Avoid getting scammed by emails claiming your account or system was hacked

What is "Your Account Was Hacked"?

"Your Account Was Hacked" is one of the many scams (spam campaigns) that are used to trick people into paying cyber criminals. In this case, scammers send an email stating that the recipient's computer is infected with a malicious program that allowed them to record a compromising video.

They also claim that they have stolen personal data/details. The main point of this email is to trick people into paying cyber criminals who threaten to proliferate the video if their demands are not met by the given deadline. Note that emails of this type should be ignored.

"Your Account Was Hacked" email scam overview

There are two versions of the "Your Account Was Hacked" spam campaign, however, they are essentially identical. A screenshot of another version (and its text) can be found below. Scammers claim that they have hacked the user's email account.

To make this seem genuine, they used the 'spoofing' method, which allows them to forge email addresses - in this case, cyber criminals use the recipient's email address, and thus it seems as if the recipient of the email is also the sender. Furthermore, cyber criminals state that they have infected the computer with a Trojan that operates as a remote access tool.

They state that this unwanted installation occurred when the recipient visited an adult website and this tool allowed them to gain access to the user's desktop and webcam. Furthermore, they claim that they have stolen various passwords and contacts.

The key part of this email is the statement indicating that these criminals have recorded a video of the recipient watching adult content (video). To prevent them from proliferating this video (sending it to all of the recipient's contacts), they urge the victim to pay $1000 in Bitcoins using one of the Bitcoin wallet addresses provided.

Scammers encourage the victim to make a payment within 48 hours, otherwise they will proliferate the video. We can assure you that there is no such video recorded and this is just a scam based on the hope that some users will fall for it.

If you receive this email, you are likely to be just one of hundreds of others who have also received it. The best option in these cases is to simply ignore the emails.

Spam campaigns in general

"Your Account Was Hacked" is just one of many emails (scams) of this kind. Others include "You May Not Know Me", "We Are Not Going To Steal A Lot Of Time", and "I Am A Spyware Software Developer". Most are used to threaten and blackmail people by making claims that are not accurate.

Criminals generally attempt to extort money from innocent people, however, some cyber criminals use other types of spam campaigns. They send emails that contain malicious attachments or website links that lead to them. They use these emails to infect computers with malicious programs such as LokiBot, TrickBot, Emotet, AZORult, and Adwind.

The main purpose of these spam campaigns is to trick people into opening the included link or attachment - opening it causes download and installation of a malicious program. Examples of files that cyber criminals usually attach are Microsoft Office documents, PDF files, executables (.exe), ZIP, RAR or other archives, and so on.

These emails and attachments proliferate computer infections that cause people financial loss, data loss, privacy issues, 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 campaigns can only infect computers if the presented attachment (or web links that lead to them) are opened. For example, executable files (.exe) must be executed, archive files, extracted and their contents executed, and so on. If the attached file is an MS Office document, it will ask to enable macros commands.

By enabling them, users allow malicious documents to download and install malicious programs. Spam campaigns are used to infect people's computers but can only do harm if the presented attachment/s are opened.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Download, install, update software, and browse the internet with care. Do not open attachments (or web links) included in emails received from unknown, suspicious email addresses. They are usually presented in various irrelevant emails that do not concern their recipients personally. Update installed software using implemented functions or tools provided by official developers only.

Avoid downloading software from untrustworthy, unofficial websites, using third party downloaders, torrent clients, eMule and other such tools. Use newer versions of Microsoft Office (no older than 2010), since they have "Protected View" mode, which prevents malicious documents from downloading and installing unwanted (malicious) programs.

Make sure that there is reputable anti-spyware or anti-virus software installed and running on the computer. Programs of this type are capable of detecting viruses (and other threats) and eliminating them before any serious damage is done.

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 "Your Account Was Hacked" email message (with two additional Bitcoin wallet addresses):

Your account was hacked! Renew the pswd right away!
You probably do not know me me and you may be certainly wanting to know for what reason you're receiving this message, right?
I'm ahacker who burstyour emailand devices and gadgetsnot so long ago.
Do not attempt to msg me or alternatively try to find me, it is definitely hopeless, because I sent you a letter from YOUR hacked account.
I installed spyware on the adult vids (porno) website and suppose you enjoyed this site to enjoy it (you know what I mean).
During you have been watching content, your browser started out operating as a RDP (Remote Control) that have a keylogger that granted me authority to access your desktop and webcam.
Afterward, my programobtainedall information.
You have typed passcodes on the websites you visited, I caught all of them.
Surely, you could possibly change each of them, or perhaps already modified them.
But it really doesn't matter, my malware renews it every time.
And what did I do?
I compiled a reserve copy of every your system. Of all files and personal contacts.
I got a dual-screen video recording. The 1st section demonstrates the video you were observing (you've got a good preferences, ahah...), the second screen demonstrates the movie from your camera.
What should you do?
Great, in my opinion, 1000 USD is basically a reasonable amount of money for this little riddle. You'll do the deposit by bitcoins (in case you don't understand this, go searching “how to purchase bitcoin” in any search engine).
My bitcoin wallet address:
1DyiDqXUQ44qbnuBxARp5Q2Q2j6pvXZAyQ, 17qQSJatXXj5DnjMLjNGXx9BT7NUhqimRx, 15LZuFSVyDAoaNLtbh4ru7ZQWvZxEosCaf, 18DGKAQ3gHQVmPHPVyLvBGsCoX1d4G8yfq, 1JRfE57ZF8Eaqa7DktHmVCoAneA8q4fpP2, 1LthzYVB7jrYFPnJHDLriDnxk4BJ4Ch2jf, 1GXBRWZaTqTEvxY2NzfdrMwYbPHqfWNNYE, 14GHLvKaXSNtDTkshZi5j8uUo3mFtJ52FN, 19SDJp3rdgU99sadqEb437b1qAynsCg9r8, 1LWbhU7623zZjLHTnfTRyrcqbRnXoVKaBd, 1GVgsTh6j1oh5PUksWQDdiChtsRiWwkR6Q, 14dM8NWRhdzKixe3hcvY6HfQGcjt736Gkc, 1FUieDeAPMpTpz67aKfr1jsWXmJfvQ6V8w, 1CUmFahadM9fmENHcdepbwSENEdmqh7VeF, 19Bk81t5nG8DZJSaJB6xqgvqfs1pCeF4KS, 1Cboy74YFQy1pLJTRrnibYfqiVo3FXv9fe, 1LP5g9uxYdqkTGZfgjRU9dFbY3pra3BaPw, 1EcoMxqqevYgoK6syi3TD4mTaSJGYLQbGw, 1Jo478RY2qC8vZ1cxSmk2WFjq5j9bpfDuv
(It is cAsE sensitive, so just copy and paste it).
Warning:
You will have 48 hours to make the payment. (I built in an unique pixel to this message, and right now I understand that you've read through this email).
To tracethe reading of a messageand the actionsin it, I utilizea Facebook pixel. Thanks to them. (Everything thatcan be usedfor the authorities should helpus.)

If I fail to get bitcoins, I will immediately offer your videofile to each of your contacts, including family members, colleagues, and so forth?

Screenshot of another variant of "Your Account Was Hacked" scam:

Text presented in another version of "Your Account Was Hacked" scam:

Hi, your account has been infected! Renew the password this time!
You do not know anything about me and you may be probably surprised for what reason you're reading this particular letter, proper?
I'mhacker who exploitedyour emailand all devicesnot so long ago.
Never try out to msg me or alternatively seek for me, it's impossible, because I forwarded you this message using YOUR hacked account.
I've installed special program on the adult videos (porno) site and guess that you visited this site to have fun (you understand what I mean).
While you have been keeping an eye on video clips, your internet browser started out to act like a RDP (Remote Control) having a keylogger that provided me access to your screen and network camera.
Then, my softobtainedall information.
You have typed passcodes on the online resources you visited, I caught them.
Surely, you are able change each of them, or have already modified them.
However it doesn't matter, my program renews needed data regularly.
What actually I have done?
I generated a reserve copy of every your system. Of all the files and each contact.
I formed a dual-screen videofile. The first part displays the film that you were watching (you have got an interesting preferences, ahah...), and the second screen displays the recording from your own camera.
What exactly should you do?
Clearly, I think, 1000 USD will be a fair price for our small riddle. You will make the deposit by bitcoins (if you do not understand this, go searching “how to purchase bitcoin” in any search engine).
My bitcoin wallet address:
12xDmKxf28FStr6pxVCbv56sPf2nvL3jmT, 1GCz3YBhwpqFRUQ4B3rEvpiEkn6XtTD4GA, 15tGbgpiksnzBY1tef2LgUbJ9pZvoDjCbs, 18iDcSiS48kPAkbxUnyeeqwVx65Vgbwr2U, 1KmzrKYxcpAyEVEH38KPrMSVfGejk1ABQz, 1BkkLeRcUjrakVNFtAgAgfMjDb4TPUw8Pz, 1C242L8qAXRxudv6KBAahi81GHS5wpc8cF, 1NwbnYRDJwcAXRwRsJMZRFs7Gt4psir5S9, 149zE8ZaYXk1CtpfY5qsiuaf7LSdqsRs88, 1HUHBgNHYCz9Djy9z615adkgd2NYQNMVUd, 1LX5SEa54kf2SaAWH1vJ1F8SPkhpHCmzY9, 1E5tz2erjoh9Bx4U54PZPHrS51TgaGfCps, 1JKJEkK4FEmWixuBBTm8SojW3ACTt6oVFT, 1816WoXDtSmAM9a4e3HhebDXP7DLkuaYAd, 149J6aqKnjLTLdCCL39isvPxQh1xTjhEq5, 1F3GRSteD9XbVsUVNxj4FrTPrKvDmwiZVz, 1JwrTTYu1KkrJLUbWmDFC2WLMg4RP2YCRq, 1GL3psbvhB1pJJLQub8ABjPUstThPpfgnb, 178weWXPeMALJjq72tYxmWgNx5bQDpKN9u, 1N27jsKEDaxRfYF6pkGvyANQhPuZzzECBz
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it).
Important:
You will have 2 days in order to make the payment. (I have an unique pixel in this letter, and at the moment I understand that you've read through this email).
To tracethe reading of a messageand the actionsin it, I utilizea Facebook pixel. Thanks to them. (That whichis usedfor the authorities may helpus.)

 

In case I fail to get bitcoins, I shall undoubtedly send your video files to each of your contacts, along with relatives, co-workers, etc?

Another variant of "This account has been hacked" email scam:

Text presented in this variant:

Hi, this account has been hacked! Modify the password right now!
You do not know anything about me and you really are probably surprised for what reason you're reading this email, proper?
I'm ahacker who openedyour emailand devicesa few months ago.
Do not attempt to communicate with me or try to find me, in fact it's not possible, since I forwarded you an email using YOUR hacked account.
I've started virus to the adult videos (porn) website and guess you have spent time on this website to have a good time (you realize what I want to say).
Whilst you have been paying attention to vids, your internet browser started out to act like a RDP (Remote Control) that have a keylogger that provided me authority to access your screen and web camera.
Next step, my softwarestoleall information.
You have put passcodes on the websites you visited, and I already caught all of them.
Needless to say, you can modify each of them, or have already modified them.
But it really doesn't matter, my malware updates it regularly.
And what I have done?
I made a backup of your device. Of all files and contact lists.
I got a dual-screen movie. The 1 part reveals the clip you were watching (you have got a good preferences, huh...), and the 2nd screen reveals the movie from your camera.
What actually must you do?
Good, in my view, 1000 USD will be a reasonable amount of money for this very little riddle. You will do the deposit by bitcoins (in case you don't recognize this, search “how to purchase bitcoin” in any search engine).
My bitcoin wallet address:
14B3FpCjNnoGxTsGor46Wk689GsvKbyv4x, 1FcCacS5pebEKMR6wtz7k98JEqbhfhCkDw, 1PAcoXVyzBDRryyg3MAmBQhDuofNYu55Uo, 12s4cfoNTzT68gSdxLjmSRT3qdvaqwDWNz, 15D5A6C5peaK8wF4eAlW5GfYzp3YVmaGP6
(It is cAsE sensitive, so just copy and paste it).
Important:
You have only 2 days to perform the payment. (I have an exclusive pixel in this letter, and right now I understand that you have read this email).
To tracethe reading of a messageand the activityin it, I set upa Facebook pixel. Thanks to them. (That whichis appliedfor the authorities may also helpus.)
In case I fail to get bitcoins, I will undoubtedly direct your video files to all your contacts, including relatives, co-workers, and many more?

Yet another variant of "Your Account Was Hacked" spam campaign:

Text presented within this email:

This account is now hacked! Change the password right this moment!
You do not know me me and you really are definitely wondering for what reason you're receiving this e-mail, proper?
I am a hacker who exploited your email and OS two months ago.
It will be a time wasting to attempt to msg me or find me. it is definitely impossible since I forwarded you an email from YOUR account that I've hacked.
I have started special program on the adult videos (porno) website and suppose that you have visited this site to enjoy it (you understand what I want to say).
When you were taking a look at films, your internet browser began functioning like a RDP (Remote Control) with a keylogger which granted me access to your monitor and camera.
Next step, my softgatheredall info.
You have entered passwords on the websites you visited, I caught them.
Surely, you'll be able to change each of them, or possibly already changed them.
However it does not matter, my malware updates needed data every time.
And what did I do?
I got a reserve copy of every your device. Of all the files and personal contacts.
I formed a dual-screen video. The 1st section displays the clip you had been observing (you've an interesting preferences, huh...), and the 2nd screen displays the movie from your own web camera.
What should you do?
Great, I believe, 1000 USD is a inexpensive price for our very little secret. You will make the deposit by bitcoins (in case you don't understand this, try to find "how to purchase bitcoin" in any search engine).
My bitcoin wallet address:

1N69twRyL3hsnt-Ti2z3fKZ3RipN1972dFx, 1Nv29du52zVq2dSyrRJEyn4ffWiaheXq9Q

(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it).
Important:
You will have only 48 hours to send the payment (I built in an exclusive pixel to this letter, and at the moment I know that you've read through this email).
To tracethe reading of a letter and the actions inside it, I set up a Facebook pixel. Thanks to them.
(Everything that is applied for the authorities may also helpus.)
In case I do not get bitcoins, I'll undoubtedly send your video file to all your contacts, along with family members, co-workers, and many more?

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 this mail in mass-scale operations with the hopes that at least some of the recipients will be tricked by their scams.

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

No, all the claims made by "Your Account Was Hacked" emails are fake. Therefore, neither has your computer been infected nor does the sender made any explicit recordings featuring you.

How did cyber criminals get my email password?

The most likely scenario is that you have become a victim of a phishing scam. These scams operate by tricking users into entering information (e.g., email or other account passwords, etc.) into phishing websites or files. These sites/files are typically disguised as sign-in webpages, registration or subscription forms, and so on. It is also possible that the scammers obtained your email password due to a data breach on a service provider's side.

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

No, most likely, not. Cryptocurrency transactions are practically untraceable - which makes them irreversible.

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

If you've provided account log-in credentials - immediately change the passwords of all potentially exposed 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 relevant authorities without delay.

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

No, opening a spam email will not trigger any malware download/installation processes. Infections are initiated when an attached file or a link presented inside the email is opened.

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

Whether an infection was jumpstarted might depend on the file's format. If it was an executable (.exe, .run, etc.) - most likely, yes - your system was infected. However, document formats (.doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.) may need additional actions (e.g., enabling macro commands) to initiate malware download/installation.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating most of the known malware infections. It has to be stressed that running a complete system scan is essential - since malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.