Avoid being scammed by fake cPanel email messages

What is the fake "cPanel" email?

"cPanel email scam" refers to a phishing spam campaign, a large-scale operation during which thousands of deceptive emails are sent. These email messages are disguised as notifications from the cPanel company, developers of web hosting control panel software of the same name.

At the time of research, there were two variants of this scam. One, a notification concerning privacy policy updates, the other notifies recipients that their website has been suspended. Note that these emails are in no way associated with the genuine cPanel, LLC.

This spam campaign aims to extract sensitive information (i.e., cPanel log-in credentials) via an HTML file attached to the scam messages.

More about the cPanel phishing email

The email with the title/subject "[ ******** ] Updates to the cPanel Services Agreement" (this may vary) informs recipients that cPanel is updating their privacy policy in accordance with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). The message then goes into more detail about the necessity of the notification.

The recipient is urged to use the attached file to automatically update to the new privacy policy. Should they disagree with the policy changes, the recipient is alerted that they will no longer be able to use cPanel's products and services, and their account will be deactivated.

The message with the title/subject "Suspension : Removal of ******** from our server" (also may vary) states that the recipient's website's deactivation and removal from cPanel's servers has been approved and initiated. The supposed reason is a last warning, which was ignored.

If the recipient wishes to stop the process, they are instructed to use the file attachment.

Once the attached HTML file is opened, it asks users to sign in to their cPanel account with their domain name, panel username and password. Allegedly, doing so will automatically update the account in compliance with the new privacy policy.

Instead, by attempting to log-in in this manner, users will expose their log-in credentials to the scammers behind the fake "cPanel" emails. Therefore, by trusting the scam notifications, users can lose their cPanel accounts and unintentionally allow the scammers access/control over the account and its content (e.g., websites).

To summarize, this can result in severe privacy issues, financial losses, identity theft, and other serious problems. If attempts to sign-in have already been made, change the log-in credentials immediately and contact cPanel's official support.

Examples of similar scams

"Facebook Email Scam", "Fund Release", "Microsoft Teams Email Scam", "INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)", and "Email Account Is Almost Full" are some examples of other spam campaigns.

Despite the legitimate appearance, the sole purpose of these messages is to generate revenue for the scammers/cyber criminals behind them. As well as phishing and similar scams, deceptive emails are also used to proliferate malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, etc.).

Due to the widespread prevalence of spam mail, exercise caution with incoming emails.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Malware (including ransomware) is usually distributed via malspam campaigns, unofficial software activation ('cracking') tools, Trojans, dubious file/software download sources, and fake software updating tools.

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.

Trojans are other rogue programs that can cause chain infections. I.e., when a Trojan is installed on the operating system, it can install additional malware.

Free file hosting websites, freeware download websites, Peer-to-Peer networks (e.g., torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, and third party downloaders are examples of other sources that are used to distribute malware. Cyber criminals disguise malicious files as legitimate and regular. When users download and open them, they inadvertently infect their computers with malware.

Fake software updating tools install malicious software rather than updates/fixes for installed programs, or they exploit bugs/flaws of outdated software that is installed on the operating system.

How to avoid installation of malware

To avoid malware spread via spam mail, you are strongly advised against opening suspicious or irrelevant emails, especially those with any attachments or links present within them.

Additionally, use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010. Malicious programs also proliferate through untrusted download channels (e.g. unofficial and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks and other third party downloaders), illegal software activation ("cracking") tools, and fake updaters.

Therefore, only download from official/verified sources and activate and update software with tools/functions provided by legitimate developers.

To ensure device integrity and user privacy, have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and kept updated. Furthermore, use these programs to run regular system scans and to remove detected/potential threats.

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 one variant of the "cPanel" scam email:

Subject: [ ******** ] Updates to the cPanel Services Agreement

 

"********". We're updating our privacy policy and other documents based on GDPR standards

 

cPanel

 

Updating our privacy policy

 

********  You’re receiving this email because we are updating the cPanel  Services Agreement, which applies to one or more cPanel or services you use. We’re making these updates to clarify our terms and ensure that they remain transparent for you, as well as to cover new cPanel  products, services and features.

 

You can also learn more about these updates on our FAQ page including a summary of the most notable changes.
If you wish to continue to use our products and services we recommend that you find the attachment file that is attached to this email to automatically update to our privacy policy to avoid service interruption, or your ******** account being closed.

 

If you do not agree, you can choose to discontinue using the products and services, and close your cPanel  account  ********  before these terms become effective.

 

Thank you for using cPanel products and services

 

cP

 

Copyright© 2021 cPanel, Inc.

Screenshot of the alternative variant of the "cPanel" scam email:

Text presented in this variant:

Subject: Suspension : Removal of ******** from our server

 

Website  De-activation : "********".

 

De-activation Programmed

Final Notice for Domain : ********

Removal of ********  from our server has been approved and initiated,
Due to ignorance of last verification warning.

 

Removal will occur  exactly at our server programmed time and hour

 

We recommend that you find the attachment file  that is attached to this email and Cancel Removal

 

for your Domain : ********
    
cP

 

Copyright© 2021 cPanel, Inc.

Screenshot of the "cPanel" scam email file attachment:

Another cPanel-themed spam email claiming that user has pending messages:

Text presented within:

Subject: -  WARNING: INCOMING MESSAGES BLOCKED DUE TO SERVER UPGRADE !!!

cPanel
    
Sender Action Required
                
Messages suspended
Dear ********,

Message Failure Delivery Notice.

User: ********

4 Suspended incoming messages

How to Fix and verify it  

CLICK HERE  to view incoming suspended messages.

Created Date:  4/5/2021 8:28:31 p.m.

The information contained in or attached to this communication is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and others authorized to receive it. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately by responding to this email and then delete it from your system. We are neither liable for the proper and complete transmission of the information contained in this communication nor for any delay in its receipt.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing website:

Yet another variant of cPanel-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Inode quota exceeded : ********"

Inode quota notification for : ********".
      
Inode Quota Exceeded!!
Final Notice for Domain : ********
The Domain ********"  has reached its inode quota.
Exceeding your inode quota can affect your website, uploads and email.
To avoid service interruption we recommend that you find the attachment file that is attached to this email to
automatically add more inodes to your hosting package now

Copyright© 2021 cPanel, Inc.

Yet another example of cPanel-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Sexurity Alert: eMail Box Account Block Request !

 

cPanel Sender
Action Required
eMail Account Block
Closing Of Email Address Notice!

Attention ******** ,

We have received your request to terminate your email account below, and the request will be concluded within 48hours from now.

Affected Email Account Details
Domain: ********
User: ********
Email: ********
Time: 4/18/2021 10:26:37 a.m.

If you did not make this request or you made it by mistake or unknowingly, quickly take action below to stop this email termination process, but if you made this request kindly ignore this message as this account will be terminated soon.
CANCEL REQUEST HERE ▶   

Note: If you fail to cancel this process above, we advise you to backup your mails and contacts as you will lose all your messages and contacts when this email "********" account termination is concluded.

©********
Source: Administrator Support ©2021 Cyber security dept

Another example of cPanel-themed spam email promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: Customer Support Request
 
cPanel report  -

Dear Customer,

Your email account  - needs to be re-verified to welcome you into our new update and features.

Pending when this is done we have suspended your email from receiving some emails, and this point you
have about [5] messages undelivered to your inbox.

Update your account to enable you to receive all pending messages to avoid losing some important messages
and possible shutdown of account.

Update Account Here

Due date: 11/08/2021 11:02:04 a.m.

Sincerely,
cPanel Customer Support

Another example of cPanel-themed spam email promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: ACTION REQUIRED

    
Dear  -,

We are closinrg all old versions and non-active users from (06/02/2022). Please confirm youer email address - to keep your account from being deactivated.
Confirm
Account will be  automatically deleted after (08/02/2021). You can change the frequency of these notifications within your mailbox portal.

Disclaimer : This email and its content are confidential and intended solely for the use of the addressee.This message was sent from an unmonitored e-mail address please do not reply to this message Privacy|Term

Secured by cPanel Encryption, Copyright © 2021 cPanel, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

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

Text presented within:

Subject: Account Has Been Marked For Closure ********

 

Hi -,

We discovered an error on your account on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 11:35:48 AM.

Your account has been marked for closure, and we apologize for the inconvenience.
To safeguard your email (********) from phishing attacks, We've given you a new way to re-validate your account by scanning the QR code below.

Thanks,

cPanel

Administrator Online Team

We will never ask you for your password in an email. If you don’t trust a link in an email, go directly to the normal sign-in page via ********.

*Location is approximate based on the IP address it originated from 182.201.90.3

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

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

Text presented within:

Subject: ******** WARNING: The email account "********" storage is almost full.

 

Mailbox size notification for "********".
The email account "********" storage is almost full.
Your email account currently uses 95,89% of its capacity.

Login now with the link/button below to add your mail storage to a larger quota in order to prevent loss of incoming mails. Use the Email Disk Usage tool at hxxps://********:2096/?goto_app=Email_DiskUsage  or add quota button blow.
Add Quota

The system generated this warning on, 6/17/2022 4:40:46 a.m..

You can disable the “Quota :: MailboxWarning” notice type through the cPanel interface: hxxps://********:2083/?goto_app=ContactInfo_Change

Do not reply to this automated message.
cpanel
Copyright © 2022 cPanel, Inc.

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

Text presented within:

Subject: Access Restriction for **********

Hello, "**********"

"**********" has been suspended temporarily due to some Policy Violations

Please follow the steps below, to restore access to your email now
    
Restore **********
    

Your account will be deactivated if you fail to respond now

cPanel @ 2022

Yet another example of cPanel-themed spam email used to promote a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: Action Required: ******** Recover Pending Emails

 

cPanel

Hi ********

You have pending incoming emails that you haven't received yet
Access to your email address ******** is restricted because we can no longer confirm the authenticity of your email.

Please confirm below before 24 Hours to receive your emails and avoid email termination.

Confirm Now

To opt out or change where you receive security notifications,   Click Here  .
Thanks,
Mail Server
© 2022 cPanel

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site designed to imitate the design of user's email service provider's website:

Yet another example of an email from cPanel spam campaign:

Text presented within:

 Subject: ******** Server Important Verification

 

Hello ********

We experienced a technical glitch on the server host, which occurred on the early hours of today.

This has inadvertently affected several accounts.

To this effect, Your ******** account may experience frequent automatic timeout, starting from 8/14/2023 2:27:09 p.m. if not verified.

Click below to continue with the verification.

IMMEDIATE VERIFICATION

Your account may not perform at optimum if not verified.

Email Service.
Copyright ******** All rights reserved.

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?

Typically, phishing emails are sent to a large number of people. They are not personal.

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

If you have inadvertently provided your login credentials to a website that you suspect may be fraudulent, it is important to change your passwords immediately.

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

If you have downloaded and opened a malicious file attached to an email, there is a chance that your computer has been infected with malware. It depends on the type of file. For instance, malicious MS Office documents do not infect computers until users enable macros commands.

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

Merely opening an email is harmless on its own. However, clicking links or opening attachments in the email can result in system infections.

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

Combo Cleaner has the ability to detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. It is important to note that advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so conducting a full system scan is recommended to ensure complete removal.