How to spot scms like the "Mail - Quarantined" email scam

What is Mail - Quarantined email scam?

Scammers behind this phishing email attempt to trick recipients into opening a deceptive website and providing their email account login credentials.

Note that emails of this type can be used to deceive recipients into providing other sensitive details as well. For example, bank account numbers, social security numbers, credit card details, etc.

More about the Mail - Quarantined email scam

As mentioned, the main purpose of this phishing email is to deceive recipients into entering their email account credentials on a deceptive website. It claims that recipients supposedly have some pending emails that cannot be delivered, unless they "release" the messages by clicking the "Release and add to safelist" link beside the email address of each sender.

If clicked, all of these links open an identical website whereby recipients are asked to enter their email account login credentials. Stolen accounts could then be misused to send malspam emails, deceive other people into transferring money to cyber criminals, spread the same (or other) phishing email further.

Also, those accounts can be misused to steal identities and other sensitive information (e.g., credit card details, bank account numbers), and so on. Furthermore, stolen accounts and other information might be sold to other cyber criminals. Therefore, phishing emails or other emails of this kind should never be trusted.

Examples of similar scams

Some examples of other phishing emails are "E-Mail Clustered Email Scam", "Message Attachments Were Delayed Email Scam" and "Deactivating All Inactive Accounts Email Scam".

As well as using emails to trick recipients into providing sensitive information, they can also use them to trick people into installing malware (cryptocurrency miners, Trojans, ransomware-type programs, etc.) onto their computers.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

When cyber criminals attempt to distribute malware via malspam campaigns, they send emails that contain malicious attachments or download links for malicious files. Typically, they disguise their emails as official and important. If recipients open the attached file (or a file downloaded via a website link), they cause installation of malicious software.

Cyber criminals commonly attach executable files (.exe), archive files such as RAR, ZIP, PDF documents, JavaScript files and Microsoft Office documents to their emails. Software 'cracking' tools supposedly activate licensed software illegally (bypass activation), however, they often install malicious programs and do not activate any legitimate installed software.

How to avoid installation of malware?

You are advised to download files and programs from official websites and via direct download links. Other tools and sources such as third party downloaders and installers, unofficial pages, and Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., eMule, torrent clients) should not be used to download or install software.

Check all "Custom", "Advanced" and other similar settings (or available checkboxes) for offers to download and/or install unwanted apps. Do not click ads on dubious websites, since they can be designed to open bogus web pages or cause unwanted downloads and installations.

Remove any unwanted, suspicious extensions, plug-ins and add-ons installed on the browser, and software of this kind from the operating system.

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 Mail - Quarantined phishing email:

End User Digest: 3 New Held Messages
For ********
 
Total 3 Held Messages (Summary Digest):
All email messages in your personal Quarantine.

Messages will be deleted at the latest after 5 days. To deliver an email to your inbox, click on Release.
The emails listed in this section have been placed in your personal Quarantine. Click Release to deliver the email to your inbox. To continue to receive future emails from the sender, click Allow Sender. To report messages that are not spam but are included in the Spam - Quarantined section, click Not Spam.
Mail - Quarantined  
Score    From    Subject    Date    Action
100    dave.maher@lmco.com    UCP - PO A4643    12/09/20 Release and add to safelist
100    safak@kadirdemirltd.com    Re: Please respond to me 12/09/20 Release and add to safelist
100    durgesh.upadhyaya@in.panasonic.com    Re:Fwd:2020/ESD - Stock Price request.    12/09/20 Release and add to safelist
 
For more information contact your Service Desk.

Powered by Proofpoint

Screenshot of a deceptive website that scammers use to trick recipients into providing their credentials:

Another example of mail - quarantined spam:

Text presented within:

Subject: - Undelivered Messages (Action Required)

 

Attention:  -

You have [9] quarantined messages in your - portal

as of Tuesday January 26, on 21/01/2021 6:04:50pm

You can review these here and choose what happens to them.

REVIEW

Yet another example of quarantined mail-themed spam:

Text presented within:

Subject: Your quarantined email report

Your quarantined email report

All incoming emails have been recently added to your quarantine area.

Use the manage quarantine button to access your quarantined email.

You currently have 4 quarantined incoming emails

Automatically deleted in 48 hours

Recipient Subject     

******** RE: RFQ View Allow
******** Gadoterc Acid / Vietnam View Allow

******** Imax_Iohexol project_ price offer View Allow

******** SG_Cyclolux registration & DA View Allow

Manage quarantined email

Yet another example of mail quarantined-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: A: Pending Emails On Host Server_Postmater_********

 

4 Emails Could not be Delivered To Your Mailbox, Action Required!!!

Hi ********,

There are new messages in your Email Quarantine, messages will be automatically removed from quarantine after 48 hours.

The following summary displays a maximum of the most recent quarantined block messages.

To see all quarantined messages view   Your Quarantined Emails and release to inbox.
 
Quarantined emails
Action:     Recipient:     Subject:     Date:
MOVE TO INBOX     ********     ********: Delivery Status Notification (Delay)     8/06/2021
MOVE TO INBOX     ********     Re: Re: Contract | NEW ORDER_RFQ-10689     8/06/2021
MOVE TO INBOX     ********     RE: Payment Transfer- Swift Copy INVOI NR:6429     7/06/2021
MOVE TO INBOX     ********     DHL Express Shipment 77561785**** Notification     6/06/2021
Restore all messages to inbox

Note: If this message lands in your spam folder, please move it to your inbox folder for proper interrogation.
Please do not reply as this message was generated by the system for notification purposes only.
Important: Do NOT forward this message as recipients of this message will be able to manage your quarantined messages and approved senders.
For more information about this digest contact your email administrator.

©2020 ********Administrator.

Another variant of mail quarantine-themed spam email promoting a phishing website:

Text presented within:

Subject: Important : New messages found in quarantine : 4of 4 -Your Action is Required

Blocked Incoming Messages

Several message(s) below have been blocked by your ******** administrator due to validation error.

You have new messages in your email quarantine inbox will be automatically removed from quarantine after 7 day(s).

To see all quarantined messages and release to inbox.
Quarantined Mail
Recipient     Subject     Date
Release ********     Re: Approval     06~07~2021
Release ********     EU Business Register 2021/2022     06~07~2021
Release ********     Electronic Fund Transfer Access Document     06~07~2021
Release ********     Fix problems with site title & tagline for ********     06~07~2021
open all messages

Note: this message was sent by the system for notification only, please do not reply.
if this message lands in your spam folder, please move it to your inbox folder for proper interrogation.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing website:

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

Text presented within:

Subject: Action Required: You have [9] quarantined messages

 

Webmail
horde roundcube
Attention: -

You have [9] quarantined messages in your quarantine portal

as of Tuesday, September 28, 2021 6:30 AM (UTC).

You can review these here and choose what happens to them.

REVIEW

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

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

Text presented within:

Subject: (3) INCOMING MESSAGES BLOCKED BY ADMIN

Blocked Incoming Messages

Dear -  ,

Incoming messages were blocked due to Email Account Verification Failure by you for the year 2021.
 
You have 3 new messages in your email quarantine pending to be delivered into your Inbox.

Date: 9/13/2021 6:06:19 a.m.

Click on Release, to free these messages to your inbox and to Verify your Mail Account :  Deliver Messages
 
Quarantined email
Subject:     Subject:     Date:
Release     Re:Enquiry/Consultation     RE: Send PI Asap for payment     9/10/2021 7:06:19 a.m.
Release     Re: Balance Payment     RE: T/T Payment Copy     9/11/2021 4:05:19 a.m.
Release     Re: Account Statement     RE: New Purchase order     9/13/2021 6:05:19 a.m.

Deliver all messages (3)

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Another example of blocked mail-themed spam promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: Last warning! You have 6 Incoming Messages Blocked!

 

You have 6 Incoming Messages Blocked

The following messages have been blocked by your administrator due to validation error.

You have 6 new pending messages .
Time: 6/20/2022 8:20:52 a.m.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW YOUR INCOMING MESSAGES
Incoming  Messages:
Sender :     Subject:     Time:
pending Fwd: Transfer   ------  forwarded message ----       08:17 am
pending We didn't receive any reply from you CALL ME      10:21 am
pending Incoming Transfer from Sale @ .... [SWIFT] 11:19 am
pending Can we still meet Today  | SMILES | 01:29 pm
pending Re: ORDER CONFIRMATION SO: 0912433 02:27 pm
pending Dhl shipment arrival notification_729211.AD     03:08 pm
DELIVER ALL MESSAGES

Note: This message was sent by the system for notification only, Please do not reply.
If this message lands in your spam folder, please move it to your inbox folder for proper interrogation

Another example of quarantined mail-themed spam promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: Email Server Notification

Dear - :

You have 8 new Quarantined messages as of the 29th of August, 2022 1:00 AM (UTC) which are listed below along with the actions that can be taken:

Release to Inbox: Send the message to your Inbox.

Report as Not Junk: Send a copy of the message to Microsoft for analysis.

If you have received this email by mistake. Please notify us.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Another example of quarantined mail-themed spam promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: You Currently Have 7 Quarantined Incoming Emails

Total inbound quarantined emails for : 7 messages

The emails listed below are ones that have been placed in your quarantine digest since the last quarantine summary was sent.

Your quarantine is protected and authentication is required to manage your messages.

Messages older than 7 days will be removed

Email Quarantined Since Last Notification (2022-Sep-02 09:00:06): 1 message

From Subject Actions
tw@abosolute-marine.com Ex Factory Price Deiver  |    Allow List |    Delete  |   View

Previously Quarantined Email: 6 messages

From Subject Actions
moin.ansari@spgroup.com.pk
Re: COA
Deliver  |    Allow List |    Delete    |   View
m.grber@sanochemia.com
New Order
Deliver  |   Allow List  |   Delete     |   View
ali.eleyan@bernq.com Re: INVOICE & PACKING LIST
Deliver     |   Allow List  |   Delete     |   View
debora.irvin@protenelectric.com RE: Quotation // Freight offer
Deliver     |   Allow List  |   Delete     |   View
dop@airlbya.aero Revised Invoice
Deliver     |   Allow List  |   Delete     |   View
bshdaifat@joromco.com.jo Distributor Agreement Deliver     |   Allow List  |   Delete     |   View
  DELETE ALL DISPLAYED EMAILS

Click on the Deliver link to have that message delivered to your primary inbox.
Click on the Allow List  link to have that message delivered to your primary inbox and that sender added to the Allow List.
Click on the  Delete link to remove that message from your quarantine.
Click on the View link to display that message in a new Message Details browser window.
Manage your allowed / blocked list Set quarantine notification intervals

View your entire Quarantine Inbox or manage your preferences.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

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

Types of malicious emails:

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

Credential theft Phishing emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

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

Common subject lines

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

Extortion Sextortion emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Remote access Tech support scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

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

Common subject lines

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

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

---

1

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

30 sec

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

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

Why this matters

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

2

Watch for urgency, threats, and generic greetings

30 sec

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

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

3

Hover over every link before clicking

30 sec

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

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

Pro tip

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

4

Treat unexpected attachments as hostile

30 sec

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

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

Phase 2~ 2 min

Report and delete - if you haven't engaged

---

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

5

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

30 sec

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

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

6

Report the scam to your email provider and authorities

1 min

Inside your email client:

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

Forward or report to authorities:

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

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

Phase 3~ 10–60 min

Recover - if you already engaged with the scam

---

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

7

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

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

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

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

Why this matters

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

8

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

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

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

8.1Disconnect from the network

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

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

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

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

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

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

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

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

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

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

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

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

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

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

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

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

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

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

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

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

Important

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

9

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

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

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

Why email comes first

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

10

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

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

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

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

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

---

11

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

Reconnect to the network and run one final full scan with Combo Cleaner, followed by a Windows Defender quick scan. Then open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and switch to Startup apps - disable anything unfamiliar.

Make sure Windows, browsers, and any applications you use are fully up to date. The infection vector that worked on you once usually involves outdated software.

12

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most fraud follow-ups land in the first month. Until that window closes, keep watching:

• Bank and card statements - daily for the first week, then weekly
• Email - watch for password-reset confirmations or login alerts you didn't trigger
• Credit report - US: free at annualcreditreport.com; UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion all have free tiers
• Breach alerts - sign up at haveibeenpwned.com to be notified when your email appears in new leaks

If anything new appears in any of those, treat it as a continuing compromise: change passwords again, contact the bank again, and update the police report.

Important: If you didn't click anything, didn't reply, and didn't open any attachment, your computer is not infected - just delete the email and move on. If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there. That path catches the vast majority of email-borne malware without the risk of breaking Windows by deleting the wrong file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

Usually, scammers obtain email addresses after data breaches and use them in their phishing (or other) campaigns. They send the same letter to all recipients (their emails are not personal).

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

Change all passwords as soon as possible, especially if scammers can access other accounts with the stolen password (if the same password is used for multiple accounts).

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

It depends on the file type. Executable files usually infect computers right after they are opened/executed. In other cases, malicious files do not infect computers until additional steps are performed (e.g., macros commands in opened MS Office documents are enabled).

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

No, your computer is not infected since it is not harmful to open an email even if it is used to distribute malware.

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

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate almost all known malware. Run a full system scan if your computer is infected with high-end malware. Otherwise, antivirus software will not detect that malware since it can hide deep in the operating system.