Remove the LokiBot trojan from the system

What is "FedEx Express Email Virus"?

"FedEx Express Email Virus" is yet another spam email campaign disguised as a shipment arrival notification from the FedEx company.

The main purpose of this campaign is to give the impression of legitimacy and trick recipients into opening a malicious attachment (typically, an archive file). Once opened/executed, the attachment injects LokiBot trojan into the system.

LokiBot is high-risk malware designed to gather various data and save it to a remote server.

More about the "FedEx Express" malspam campaign

The "FedEx Express Email Virus" spam campaign is quite simple. Cyber criminals send hundreds of thousands of deceptive emails that contain messages claiming that the recipient's package has arrived and that detailed information is provided in the attached file.

In this way, criminals attempt to give the impression of legitimacy and trick recipients into opening the file. Unfortunately, this will result in infiltration of the aforementioned LokiBot trojan. Be aware that FedEx is a legitimate company and has nothing to do with this spam campaign.

Cyber criminals often hide behind names of large companies and governmental agencies, since recipients are much more likely to open attachments received from familiar organizations. LokiBot malware poses a significant threat to your privacy.

More about LokiBot

The trojan records various account credentials, such as logins/passwords, email data, and so on. Note that there is an Android version of LokiBot, which is even more advanced and capable of simulating applications to trick users into performing various actions.

For instance, LokiBot might open a  'bank account' window and display a notification falsely claiming that someone has transferred money to the victim's account. Additionally, the notification encourages users to enter account credentials. All collected data is stored on a remote server controlled by cyber criminals.

Since these people aim to generate as much revenue as possible, they can misuse stolen accounts via online purchases, direct financial transactions, etc. These people might even attempt to borrow money from the victim's contacts in email accounts, social networks, and so on.

Victims could lose savings and accrue considerable debt. Therefore, the presence of LokiBot can lead to financial loss and serious privacy issues.

If you have opened attachments distributed via this spam campaign and you suspect that your system is infected, immediately perform a full system scan using a reputable anti-virus suite and eliminate all detected threats.

Similar campaigns in general

There are dozens of spam campaigns that share similarities with "FedEx Express Email Virus" including "Hydrotech Email Virus", "Maritime Email Virus", and "Google Winner Email Scam".

Some are used to proliferate malware, whilst others are used to extort money from unsuspecting users. In any case, trusting these emails could result in a number of issues including high-risk system infections, financial/data loss, privacy issues, etc.

How did "FedEx Express Email Virus" infect my computer?

As mentioned, the "FedEx Express Email Virus" spam campaign promotes a malicious attachment. At time of research, the attached file was a .r00 archive, which contained an executable presented as a delivery notification.

Opening this file results in a malware infection, however, distributing archive files is quite unusual. In most cases, the attachments come in the format of various Microsoft Office documents (Word, Excel, etc.), which contain malicious macros.

Once opened, these attachments demand permission to run macro commands designed to download and install malware into the system. The main reasons for these computer infections are poor knowledge of these threats and careless behavior.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Handle all email attachments with care. Files/links received from suspicious/unrecognizable email addresses should never be opened. The same applies to attachments that are irrelevant or do not concern you.

Be aware that criminals often send emails with statements that may seem too good to be true (e.g., the recipient has won a lottery, inherited some assets, etc.). In fact, they are - never fall for these tricks.

More recent versions (2010 and later) of Microsoft Office are implemented with "Protected View", which allows the software suite to open newly-downloaded documents in a "read only" format. This prevents malicious documents from automatically running macros. In summary, the key to computer safety is caution.

If you have already opened a "FedEx Express Email Virus" attachment, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in this spam email campaign:

Dear Customer,
Your parcel has arrived our office and ready regarding pickup.
Attached is the Original Shipping documents and BL as assigned to deliver to you. Notification for shipment event group "Picked up" for 27 June 29. AWB Number: 1428252043 Pickup Date: 09-07-2019 14:11:20 AM Service: PI Pieces: 1 Cust. Ref: Description: PARCEL,ETC DOC
Herewith concerning FedEx tracking link :hxxp://www. FedEx-usa.com/en/express/tracking.shtml?brand= FedEx&AWB=9798235215EVENT CATEGORY JUNE 12. 10:15 PM - Customs status updated -Shipment status may also be obtained from our Internet site under hxxp://track. FedEx-usa.com or Globally under hxxp://www. FedEx.com/trackPlease do not reply to this email. This is an automated application used only for sending proactive notifications

Screenshot of LokiBot process ("FedEx Shipment Arrival Notification AWB Number 14282520765.exe") in Windows Task Manager:

Malicious attachment (FedEx Shipment Arrival Notification AWB Number 14282520765.r00) distributed via "FedEx Express Email Virus" spam campaign:

Another variant of FedEx Express-themed spam email used to spread LokiBot malware:

Text presented within:

Subject: Delivery Notification

 

You Missed Your Package Delivery.
Scheduled For : Tuesday 22rd December 2020.

Attached is your parcel details.

Please arrange for re-delivery by reply to this email with your
Parcel details.

FedEx Express Delivery Department.

2020© FedEx Express. All rights reserved.

Yet another example of FedEx Express-themed spam email used to spread malware:

Text presented within:

Subject: FEDSD87210078

 

FedEx Express

Your parcel has arrived at our local office.
Please confirm your delivery/office address in the attached
by reply for safe delivery.

FedEx Express.
FedEx Express Delivery Department.

2021© Fedex Express. All rights reserved.

Another example of FedEx Express-themed spam email spreading Agent Tesla malware:

Text presented within:

Subject: Your item have arrived - Reminder

FedEx | Transport company

An item with your email address just arrived at our post office.

We are sorry to inform you that the delivery address on the
package is incorrect.

Please refer to the attachment below on how you can ratify
your package delivery address.

Thank you for shipping with FedEx Express.

FedEx wishes you a happy new year.

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

Text presented within:

Subject: FedEx Express Notification #67247

 
FedEx No.67247

We've got a new message for you.

We have sent you a message with the required information.

    
Have trouble reading this email?
Click here to open this email in your browser.
View messages
Please click unsubscribe if you don't want to receive these messages from Federal Express in the future.

Yet another example of FedEx Express-themed spam email spreading FormBook malware:

Text presented within:

Subject: Designated Shipment Alert - Tracking No: -

Dear Customer,

Please kindly be informed that your shipment with the above-mentioned tracking number requires further information for Customs clearance purposes.
Please refer to the attachment for details.

Thank you.

Best Regards,
Federal Express Brokerage Sdn Bhd
 
 
Terms & Conditions | Privacy system
 
Shipment status may also be obtained from our Internet site in USA under hxxp://track.FedEx-usa.com or Globally under hxxp://www.FedEx.com/track

Please do not reply to this email. This is an automated application used only for sending proactive notifications

You are receiving this email because a notification is configured to receive notifications from ProView. If you prefer not to receive future notification email of this type, click  here to unsubscribe. Please note this URL is only valid for 1 day

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:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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?

Usually, cybercriminals behind malspam campaigns do not choose their victims. They send the same email to everyone on their list of email addresses.

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

Your computer is not infected if you have opened the archive file but have not opened the executable file in it. However, if you executed the file extracted from a downloaded archive file, your computer is infected with LokiBot.

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

No, it is safe to open emails even when they contain malicious links or attachments.

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

Yes, Combo Cleaner will detect and remove malware. It is capable of detecting and eliminating almost all known malware. High-end malware usually hides deep in the system. Computers infected with high-end malware must be scanned using a full scan option.