Avoid clicking links in emails like Undelivered Mails email scam

What is Undelivered Mails scam?

Scammers use email as a tool for various purposes. One of them is to trick recipients into providing personal information. Emails of this type are called phishing emails.

Typically, scammers behind emails of this type pretend to be legitimate companies and try to trick recipients into providing login credentials (for example, usernames, passwords), credit card details (for example, cardholder name, CVV code, expiry date), social security numbers or other sensitive details.

It is common that scammers use deceptive websites to trick users into providing information. For example, they disguise fake login pages as legitimate, official sites. In one way or another, emails (and links in them) of this type should be ignored.

More about the Undelivered Mails scam

This email is disguised as a letter from email service provider (Webmail). Scammers behind it attempt to trick recipients into believing that twelve emails were not delivered due to a system delay and clicking the "Click Here To Release Pending Messages Inbox" hyperlink.

The provided link opens a deceptive website asking to enter login credentials (email address and password). There are many examples of similar phishing emails that scammers use with the purpose to steal email accounts.

It is common that scammers check accessed accounts for important emails containing sensitive information, use them to trick other people into making money transactions, providing personal information, and for other malicious purposes (e.g., to send spam, malspam). Another problem with having an email (or other) account stolen is that its login credentials could be used to access other accounts (e.g., social media, gaming accounts).

Although, it is a problem only when users use the same login credentials for multiple accounts (for this reason, it is recommended to use different passwords for different accounts).

Examples of similar scams

More examples of phishing emails are "BANCO BPM Email Scam", "Emails Rejected On Admin Server Scam", and "New App(s) Have Access To Your Microsoft Account Email Scam". What most of them have in common is that they are designed to look like letters from legitimate entities and include suspicious attachments or links.

As mentioned in the first paragraph, scammers use phishing emails to extract login credentials, credit card details, and other sensitive information that could be used to steal identities, make unauthorized purchases, transactions, and for other malicious purposes. It is important to mention that email can be used as a tool to distribute malware.

Emails used to deliver malware are quite similar to emails used to extract sensitive information. A couple of examples of emails that cybercriminals use to trick recipients into installing malware on their computers are "Santander Email Virus", "Contech Email Virus", and "Air Sea Land Email Virus".

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

As a rule, emails used to deliver malware contain a malicious attachment or link. In both cases, the main purpose of these emails is to trick recipients into downloading and opening a malicious file.

Typically, cybercriminals behind emails of this type attempt to trick recipients into opening/executing a malicious file extracted from ZIP, RAR or another file, Microsoft Office document, PDF document, executable file (like EXE), or JavaScript file. It is important to mention that cybercriminals try to trick recipients into believing that the received file is some important document (e.g., a purchase order, invoice).

In one way or another, it is strongly recommended not to open files or click links in emails of this kind. It is worthwhile to mention that not all malicious documents infect computers automatically.

If opened with MS Office 2010 or later, those documents need to get permission to enable macros commands (editing or content). Although, older MS Office versions do not have the "Protected View" mode that prevents opened malicious documents from installing malware without needing any user's interference.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Emails including links or attachments should be thoroughly analyzed, especially if they are received from an unknown sender and are not relevant. It is common that emails of this type are used to deliver malware - cybercriminals behind them seek to trick recipients into opening malicious files.

Files and programs should be downloaded only from official pages and via direct links. Other sources can be used to distribute malicious files/programs. Examples of questionable sources are Peer-to-Peer networks (like torrent clients, eMule), unofficial websites, third-party downloaders, free file hosting sites.

It is worth mentioning that third-party, fake installers can be used to distribute malware too. One more important thing is not to use third-party, unofficial tools to activate or update software.

Quite often, those tools are bundled with malware (used to distribute malicious software). Another problem is that it is illegal to activate legitimate software with 'cracking' tools.

Installed programs have to be activated, updated with tools or functions that their official developers provide. Additionally, it is recommended to scan the operating system threats regularly and do it using a reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software.

If you've already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the Undelivered Mails Scam email letter:

Subject: ACCOUNT WARNING: Undelivered mails ******** Kindly rectify

Dear ********
You have [12] undelivered mails on 6/6/2021 7:19:35 a.m. This was caused due to a system delay, Rectify Below:

Click Here To Release Pending Messages Inbox

Product: ********  WebMail

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

Text presented within:

Subject: You have 4 non delivered e-mails

 

Attention ********,

You have {4} undelivered mails as at ********

This is due to some technical system error from Mail Server.

Please update/confirm e-mail ******** below to enable it receive your pending mails into your mailbox within 48hrs

Confirm Now

Sincerely
Mail support team.

Yet another example of undelivered mails-themed scam promoting a phishing website:

Text presented within:

Subject: Resolve.ID #16,301134zi50

MAIL SUPPORT

Hi -,

You have (9) undelivered messages that failed to deliver to your inbox as of 9/28/2021 7:59 PM.

Follow the link below to release messages to inbox.

Release Messages

The link above will expire in 24 hours

Have a great day!

Another example of mail delivery-themed scam:

Text presented within:

Subject: 3rd Notice : 12 incoming mails could not be delivered : please review!!!

Dear - ,

You have reached your E-Mail storage bandwidth limit for account -.   Most of your incoming mails will now be placed on hold.
 
CLICK TO RE-VALIDATE YOUR EMAIL

After re-validating your email account all your incoming emails on hold will be delivered to your mailbox.

Regards.
Email Account Server {C} 2021

-

This message is auto-generated from E-mail - security server, and replies sent to this email can not be delivered.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

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

Text presented within:

Subject: Release Undelivered Mail

Email Delivery Notice
 
User:  -

You have 7 undelivered mail
Time : 11/18/2021 5:12:40 p.m.
This is due to a system error
 
Release All Undelivered Mail
 
However, if you do not release all undelivered mail, it will be completely wiped from - data base.

- Support Team
 

This message is auto-generated from E-mail security server, and replies sent to this email can not be delivered.This email is meant for: -

Copyright © 2021 - • Web Admin •

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Yet another example of undelivered mail-themed spam spreading an HTML file used for phishing purposes:

Text presented within:

Subject: You have (4) pending messages

 

New notification for "-".

    
You have (4) new pending messages from your inbox because this version will soon expire, Please download attachment for the new version for free as soon as possible in order to prevent the loss of  any future emails.

The system generated this notice on 2021/06/12

Do not reply to this automated message.

Screenshot of the attached HTML file ("New_Version.html"):

Another example of unsuccessful mail delivery-themed spam email used to promote a phishing site:

Text presented withing:

Subject: Message Delivery Report (Wednesday, 09 March, 2022)

Your sent message was not delivered to recipient's inbox.
DELIVER MESSAGE INBOX NOW

Microsoft ®

© 2022
Unsubscribe

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site (fake Microsoft website):

Another example of undelivered pending mail-themed spam used to promote a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: Mail System Error - Returned Mail - ********

Dear: ********

1 pending sent messages couldn't be delivered

* Action Required.    
* How to Fix It.

Click here to view undelivered sent messages.

Created Date: 4/6/2022 1:00:00 p.m.
********  Your best Mail Service.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Another example of undelivered mail-themed spam used to promote a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: Undelivered Mail Returned to Sender

This is the mail system at host ********.

I'm sorry to have to inform you that your message could not
be delivered to one or more recipients. Details.

You can find the the possible reasons of the undelivered message letter here:
View Emails

Please, do not reply to this message.

Host or domain name not found.
Name service error for name=xn--baslangc-zkb.com.tr type=AAAA: Host not found

Reporting-MTA: dns; forward103p. ********.
X-Yandex-Queue-ID: 1BA7718C0BB8
X-Yandex-Sender: rfc822; ********
Arrival-Date: Wed, 26 APR 2022 14:12:19 +030

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

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

Text presented within:

Subject: Notification - Incoming Error

Incoming Server Error

-

The mail server encountered an error and failed to deliver your incoming important (12) emails. Some incoming messages (12) are stuck on the server.

Kindly use the button below to fix the error.

Retrieve (12) Emails to Inbox
 

Email is strictly for the attention of -
Copyright© 2022 -

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

Text presented within:

Subject: You Have (7) New Undelivered Messages

Dear ********,

You have (7) new undelivered mail due to some error in ********  IMAP/POP3 mail server. We recommend you move messages to inbox and fix errors immediately to avoid more blockage.
 
Move message to inbox

All messages will deleted automatically without no response pending additional verification to free up your storage capacity and release all your pending messages.
******** web service.

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

Text presented within:

Subject: Message Server Failure!
 
You have undelivered messages.     

You have 15 emails not delivered to your inbox on 06/09/2022
This is because your  - account has exceeded the
disk space limit. To avoid disruptions of your Email Services, add disk space to release undelivered Email messages to your inbox.

RELEASE MESSAGES  
ADD DISK SPACE HERE

-  server

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Yet another example of an email from "Undelivered Mails" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Subject: Action required ********

 

******** Notification.

You have (25) incoming messages that could not be delivered to ********

Kindly resolve these email issues to avoid missing important mails.

********     ********     25 messages
Action Required Pending
    
High Priority.

Proceed To Resolve

Instant automatic malware removal:

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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?

Cybercriminals may have acquired your email address through a data breach. Phishing emails are not personal. Usually, they are sent randomly to a large number of email addresses.

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

If you have provided your username and password to scammers, change your passwords as soon as possible. Also, contact the service provider for the affected account and inform them of the situation.

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

If the file was executable, then the likelihood of infection is high. However, if it was a document in formats such as .pdf or .doc, you may have avoided infection since merely opening the document does not always lead to malware infiltrating the system.

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

Merely opening an email is entirely safe. However, clicking on links within the email or opening attachments 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. Sophisticated malware typically conceals itself deeply within the system. Thus, it is imperative to perform a complete system scan to ensure proper detection and removal.