Do not trust the USAA phishing email

What is USAA email scam?

Commonly, phishing emails such as this example are used to trick recipients into providing sensitive information such as credit card details, login credentials (emails, usernames, passwords) or other details, which could be misused for malicious purposes.

Generally, cyber criminals attempt to trick recipients into proving this information by disguising their emails as important and official and/or by exploiting names of legitimate companies. In this particular case, an email is disguised as a message from USAA, a legitimate financial services company.

USAA email scam overview

There are at least two variants of this phishing email: one attempts to trick users into opening a potentially malicious, phishing website directly through a link, whilst another has a PDF document attached to it containing a link to a phishing site. These variants also differ in that one asks to verify a mobile telephone number, whilst another asks to confirm a benefit payment.

In fact, the main purpose of both variants is identical: to trick recipients into providing sensitive information on a phishing website.

As mentioned, cyber criminals behind these emails attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details so they can misuse the details to steal accounts and identities, make fraudulent purchases and transactions, and for other malicious purposes. These malicious emails should be ignored.

Spam campaign examples

Some examples of other similar scams include "Your Microsoft Subscription Has Been Expired Email Scam", "You've Been Hacked! Email Scam", and "PASSWORD EXPIRATION NOTICE Email Scam".

Typically, recipients who trust these emails become victims of identity theft, suffer monetary loss, lose access to personal accounts and encounter other serious problems. Note that emails can be used to trick recipients into providing sensitive information, making money transactions, and also into installing various malware (e.g., ransomware, Trojans).

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Typically, cyber criminals behind malspam campaigns send emails with a file attached to them or a download link to the malicious file. Their main goal is to trick recipients into opening/executing a the rogue file, which then installs malicious software.

Some examples of files that cyber criminals send via email are Microsoft Office and PDF documents, executables (.exe), JavaScript, and archives (ZIP, RAR). Note that malicious documents that are opened with Microsoft Office 2010 or newer versions install malicious software only if users enable macros commands (enable editing/content).

These versions include "Protected View" mode, which does not allow opened malicious documents to install malware automatically. Older versions do not include this feature and install malicious software without asking permission.

How to avoid installation of malware?

To avoid infecting the system with malware spread through spam mail, you are strongly advised not to open suspicious or irrelevant emails, especially those with any attachments or links present in them. Use official and verified download channels.

Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers, since illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third party updaters commonly proliferate malicious software. To ensure device integrity and user safety, it is paramount to have reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware installed and kept updated.

Furthermore, use these programs to run regular system scans and to remove detected/potential threats. If you've already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the USAA phishing email with a file attached to it:

Subject: Your benefit payment has been received.

We have received your benefit payments.

You have been approved for some relieve benefit payments in your state and your funds are already pending on your account with us at USAA. Please find the attached document to confirm your benefit payment.
 
Remember USAA will never ask you for your personal information as your security is our priority.
Thank you,

USAA Federal Savings Bank

Screenshot of the PDF document attached to this variant:

 Text in this PDF document:

This is a confirmation that your payment has been received
and ready to be deposited into your account at USAA Savings Bank.
To complete your payment process please access the secure website below:
usaa.com/SBA-payment/relieve[.]aspx
Please note that any information provided is secure. Make sure you fill your information in a secured location and not involving a third party to avoid leakage of personal information.
Thank you,
USAA Federal Savings Bank

Screenshot of the second variant of this phishing email:

Text in this variant:

Subject: Verify mobile number on your profile.

USAA SECURITY
Account Profile
USAA # ending in: ****XXXX

You have a new security message concerning your mobile number on your account. We have been trying to reach you concerning some urgent issues regarding your account at USAA Savings account and it has not been possible.
 
We advice you login immediately and help us verify your mobile number on your account so you do not get to miss important account security messages.
 
To verify your number please follow the USAA secure webpage below:
 
usaa.verify[.]mobile/update-now
 
To complete your mobile number verification, a one-time code will be sent to your mobile phone so please remember to get your mobile phone handy to receive your verification one time code.
 
 
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its insurance, banking and investment affiliates.
 

USAA Community    Go Mobile    Facebook   Twitter   You Tube

Yet another variant of this scam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Overdraft Protection Alert !

 

To ensure delivery to your inbox, please add USAA.Customer.Service@mailcenter.usaa.com to your address book.

USAA Logo

USAA SECURITY ZONE
USAA # ending in:0300

Overdraft Protection Alert !

 
Our record shows that today 7th November , 2020 . Your checking account Ending in: 0300 has been requested to be overdrawn beyond your available balance limit. For your security we are notifying you about your recent withdrawal request. Your request will be completed in 1 hour(s).
 
If you made this request kindly ignore this message. If you feel this is an error message kindly login immediately and cancel the request here : cancel cash overdraft request.
 
This message is very important regarding your account with us.
 
Thank you,
USAA
 
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its insurance, banking and investment affiliates.
a
Go Paperless        Go Paperless

USAA Community    Go Mobile              

Please do not reply to this e-mail.

Yet another variant of USAA-themed spam email promoting a phishing website:

Text presented within:

Subject: Your account is currently under review

To ensure delivery to your inbox, please add USAA.Customer.Service@mailcenter.usaa.com to your address book.

USAA SECURITY ZONE
USAA # ending in:2981

Regarding the recent transaction on your account.

Dear Member ,

Due to complications with your transactions, your account has been blacked booked and will be closed till further notice.

To reactivate your account contact our customer care unit at security.usaa.com .

Thank you,

USAA

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its insurance, banking and investment affiliates.

USAA Community     Go Mobile
Please do not reply to this e-mail. 

Screenshot of the promoted phishing website (навчалочка[.]com):

Examples of other USAA-themed spam emails promoting an identical website.

Example 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: Your savings account balance is low.

To ensure delivery to your inbox, please add USAA.Customer.Service@mailcenter.usaa.com to your address book.
USAA SECURITY ZONE
USAA # ending in:****
Dear Member ,
This is to inform you that your USAA Savings account balance is running low.

WHY ARE WE SENDING YOU THIS MESSAGE ?

This is to confirm if you are aware of your account current balance. To view your account balance please view the message below immediately :

View Account Balance Here

Thank you,

USAA

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its insurance, banking and investment affiliates.
Go Paperless         Go Paperless

USAA Community     Go Mobile
Please do not reply to this e-mail.

Example 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: Incoming Payment Alert from USAA

 

To ensure delivery to your inbox, please add USAA.Customer.Service@mailcenter.usaa.com to your address book.
USAA SECURITY ZONE
Security and
Privacy
USAA Center

Incoming Payment Alert
Dear USAA Member,

This email is to notify you that you have a new payment pending on your USAA account.

Date received: 04/28/2021

Payment amount: $1,486.55

For security reasons, deposit has been placed on hold. We require some verification to help us confirm your account.

Logon below to accept payment.

Sign-On

Money will be posted into your account in 2 to 3 days after your verification. Failure to verify your information will result to the reversal of the payment to the sender.

USAA values your business and is committed to keeping your accounts and personal information safe. To learn how we protect your information, visit our Security Center
Thank you,
USAA

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its insurance, banking and investment affiliates.

Member Community      Go Mobile      Facebook   Twitter   You Tube   More

Please do not reply to this e-mail. To contact USAA, visit our secure contact page.

Privacy Promise

USAA, 9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, Texas 78288

We know what it means to serve ®
Insurance  Banking  Investments  Retirement  Advice

Yet another example of USAA-themed spam email promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: New Document From USAA

 

USAA

USAA SECURITY ZONE
USAA # ending in:0083

New Documents for You

Dear Customer,

Please take a few minutes to review the following new documents that we've posted for you:

Credit Card Authorized User Blocked

Credit Card Temporary Suspension
View Documents

Thank you,

USAA

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its insurance, banking and other companies. Banks Member FDIC.

Go Paperless Go Paperless

USAA Community Go Mobile FacebookTwitterYou TubeMore

Please do not reply to this e-mail.
To contact USAA, visit our secure contact page.

Privacy Promise

United Services Automobile Association, 9800 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio, Texas 78288

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Another example of an email from "USAA" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Subject: Email Verification Required

 

USAA SECURITY ZONE

Verify Email So You Can Receive Funds

USAA won't call to ask for your verification code. Your verification code is 680208. It will only be valid for 10 minutes.

If you didn't request this code, please visit usaa.com and check activity. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve you.

Thank you,

USAA

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?

Spam emails are not personal. These letters are distributed in mass-scale campaigns – hence, thousands of users receive identical messages.

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

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

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

No, just opening/reading an email will not result in a system infection. Devices are infected when the attachments/links found in malicious spam mail are opened/clicked.

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

Whether your device was infected may depend on the opened file's format. If it was an executable (.exe, .run, etc.) – most likely, yes – the system was infected. However, documents (.doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.) might need additional user interaction (e.g., enabling macro commands) to start downloading/installing malware.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating practically all known malware infections. It must be emphasized that performing a complete system scan is crucial since high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems.