Do not trust "World Health Organization (WHO)" email scams

What is the "World Health Organization (WHO)" email?

As discovered and researched by hiro_ and BleepingComputer respectively, "World Health Organization (WHO)" are spam campaigns, distributing deceptive emails disguised as mail from officials/representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO).

There are several variants of these messages, which claim to contain important information concerning the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of these emails is phishing and malware proliferation.

At the time of research, they have been used to spread GuLoader, HawkEye, Agent Tesla and FormBook malicious programs. The messages might also be used to proliferate other malware.

There are four variants of the "World Health Organization (WHO)" email, however, there are likely to be more versions. Therefore, the text and subject of these messages can differ or be reused for other spam campaigns. Likewise, this model can potentially be used in other phishing scams and/or to proliferate different malware.

To give a short summary, the email with the subject "COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO - DONATE NOW" asks recipients to donate to aid efforts against the coronavirus. This message provides a brief explanation of what the World Health Organization is and what measures it is taking to battle the pandemic.

The donations are to be made in the Bitcoin cryptocurrency, which are transferred to the cryptowallets of cyber criminals. The second variant with the subject "W.H.O."CORONAVIRUS(COV,19) SAFETY&PREVENTIVE MEASURES" states that the attached file contains recommendations and everyday health and virus infection prevention steps.

Instead, the attachment is the executable file of HawkEye, which is information-stealing malware. The third variant, subject "RE: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak prevention and cure update", claims that the attached file is a list of simple instructions and common, affordable medication to take as preventive measures against coronavirus.

This malicious file is actually used to infect systems with Agent Tesla RAT. The email with the subject "Latest on corona-virus" states that the archived file within it contains an e-book called "My-health".

The supposed electronic book contains important information concerning COVID-19 such as the origins and research of the virus, transmission scenarios, protection and prevention guidelines, as well as adaptation instructions and emergency plans for national and local authorities.

Rather than containing the promised information, however, it contains GuLoader downloader malware, which can download/install additional malicious programs.

At the time of research, it was used infect systems with the FormBook information stealer. Note that all of these emails are bogus and their claims are false. Therefore, never trust these "World Health Organization (WHO)" messages or other, similar emails.

Deceptive/Scam emails are sent by the thousand, during operations termed "spam campaigns". This mail is usually disguised as "official", "important", "urgent", "priority", or otherwise exploits the current social climate/pandemic. With rising public concern over the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, cyber criminals have taken to incorporating it into their schemes.

The "World Health Organization (WHO)" emails are just one example of this. "COVID-19 Solution Announced by WHO", "Coronavirus Face Mask", and "COVID-19 Insurance Plan From CIGNA" are examples of others, amongst dozens. All deceptive/scam emails are designed to generate revenue for the scammers (cyber criminals) behind them.

How did "World Health Organization (WHO) Email Virus" infect my computer?

Systems are infected via malicious files in deceptive emails. This content can be attached to the messages or linked within them (i.e., download links). Infectious files can be in various formats such as Microsoft Office and PDF documents, archive (ZIP, RAR, etc.) and executable (.exe, .run, etc.) files, JavaScript, etc.

When these files are opened (executed, run, etc.), the infection starts (download/installation of malware). For example, Microsoft Office documents infect systems by executing malicious macro commands.

When opened, the documents ask users to enable macro commands (i.e., to enable editing), after which the infection begins, however, in MS Office programs releases prior to 2010, this process is started immediately the infectious document is opened (without permission being requested).

How to avoid installation of malware

Do not open suspicious or irrelevant emails, especially those received from suspect/unknown senders. Any attachments or links found in such mail must never be opened, as this can result in high-risk infection.

Additionally, you are advised to use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010, since newer releases have "Protected View" mode, which prevents macro commands from being executed when the document is opened.

As well as spam campaigns, malware is also commonly proliferated through untrusted download channels (e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders), and via illegal activation ("cracking") tools and fake updates.

Therefore, download products from official and verified sources. Furthermore, all software should be activated and updated only with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers. To ensure device integrity and user safety, have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed.

These programs must be kept up to date, used to perform regular system scans and for the removal of detected threats/issues. If you have already opened a "World Health Organization (WHO) Email Virus" attachment, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the first variant of the "World Health Organization (WHO)" email message:

Subject: COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO - DONATE NOW

 

World Health Organization

We are all affected by the growing COVID-19 pandemic.
It's an unprecedented health challenge and we know people and organizations everywhere want to help.
The World Health Organization is leading and coordinating the global effort,
supporting countries to prevent, detect, and respond to the pandemic.

The greatest need right now is to help ensure all countries are prepared,
especially those with the weakest health systems.
Donations support WHOs work to track and understand the spread of the virus;
to ensure patients get the care they need and frontline workers get essential supplies and information;
and to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments.

See below for information on other ways to give, tax-deductibility and corporate and foundation giving options.

Now you can help us by donating any amount what you want help with the
BITCOIN NETWORK

Donate Now with Bitcoin payment.

World Health Organization bitcoin address(BTC Wallet) for
donations:
16gmYrbqMr4SZeA7SqNVmirhnhDG3maYPK
Online donations made via bitcoin are tax deductible in the U.S. and Europe.
To the extent allowable by law.

The World Health Organization accepts checks or wire transfers from
anywhere in the world.
World Health Organization doesn't may to provide tax benefits to donors
to these payments.

Contact to email if you have any questions.

Screenshot of the second variant of "World Health Organization (WHO)" email used to distribute HawkEye malware:

Text presented in this message:

Subject: W.H.O."CORONAVIRUS(COV,19) SAFETY&PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Good Day!
 
With regards to the ‘Medical Outbreak’ in the World due to Coronavirus (CoV) threatening to run riot  all over the world; we know, this is a stressful time and we all want to know what we can do right now to protect ourselves and our families to prevent from getting exposed to this disease.  
 
We at W.H.O(WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION), really care about the health & safety  of all the people in the world, that is why we have highlighted/recommended in the attachment some everyday health and preparedness steps that the whole world can follow and be safe:
 
WHO Headquarters
Hands and stones
The World Bank/Alejandro Lipszyc

For more information regarding Healthy Settings, please contact:

Interventions for Healthy Environments Unit (IHE)
Public Health and Environment Department (PHE)
World Health Organization
20 Avenue Appia
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Fax No.: +41 22 791 13 83 Attention: Healthy Settings
E-mail: phedoc@who.int

Screenshot of detections on VirusTotal of the malicious attachment distributed through this variant:

Appearance of the third variant of "World Health Organization (WHO)" email used to distribute Agent Tesla RAT (GIF):

Text presented in this message:

Subject: RE: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak prevention and cure update.

 

Dear ******

Please find the attached file with the instructions on comon drugs to take for prevention and fase cure to this deadly virus called
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

This is an instruction from WHO (World Health Organization) to help fight agaisnt coronavirus.
NOTE : once received this mail review the attached file and follow the instructions .
please forward to your family members and friends to help us reach every one on how to fight
this virus , and the instructions are very simple and affordable.

 

Thanks
Best regard
Director  WHO (World Health Organization)
Dr. Tedros Adhanom W.H.O

Veriforce and PEC Safety have merge.  Learn more.

This e-mail is confidential and is intended solely for the use of the recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited.

Screenshot of the fourth variant of "World Health Organization (WHO)" email used to distribute GuLoader (which injects FormBook malware):

Text presented in this message:

Subject: Latest on corona-virus

 

Corona-virus updates
Concerning Corona-virus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the World Health Organization brings you the Corona-virus E-Book and Guide.

Inside this E-Book (My-health), you shall find out the complete research/origin of corona-virus and the recommended guide to follow to protect yourself and others.

Guidance to protect children and business centre;

This guidance provides critical considerations and practical checklists to keep Kids and business centre safe. It also advises national and local authorities on how to adapt and implement emergency plans for educational facilities.

Critical preparedness, readiness and response actions for COVID-19;

WHO has defined four transmission scenarios for COVID-19. My Health E-book describes the preparedness, readiness and response for each transmission scenario.

Basic protective measures against the new corona-virus;

1. Stay aware with the most contented information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the E-Book attached to this mail and through your national and local public health authority.

2. Avoid touching Eyes, Nose and mouth
Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth.

3. Practice respiratory hygiene
This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.

You can now download and access the attached My Health Zip file from a Windows Computer only.

You are receiving this email because your life count as everyone lives count.  Sign up for more updates at the WHO website (www.who[.]int).

Thanks for helping to make the world a little healthier.

Screenshot of detections on VirusTotal of the malicious attachment distributed through this variant:

Yet another variant of a coronavirus-related spam email (which is supposedly sent by the World Health Organization) designed to spread the FormBook Trojan:

Text presented within this email:

Subject: Latest vaccine release for Corona-virus(COVID-19)

To whom it may concern,

Go through the attached document on the latest news on Corona-virus(COVID-19),Common vaccine release.Specialist wuhan-virus-advisory

Regards.

Dr. -

Specialist wuhan-virus-advisory

Coronavirus-related phishing email, which claims to be from the World Health Organization (WHO) asking for monetary support in Bitcoins:

Text presented within this email:

Subject: COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO - DONATE NOW

Dear Sir/Madam,

To whom it may concern.

We are still affected by the growing covid-19 pandermic. It's an unpracadented challenge and we know people and organizations everywhere wants to help. The World Health Organization is leading and coordinating the global effort, supporting countries to prevent, detect and respond to te pandemic.

The greatest read right now is to help ensure all countries are prepared, especially those with the weakest health systems.

Donations support WHO's work to track and understand the spread of the virus, to ensure patients get the care they need and frontline workers get the essential supplies and informations , and to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests and treatments.

Now you can help us to save the world by donating any amount you want with help of BITCOIN NETWORK.

DONATE NOW WITH BITCOIN PAYMENT THROUGH

World Health Organization bitcoin address(BTC WALLET) for donation is: 12mBn9eV8QicZqhHjP7RZ1eV4dwB2Q5QuQ

Your contribution will matter!

©2020 WHO

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE.

Another variant of "World Health Organization (WHO)" spam email:

Text presented within this email:

Subject: Help WHO fight COVID-19. We are all in this together.

 

COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO

The world has never faced a crisis like COVID-19.
The pandemic is impacting communities everywhere. It’s never been more urgent to support the global response.

The humanity, solidarity and generosity of people and organizations everywhere is also unprecedented.
But we can’t stop now.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading and coordinating the global effort with a range of partners,
supporting countries to prevent, detect, and respond to the pandemic.

Donations support WHO’s work, including with partners, to track and understand the spread of the virus;
to ensure patients get the care they need and frontline workers get essential supplies and information;
and to accelerate research and development of a vaccine and treatments for all who need them .

Since April 15, 2020, we decided to open accepting donations in cryptocurrency.

Cryptocurrency is uniquely able to help with this problem because, it’s outside the traditional system.
With this approach, every donor tax-deductibility and instantly transfer funds to help fight the infection.

Our official Bitcoin wallet for receiving donations: 1BYUStqxQ1zY7CqsnQxZyXgrgrexSLJCNm

Every donation helps support life-saving work for the world.

© 2020 United Nations Foundation 

Yet another scam email presented as a notification from the World Health Organization (WHO):

Text presented within:

IMPORTANT: Covid-19 Update

Dear -,

The World Health Organisation has confirmed that Covid-19 is now airborne and has released prevention methods that everyone must follow.

At this time, 340 new cases have been confirmed around your location today. The risk to the public in your city and throughout the world is classed as extremely high.

Please read and follow the updated requirements:

-

THESE PREVENTION METHODS MUST BE FOLLOWED

Yet another fake World Health Organization (WHO) email used to spread Agent Tesla RAT via an attached .iso file ("Xerox_Scan_Covid19_urgent-information-letter.xlxs.iso"):

Text presented within:

Subject: URGENT INFORMATION LETTER: FIRST HUMAN COVID-19 VACCINE TEST/RESULT UPDATE

Part (s):
FIRST HUMAN COVID-19 VACCINE TEST / RESULT UPDATE .doc 35 KB
Download All Attachment for Vaccine Update (in .iso file) Download All Attachment for Vaccine Update (in .iso file)

RELATED

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak
Situation reports
Travel advice
Protect yourself
Myth-busters

MEDIA CONTACTS

**********
Spokesperson / Media Relations
WHO
Email: **********

**********
Communications Officer
WHO
Email: **********

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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.