Do not trust sextortion emails claiming your devices were broken into via network router

What is "I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router" email?

After inspecting the "I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router" email, we determined that it is spam that operates as a sextortion scam.

It must be emphasized that all the claims made by this letter (i.e., possession of an explicit recording featuring the recipient, system infection, data exfiltration, etc.) - are all false. Therefore, these emails pose no actual threat to the recipients.

"I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router" email scam overview

The scam email states that the recipient's system was hacked "using the Wireless network router" a couple of months ago. Supposedly, the "hacker" exfiltrated data from all of the recipient's devices. Additionally, a recording was made them while they were visiting adult-oriented websites.

Unless 1400 USD in Bitcoin cryptocurrency are paid within three days, the sexually explicit video (which does not exist) will be sent to the recipient's contacts (e.g., email, social networking, messengers, etc.). Furthermore, the stolen data will be leaked online.

The sender claims to be untraceable; hence, the recipient is told not to contact law enforcement or perform other actions like changing their passwords - as that will not amount to anything.

As mentioned in the introduction, all the information provided by this email is fake. Therefore, neither were the devices infiltrated nor infected by the sender, their data was not stolen, and no compromising recordings exist. The "I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router" email must simply be ignored, as its threats are empty.

Sextortion scam email examples

We have analyzed dozens of emails akin to "I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router"; "E-mail To You From An Account Of Yours", "Your system has been hacked with a Trojan virus", "I have been watching you" - are just a couple of examples.

Spam mail is commonly used for various scams (e.g., sextortion, phishing, etc.) and even malware proliferation. These letters can make varied claims and use the names/logos of legitimate entities - to gain and subsequently abuse users' trust.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Spam emails are often employed to distribute malware. They can have infectious files attached to them or contain links leading to malicious websites designed to stealthily download/install malware or trick users into doing so. Virulent files can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so on.

Once such a file is opened, the infection process is triggered. It is noteworthy that some document formats may require additional user interaction to begin downloading/installing malware. For example, Microsoft Office documents cause infections by executing malicious macro commands.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly advise exercising caution with incoming mail. The attachments and links present in suspicious emails and messages - must not be opened, as they can contain malware. Additionally, it is important to use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010 since they have the "Protected View" mode, which prevents automatic execution of macro commands.

However, malware is not spread just via spam mail. Therefore, we also recommend downloading only from official/verified sources and activating/updating software with tools provided by legitimate developers (illegal activation tools "cracks" and fake updates can cause system infections).

We must stress the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. 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 "I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router" email letter:

Hello.
The following is your last warning. I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router you were connected to.
A few months ago, I entered the devices that you utilized to get on the web.
All of the data from your own electronics and devices has been immediately replicated to my computers.
I get access to all your mobile device messengers, social networks, e-mails, chat history, and list of contacts.
My malware constantly updates its signatures (driver based), therefore it remains unnoticeable to anti-virus software. I guess right now you fully grasp, exactly why I stayed unnoticed right until todayWhilst collecting data in regards to you, I found you're a big fan of mature web pages & even more. You actually like to stop by adult sites and watch dirty videos whilst having an orgasm. I have actually made a cam capturing videos of you jerking off. The editing of the video you're seeing at the same time and your self pleasure. Your own happy face is clearly seeable. I don't think this type of information would-be really good for your reputation. I can send this footage out to everyone who know your identity.
I additionally have no trouble with making all your private info open to public through the web. I think you know exactly what I'm talking about.
It may be a huge disaster for you.
I am able to wreck your life for a long time. I suspect that you definitely don't want this to occur.
Let's fix it in such a manner: you transfer me 1400 $ (usd) using btc equivalent at the moment of financial transaction), and i'll right away remove all your data from my servers.
After that, we will ignore one another.
My btc payment address for transaction: bc1qhnc03qcjh8u98ydkanwz3h39s9cqunje96jlw3
Should you not realize how to transfer finances and exactly what Bitcoin is. Simply type in the google search engine "purchase Bitcoin". I present you with 3 days to send me the funds. The time started monitoring automatically once you opened the message. I'll see a notification once this e-mail is open. Don't try and search for aid, as the wallet address cannot be traced, email the note came from and can't be traced also & created automatically, hence there's no point in messaging me. Do not try to make contact with the law enforcement and other protection solutions, and if so, your own info will be revealed. Switching security passwords in social networks, email, and gadgets isn't going to help you, since all the information has already been saved to my servers. Good luck and try to not do something foolish. Give some thought to your forthcoming future.

Appearance of the "I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router" email (GIF):

Examples of other emails from the same spam campaign:

Example 1:

Text presented within:

Hello.
The following is your final notice.

I compromised your operating-system using the Wireless network device you were connecting to.

A couple of weeks prior, I entered the machines that you previously used to get online.
All of the data from your gadgets & devices has been immediately copied to my web servers.
I get access to all your mobile messengers, social networks, e-mails, chats, and contact list.
My computer virus continuously upgrades its personal signature (driver type), so it stays unnoticeable to anti-malware computer software. I suppose right now you see, why I stayed unnoticed until this exact day

Whilst gathering data about yourself, I discovered that you are a huge follower of mature websites & even more.

You actually love to go to mature websites and view kinky vids while having an ejaculation.

I've actually made a web camera capturing videos of you jacking off. The croping and editing of the clip you're watching at that moment and your masturbation. Your own face is clearly visible. I do not think this sort of information would be really good for your personal reputation.
I can now forward this video footage to everybody who know your identity.
I additionally have no problem with making all your private data open to public on line. I do believe you realize what i am talking about.
It'll be a true problem for you personally.
I can mess up your daily life for a long time.
I think that you definitely don't want this to occur.

Why don't we resolve it in this manner: you send me 1400 $ (dollars) thru Bitcoin equivalent at the time of payment), and I will right away get rid of all of your info from my servers. Following that, we will disregard each other.

My btc address for transfering: bc1q2kn4x3rurxkg6uzl9y48ky3js5c0nwptl9a6z7
If you don't know how to send finances & what exactly Bitcoin is. Then type in the Google "Buy btc".

I provide you with 2 days to send me money.
The timer started monitoring automatically as soon as you opened up the message.

I will see a message once this e-mail is exposed. Do not try and search help, as the wallet address cannot be monitored, address the message is originating from & can not be tracked also and created digitally, therefore there isn't any point in writing to me.

Do not make an attempt to get hold of the police & other protection solutions, & if you do, your personal info will undoubtedly be revealed. Switching passwords online in social media sites, e-mail, and gadgets will not help you, as all the information has already been saved to my web servers.
All the best and do not do anything dumb. Carefully consider your own future.

Example 2:

Text presented within:

Hi.
This is your last notice.

I hacked your computer thru the Wireless modem you were connected to.

Some time ago, I accessed the machines that you previously used to get on line.

All the info from your devices was quickly replicated to my web servers.

I can access all of your mobile device messengers, social media sites, e-mail messages, chat history, & contacts.

My trojan repeatedly updates its personal signature (driver based), so it stays not visible to anti-virus applications.

I imagine at this point you understand, why I remained unseen until this present day

While gathering infos about yourself, I discovered that you are a big follower of porn web sites & more.

You truly prefer to stop by porn web sites and look at filthy video clips whilst having an ejaculation. I've surely created a web camera shooting videos of you jacking off.

A montage of the video you're watching at the time & your masturbation. Your own face is clearly seeable. I do not think this kind of material will be good for your profile.

I can send this video to everybody who know who you are.

I in addition have no problem with rendering all of your personal information open to public in cyberspace.
I think you know exactly what I mean.

It could be an absolute disaster for you.

I am able to mess up your life forever.

I really think you really do not need this to occur.
Why don't we solve it this way: you transfer me 1300 $ (US dollars) thru btc equivalent at the moment of exchange), & i'll right away remove all of your data from my web servers.

And then, we will just disregard each other.
My bitcoin address for transaction: bc1ql3jcgq847g6fpjlp3klrccu7qkh99lzyz6x4q5

Should you not realize how to transfer cash and what exactly btc is. Simply type in the Google "Buy Bitcoin".

I give you two business days to send me money. The timer started counting instantly after you opened this letter.

I'll see a message when this e-mail is opened.

Don't attempt to search for aid, as the wallet address cannot be traced, address the letter is originating from & cannot be traced also and created digitally, hence there is no point in texting me. Don't make an attempt to reach out to the authorities and some other security solutions, and if you do, your personal data will be published.

Switching passwords online in social media sites, email, & devices isn't going to help you, since all the information has already been downloaded to my hosting space.

All the best & avoid doing something stupid. Think of your future.

Example 3:

Text presented within:

Hey.

The following is the last notification.

I broke into your system using the Wireless network router you were linking to.

A couple of weeks prior, I easily accessed the machines that you used to get on the web.

All of the information from your gadgets and devices has been immediately duplicated to my computers.

I gain access to all your mobile phone messengers, social media sites, e-mails, chat history, and list of contacts.

My computer virus constantly updates its signatures (driver based), therefore it remains invisible to anti-virus applications.
I guess at this point you see, why I remained unnoticed right until this exact day

Whilst get together infos with regards to you, I discovered that you're a big fan of mature web sites & even more.
You really prefer to stop by mature web pages and view kinky video clips while having an orgasm.

I've surely created a cam shooting videos of you jacking off.
The editing of the videos you're viewing at the time & your self pleasure.
Your own facial area is distinctly obvious. I don't believe this type of information would be great for your status.

I can forward this footage to everyone who realize your identity.

I in addition have no trouble with making all your discreet information public via the internet.
I believe you realize what I mean.

It would be a true frustration for you.

I'm able to wreck your life for a long time.

I really feel you definitely don't want this to take place.

Now let's fix it that way: you send me 1500 $ (dollars) thru btc equivalent at the time of payment), & I will immediately remove all of your information from my web servers.
Proceeding that, we will just disregard one another.

My bitcoin wallet address for transaction: bc1qpv6lnzsjrkjuqhwv6wpn32kndf6pze8hznunfk

If you do not understand how to send cash and exactly what btc is. Simply key in the Search engines like google "purchase Bitcoin".

I give you 3 business days to transfer money.
The time launched monitoring instantly after you read the letter.
I will get a warning the minute this e-mail is opened.

Do not attempt to seek out aid, as the wallet can not be monitored, email the letter came from & can not be followed either and created digitally, so there is no point in texting me.
Don't make an attempt to get hold of the police & other security solutions, and should you choose to do, your personal info will undoubtedly be posted.

Switching online passwords in social networking sites, e mail, and devices isn't going to help you, since all the data has already been downloaded to my servers.

Good-luck and don't do anything dumb. Think of your foreseeable future.

Instant automatic malware removal:

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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

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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

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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

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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. Cyber criminals distribute them in mass-scale operations; hence, thousands of users receive identical letters.

Was my computer actually hacked and does the sender have any information?

No, all the claims made by the "I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router" email - are fake. Therefore, your devices have not been infected or otherwise compromised, and no recordings of you or other personal data - exist in the scammers' possession. This email poses no threat and must simply be ignored.

How did cyber criminals get my email password?

Your email might have been compromised through a phishing scam (e.g., a fake email requesting you to re-login and address some issue, a hoax registration/submission form that had to be filled for a service or a reward, etc.). The less likely scenario is that your email was exposed due to a data breach of a service/platform that you use.

I have sent cryptocurrency to the address presented in this email, can I get my money back?

No, since cryptocurrency transactions are virtually untraceable - they are irreversible.

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

If you have disclosed account credentials - change the passwords of all potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support without delay. If the provided information was of a different personal nature (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?

No, merely opening a spam email will not trigger any system infection processes. They are jumpstarted when the attachments or links present in these emails - are opened/clicked.

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

Whether your system was infected may depend on the file's format. If it was an executable - most likely, yes - your device was infected. However, you might have avoided initiating malware download/installation processes if it was a document (.doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.). These files may require more interaction (e.g., enabling macro commands) to begin infection processes.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and eliminate almost all known malware infections. It has to be mentioned that high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems - therefore, performing a full system scan is paramount.