Do not trust emails claiming you will be sent an ATM card with millions on it

What kind of email is "ATM Card"?

Our inspection of the "ATM Card" email uncovered that it is spam. The letter claims that the recipient will be sent an ATM card with over three million US dollars on it, and they are asked to provide their personal information for delivery purposes. However, it is possible that this phishing scam will also request bogus payments.

"ATM Card" email scam overview

The spam email with the subject "For your past effort." (may vary) is meandering and vague. The supposed sender identifies the recipient as a "good friend", and informs that their joint efforts in the "multi million-dollar business" venture have been concluded with the assistance of a partner from Iceland.

For the recipient's previous support, they will be sent an ATM card with 3,750,000 USD on it since a bank transfer did not go through. The sender requests the recipient to contact the Icelander partner to facilitate the ATM card delivery. The letter targets the following information – full name, mailing address, and telephone number.

It must be stressed that all these claims are false; this mail is a scam. It is not unlikely that once entangled in the scheme, the victim will be requested to provide more private data (e.g., additional personally identifiable details, finance-related account log-in credentials, credit card numbers, etc.).

Furthermore, the victim may be asked to pay fake fees for the delivery of the nonexistent ATM card, i.e., directly transfer money to the scammers.

To summarize, by trusting an email like "ATM Card" – users can experience severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

If you have provided your log-in credentials to scammers – immediately change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support. And if you've disclosed other private information (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

Spam campaigns in general

We have examined thousands of spam emails; "Overdue Invoice", "How I Earned Bitcoins", and "Central Bank Of Nigeria" are merely a couple examples of our latest finds.

Spam mail is used to promote various scams and even to proliferate malware. These emails can be full of errors or be competently disguised as messages from genuine companies, institutions, organizations, service providers, authorities, and other entities.

Due to how prevalent spam mail is and how well-crafted it can be – we highly recommend being careful with incoming emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, and other messages.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Spam emails/messages can include malicious files as attachments or download links. These files can be archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth.

The malware download/installation chain is initiated once such a file is opened. However, these formats may need additional interaction to jumpstart system infection processes. For example, Microsoft Office documents require users to enable macro commands (i.e., editing/content), while OneNote files need them to click embedded files or links.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly recommend exercising caution with incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages. Attachments or links found in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.

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 via spam mail. Therefore, we also advise being vigilant when browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless.

Furthermore, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Another recommendation is to activate and update programs by using genuine functions/tools, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updaters can contain malware.

We must emphasize that having a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date is essential to device and user safety. Security software must be used to run 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 "ATM Card" spam email letter:

Subject: For your past effort.

Hello good friend,

Good day and how are you today? I hope all is well with you and your family? I am using this opportunity to inform you that the multi million-dollar business that we both are working on before has been finally concluded with the assistance of another partner from Iceland who financed the transaction to a logical conclusion. The fund wasn't transferred into your account due to one reason or the other. And for my kind gesture I have left an ATM Card for you worth $3,750.000 USD ( three Million Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand United States Dollars Only) To show my appreciation for your pass assistance. I must confess, you are truly a humble and a sincere person.

However, I will gladly appreciate and happier wherever I am to hear that you have received your ATM Card; It will be a great honor to me because you deserve it. and do to my new business establishment with my new partner in Iceland I will be very busy for a very long time. Kindly contact him now Rev Lawrence Mensa With the below information to enable him to negotiate with the courier company for the delivery of your ATM Card to you,

Contact person: Rev Lawrence Mensa Email: lawmensa@aliyun.com

Therefore you should send him your full Name and telephone number/your correct mailing address where you want him to send the ATM card to you. This information is what will enable him to deliver the ATM Card to you. as I have left instructions on your behalf.

Thanks for your pass effort and God bless you and your family.

Hoping to hear from you.

Regards,
Mrs. Precious Mpho

Other examples of emails from "ATM Card" spam campaign:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: YOUR ATM CARD !!!

Greetings to you,
Subject: Your Approved ATM Card
I officially write to inform you that while going through the payment files on my desk I saw your email address, I found out that you have not received your fund payment due to delay in processing your fund payment/transfer.
After the board meeting held at our headquarters with the office of the Paymaster General, we have received approval to pay beneficiaries their Compensation fund,  Contract fund and inheritance  fund immediately, through our ATM CARD PAYMENT CENTER in accordance with the instruction given to us by the Central Bank Governor.
Our Card Payment Center will process and load your fund into your ATM Card, which will be delivered to you through the following Courier Services, such as DHL Courier Service, UPS Courier Service or FEDEX Courier Service depending on the Courier Service that is nearest to you.
The ATM Card Payment is a global payment system that guarantees you access to money, any time and it is safe. Email to me with your details as stated below, to enable us commence the processing of the ATM Card Fund Payment with your names:
1. Your Full Name:
2. Your House Address where you want the Courier Service to send your
ATM CARD to:
3. Your Telephone / Mobile Numbers:
Once I confirm your details, we will process the ATM Card in your name, with the four digit pin within 48 hours of your reply and I will respond to your email immediately.
Your Sincerely,
Mr. John Sean
(ATM Issuing Office)

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: My Dear,

 

My Dear,
Hello

I have registered your ATM VISA CARD of ($3.8Million Universal Courier Express with registration code Number (UN775605594BN ).

please contact the international registered delivery Company with your information such as:-

1. Name In Full :
2. Address :
3. Occupation ;
4. Nationality :
5. Direct Phone :

The Contact Person name ARE: MR. Ben William Mark   E-mail: (williamsmmrben@gmail.com)

Note: I have paid for the Insurance & activation charges.

The only fee you have to pay is the compulsory delivery fee only. Please indicate the registration Number and ask him to provide you the information to send the delivery fee.

Best Regards,
Ms  Nancy Phillips

Sample 3:

Text presented within:

Subject: Form Delivery Company

MUBARAK MUSE GUNAR HOUSE PLOT
1279 MUHAMMAD BUKHARIN WAY PMB
12537,GARIK 900001 ABUJA.NIGERIA
CUSTOMERS SERVICE HOURS-MONDAY TO
SATURDAY OFFICE HOURS MONDAY TO SUNDAY

   
ATTENTION, FUND BENEFICIARY,

CUSTOMERS SERVICE HOURS--MONDAY TO SATURDAY: OFFICE HOURS MONDAY TO SUNDAY: THIS IS POST OFFICE DELIVERY COMPANY OF NIGERIA.THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS COMPANY, WISHES TO INFORM YOU THAT, WE RECEIVED A CEL CONTAINING AN ATM MASTER CARD VALUED $10.5 MILLION USD WITH SOME VITAL DOCUMENTS ATTACHED ON IT, FOR SAFETY DELIVERY TO YOUR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS IN YOUR COUNTRY.THIS IS (PAYMENT OFFICE ) I AM DIRECTED TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR PAYMENT VERIFICATION AND CONFIRMATIONS IS.YOUR ATM CARD NUMBERS IS: 4848422551596784, THIS PARCEL WAS BROUGHT TO US THIS MORNING BY UNITED BANK OF AFRICA (UBA) ,WITH SOME INSTRUCTION FROM UNITED NATION AND INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND(IMF) WITH THE BELOW INFORMATION'S,PLEASE RECONFIRM THE BELOW INFORMATION, TO AVOID DELIVERY YOUR ATM MASTER CARD TO A WRONG HAND.

FULL NAMES......

PARCEL OWNER ADDRESS....

TEL Phone Number....
.
A COPY  OF YOUR WORKING ID CARD

WE WILL REGISTER YOUR PACKAGE AND SEND YOU THE TRACKING NUMBERS BEFORE WE PROCEED FOR SAFETY DELIVERY OF YOUR PACKAGE AS SOON AS YOU RECONFIRM THE REQUIRED INFORMATION'S FOR SAFETY DELIVERY.POST OFFICE IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S GREAT SUCCESS STORIES,THE START UP THAT REVOLUTIONIZED THE DELIVERY OF PACKAGES AND INFORMATION.IN THE PAST 30 YEARS, WE HAVE GROWN UP AND GROWN INTO A DIVERSE FAMILY OF POST OFFICE THAT'S BIGGER, STRONGER,BETTER THAN EVER.

MR CHRIS OBI
Post Office Delivery Company

Sample 4:

Text presented within:

ATTN: My Beneficiary

Good news,The BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION and THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT has verified and discovered that your payment has been unnecessarily delayed by corrupt officials who are trying to divert your fund of $13.7 million into their private accounts. Therefore, we have obtained an irrevocable payment. guarantee on your Payment with WORLD Bank to make your payment through our new ATM VISA CARD system which you can use to withdraw your money in any ATM.
MACHINE around your area.

So, we are hereby inviting you to our office to pick up your ATM VISA CARD but if you cannot be able to come down here in our office in person, be. informed that you are going to pay for shipping fee of your ATM visa CARD, so, if you are unable to come down here then you are required to update us so that we will proceed with the necessary arrangement for the delivery of your
ATM VISA CARD.

As of now be informed that all arrangement has been done and the ATM VISA CARD has been in your name, but to RE-ACTIVATE the ATM Card you have to forward your current information as requested below to the ATM DEPARTMENT of the bank for the ATM Card re-activation, then we will send you the ATM CARD for your immediate use.

Here is the information you have to forward to the bank:
1. Your Full Names: ______
2. Postal Address: _______
3. Direct Cell Numbers: _______
4. E-mail Address: ________
5. Sex: _____
6. Age: _____
7. Occupation: ________
8.Nationality: ________

CONTACT PERSON:
International Monetary Fund Director
E-mail:(kristalinageorgieva63@hotmail.com)

Sample 5:

Text presented within:

Your ATM Cards Released..

Attention: This is to inform you that we have agreed to release your fund valued at USD $2.8 Million which will come to you via ATM Cards.Please do re-confirm your information as below to avoid wrong delivery. Forward your information to the delivery office here: (( dhloffice486@gmail.com  )) and instruct them to send the card to you immediately.

Full Name (Receiver):_____,
Country of Resident: ______,
Office/Home Street Address: _____,
Nearest Airport: _____,
Mobile Phone Number: _____,
Identification papers (Passport copy or ID card) which you will present it before delivery is made: _____

Thank you for understanding and may God bless you.
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Mark James
Contact tel:+1(408-7970-990)
Email: (( dhloffice486@gmail.com ))

Sample 6:

Text presented within:

Subject: ATTENTION 20

VISA CARD PAYMENT (800)
OUR REFERENCE: WB/NF/IMF/WA-XX027/N08

Attention: Beneficiary,

PAYMENT WORTH $10,620,000 MILLION US DOLLARS

I am pleased to officially announce that (VISA card number; 3178757100031398) has been accredited in your favor. Your personal identification number is 1442. The value of the VISA card is US$10,620,000.00 (Ten Million Six Hundred Twenty Thousand US Dollars Only). Compensation in your favor through direct debit at the ATM. It is recommended to contact the payment center by email: with the following information;

You will therefore have to confirm the following detail again to activate it
They issue you the ATM card:

Cross Keys Bank USA.
Contact person: Dr. Walter Hillman
Email: atmcarddepartment256@gmail.com

Kindly reconfirm the below information properly to avoid any mistakes during delivery.
Your Full Names_________
Your Country___________
Your State/City___________
Home Address____________
Direct Phone Number_____
Occupation:_____________
Copy Of ID CARD__________

Greetings,
Hartmut Rosa
Regional Director, Debt Management Office [DMO]
International Monetary Funds.

Sample 7:

Text presented within:

Subject: RE: Refund Payment Committee Federal Executive.

From Desk Of Antony J. Blinken
USA Secretary of State
Refund Payment Committee
Federal Executive Council Washington DC USA.

Good Day,

This letter is written to change your life from today. Please note that this letter came to you as a result of information received from our monitoring network regarding so many payments that you sent through Western Union and MoneyGram to Europe, the USA, Asia Africa, and some other parts of the World without receiving any payment to your name, further investigation reveals that you have lost hope towards receiving your payment after being deceived so many times.

Following the ongoing re-branding of USA policies, the Federal Government of USA has directed our committee to compensate/refund the sum of $10,000,000.00 to you through payment by ATM CARD being one of the most convenient means of receiving payment worldwide, Bank to Bank Transfer. We wish to inform you that the members of the Refund Payment Committee are honorable men of Great Repute and integrity who have served the Government of the USA in different capacities.

We also wish to inform you that the Committee members were appointed by our respected President Joe Biden to pay 250 million Dollars to the listed beneficiaries who have lost their money to scammers and have not yet received their total sum.

Contact Mr. David Johnson of the Refund Payment Committee, he will guide you on how your payment will be released to you. Please let him know that this letter is from Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State.

Contact Details:

Name: David Johnson
Email:david.johnson95848@gmail.com

To receive your payment this week, you are advised to contact David Johnson on his email and make sure you ANSWER the Questions below.

(1) Your Full Name:
(2) Your Direct telephone. Fax Number ( if any):
(3) How Many Months Or Years in which You Have Been Expecting your Payment:
(4) The Place you sent Money Last whether Nigeria or London, Malaysia, Benin Republic, etc:
(5) The Last Amount of Money You sent indicating What Month and Year:4

From Antony J. Blinken
USA Secretary of State
Refund Payment Committee
Federal Executive Council Washington DC US

Sample 8:

Text presented within:

Subject: Re: Contact Now

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

I was shocked you stopped communicating with me, I really can't understand your reason for doing so, but I am very happy now to inform you about my success in getting the fund out of Africa through the assistance of a new partner. I have instructed Rev. Pastor Williams Harrison, to send an ATM Visa Card Worth $4.500.000 to you for your compensation based on your assistant in the past which later failed.

Rev. Pastor Williams Harrison

D\L: +229 0168499220

E-mail: revpastorharrisonwilliams@gmail.com

Please indicate your interest immediately. Although my new partner is not happy that I have to allocate such an amount of money to you after all your disappointment in the process of securing these funds.

Best Regards,

Ms. Nicola Williams.

Sample 9:

Text presented within:

Subject: Contact Mr. Hans Bruce on this Email: mr.bruce.fnabbnksa@outlook.com

UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC)
PALAIS DES NATIONS, 1211 GENEVA 10, SWITZERLAND.

Dear Fund Beneficiary
IRREVOCABLE PAYMENT ORDER VIA ATM CARD

This message is directed to you based on the letter received from the International Monetary Fund Agency (I.M.F) regarding the settlement of all outstanding Winning/ Inheritance funds to the respective beneficiaries. Now, we have actually been authorized by The International Monetary Fund (IMF) secretary general to investigate the unnecessary delay on your payment of USD $2,500,000(Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars Only) which has been recommended and approved in your favor, and to contact you for its payment.

During the course of our investigation, we discovered with dismay that your payment has been unnecessarily Delayed by corrupt officials of the Bank who are trying to divert your funds into their private accounts. So, to forestall this, security for your fund was organized in the form of personalized ATM CARD with Personal Identification Number Code (PIN Code), and this will enable only you to have direct Control over your fund in the ATM CARD. We will monitor this payment ourselves to avoid the hopeless situation created by the Officials of the bank.

An irrevocable payment guarantee has been issued by The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on your Payment. So, we are happy to inform you that based on our recommendation/Instructions; your Winning/Inheritance fund has been credited in your favor through an ATM CARD. You are therefore advice to contact:

Mr. Hans Bruce.
Director ATM Payment Department
(Co-operative Bank United Kingdom)
Contact Email: mr.bruce.fnabbnksa@outlook.com
Telephone line: +44 720 905 84134
Fax Number: +44-80487982102

Contact him now for the delivery of your ATM Card. As soon as you establish a contact with him, an ATM card will be issued to you immediately which you can use to withdraw your funds in any Bank ATM Machine in your Country. So if you like to receive your funds through this means, you are advised to contact (Mr. Hans Bruce) with the following information as stated below:

1. Your Full Name:
2. Your Receiving Address:
3. Postal Code of your Address and the country:
4. Your Age:
5. Occupation:
6. Cell/Mobile Number:
7. Alternative Email:

NOTE: You are advised to furnish Mr. Hans Bruce with your correct and valid details. Also be informed that the amount to be paid to you now is USD $2,500,000(Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars Only) We expect your urgent response to this email to enable us monitor this payment effectively thereby making contact with Mr. Hans Bruce as directed to avoid further delay.

Yours in Services.
His Excellency, Ambassador Martin Sajdik
President.- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
United Nations Organization

Sample 10:

Text presented within:

Subject: GOOD NEWS

Dear Beneficiary,

I shall be coming for an official meeting and I will be bringing your ATM Master Card containing $10.5m along with me but this time i will not go through Custom because as an Ambassador not go through Custom because as an Ambassador to NIGERIA.

I am a US GOVERNMENT AGENT and I have the veto power to go through Custom. As soon as i am
through with my meeting i shall then proceed to your registered house address with your ATM Master Card.Without missing words,

I am convinced 100% that you have had bitter experiences with various scammers claiming to be high government officials and thereby defrauding you of your hard-earned money.

The activities of these scam has changed your perspective about conducting business on the
internet, and you now believe there is no genuine business that can be conducted on the internet.

Well, I am an American and the internet was created by Americans for the purpose of creating awareness for your products/services and conducting genuine business with ease.

I am fully committed to deliver the "ATM Master Card" to you at your doorstep within 48hours as programmed.

Frankly speaking,I understand that anyone in your shoes will feel betrayed, but I still want you to show me your trust by giving me the benefit of doubt on this delivery arrangement.

My identity and personality is verifiable, and I promise to deliver the ATM Master Card to you safely without any hitch.

Your ATM Master Card ($10.5m) MUST BE REGISTERED AS AN AMBASSADORIAL PACKAGE as planned.

Do not allow this mission to die off because of registration fees $455 US Dollars for the registration fee of your ATM Master Card,

I meant so well to you and I believe you will appreciate me more when you have finally received your payment of $10.5m US Dollars upon my arrival with the package in your country.

I expect you to comply before then so that the delivery will be
completed. If you do not comply, then it will not be my fault if you
do not receive your Package.

Signed
Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr.
US AMBASSADOR TO FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
officialoffice245@gmail.com

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. Cyber criminals distribute this mail in mass-scale campaigns – hence, thousands of users receive identical messages.

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

If you have disclosed your account credentials – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay. If the exposed information was of a different personal nature (e.g., credit card numbers, passport photos/scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the appropriate authorities.

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

While opening/reading an email is harmless, opening/clicking a malicious attachment or link will trigger malware download/installation processes.

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

If the opened file was an executable (.exe, .run, etc.) – most likely, yes – your device was infected. However, you might have avoided it if the file was a document (.doc, .xls, .one, .pdf, etc.). These formats may need additional actions to initiate infection chains (e.g., enabling macro commands, clicking embedded content, etc.).

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 running a full system scan is paramount since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.