Do not trust the "Your mailbox is full" scam emails

What is the "Your mailbox is full" scam email?

"Your mailbox is full" is the name of a spam campaign, a large-scale operation during which deceptive/scam emails are sent by the thousand. The messages distributed through this campaign inform recipients that their email accounts require updates.

These spam messages aim to promote a phishing website, presented as an email account log-in page. Sites of this type operate by recording information entered into them.

"Your mailbox is full" email scam overview

There are two variants of the "Your mailbox is full" scam emails (the subject/titles "Your mailbox is full" and "ERROR ID: Mail-box storage full UPGRADE NOW!!!" may vary). Both versions state that recipients cannot receive or send emails due to the inbox having reached its storage capacity.

To restore their email accounts, recipients are informed that they must update them. By clicking "UPGRADE HERE" or "UPDATE STORAGE" (depending on the email version), recipients are redirected to the promoted phishing site. This website is disguised as the sign-in page to email accounts.

Log-in credentials (i.e., passwords) entered into this web page are disclosed to the scammers behind the "Your mailbox is full" spam campaign. Therefore, by trusting these deceptive messages, recipients can have their emails stolen and potentially experience other serious issues.

Email accounts are of particular interest to scammers/ cyber criminals, as they are typically connected to other platforms and services. Through hijacked emails, access may be gained to accounts tied to them.

For example, communication platforms (e.g., emails, social networking, social media, messengers, etc.) can be used to ask contact/friends for loans under the guise of the genuine owner. Platforms of this type can also be used to proliferate malware through sharing virulent files.

Scammers can use banking, digital wallet, online money transferring, e-commerce, and similar finance-related accounts to make fraudulent transactions and online purchases.

To summarize, trusting the "Your mailbox is full" scam emails can lead to severe privacy issues, system infections, financial losses, and identity theft.

If attempts to log-in through the phishing website have already been made, you are strongly advised to change the email account password and those of other potentially compromised accounts. Additionally, contact the official support of endangered accounts/platforms.

Phishing spam campaign examples

"Clustered e-mails pending", "UNITED NATIONS COMPENSATION (COVID19 ASSISTED PROGRAM)", "cPanel Email Scam", and "MOBI GRAND TELECOM Lottery" are some examples of other phishing spam campaigns.

The emails distributed through these operations are usually presented as "official", "urgent", "important", "priority", and so on. Spam mail is used not only for phishing but also for various different scams. The deceptive messages are also employed to spread trojans, ransomware, and other malware.

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

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 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

Do not trust irrelevant emails that have files attached (or contain website links) and are received from unknown, suspicious addresses. Software should not be downloaded or installed through third party downloaders, installers, unofficial pages or other similar sources/tools.

Use only official websites and direct links. Installed software should never be updated or activated with third party, unofficial tools, since they can install malware. Furthermore, it is illegal to use third party tools to activate licensed software.

The only legitimate way to update and activate software is to use tools and functions that are provided by the official developers. Regularly scan your computer with reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep this software up to date.

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 of the "Your mailbox is full" scam email variants:

Subject: Your mailbox is full

 

Your mailbox is full.
      
2.36 GB     1.98 GB

 

Your mailbox can no longer send or receive messages. To make room in your mailbox, Upgrade your mailbox below.

 

UPGRADE HERE

 

Mailbox address:
[[-Email-]]

Screenshot of the "Your mailbox is full" scam email alternative variant:

Text presented in this variant:

Subject: ERROR ID: Mail-box storage full UPGRADE NOW!!!

 

- Mailbox is full.

 
2.36 GB1.98 GB
Your mailbox can no longer send or receive messages. update your storage
 

UPDATE STORAGE

 

Mailbox address:
-

Screenshot of the phishing website promoted by "Your mailbox is full" spam campaign:

Another variant of email storage-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: - EMAIL UPDATE REQUIRED!!

******** ,

According to provision 11.3 terms of services, ******** administrator's policy has prevented the delivery of 7 new emails to your inbox as of   3/31/2021 4:04:38 pm  UTC as your mailbox storage almost exceed it limit.

You can choose whether to delete or retrieve your held messages below to solve this error.

Fix ******** problem now

******** security management | 2020 © All rights reserved.

Yet another variant of Your Mailbox Is Full scam email (the attached HTML file is used for phishing purposes - all input data is sent to a remote server):

Text presented within:

Subject: Urgent Action Required!

 

Your mailbox is full
      
2.36 GB     1.98 GB

Your mailbox can no longer send or receive messages. To make room in your mailbox, upgrade your mailbox through the attachment.

OPEN ATTACHMENT AND VERIFY IDENTITY TO BE AUTOMATICALLY UPGRADED

Screenshot of the attached HTML document ("Virus-Free E-mail Upgrade Attachment.html"):

Another example of "Your Mailbox Is Full" scam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Update Mailbox Storage To Avoid Shutdown

 

Hello ********

Here's your email review for the past week. 7 incoming messages are currently hanging on your server because your storage memory is very low.
Kindy review these messages and increase your storage memory by clicking below to deliver these messages to your inbox.
Review My Messages

Review generated for ********

Why did I receive this email?
Your email filtering service is provided by MICROS0FT Networking, Inc. USA . These message review allows you to view and read your filtered emails.

Screenshot of the phishing website promoted via this spam email:

Yet another variant of mailbox capacity-themed spam email used to promote a phishing website:

Text presented within:

Subject: Action Required

 

Your mailbox is almost full and cannot receive large attachments!

0%     98%
Your mailbox may no longer send or receive large attachments. To make room in your mailbox, upgrade your mailbox below.

UPGRADE HERE

Screenshot of the promoted phishing website:

Yet another "Your Mailbox Is Full"-themed scam email promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: Quota Warning !!!

Your Mailbox; ******** is almost full.

1999MB of 2000MB

Mailbox is running out of data storage.
All incoming messages will be blocked until you upgrade.

Upgrade Now

Failure to upgrade will bring about:

Loss of important emails
Delay in receiving emails
Account vulnerability to spam
Immediate Account suspension

Screenshot of a phishing site promoted via this spam email:

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

Text presented within:

Subject: [ ******** ] WARNING: The “********” email account is nearly full

 

Mailbox quota notification for "********".

The "********" email account is nearly full.

The email account currently uses 91.9% (497.59 MB/500 MB) of its capacity.

You should remove some emails from the mailbox as soon as possible in order to prevent the loss of any future email. Use the Email Disk Usage tool at ********, or ask the system administrator to upgrade your account to a larger quota.

The system generated this notice on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 07:35:13 AM UTC.

You can disable the "Quota::MailboxWarning" type of notification through the cPanel interface: ********

Do not reply to this automated message.

Copyright© 2021 cPanel, L.L.C.

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

Text presented within:

Subject: - Upgrade Your Mailbox Quota Urgent!!!

 

Your mailbox is almost full.

Dear -

3840MB    4096MB

Please reduce your mailbox size.  Click here to reduce size automatically.
Note: Perform this upgrade as soon as possible to avoid  losing your account data.
Mail Administrator!
This notification was sent to ; Don't want occasional updates about subscription preferences and friendly suggestions?
Change what email Google+ sends you.Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheater Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

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

Text presented within:

Subject: Warning!: Error loading your inbox contact messages.

-, your mailbox is almost full.
​     ​
4.86 GB     4.18 GB

You​ might experience delays or can​ no longer send and receive messages.

CLEAR STORAGE

Mailbox address:
-

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

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

Text presented within:

Subject: -, Your Mailbox is Nearly Full

 

Your Mailbox is Nearly Full
Mailbox capacity is at 84%. Consider clearing out unnecessary messages to ensure that your mailbox does not reach full capacity, and can continue to send and receive messages.
Upgrade to 50 GB for free

- Admininstrator

Yet another example of mailbox capacity-themed spam promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: You Have Pending Mails
 
Hello,

Your mailbox space is almost full and 3 incomming emails are on hold.
Please upgrade your account to recieve extra 5 gb added to your mailbox space for free.
 
Upgrade Your Mailbox Space

Security Alert: Help protect your account access by confirming security alerts to notify you of important sign-on related activity.

Thank you for using - for your communication needs.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Yet another example of mailbox capacity-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: User's inbox is full, mailbox is unable to send email " ID#:992148

Incoming Pending Email Message Delivery Reports
Your mailbox now exceeds the size limit that was set for you. Emails sent to you are not delivered when your inbox is in this state, and this should be conveyed to each sender. In the following step,
ensure that your mailbox is no longer overflowing.

What should you do?
Please login to your webmail via **********'s portal.

hxxps;//mail.**********/mailbox?user=**********?storagequota=99%

After you've logged in, either delete or archive any emails you don't need, then delete the originals.

--
**********  Support Department

When your mailbox's allotted capacity is exceeded, the server generates this notification automatically. To address this issue, please follow the instructions in the email or contact your network administrator.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Yet another example of an email from "Your Mailbox Is Full" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Subject: Mail delivery failed: returning message to sender

100% storage     15 GB

Your mailbox storage is full. Kindly upgrade mailbox storage below to get access to new messages, you may not receive new messages if no action is taken.

Upgrade Mailbox Storage

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

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

Text presented within:

Yοur mailbοx is 96% full

 

0.4 MB
If yοu want to cοntinue sending and receiving mails, please go to the email settings belοw to add free space.

Email settings to add free space

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. Therefore, thousands of users receive identical scam mail.

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

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

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

If you merely read a spam email - your device was not infected. Malware download/installation processes are triggered when the attachments or links found in these letters are opened/clicked.

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

If it was an executable (.exe, run, etc.) - most likely, yes - your device was infected. On the other hand, document formats (.doc, .xls, pdf, etc.) may require additional user interaction (e.g., enabling macros) to begin downloading/installing malicious software.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and remove various threats. It can detect and eliminate nearly all known malware infections. Keep in mind that performing a complete system scan is essential for sophisticated-threat detection - since high-end malware typically hides deep within systems.