How to spot scam emails like the fake "OneDrive" email

What kind of scam is "OneDrive" scam?

"OneDrive Email Scam" refers to a spam campaign used to steal email account credentials (passwords) via Google Forms, a survey administration platform. The term "spam campaign" defines a large-scale operation, during which thousands of deceptive emails are sent.

The messages sent during this spam campaign claim a file has been shared with the recipients, however, when they try to access the file, they are asked to provide their email account credentials.

"OneDrive" scam in detail

The scam emails with the subject/title "One Drive" state that "sales@fiored" has shared a file with the recipients. The messages also contain the date, the document was supposedly shared. The file is allegedly named "August-2020 #New_order.pdf" (this might vary).

When users click the "ViewOneDriveDocument" button, they are redirected to a Google Forms page, which claims that they must sign in with their email account to review the document. The page contains two fields into which the email address and password must be provided.

These "One Drive" emails are fake and no file has been sent to the recipients. The web page through which users are to access the document is not a genuine sign-in/verification page. Furthermore, the page even states to "never submit passwords through Google Forms".

Scammers/Cyber criminals are particularly interested in email accounts, as they are typically connected with various other accounts. Therefore, through a stolen email, all of the associated accounts can be hijacked.

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

Stolen accounts that directly deal with or store financial information (e.g. banking account and credit card details) can be misused to make fraudulent transactions and online purchases. To summarize, trusting the "OneDrive" scam emails can lead to financial loss, serious privacy issues and even identity theft.

If attempts to log-in through the fake page have already been made, you are strongly advised to immediately change the log-in credentials of the endangered email account. It is also recommended to change the credentials of all associated accounts.

If there are further concerns, the official support of all potentially affected accounts should be contacted to resolve them.

Similar scams in general

"Important: You have 19 Pending incoming email(s)", "Dropbox Email Scam" and "Transaction received into blockchain wallet" are some examples of other similar phishing spam campaigns.

Scam emails are usually disguised as "official", "urgent", "priority" and similar, however, phishing is not the only use of spam campaigns - they are also used for other scams and malware proliferation.

Regardless of what these messages claim, request or demand, the purpose is identical: to generate revenue for the scammers/cyber criminals behind them.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Systems are infected via dangerous files distributed through spam campaigns. These files are attached to the emails and/or linked inside them (i.e. the messages contain download links).

Malicious files can be in various formats, such as archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, and JavaScript. When they are executed, run or otherwise opened, the infection chain (i.e. download/installation of malware) is initiated.

For example, Microsoft Office documents infect systems by executing malicious macro commands. In Microsoft Office versions released before 2010, the infection process is initiated when a dangerous document is opened.

Later versions have "Protected View" mode, which prevents macros from being executed automatically: users are asked to enable them (i.e. to enable editing/content). Therefore, infection can only be triggered if macro commands are enabled manually.

How to avoid installation of malware

Suspect and/or irrelevant emails must not be opened, especially those with any attachments or links found in them, as this can result in a malware infection. You are advised to use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010.

As well as spam campaigns, malicious programs are also proliferated through untrusted download sources (e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders), illegal activation ("cracking") tools and bogus updaters.

Therefore, use official/verified download channels, and activate and update programs with tools/functions provided by genuine developers. To protect device and user safety, it is paramount to have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and kept up to date.

This software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats/issues. If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the "OneDrive" scam email message:

Subject: One Drive

sales@fiored.com has shared a document with you.                    
                                                                                            
Date: 04/08/2020                                                       
                       This message was sent by [Sharepoint]

 

August-2020  #New_order.pdf       -  
852.08kb
ViewOneDriveDocument

Microsoft OneDrive

 

Microsoft respects your privacy. To learn more, please read our Privacy Statement.
Microsoft Corporation.

Screenshot of the fake sign-in/verification page, designed to gather entered email account credentials:

Other examples of OneDrive-themed spam emails promoting various phishing sites:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: A transfer sent to you is about to expire

 

OneDrive

Files sent to
********
2 items, 4.1 KB in total ・ Will be deleted on Feb16 , 2022
Thanks for using WeTransfer. We'll email you a confirmation as soon as your files have been downloaded.

Download Document

2 items
Art work.pdf
3.2 KB
PO.pdf
2.9 KB
Recipients ********

Message

Hello
Updated artworks and PO for the New Order have been sent to you by we transfer . Please can you download using this link.  Can you deliver this order as ASAP as we wnat to make 30% deposit on 21th Feb 2022
Thanks
Jenny

To make sure our emails arrive, please add noreply@wetransfer.com to your contacts.

Please do not reply to this email. We are unable to respond to inquiries sent to this address. For immediate answers to your questions, visit our Help Center by clicking "Help".

Inc. © 2022 WeTransfer

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: File " ******** /Overdue Invoices MAY 2022.pdf" has been shared with you 13.6.2022 9:26:01

 

OneDrive
********

You have a new document on OneDrive.

Payment Statement.pdf
View on OneDrive

Free online storage for your files.   Check it out .
Microsoft respects your privacy. For more information, read our Privacy Statement.
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA, 98052

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Sample 3:

Text presented within:

Subject: - received a share document via Onedrive

 

OneDrive

View payment receipt

A new contract documents has been shared with you on  OneDrive Storage.

Message: Please review contract documents for your signing and approval.
View  Document

Unsubscribe From This List | Manage Email Preferences

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Sample 4:

Text presented within:

Subject: - sent a file

 

Hi -,

You have received a document via OneDrive, find details below:

Total files size (3.49 MB)

*File name:  XeroScan_SOA_0902237.xlx

VIEW FILE ONLINE/DOWNLOAD

Thank you,
OneDrive Services.
All Rights Reserved (2023).

Sample 5:

Text presented within:

Subject: FW: Contract Documents - -

Dear Supplier,  
 
Please refer to the document I’ve shared with you via   one drive  
We have just issued a new contact supply to your company .

Review And Download Our Contract Documents:
 
Review Document

Can you also meet up with an order to make supply to our buyer in Canada.

Waiting to read from you soon.
Kind regards
James B
Purchasing Manager
Commerce specialist of Int'l
Commerce dept
DLTel+1 (929) 322-373188
84 Wmple Street, Miami
Tel+1 (929) 322-331898
Fax+1 (929) 322-331880

Sample 6:

Text presented within:

Subject: You recieved a file via Onedrive

 

OneDrive

Hi ********

Due invoices has been shared with you on ******** One-Drive portal.

Kindly review invoices on the link below for your approval.
File Size : 300kb |  Expires in 7days

View Invoice

Session ID : 29434 | ********

Kind Regards,
Fisioline Account Portal

Sample 7:

Text presented within:

Subject: Quotation needed before 1/16/2025 3:57:46 a.m.

 

PROPOSAL.docx

View Documents

Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft respects your privacy. To learn more, Please read our Privacy Statement.
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Types of malicious emails:

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

Credential theft Phishing emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

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

Common subject lines

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

Extortion Sextortion emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Remote access Tech support scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

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

Common subject lines

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

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

---

1

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

30 sec

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

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

Why this matters

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

2

Watch for urgency, threats, and generic greetings

30 sec

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

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

3

Hover over every link before clicking

30 sec

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

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

Pro tip

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

4

Treat unexpected attachments as hostile

30 sec

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

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

Phase 2~ 2 min

Report and delete - if you haven't engaged

---

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

5

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

30 sec

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

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

6

Report the scam to your email provider and authorities

1 min

Inside your email client:

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

Forward or report to authorities:

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

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

Phase 3~ 10–60 min

Recover - if you already engaged with the scam

---

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

7

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

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

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

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

Why this matters

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

8

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

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

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

8.1Disconnect from the network

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

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

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

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

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

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

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

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

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

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

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

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

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

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

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

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

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

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

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

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

Important

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

9

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

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

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

Why email comes first

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

10

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

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

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

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

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

---

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?

Typically, scammers send the same email letter to all addresses in their database. They obtain addresses after data breaches and in similar ways.

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

If you have provided your password, change all your passwords as soon as possible (especially if any other accounts use the same password).

I have downloaded and opened a file attached to an email used to distribute malware, is my computer infected?

It depends on the file. If you opened a malicious executable, your computer is probably already infected. In other cases, it is not enough to open malicious files (e.g. archive files like ZIP, RAR, MS Office documents) to infect computers.

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

Clicking links and opening attachments causes computer infections. Opening emails does not cause any damage.

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

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove almost all known malware. High-end malware usually hides deep in the operating system (it is not enough to run a quick system scan to detect it). For this reason, running a full system scan is a must.