Avoid getting scammed by fake "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" emails

Phishing/Scam

Also Known As: "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" phishing email

(updated)

Damage level:

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What kind of email is "2022 FIFA Lottery Award"?

The "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" email is spam. Our inspection of a letter belonging to this spam campaign revealed that it operates as a phishing scam. This fake email attempts to extract recipients' private data by claiming they have won a lottery. It must be emphasized that this spam mail is in no way associated with either FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

2022 FIFA Lottery Award email spam campaign

"2022 FIFA Lottery Award" email scam overview

The "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" scam email states that the recipient has won a raffle held by FIFA. The letter instructs to check the attachment for more information.

The attached PDF document claims that the user's email address has been drawn as a winner of the "2022 FIFA World Cup" raffle. The user supposedly won first place in the fake lottery, and their prize is nearly three million USD. To receive the winnings, the document requests the user to provide their information: full name, address, mobile phone number, occupation, and age.

As mentioned in the introduction, all the claims made by the "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" email and its attachment are false. Therefore, the legitimate entities mentioned by them - FIFA, the FIFA World Cup, Camelot Group, and others - are not associated with this scam.

Typically, the information obtained through such phishing scams is either used to craft personalized schemes or sold to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).

However, emails like "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" can also request victims to make monetary transactions to receive the nonexistent prizes (e.g., pay taxes or transaction/storage/shipping/other fees).

Scammers can ask that the bogus payments to be transferred via dubious payment gateways, which operate as phishing websites. Hence, the finance-related data entered into them (e.g., online bank IDs/usernames/passwords, banking account details, credit card numbers, etc.) is disclosed to cyber criminals.

In summary, by trusting emails like "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" - users can experience severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

If you have already disclosed personally identifiable data to scammers, we strongly advise contacting relevant authorities without delay.

Threat Summary:
Name "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" phishing email
Threat Type Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Fake Claim Recipient has won the "2022 FIFA Lottery Award"
Disguise Raffle/Lottery held by FIFA
Attachment(s) 2022 FIFA AQ.pdf (filename may vary)
Symptoms Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of the computer.
Distribution methods Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains.
Damage Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft.
Malware Removal (Windows)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.

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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.

Phishing spam campaign examples

We have analyzed thousands of spam emails; "Due Payment-Invoice", "Renewing The Domain", "Google Docs email scam", and "Annual Open Vacation Plan" are some examples of our latest finds within the phishing category.

These letters can target a broad range of infromation, but they are used to facilitate other types of scams as well (e.g., sextortion, fake technical support, etc.). Furthermore, spam mail is also used to proliferate trojans, ransomware cryptominers, and other malware.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Infectious files can be attached to and/or linked inside spam emails. These files can be archives, executables, Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, etc.

Once a virulent file is executed, run, or otherwise opened - malware download/installation processes are initiated. For example, Microsoft Office documents infect systems by executing malicious macro commands.

How to avoid installation of malware?

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

However, malware is not proliferated exclusively through spam mail. Therefore, we advise downloading only from official/verified sources. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated using legitimate tools, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updaters can contain malware.

Another recommendation is to be vigilant when browsing since fraudulent and malicious content usually appears ordinary and harmless.

We must emphasize that having a reputable anti-virus installed and updated is paramount to device/user safety. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected threats. 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 "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" email letter:

FIFA WORLD CUP
Qatar2022


Dear Winner,


This is to inform you that the Camelot National Lottery Group and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has held an Internet Raffle Draw, and your Email Address was among the
(18,600) Email Addresses that was picked by the computer during the Final Raffle Draw (FRD).


We are therefore with great pleasure, to notify you that your Email Address happened to come out top number (1) among the 5 winners out of the (18,600) Email addresses on the FINAL BALLOT DRAW, and this had made you the JACKPOT WINNER of the sum of US$2,950,000.00 (Two Million Nine Hundred And Fifty Thousand United Dollars). Your reference number is: XVX189298, send your details as stated below to following email address: claim@qatar-fifaworldcup.com


1) Full Name:
2) Physical Address:
3) Mobile Number:
4) Your reference number:
5) Occupation:
6) Age:


Congratulations!


Sincere Regards
Catharine Boyle (Mrs)
Gambling Commission Chief Executive

Screenshot of the "2022 FIFA Lottery Award" spam email attachment ("2022 FIFA AQ.pdf"):

2022 FIFA Lottery Award scam email attachment (2022 FIFA AQ.pdf)

Screenshot of a PDF document distributed FIFA-themed spam email:

2022 FIFA Lottery Award Email Scam (2022-11-17)

Text presented within:

The FIFA World Cup Qatar2022 Bid Promotional Draw
®Canada Powerball Online Lottery
#1550 Princess Street, Kingston, ON, Canada, K7M 9E3
Privacy Coordinator, 700 North 10th Street Sacramento
Attention: E-mail ID Owner,
Ticket Number: BC7865 0987125 477
Winning Number: 02 – 11 – 22 – 35 – 60 Power Play: 23
Batch No. Lotto 6/P0022
Congratulations! Your email address has won you the total sum of $650,000.00 US Dollar in the online lotto Power Ball
promotional draw, organized and sponsored by the Qatar and Canadian Governments in conjunction with the South
Africa. The FIFA World Cup Qatar2022 Organizing Committee is a legacy to remember held on November 02, 2022 in
Kingston - Ontario Canada, to promote the FIFA World Cup Qatar2022 following the successful bid and approval by the
FIFA governing body.
We are happy to inform you that your email address attached to Ticket #: BC7865 0987125 477, drew the Winning
Numbers: 02 – 11 – 22 – 35 – 60 Power Play: [23] PowerPlay 2x has emerged the winner of US$650,000.00 (Six Hundred
and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars) This is from a total cash prize of $110,000,000.00 US Dollars, shared among the
first One Hundred and Ten (110) lucky winners in this jackpot category Worldwide.
Please note that your lucky winning numbers falls within our Afro booklet representative office in United Kingdom and
South Africa, as indicated in your electronic play coupon, All participants were randomly selected from World Wide
Websites through computer draws system and extracted from over 10, 000,000. 00 companies and personal email
addresses.
For security reasons, you are advised to keep your winning information confidential until your claims is processed and
your money remitted to you in whatever method you deem fit to claim your prize by an accredited Bank. This is part of our
precautionary measures to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this legal program by unscrupulous persons.
Our UK or South Africa agency will immediately commence the process to facilitate the release of your funds as soon as
you contact our Agency’s office.
To file your claim please contact our correspondent claim agent immediately you read this message for help and urgent
release of your fund. Our Representative contact details is as follows:
REPRESENTATIVE: DIRECTOR, TRUST CLAIM AGENCY
Contact Person: Mr. James TRUMAN
Contact Email: info.newlandsfinance@gmail.com
Email the claim agency the below stated information:
Full Name:
Address:
Nationality:
Gender:
Date of Birth:
Telephone Number:
Occupation:
Ticket Number:
Winning Number:
Thank you for being part of our prestigious lottery programme
Yours Sincerely
Ms. Jennifer Stewart (Secretary, Zonal Coordinator)
NOTE: To confirm that you have the correct winning numbers for the Nov., 02, 2022, draw do check: hxxps://powerball.com
Copyright© Multi-State Lottery Association. All Rights Reserved.

Another example of FIFA lottery-themed spam email:

2022 FIFA Lottery Award scam email (2023-03-20)

Text presented within:

Subject: Email account winnings Promo.


Quatar world cup fifa 2022.
REF : Email account winnings Promo.
Congratulation!!!
We the (FIFA/QARTAR Lottery Team) have been mandated to notify that your email address is among the lucky selected few winners of the Qartar/Fifa world cup lottery.
Note that you winning falls within the bracket of US$1,750,000.00 One million seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars only for the last summer world cup held in cities in Qartar automatic random selection.
Your winning code is thus QFFC22/2022/55221
You ust keep your winning code private/confidential as that is your only power to claim the winning.
You have been mandated to contact the payment fudiciary selected agent as stated herein under with the outstated details.
Thanks.
Ernest Shin.

Please Contact the fudiciary agent through the email below for your claims.
Name: Mr. Hammed Mustadeen
Email address: qatarfifdraws22@gmail.com

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"
Example phishing email impersonating a major brand
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"
Example email with a fake invoice attachment
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"
Example sextortion email demanding bitcoin payment
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"
Example fake Norton or McAfee subscription renewal email
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"
Example fake account suspension email
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"
Example fake DHL/USPS/FedEx delivery notification
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"
Example fake Microsoft or Apple tech support alert email
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"
Example advance-fee or 419 scam email
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)
Example business email compromise wire-transfer request

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 → ReportReport 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+DelLast 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/resetRestore settings to their original defaults. Then chrome://settings/content/notifications - remove unfamiliar sites.

Edge: edge://settings/reset. Then edge://settings/content/notifications.

Firefox: about:supportRefresh 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:
  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. Scammers distribute them in mass-scale campaigns - therefore, 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 personally identifiable and/or finance-related information (e.g., ID card details, passport scans, credit card numbers, etc.) - immediately contact the corresponding authorities. And if you've provided account credentials - change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay.

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

No, merely opening an email will not trigger any system infection processes. Malware download/installation is jumpstarted when the malicious attachments or links found in this mail are opened/clicked.

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

Whether your device was infected might depend on the purpose of the file and its format. Infections are only caused by files designed to do so - hence, ones used for phishing are incapable of infiltrating malware into systems. Malicious executables (.exe, .run, etc.) infect devices when they are opened almost without fail. While virulent documents (.doc, .xls, etc.) may require additional user interactions (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 nearly all known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a full system scan is essential - as high-end malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.

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Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas

Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.

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