Avoid getting scammed by fake "Norton LifeLock" (PayPal) invoice emails

What is "Norton LifeLock" email scam?

After inspecting this "Norton LifeLock" email, we determined that it is fake. It must be emphasized that this spam mail is in no way associated with either NortonLifeLock Inc. or PayPal Holdings, Inc.

This scam letter is presented as a purchase invoice, which states that the payment has already been processed. The aim is to trick recipients into calling the provided number to cancel the bogus payment/subscription.

"Norton LifeLock" email scam overview

Essentially, this fake "Norton LifeLock" email is presented as an invoice, informing the recipient of a successful purchase and payment. The spam letter contains a telephone number, which is to be used if the recipient wishes to cancel the subscription to "Norton LifeLock", and prevent the sum from being charged.

As mentioned in the introduction, this email is fake. Therefore, the recipient has not subscribed to or purchased anything - hence, no amount of money will be charged.

What scam model this spam campaign follows is unclear. It is most likely an amalgamation of a refund and tech support scams. Both require the scammers to remotely access victims' devices, which they do by presenting themselves as "support" or "expert technicians" and guiding users by phone.

Once access is established, in refund scams - victims are asked to log into their online bank accounts. Cyber criminals can manipulate what is seen by editing website HTML. Hence, the bank account's page is edited while scammers use the remote access software features to darken the users' screens. However, changing the HTML does not affect the actual funds in the bank account, but when victims look at theirs - they see a different sum. Alternatively, scammers can achieve this by moving money within the accounts (e.g., from checking to savings).

Typically, the end goal is to trick victims into thinking that they are about to have their money refunded, but they are asked to type the amount themselves. They are to do so while their screens are darkened, and the scammers then change the supposedly transferred amount to be larger. Users are asked to return the excess, and these requests tend to be accompanied by sob stories of how the scammer will lose their "support/technician" job if the mistake is not reversed.

Cyber criminals ask for the nonexistent excess money to be returned by using difficult/impossible to trace methods, such as cryptocurrencies, gift cards, pre-paid vouchers, or cash hidden within innocuous-looking packages.

There is a myriad of other ways that such scams can be used. After remotely accessing the device, scammers can run fake system scans and claim to have found various infections, connected hackers, etc. Therefore, they can push for users to continue with their security product/service purchase and ask for payment using the previously mentioned methods, which ensure that the funds could not be retrieved by the victims. The criminals may also perform fake malware removal manually and request payment for their "services".

It is noteworthy that when cyber criminals have remote access to a device, they may damage it, e.g., remove genuine security tools and infiltrate trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, or other malware.

The "Norton LifeLock" spam campaign could operate as a phishing scam as well. These target a wide variety of sensitive data like ID card details, passport scans, credit card numbers, etc. Scammers can obtain information by tricking victims into simply stating it, typing it out (while it supposedly cannot be seen), or entering it into phishing websites/documents (disguised as payment gateways, online bank account sign-in pages, etc.).

Note that successfully scammed victims are often targeted repeatedly. In summary, scams like these "Norton LifeLock" emails can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, significant financial losses, and even identity theft.

If you have already disclosed data to scammers: if it was log-in credentials - change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and contact their official support, and if it was other private data (e.g., personally identifiable details, credit card numbers, etc.) - immediately contact the corresponding authorities.

If you've allowed cyber criminals to remotely access your device - first, you must disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, uninstall the remote access program the scammers used (e.g., AnyDesk, TeamViewer, etc.) since they may not need your consent to reconnect. And lastly, use an anti-virus to run a complete system scan and remove detected threats.

Spam campaigns in general

We have analyzed thousands of spam emails; "Your Password Is Set To Expire", "ACHIVA email virus", "Adobe Reader File email scam", "I Know That You Cheat On Your Partner", "Webmail Center email scam", and "FedEx Corporation email virus" are merely some of our latest finds.

Letters of this kind can use a wide variety of scam models and disguises (e.g., messages from legitimate companies, service providers, authorities, institutions, etc.). However, regardless of what this mail promises - its sole goal is to generate revenue at victims' expense.

In addition to facilitating various scams, these letters are used to proliferate malicious software. Due to how widespread spam mail is, we strongly recommend exercising caution with incoming emails and messages.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Spam emails can contain malicious files as attachments or download links. These files can be in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so on.

Once an infectious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened - the infection process is triggered. For example, Microsoft Office documents infect systems by executing malicious macro commands.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend being vigilant with incoming mail. The attachments and links found in suspicious/irrelevant emails and messages - must not be opened as that can lead to a system infection. Additionally, it is important to use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010 since they have the "Protected View" mode that prevents automatic macro execution.

Malware is spread using various methods, not just through spam mail. Therefore, we advise downloading from official/verified channels and activating/updating software by using tools provided by genuine developers (as illegal activation ["cracking"] tools and fake updaters can contain malware).

We must emphasize that having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated is essential to device and user safety. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats/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 this "Norton LifeLock" scam email letter:

INVOICE
PalPay Inc.
Unite states

PayPal Inc.
42 E 20th st, #205
New York, NY 10003, USA
Toll Free - 1 (856) 291-0622

Invoice Number: #PL9788/1108059
Invoice Date: August 27, 2022
Payment Due: August 27, 2022

 

Amount Due (USD): $349.85

Items Norton LifeLock Family Security For 10 Devices
Quantity 01
Price $349.85
Amount $449.99
Total $449.99
Amount Due (USD): $449.99

Notes and Terms & Condition

Dear
Payment sent for Norton LifeLock Family Security Services, has been successfully approved. The charge of purchase will appear in your account in next 12-48 hours. TO stop or unsubscribe (Cancel ) call now to PayPal Payment Service Support at 1 (856) 291-0622. If you did not Authorize this charge or would like to cancel the subscription call now at 1 (856) 291-0622

Subtleties of your Recent Invoice:
Item: Geek Anti Drive
Receipt ID: MMTS/78467836/973534
Instalment Made By: Online Credit Card
Method of shipment: Not Updated Yet Kindly call us for more Info On 1 (856) 291-0622

Your Services Request has been successfully Processed, & the Amount has been been Charged.
Administrations has been Updated Now.

Any issues with Order Please reach out us Now On: 1 (856) 291-0622

Another example of an email from "Norton LifeLock" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Norton LifeLock

Your Order for Norton Life-Lock Premium Support has been successfully renewed.

Order Id : 7F6DFPQV0W52005
Invoice No : NM-14932142

Dear -,

We deeply appreciate your support and in return we promise to keep working hard to make Norton-Lifelock the most reliable, secure and powerful service to keep improving your productivity . This is a reminder that your 'Norton life-lock ' subscription for 2 years antivirus protection is automatically renewed on 17/01/2024. Your account linked to our system will show a charge of $451.35 within next 12 hours.

Your Subscription Details:

Description Item + Tax included
Subscription ID NMKIIETHCZIB00771
Main Package Norton life lock antivirus
Validity 2 years
Renewal price $451.35
Total Amount $451.35

Note:

1. You have 12 hours to refund this charge from the date of the transaction without being charged.
2. Our support team will gladly assist you with any questions or request you may have  just simply contact us through our dedicated channels.
3. It may take a few hours for this transaction to appear in your account statement.

Need Any Help or Questions ?
If you didn't initiate this purchase, or this payment not made by you, directly reach out our customer support helpline at : +1(804) 885-0613

Thanks& Regards
Norton-life Lock

Yet another example of an email from "Norton LifeLock" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Norton LifeLock

Payment Details of Your Recent Subscription Renewal

Sincere Customer,

We are grateful that you choose Norton Lifelock Security. Your membership request has been approved.
The membership costs were paid with the bank account linked to your malware account. You can monitor the $329.47 USD transaction that was made to your account for the next 24 hours. For any help/queries, contact us:+1 (866) 949 - 4665 (Toll-Free)

Billed To
Invoice : DAR2584125DG
Order No : 244356N627

Product Description:-
A/C Type :- Personal PC
Product :- Norton
Charges :- $329.47
Device :- Windows OS
Quantity :- 12 Months
Payment :- Auto-Debit

You can simply dial: +1 (866) 949 - 4665 To cancel your subscription & get a 100% refund.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES?

If you don't turn off this PC protection on later than 24 hours before the end of the Service period. It will renew automatically every three year. Call us at the toll-free number shown above to cancel and raise a ticket for your full refund of the service in compliance with the BBB's standards.

Copyright © 2023-2024 Norton Lifelock. All Rights Reserved
Do not reply to this email as this automated invoice email.

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; hence, thousands of users receive identical letters.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by this 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. And if you have provided other private data (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) - immediately contact relevant authorities.

I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?

If you have permitted cyber criminals to remotely access your device, you must first disconnect it from the Internet. Then remove the software that the criminals used for remote access (e.g., TeamViewer, AnyDesk, etc.). Lastly, use an anti-virus to perform a complete system scan and remove all detected threats.

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

Merely opening a spam email will not initiate any malware download/installation processes. Systems are infected when the attachments or links present in this mail are opened/clicked.

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

Whether an infection chain was triggered might depend on the opened file's format. If it was executable (.exe, .run, etc.) - most likely, yes - your device was infected. Documents (.doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.) on the other hand, may require additional interaction (e.g., enabling macro commands) to start downloading/installing malware.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating most of the known malware infections. It must be mentioned that running a complete system scan is paramount - since high-end malicious programs tend to hide deep within systems.