Avoid malware infections from fake "Deutsche Bank" emails

What is "Deutsche Bank Email Virus"?

"Deutsche Bank Email Virus" is a spam campaign distributing fake Deutsche Bank emails. Deutsche Bank is a legitimate multinational investment bank and financial services company. The aforementioned messages are disguised as mail from this bank.

The bank/company is in no way associated with these scam emails. The messages claim that a large sum has been transferred into the recipient's bank accounts. Note that this spam campaign proliferates HawkEye malware.

According to a rough translation, the fraudulent "Deutsche Bank" emails inform recipients that over thirty thousand euros have been transferred to their personal bank accounts. The attached files are supposedly the transaction confirmations. These messages are concluded with Deutsche Bank details, some of which are incorrect.

When the attachments are opened, the infection chain/process of the HawkEye malicious program is triggered. I.e., when opened, download/installation of HawkEye is initiated. The primary purpose of malware is stealing data. The program is classified as a keylogger, meaning that this program can record key strokes.

This puts the privacy of all typed information at risk. Typically, keylogging is used to steal account log-in credentials (i.e. usernames and passwords). Additionally, HawkEye is capable of extracting and infiltrating sensitive information (e.g. log-in credentials, etc.) from certain browsers, email clients, messengers and various other applications.

Through stolen communication accounts (e.g. emails, social media/networking, messengers, etc.), cyber criminals can ask contacts/friends for loans and/or spread malware (by sharing infectious files) under the guise of the genuine owner.

Accounts that directly deal with or store financial information (e.g. banking account or credit card details) can be misused to make monetary transactions and/or to make online purchases. To summarize, trusting the "Deutsche Bank" scam emails can result in system infections, financial loss, serious privacy issues and identity theft.

If it is suspected/known that the HawkEye malicious program (or other malware) has already infected the system, use anti-virus software to eliminate it from the operating system.

"Google Pay Email Virus", "Sincere Apologies For This Delay" and "Billtrust Email Virus" are some examples of other spam campaigns that proliferate malware. The term "spam campaign" is used to define a large-scale operation, during which thousands of deceptive/scam emails are sent.

This mail is usually disguised as "official", "important", "urgent", "priority" and similar, however, distribution of malicious content is not the only purpose of spam campaigns. They are also used for phishing and other scams. Regardless of what these emails claim, offer, request or demand, the purpose is identical: to generate revenue for the scammers/cyber criminals behind them.

How did "Deutsche Bank Email Virus" infect my computer?

Systems are infected via dangerous files, which are spread through spam campaigns. The files are attached to the scam emails and/or the messages contain download links of such content. Malicious files can be in various formats such as executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), PDF and Microsoft Office documents, JavaScript, etc.

When these files are executed, run or otherwise opened, the infection process/chain is started. For example, Microsoft Office files infect systems by executing malicious macro commands. In MS Office programs released before 2010, malware download/installation is triggered when an infectious document is opened.

Newer versions ask users to enable macros (i.e. to enable editing/content) and, therefore, infection is only initiated if macro commands are manually enabled.

How to avoid installation of malware

Suspicious and/or irrelevant emails must not be opened, especially those with any attachments or links present in them, as this can result in high-risk infection. Use only Microsoft Office versions released after 2010. Proliferation through spam campaigns is not the only method used to spread malware.

Other common distribution methods are via untrusted download sources (e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders), illegal activation "cracking" tools and fake updaters. Therefore, use official and verified download channels, and activate and update programs with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers.

To ensure device and user safety, it is crucial to have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed. This software must be kept updated, used to run regular system scans and to remove detected/potential threats.

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

Text presented in the fake "Deutsche Bank" email message:

Guten Morgen.

 

Die Deutsche Bank AG hat 32.600,80 Euro auf Ihr persönliches Bankkonto überwiesen.

 

Anhang sind die Überweisungsbestätigungsdokumente.

Sie können uns unter Tel.: +49 2509 94 420 zur Bestätigung anrufen.

 

Vielen Dank und einen schönen Tag.

 

Norbert Houben

 

Deutsche Bank AG.

 

ÜBERTRAGUNGSABTEILUNG
Taunusalange 12, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, DEUTSCHLAND
Telefon: +49 7243 103-739, Fax: +49 7243 103-310, Mobiltelefon: +49 151 14664756
E-Mail: info@deutsche-bank.de, Web: hxxps://www.deutsche-bank.de/

Screenshot of VirusTotal detections of the malicious attachment distributed via "Deutsche Bank" spam campaign ("Zahlung.exe"):

Another variant of Deutsche Bank-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Ihr photoTAN wurde blockiert 04/05/2021 08:37:10 am

 

Liebe Beziehung,

Hier erhalten Sie die automatische Bestätigung der Sperrung Ihrer photoTAN.

Was bedeutet das Aussetzen meines photoTAN?
Dies bedeutet, dass Ihre photoTAN bei uns gesperrt ist und es nicht mehr möglich ist, Geld zu überweisen oder Zahlungen zu leisten.

Warum wird mein photoTAN ausgesetzt?
Ihre photoTAN wurde durch ein automatisiertes Verfahren gesperrt. Das Verfahren hat gezeigt, dass Ihre PhotoTAN durch Transaktionen in unserem automatisierten System verdächtig erscheint.

Streitigkeiten
Um diese Aussetzung anzufechten, werden Sie gebeten, das folgende Verfahren innerhalb von 36 Stunden abzuschließen.

Klicken Sie hier,um Ihr photoTAN über die gesicherte Webseite anzufechten

Aktivieren Sie photoTAN
    
Fаllеn Siе die Dеtаils genаu аus
Sie еrhаlten dann eine Bеstätigung, sоbald das Verfahren genеhmigt wоrden ist
Nаchdеm Sie die Bеstätigung erhalten hаben, können Sie Ihre phоtоTAN erneut verwenden, und es wird Ihnen wieder Zugаng zu Ihrem Kоntо gеwehrt

Screenshot of a website promoted using this spam email (edgeopia[.]com):

Another example of Deutsche Bank-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Deutsche Bank

 

Sie haben neue Dokumente in Ihrem Postfach.
19.03.2023, 08:00:00

Sehr geehrte Dame, sehr geehrter Herr.

Sie haben ein neues Update für das Online-Konto der postbank verfügbar.

Dieses Update stellt sicher, dass Ihre Online Transaktionen über Ihr Online Konto weiterhin mit den höchsten
Sicherheitsstandards durchgeführt werden.
 
Login

Wenn Sie Ihre Telefonnummer nicht vor dem 30. März 2023 bestätigen, wird Ihr Konto gesperrt. und Sie müssen zu einer unserer Bankfilialen in Ihrer Nähe gehen.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Your Deutsche Bank Communications Team

Follow us

If you wish to unsubscribe from our ESG newsletter please click here.
 
Imprint | Legal Resources | Data protection | Accessibility
 
Copyright © Deutsche Bank AG, Frankfurt am Main

Another example of Deutsche Bank-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: FWD:DеutѕсhеВаnk

 

Ihre Daten sind veraltet!

Guten Tag Kunde,

Gemäß $10 Abs. 1 Nr. 5 Geldwäschegesetz (GwG) sind wir als Bank verpflichtet, die bei uns gespeicherten persönlichen Date unserer Kunden in regelmäßigen Abständen zu prüfen und ggf zu aktualisieren!

Wir bitten Sie, Ihre bei uns gespeicherten Daten (Stand: 02.Mai.2023) zu prüfen:

Aktualisieren Ihrer Identität =>

Mit freundlichen Grüßen.

Ihre Deutsche Bank.

Impressum Wichtige Hinweise Datenschutz E-Mail Sicherheit Kontakt Deutsche Bank
Diesen InfoService abbestellen InfoServices abbestellen All Emails abbestellen

© 2023 Deutsche Bank AG, Frankfurt am.

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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.