus, running a quick scan is not enough to detect (and remove) it.