Avoid getting scammed by fake "Maersk" emails

What is "Maersk Email Virus"?

"Maersk Email Virus" is categorized as a spam campaign and a scam. Like most spam campaigns of this type, cyber criminals (scammers) use it to infect people's computers. To achieve this, they attach a malicious file (or include a website link leading to it) and hope that someone will open it.

In this case, "Maersk Email Virus" is used to distribute a malicious program called Pony. This spam (email) campaign is a typical scam that should not be trusted. More importantly, the included website link should not be opened.

"Maersk" email virus overview

This scam is presented as an email (invoice) from Maersk, a Danish business conglomerate. It states that an invoice and documents are ready and asks recipients to check them by clicking the "click the attach to View, download and print your invoices and statements" link. Note that Maersk has nothing to do with this.

Scammers often disguise themselves by using names of well-known companies. If clicked, the link will trigger download of the "maersk line invoice.ace" compressed file. This file will download and install Pony, a malicious program that steals personal data.

It records information such as logins and passwords and then sends the details to a remote server controlled by cyber criminals. They use this information to gain access to bank accounts. Therefore, having this program installed can lead to financial loss. To avoid this, we strongly recommend that you ignore the "Maersk Email Virus" email and other similar emails.

Malspam campaign examples

Similar spam campaigns are "Confirm Bank Account Email Virus", "Paychex Email Virus", and "DSKD Email Virus". These are just some examples from many similar scams. All are proliferated to infect computers with malicious programs. Pony is one of many possible infections.

These emails can also be used to infect computers with other high-risk viruses such as Adwind, TrickBot, FormBook, LokiBot, and so on. Cyber criminals generally use them to steal sensitive information that can be used to generate revenue. This can cause financial loss and other problems.

How did "Maersk Email Virus" infect my computer?

In this case, Pony infects computers when the "click the attach to View, download and print your invoices and statements" link is clicked and the downloaded "maersk line invoice.ace" file is opened. It cannot be installed without first clicking the aforementioned link.

The same applies to other spam campaigns: they contain malicious attachments that must first be opened. Typically, cyber criminals attach Microsoft Office or PDF documents, JavaScript files, executables (.exe files), or archives (ZIP, RAR and so on). They cannot cause infections if they remain opened.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Do not open attachments or links included in irrelevant emails received from suspicious, unknown addresses. These emails are usually presented as legitimate (and official), however, they cannot be trusted. Furthermore, do not download software from unofficial websites or using Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule, or other such tools), third party downloaders, etc.

Download from official websites and use direct links. Software (or operating systems) should not be activated using third party "cracking" tools. These allow people to illegally bypass paid activations, however, they are used by cyber criminals to cause computer infections. Have reputable anti-spyware or anti-virus software installed and enabled.

These tools prevent computer infections by malware or other threats. If you have already opened "Maersk Email Virus" attachment, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the "Maersk Email Virus" email message:

Subject: Maersk line Invoice
Dear Customer,
Original copies of your invoice and documents has been sent through us.
click the attach to View, download and print your invoices and statements
view updates on the status of your shipment
Maersk Line is available online 24/7, offering you the freedom and flexibility to manage your transactions whenever you need to.

Sincerely,
Maersk Line

Malicious attachment distributed via "Maersk Email Virus" spam campaign:

Screenshot of a malicious Pony process running in Task Manager under the name "maersk line Invoice.exe (32-bit)":

Another variant of "Maersk" email spam campaign which is used for phishing purposes - crooks attempt to trick user into entering their account credentials (into the attached HTML file) in order to prove that he/she is not a "robot". Entered credentials are then saved in a remote server:

Text presented within this email:

Subject: Bill of Lading

 

Dear Consignee,
Please find attached your Bill of Lading for the current shipment headin= to your port.
Shipping customer advised us to contact your email ********* as the&n=sp;
consignee/receiver of the goods in transit.
ETA of cargo also included in the attached file.

 

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,
Maersk Line
The Integrated Container Logistics & Supply Chain Services

Screenshot of the HTML attachment ("Bill_of_Lading.html"):

Another variant of Maersk spam email used for phishing:

Text presented within this email:

Subject: Maersk : Arrival Notice ready for Bill of Lading 969812227.

 

Attached you will find the Arrival Notice for Bill of Lading - 969812227.
Should you wish to unsubscribe from receiving electronic arrival notices= we encourage you to update your notification preferences online at M=Maersk
Sincerely,
Maersk
Transport Document Number: 969812227
Booking Number: 969812227

Vessel: JETTE
Voyage: 002E
Place of Receipt:&nbs=;NANSHA,CHINA, China
Port of Loading: NANSHA,CHINA, China
Port o= Discharge: Undisclosed
Place of Delivery: Undisclosed
Shipper N=me: SHENZHEN LONG SAIL INTL LOGISTICS CO
Consignee Email: -
Quick tip
This document can be used to plan your impo=t transport chain, such as arranging customs clearance And/or planning hau=age.
Please note this is an automated operation.
The information contained in this message is privileged and intended=only for the recipients named. If the reader is not the intended recipient=or a representative of the intended recipient, any review, dissemination o= copying of this message or the information it contains is prohibited. If =ou have received this message by error, please notify the sender immediate=y, and delete the original message and attachments. Please consider the en=ironment before printing this email.|Privacy policy|
Disclaimer:While we aim for complete accuracy, we cannot hold the=information provided abov e to be, nor should it be taken to be guaranteed=complete, accurate or timely and we are unable to provide you with a warra=ty, representation or undertaking in respect of this information.
_______
©Maersk A/S
All Rights Reserved
_______
The information contained in this message is privileged and intended on=y for the recipients named. If the reader is not a representative of the i=tended recipient, any review, dissemination or copying of this message or =he information it contains is prohibited. If you have received this messag= in error, please immediately notify the sender, and delete the original m=ssage and attachments.

Maersk will as part of our communication=and interaction with you collect and process your personal data. You can r=ad more about Maersk’s collection and processing of your personal da=a and your rights as a data subject in our privacy policy

Please consider the environment before printing this email.

Screenshot of the attached html file ("Bill_of_Lading_969812227.html"):

Another example of Maersk-themed spam email proliferating an HTML file used for phishing purposes:

Text presented within:

Subject: B OF L

 

MAERSK

 

Dear customer,

Please be informed that your goods are loaded to be shipped.

Kindly view attached BL, Packing List and Commercial Invoice To confirm the ETA.

Container Number - view the attached document for more details

Shipment Number - view the attached document for more details

Reference Number - view the attached document for more details

This information has been securely addressed to you by Maersk Line.

====

Sincerely,
Maersk

Screenshot of the attached HTML file ("S H I P P I N GDOCUMENTS.html"):

Another example of Maersk-themed spam email spreading malware:

Text presented within:

Subject: FACTURA CFDI 11512

 

Dear Customer,

Good day!

Please find the attached payment proof for your reference.

Juan Pacheco

Landside Execution Agent

Transportation & CHB

Maersk Kanoo (Emirates) LLC

Burj Al Salam Building, 39th Floor

P.O. Box 50720, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Mobile: +971 54 3064173

Desk phone: +971 43045309

www.maersk.com

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all business is subject to the Maersk Standard Trading Conditions available at terms.maersk.com/STC  or on request.

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

Text presented within:

Subject: Re: Commercial Invoice/Parkinglist

 

Dear Customer,
Enclose attachment is your Shipping documents/Invoice/packing list.
In order to avoid shipment delay kindly confirm and check BL doc, please acknowledge destination address if is correct because we do not want your goods being delayed.
Please It's very urgent get back to me before we ship!

For any additional inquiries, please contact our customer service department. You can find information for your local office by visiting our website.

The Maersk team

Instant automatic malware removal:

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

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Types of malicious emails:

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

Credential theft Phishing emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

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

Common subject lines

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

Extortion Sextortion emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Remote access Tech support scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

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

Common subject lines

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

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

---

1

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

30 sec

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

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

Why this matters

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

2

Watch for urgency, threats, and generic greetings

30 sec

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

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

3

Hover over every link before clicking

30 sec

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

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

Pro tip

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

4

Treat unexpected attachments as hostile

30 sec

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

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

Phase 2~ 2 min

Report and delete - if you haven't engaged

---

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

5

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

30 sec

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

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

6

Report the scam to your email provider and authorities

1 min

Inside your email client:

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

Forward or report to authorities:

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

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

Phase 3~ 10–60 min

Recover - if you already engaged with the scam

---

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

7

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

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

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

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

Why this matters

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

8

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

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

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

8.1Disconnect from the network

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

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

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

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

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

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

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

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

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

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

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

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

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

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

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

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

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

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

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

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

Important

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

9

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

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

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

Why email comes first

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

10

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

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

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

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

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

---

11

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

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

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

12

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

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

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

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

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

No, reading a spam email will not initiate any system infection processes. Malware download/installation is triggered when the attachments or links present in such emails - are opened/clicked.

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

Whether an infection was jumpstarted may depend on the opened file's format. If it was an executable (.exe, .run, etc.) - most likely, yes. However, you might have avoided having your system infected if it was a document (.doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.). Since these formats may require additional user interaction (e.g., enabling macro commands) - to initiate malware download/installation.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate nearly all known malware infections. However, it must be stressed that sophisticated malicious software usually hides deep within systems - therefore, running a complete system scan is crucial.