Avoid getting scammed by fake "I Hacked Your Device" emails

What is the "I Hacked Your Device" email scam?

"I Hacked Your Device" is a scam (a spam email campaign) that cyber criminals and scammers use to trick people into paying to prevent distribution of compromising material (videos) that they have supposedly obtained.

They send this email to many people hoping that someone will fall for this scam. In fact, statements issued by the "I Hacked Your Device" spam campaign are false and should be disregarded.

"I Hacked Your Device" email scam overview

Scammers behind this email scam use the so-called "spoofing" method to falsify the sender's email address. In this case, they use the recipient's email address to make it seem as if this person is also the sender. They claim that they have hacked the recipient's computer and email account as stated in the "I Hacked Your Device" message.

According to these scammers, they planted a malicious program on an adult website that was visited by the recipient of the email, and that this resulted in installation of a remote access tool. Cyber criminals claim that this tool allowed them to access the affected computer's webcam and monitor (and record) all computing activities.

Furthermore, they claim that this remote access tool allowed them to steal the contact lists from social networks, email account, and a messenger. The main purpose of the "I Hacked Your Device" email is to convince recipients that cyber criminals used the installed tool to record a compromising (and humiliating) webcam video whilst the user watched a video on an adult website.

They make threats to share this webcam video with all of the recipient's contacts unless they receive $671, transferred to a Bitcoin wallet provided with 48 hours.

They also promise to delete this video as soon as their demands are met. Note that this is merely a scam and should not be trusted. We strongly recommend that you ignore this and other scams simply by deleting the received email.

I Am A Spyware Software Developer, So I'm The Hacker Who Broke Your Email, and I'm A Programmer Who Cracked Your Email are just some examples of other, similar email scams. Most are used to extort money from people by tricking them into believing that compromising material (photos or videos) will be distributed unless a ransom is paid.

Other spam email campaigns do not attempt to extort money (at least not directly), but infect computers with viruses. Typically, cyber criminals send emails that contains malicious attachments designed to download and install viruses such as LokiBot, TrickBot, Emotet, AZORult, Adwind, and other high-risk computer infections.

These emails usually contain attachments such as PDF documents, executable files, archive files, Microsoft Office documents, etc. The main purpose is to trick recipients into opening a malicious attachment, which then installs a virus that might be designed to proliferate other infections (such as ransomware), steal logins, passwords, banking details, and so on.

Thus, having a computer infected with these viruses might cause serious problems relating to privacy, financial loss, browsing safety, and so on.

We receive a great deal of feedback from concerned users about this scam email. Here is the most popular question we receive:

Q: Hi pcrisk.com team, I received an email stating that my computer was hacked and they have a video of me. Now they are asking for a ransom in Bitcoins. I think this must be true because they listed my real name and password in the email. What should I do?

A: Do not worry about this email. Neither hackers nor cyber criminals have infiltrated/hacked your computer and there is no video of you watching pornography. Simply ignore the message and do not send any Bitcoins. Your email, name, and password was probably stolen from a compromised website such as  Yahoo (these website breaches are common). If you are concerned, you can check if your accounts have been compromised by visiting the haveibeenpwned website.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Spam email campaigns cannot do any damage without manual intervention by users who are encouraged to perform certain tasks. Unfortunately, due to the lack of knowledge of these threats and careless behaviour, many users inadvertently help scammers to achieve their goals.

As mentioned above, emails of this type contain malicious attachments that infect computers only if opened. For example, if the attached file is an executable (.exe) file, it first needs to be executed (run) for it to install malicious programs.

If the attachment is an MS Office document, when opened, it will request permission to enable macro commands. Enabling these commands gives permission for a malicious document to download and install a high-risk virus. Similar rules apply to files of other types.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Do not open attachments (or links) that are included in emails received from unknown, suspicious or untrustworthy addresses, without carefully studying them first. If the email seems irrelevant (does not concern you), do not open the presented attachment or link - you should delete these emails without reading. Download software using official, trustworthy sources (websites) only.

Avoid using third party downloaders, peer-to-peer networks and other such tools, unofficial websites, etc. Bear in mind that third party downloaders (or installers) are used to distribute rogue (potentially malicious) applications. Download and install software with care. Check "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings.

Deselect offers to install or download unwanted applications, and only then finish the process. You are advised to keep software updated but using implemented functions or tools provided by the official developers. Dubious, fake updaters usually install malware or unwanted applications rather than the promised updates.

If you are a Microsoft Office user, use software no older than the MS Office 2010 version. Later versions have "Protected View" mode, which prevents malicious attachments from downloading and installing computer infections.

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 "I Hacked Your Device" email message:

Subject: Your account is being used by another person!

Hi, stranger!

I hacked your device, because I sent you this message from your account.
If you have already changed your password, my malware will be intercepts it every time.

You may not know me, and you are most likely wondering why you are receiving this email, right?
In fact, I posted a malicious program on adults (pornography) of some websites, and you know that you visited these websites to enjoy
(you know what I mean).

While you were watching video clips,
my trojan started working as a RDP (remote desktop) with a keylogger that gave me access to your screen as well as a webcam.

Immediately after this, my program gathered all your contacts from messenger, social networks, and also by e-mail.

What I've done?
I made a double screen video.
The first part shows the video you watched (you have good taste, yes ... but strange for me and other normal people),
and the second part shows the recording of your webcam.

What should you do?

Well, I think $671 (USD dollars) is a fair price for our little secret.
You will make a bitcoin payment (if you don't know, look for "how to buy bitcoins" on Google).

BTC Address: 1GjZSJnpU4AfTS8vmre6rx7eQgeMUq8VYr, 16xg78KbZSR2TrcY3hR7ViMtJecyyZEoQJ, 13Xp4WMQ4JvNzYfHTzxr6yny1kiQSMRNkn, 13Xp4WMQ4JvNzYfHTzxr6yny1kiQSMRNkn, 18pKQ88ZpatLYmyeKpuCFwvRFcjHjwVB2u, 1ELgYTbMLmw9vaHADfZmMcKVMWCNmRH8S2, 14DvFghvkzQujf5Kd5AL2VKjxaYm5KidxR, 1GXTMHxTwfoErs1Y8jUTvFFHocugAJVUZz
(This is CASE sensitive, please copy and paste it)

Remarks:
You have 2 days (48 hours) to pay. (I have a special code, and at the moment I know that you have read this email).

If I don't get bitcoins, I will send your video to all your contacts, including family members, colleagues, etc.
However, if I am paid, I will immediately destroy the video, and my trojan will be destruct someself.

If you want to get proof, answer "Yes!" and resend this letter to youself.
And I will definitely send your video to your any 19 contacts.

This is a non-negotiable offer, so please do not waste my personal and other people's time by replying to this email.

Bye!

Screenshot of an updated variant of this email scam:

Text presented in this variant:

Subject: Your account is being used by another person!
I'll begin with the most important.
I hacked your device and then got access to all your accounts... Including [victim's email address]
It is easy to check - I wrote you this email from your account.
Moreover, I know your intim secret, and I have proof of this.
You do not know me personally, and no one paid me to check you.
It is just a coincidence that I discovered your mistake.
In fact, I posted a malicious code (exploit) to an adult site, and you visited this site...
While watching a video Trojan virus has been installed on your device through an exploit.
This darknet software working as RDP (remote-controlled desktop), which has a keylogger,
which gave me access to your microphone and webcam.
Soon after, my software received all your contacts from your messenger, social network and email.
At that moment I spent much more time than I should have.
I studied your love life and created a good video series.
The first part shows the video that you watched,
and the second part shows the video clip taken from your webcam (you are doing inappropriate things).
Honestly, I want to forget all the information about you and allow you to continue your daily life.
And I will give you two suitable options. Both are easy to do.
First option: you ignore this email.
The second option: you pay me $750(USD).
Let's look at 2 options in detail.
The first option is to ignore this email.
Let me tell you what happens if you choose this path.
I will send your video to your contacts, including family members, colleagues, etc.
This does not protect you from the humiliation that you and
your family need to know when friends and family members know about your unpleasant details.
The second option is to pay me. We will call this "privacy advice."
Now let me tell you what happens if you choose this path.
Your secret is your secret. I immediately destroy the video.
You continue your life as if none of this has happened.
Now you might think: "I'll call to police!"
Undoubtedly, I have taken steps to ensure that this letter cannot be traced to me,
and it will not remain aloof from the evidence of the destruction of your daily life.
I don't want to steal all your savings.
I just want to get compensation for my efforts that I put in to investigate you.
Let us hope that you decide to create all this in full and pay me a fee for confidentiality.
You make a Bitcoin payment (if you don't know how to do it, just enter "how to buy bitcoins" in Google search)
Shipping amount: $750(USD).
Getting Bitcoin Addresses: 1GF8J1XRaiX2oHM7SQo9VAFAtWZcRgMncg, 18pKQ88ZpatLYmyeKpuCFwvRFcjHjwVB2u, 14t1ovSs6XGBCi6BwZAQ4kPCJ3dnUapQTv
(This is sensitive, so copy and paste it carefully)
Don't tell anyone what to use bitcoins for. The procedure for obtaining bitcoins can take several days, so do not wait.
I have a spetial code in Trojan, and now I know that you have read this letter.
You have 48 hours to pay.
If I don't get BitCoins, I'll send your video to your contacts, including close relatives, co-workers, and so on.
Start looking for the best excuse for friends and family before they all know.
But if I get paid, I immediately delete the video.
This is a one-time offer that is non-negotiable, so do not waste my and your time.
Time is running out.
Bye!

Yet another variant of this email scam:

Text presented in this variant:

Subject: System Message: System Compromised!

Hi The​re​, Your de​vice​ was hacked by us and we​ posses FULL access​ to​ it. To​ demonstrate​ yo​u we​ are​ serious we​ mailed yo​u this message​ fro​m your personal e​mail account, check​ the​ "Fro​m" mail address, this shows we​ have​ FULL access to​ your de​vice​. We​ furthermore​ know one​​ o​f the​ passwords yo​u use​d was "-".
In this message​ we​ will tell​ yo​u ho​w this occurred​ and what yo​u have​ to​ do​ about it.

We​ are​ team o​f hackers​ and a while​ ago​ we​ hacked into​ an xxx (porn) website that yo​u checked ​out. We​ ​​infected this site​ with a malware​ that installed itself​ to​ your de​vice​ ​when yo​u watched​ porn​. Our virus can no​t be​ detected by anti-virus software​ simply be​cause​ the​ signature​ is change​d every 25 mins.
Yo​u can alter your passwords however​ it will no​t help be​cause​ our malware​ will constantly  keep the​ backdoor to​ your ​​​system open.

Each time​ yo​u went to​ an xxx website​ our malware​ started to​ re​co​rd yo​u "playing with yourself" (yo​u know what we​ me​an) and stored the​ video clip o​n our server. We​ additionally save​d all the​ picture​s, file​s, social media accounts and contacts and all your e​mail contacts to​ our server.

Yo​u are​ wondering what we​ will do​ all this information and the​ nasty contents we​ posses o​f yo​u, well it is YOU who​ can make​ a choice​ what we​ do​ with it.

When yo​u opened this message our server activate​d a time​r. Fro​m no​w o​n yo​u have​ 8 (ye​s, just 8!) hours to​ decide​ what we​ do​ with all the​ content we​ have​ o​f yo​u.

If yo​u pay us $750 (USD) to​ our bitcoin ​address give​n be​lo​w we​ will erase all the​ mate​rial o​n our server we​ have​ o​n yo​u, yo​u will never ever hear fro​m us again and the​ backdoor will ​close itself and we​ will no​ further have​ access to​ your de​vice​. We​ will also​ e​mail yo​u what site​ infected yo​ur de​vice​ so​ yo​u can make​ sure​ your system stays secure​.
If the​ transaction do​e​s no​t show up in our bitcoin ​address within 8 hrs MAXIMUM we​ will forward the​ nasty content we​ have​ o​f yo​u to​ A​LL your social ​media contacts and A​LL your e​mail ​contacts. This WILL ruin your ​social life​ and the​ ​​relationships with yo​ur ​​loved ones!

Yo​u can use​ any online search ​engine like​ ​​Google to​ find out "ho​w to​ purchase​ bitcoins", it is a ​breeze, anyone can do​ it.

This is the​ bitcoin address: (copy/paste​ it, it is case​ ​sensitive):

****************************

12EECDFK8YYskrZCSoi7nFn3bAP7LFTMs7

****************************

Remember, yo​u have​ just 8 hours in ​order to​ ​ensure the​ transaction arrive​s in our bitcoin address so​ yo​u better initiate​ the​ ​transaction right away if yo​u don't want your social life​ and the​ ​relationship with yo​ur ​​loved ​​ones ​​​destroyed!

Another variant of "I Hacked Your Device" spam email (cyber criminals use letter look-alike characters to bypass spam filters):

Text presented within:

Subject: Your device is temporarily locked.

Hello!

I am a professional coder and I hacked your device's OS when you visit̪ed adult̪ websit̪e.
I've been wat̪ching your act̪ivit̪y for a couple of mont̪hs.
If you don't̪ underst̪and what̪ I am t̪alking about̪ I can explain...

My t̪rojan malware let̪s me get̪ access t̪o my vict̪im's syst̪em.
It̪ is mult̪iplat̪form soft̪ware wit̪h hVNC t̪hat̪ can be inst̪alled on phones, PC and even t̪V OS...
It̪ doesn't̪ have any AV's det̪ect̪s because it̪ is encrypt̪ed and can't̪ be det̪ect̪ed becaause I updat̪e it̪'s signat̪ures every 4 hour.

I can t̪urn on your camera, save your logs and do everyt̪hing t̪hat̪ I want̪ and you won't̪ not̪ice anyt̪hing.
Now I have all your cont̪act̪s, sm dat̪a and all logs from chat̪s for t̪he lat̪est̪ 2 mont̪hs but̪ it̪ is not̪ very useful wit̪hout̪ somet̪hing t̪hat̪ can spoil your reput̪at̪ion...

I recorded your mast̪urbat̪ion and t̪he video t̪hat̪ you wat̪ched. It̪ was disgust̪ing.
I can dest̪roy your life by sending t̪his st̪uff t̪o everybody you know.

If you want̪ me t̪o delet̪e t̪his st̪uff and avoid any problems you have t̪o send $1225 t̪o my bit̪coin address: 133gp7wGpKFaB2C593B2MCk2G4abYnEj9j, 133gp7wGpKFaB2C593B2MCk2G4abYnEj9j
If you don't̪ know how t̪o buy bit̪coins use Google, t̪here are a lot̪ of manuals about̪ using, spending and buying t̪his crypt̪ocurrency.

You have 50 hours from now t̪o complet̪e t̪he payment̪. I have a not̪ificat̪ion t̪hat̪ you are reading t̪his message...

t̪IME HAS GONE. Don't̪ t̪ry t̪o respond because t̪his email address is generat̪ed.

Don't̪ t̪ry t̪o complain because t̪his and my bit̪coin address can't̪ be t̪racked down.
If I not̪ice t̪hat̪ you shared t̪his message everybody will receive your dat̪a.

Bye!

Instant automatic malware removal:

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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?

Spam emails are not personal. Cyber criminals distribute these letters by the thousand with the hopes that at least some of the recipients will fall for their scams.

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

No, all of the claims made by "I Hacked Your Device" are false. This means that neither was your device hacked, nor does the sender have any compromising footage featuring you. Therefore, this email poses no actual threat - it is merely a scam.

How did cyber criminals get my email password?

Cyber criminals might have gained access to your email after a data breach. For example, information stolen from a website you've registered could contain log-in credentials. The more likely scenario is that you had fallen victim to a phishing scam at some point. To elaborate, phishing websites/files may be disguised as email account sign-in pages, various account creation webpages, service registration forms, and so on.

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

Cryptocurrency transactions are practically untraceable, which makes them irreversible. That means that you will not be able to retrieve the funds transferred to the cyber criminals.

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

If you have provided log-in credentials - immediately change the passwords of all possibly compromised accounts and inform their official support. And if you have disclosed other private data (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) - contact the corresponding authorities without delay.

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

No, merely opening a spam email will not trigger any system infection processes. Malware download/installation is initiated when the attached files or links contained in these letters - are opened/clicked.

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

If it was an executable (.exe, .run, etc.) - most likely, yes. However, you might have avoided triggering an infection process if it was a document (e.g., .xls, .doc, .pdf, etc.). These formats may require additional interaction (e.g., enabling macro commands) to begin downloading/installing malware.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate most of the known malware infections. It is noteworthy that high-end malware usually hides deep within systems. Therefore, running a complete system scan is essential.