How to spot fake emails like "Security Breach - Stolen Data"

What is "Security Breach - Stolen Data"?

Upon scrutinizing this email, we have ascertained that it is a fraudulent extortion letter. This phishing campaign comprises of at least two versions of the letter, with the perpetrators employing the names of well-known cybercriminals to intimidate and lend credibility to their threats.

More about the "Security Breach - Stolen Data" scam email

The email is a fake extortion letter claiming to be from the Surtr group, stating that they have taken 800 GB of the recipient's important documentation due to a security breach. The letter goes on to threaten the recipient with exposing sensitive information related to HR records, employee records, and personal and medical data of employees.

The sender demands that the recipient inform directors and contact them via the email address provided, using only corporate email, to enter a secure chat and negotiate payment for the return of the stolen data.

The second email variant is about a fake security breach at the recipient's company, carried out by a group called Midnight. The email claims that 600 GB of important data has been accessed, including HR and employee records and personal and medical data of the employees.

The email asks the recipient to inform managers about the breach. It provides several reasons why it should be done, including the severity of the stolen information, the potential consequences for the company and partners, and the strict regulatory laws in America.

The email also threatens that if the recipient's employer does not pay, cybercriminals will go after customers and staff and provides an email address for the managers to contact the group. The email concludes by promising to provide a comprehensive listing of the stolen files and instructions on what to do next.

More about the campaign

There is a trend of fake extortionists taking advantage of data breaches and ransomware incidents, threatening U.S. companies to publish or sell data they claim to have stolen unless paid. Some of these actors also threaten a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack if the recipient does not comply with their demands.

The method for selecting victims is not well-defined. One potential approach is to source information from publicly available channels such as the data leak site of the original attacker, social media platforms, news articles, or official company disclosures.

Examples of similar emails are "We Are Using Your Company's Server To Send This Message", "Porn Websites I Attacked With My Virus Xploit", and "I Know That You Cheat On Your Partner Email Scam". It is important to mention that email can also be used to trick recipients into infecting their computers with malware.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Cybercriminals behind emails used to trick recipients into infecting their computers send malicious links and attachments. When clicked, malicious links can redirect users to websites containing malware. These pages can implant malware on computers or trigger malicious drive-by downloads.

When downloaded and opened, malicious attachments can execute computer code. They can be documents, pictures, ZIP files, or executable files. The most common types of malicious attachments are Office documents, such as Word or Excel files, that contain malicious macros.

These macros can execute code on systems, download malware, or create backdoors to allow remote access.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Never open attachments or click on links from unknown or suspicious sources (especially when emails are unsolicited). Keep your software and operating system updated with the latest security patches. Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated. Be cautious of downloading and installing software from untrusted sources, as these can often contain malware.

Also, do not trust ads and links on shady websites. If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the "Security Breach - Stolen Data" email letter:

Subject: LockBit group notifying you about your firm's security issue - we took your data!

Hello ********,

This is Surtr group! As you likely learned, your business this months had a data security breach, when we took 800 GB of your important documentation. We now advise a way to assist with this crisis.

First, ******** let me explain why you are getting this request.
First, among the information that we took, there was a lot of data related to HR records, employee records, and personal and medical data of the employees. This is why this crisis should concern you personally, no matter what your company says about this being "just a regular data breach. Second, the more employees know, the faster your company will mitigate this by talking to us.

We ask you to talk to your directors about this and tell them this note.
- First, we know who you are. We saw your information, your business does a lot of work with medical and has government contracts. The leaked data are exposing not only you but your government and people who trusted you.
- Second, we have your accounting, finance, and employee data which is an critical resource. If you don't pay, we know criminals who will pay for it.
- Third you are in America and the regulatory laws of data breaches are very strict there.
- Four, we have access to the folders of your clients. If you don't pay, we will get our money by hacking them using the critical documentation we get from you. We will use the files from there to attack these firms, and you will be the one to blame.
- Five, if you don't talk to us, we will be going for your people, and directors and keep calling and emailing them: we have all your phones, addresses, and personal details.

********, please tell your directors that in order to address this, they need to contact us via this email: mabigmoza1973@protonmail.com.

Please make sure YOU TELL THEM TO USE CORPORATE EMIL ONLY. After this will provide guides on how to enter a secure chat in which we will provide the listing of stolen files which will serve as a comprehensive proof that we have the data. Please TELL them to use THIS INDIVIDUAL NUMBER 51E49C75B39C as the FIRST thing in their email as this will ensure the right authentication.

Screenshot of another email variant:

Text in this variant:

Subject: [EXTERNAL] Regarding your employer's security cirsis - we accessed your information!

Hello ********,

This is Midnight group. As you potentially learned, your firm recently had a data security breach, and we are the ones who are behind it. During this hack, we accessed 600 GB of essential data from your employer's servers, and we are now offering you a way to resolve this case.

First, ******** let me explain why you are getting this letter.
The first reason we are sending this message to all the employees and managers, as among the documentation that we took, there was massive amount of information related to HR records, employee records, and personal and medical data of the employees. This is why this situation should concern you personally, no matter what your employer says about this being "just a regular data hack" (in case they actually told you anything). The second reason is that the more employees know, the higher there is a chance that the company will begin talking to us, the more chance there is that the situation gets resolved.

So, we ask you to talk to your bosses about this and tell them this note.
- First, we know who you are. We saw your information, your firm does a lot of work with hospitals and has vendor contracts. If your information are exposing not only you but your partners and people who trusted you.
- Second, we have your accounting, finance, and employee data which is an important resource. If you don't pay, we know parties who will pay for it.
- Third you are in America and the regulatory laws of data breaches are very strict there.
- Four, we have access to the folders of your customers. If you don't pay, we will get our money by hacking them using the important documentation we get from you. We will use the documentation from there to attack these firms, and you will be the one to blame.
- Five, if you don't talk to us, we will be going for your staff, and directors and keep calling and emailing them: we have all your phones, addresses, and personal details.

********, please tell your managers that in order to resolve this, they need to contact us via this email: cleomosnv@outlook.com. After this will provide guides on how to enter a secure chat in which we will provide you comprehensive proofs that we have the data and the instructions on what to do. When you entre, we will offer you with a listing of all the data we took. It is two millions of files. We will be then talking price.

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

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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?

These types of emails are often sent out en masse to a large number of recipients in the hopes of tricking at least some of them into sending money or personal information. If you received such an email, it is important to remember that it is likely a scam and not a legitimate threat.

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

If you provided passwords to the scammer, change them immediately. Also, update any other accounts where you used the same password. If you provided financial information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the potential fraud and take appropriate action.

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

If the file was executable, then it is highly likely that your system has been infected. However, if the file was a document in formats such as .pdf or .doc, there is a possibility that you may have avoided the malware infection, as sometimes simply opening the document may not be sufficient for the malware to penetrate your system.

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

Your computer was not hacked or infected. It is possible that scammers obtained old passwords from databases that have previously leaked information.

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

Transactions of this nature are almost impossible to trace, which implies that it will be difficult or impossible to recover the lost funds.

I have read the email but did not open the attachment, is my computer infected?

Just opening an email by itself is not harmful at all. However, clicking on links contained within the email or opening any attached files can cause your system to become infected.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections that were present in email attachment?

Indeed, Combo Cleaner has the ability to detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. Nonetheless, it is important to note that some sophisticated malware may be deeply embedded within the system. Therefore, performing a complete system scan is essential.