Avoid getting scammed by fake "Unsuccessful Search For Relatives" emails

What kind of email is "Unsuccessful Search For Relatives"?

After examining two emails, referred to as "Unsuccessful Search For Relatives", we determined that they are spam. These letters are thematically identical; they inform recipients that a wealthy family has passed away in an accident, thus prompting legal representatives to search for surviving relatives. Supposedly, the recipient is a candidate, and they must contact the sender urgently since the inheritable funds will soon be confiscated by the bank.

It must be stressed that all these claims are false and that this is a phishing scam. It is noteworthy that this scheme may also aim to trick victims into sending the scammers money.

"Unsuccessful Search For Relatives" email scam overview

As mentioned in the introduction, the two reviewed versions of "Unsuccessful Search For Relatives" spam are thematically identical, although their presentation differs.

One version – subject "EVANS THOMAS LAW FIRM" – provides all of the information and requests to disclose personally identifiable details in the body of the letter. The other variant – subject "investment" – is brief, and the whole of the false claims are relegated to an attached PDF document ("investment.pdf"). Another thing of note is that this version does not ask for private data but urges the recipient to establish communication.

The "EVANS THOMAS LAW FIRM" spam email introduces the sender as an attorney of a late individual from North America who had worked for the Nigerian branch of the Shell petroleum company (SPDC). The individual and their family had been in a fatal car accident. Thus, their representing law firm had begun efforts to locate extended relatives.

The search was unsuccessful for several years until the recipient was found as the last surviving relative. Therefore, they are now entitled to a share of their deceased relative's property and bank account, the latter being worth 15 million USD.

The matter is urgent as the bank will confiscate the funds within ten work days. Hence, the sender urges the recipient to begin all the necessary procedures. The money will be split 55% to the attorney, 40% to the recipient, and 5% reserved for expenses and tax purposes. The letter reassures that the deal is legitimate.

The recipient is asked to provide the following information: full name, age, gender, nationality, occupation, home address, telephone and fax numbers.

The other email version states that the attachment includes an investment request. The attached file is supposedly written by a legal adviser who worked for a late individual from Portugal. The deceased client was a contractor for AngloGold in South Africa.

As in the other variant, the man died with his family in a vehicular accident. The script likewise details an extensive unsuccessful search for extended family. Again, the story goes that the bank will soon confiscate the funds – this time, the sum is 21 million USD – unless it is properly claimed.

However, this version does not identify the recipient as a relative; rather, the sender expresses their intent to present them as kin or a business associate of the deceased individual. If consented to, the money will be split in half and used to make a lucrative investment.

The sender pleads for confidence yet reassures the recipient that the transactions and paperwork will be dealt with legally. This variant does not request any information but urges to contact the sender immediately.

As previously indicated, all the information provided by these emails is false, and this mail is in no way associated with Shell plc or its subsidiary Shell Nigeria, AngloGold Ashanti, or any other real individuals or entities.

Scammers who target personally identifiable information can use it to steal victims' identities and perform a variety of nefarious deeds.

The disclosure of finance-related data can result in fraudulent transactions or unauthorized online purchases. Cyber criminals typically seek online bank account log-in credentials, banking account details, credit card numbers, and similarly sensitive data.

Spam mail of this ilk often aims to trick victims into making payments under the guise of fees necessary to facilitate the bogus transfers. Criminals prefer difficult-to-trace methods for receiving funds, e.g., cryptocurrencies, pre-paid vouchers, gift cards, or cash hidden in packages and shipped. These methods minimize the chances of persecution and victims retrieving their funds.

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

Spam campaigns in general

Phishing emails are extremely prevalent; "Web Mail Scam", "ATM Card", "Overdue Invoice", and "NEW DOCUMENT(S) FOR REVIEW ON CLOUD" are merely a few examples of our newest finds.

However, spam mail is used to promote various scams, e.g., callback, tech support, lottery, inheritance, subscription expiration/renewal, failed package or message delivery, account deactivation, etc. Furthermore, deceptive emails are used to proliferate malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, etc.).

These letters can be riddled with errors or competently disguised as messages from genuine service providers, companies, institutions, authorities, and other entities.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Spam campaigns are commonly used in malware distribution. These emails/messages include malicious files as attachments or download links. Infectious files come in various formats, e.g., documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth.

When a malicious file is opened – the infection chain is initiated. However, some formats may need additional actions to trigger malware download/installation processes. To elaborate, Microsoft Office documents require users to enable macro commands (i.e., editing/content), while OneNote files need them to click embedded links or files.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly recommend treating incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages with care. Attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be malicious.

It is important to use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010 since their "Protected View" mode prevents automatic macro command execution.

However, malware is distributed using other methods as well. Hence, we advise being cautious while browsing, as fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous.

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

We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run 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 one variant of the "Unsuccessful Search For Relatives" spam email:

Subject: EVANS THOMAS LAW FIRM

EVANS THOMAS LAW FIRM
SOLICITORS & ADVOCATES
No: 15 Allen Avenue
Ikeja ,Lagos.
Email: {barrevansthomas213@yahoo.co.jp}

Dear Friend

It is obvious that this proposal will come to you as a surprise.This is because we have not met before but I am inspired to sending you this email following the huge fund transfer opportunity that will be of mutual benefit to the two of us.

However, I am Barrister Evans Thomas Attorney to the late Engr.Ronald Johnson, a national of Northern American, who used to work with Shell Petroleum Development Company(SPDC) in Nigeria . On the 11th of November,2008. My client,his wife And their three children were involved in a car accident along Sagamu/Lagos Express Road.

 

Unfortunately they all lost their lives in the event of the accident, Since then I have made several inquiries to several Embassies to locate any of my clients extended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful.

After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to trace his relatives over the Internet to locate any member of his family but of no avail, hence I contacted you to assist in repatriating the money and property left behind by my client,I can easily convince the bank with my legal practice that you are the only surviving relation of my client. Otherwise the Estate he left behind will be confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank where this huge deposits were lodged.Particularly, the Bank where the deceased had an account valued at about $15 million U.S dollars(Fifteen million U.S.America dollars).

Consequently,The bank issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or have the account confiscated within the next ten official working days. Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over several years now.I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin to the deceased,so that the proceeds of this account valued at $15million U.S dollars can be paid to your account and then you and me can share the money. 55% to me and 40% to you,while 5% should be for expenses or tax as your government may require.

All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this deal through and also forward the following to me:

Your Full Name:
Your House Address:
Your Tele-phone And Fax No:
Your Age and Gender :
Your Nationality:
Your Occupation:

I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law.Please get in touch with me VIA this my confidential email {barrevansthomas213@yahoo.co.jp}

Yours Faithfully,
Barr. Evans Thomas . { SAN }

Screenshot of another variant of the "Unsuccessful Search For Relatives" spam email:

Text presented in this variant:

Subject: investment

Attached with my investment request letter.

Best regards,
Mr. D Anderson (ESQ)

Screenshot of the file attached to this variant ("investment.pdf"):

Text presented in this file:

SUBJECT: URGENT ARRANGEMENT.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I know this might come as a surprise to you considering the amount of junk emails we all receive on a daily basis. I can assure
you that I am not one of them; I would appreciate it if the content of this email is kept strictly confidential. I have decided to
contact you due to the urgency of this transaction and the current financial situation of the world at the moment. I am Mr.
Desmond Anderson, of Desmond & Co Cambers. The legal adviser to Chief Engineer Manuel Arriaga, A Portuguese
national who used to be a contractor with (ANGLO GOLD MINES) Mafikeng. Gold Mining/ Exploration Corporation in
South Africa hereinafter shall be referred to as my client.

On February 21, 2010 my client, his wife and their two children were involved in a car accident. All occupants of the vehicle
unfortunately lost their lives. Since then I have made several personal inquiries from the embassy to locate any of my client’s
extended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful.

 

After several unsuccessful attempts, I now decided to inform you, hence I contacted you. I have sent you this letter to assist
in repatriating the money left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank where
this huge deposit was lodged here in South Africa. Where the deceased had an account valued at about $21,000.000.00 USD
(Twenty One Million United States Dollars) the bank has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin/ business associate or
have the account confiscated though in 2020 there are persons of the same nationality here in South Africa none of them is a
direct relative with the deceased and no one had an idea of this deposit. The Private banking sector will by the end of
2023/2024 broadcast a request for statement of claim to my office, failing to receive viable claims they will probably revert
the deposit to the ownership of the SA Government Treasury according to South Africa Banking and financial law.

Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over a period of time, I seek your consent to present you as the
next of kin or business associate to the deceased, Although the project is CAPITAL INTENSIVE, I know we will be able to
pull it through following proper banking and legal Channels with your assistance at your end so that the proceeds of this
account valued at $21,000.000.00USD (Twenty One Million United States Dollars) can be transferred into your designated
account and I shall proceed down to your country on confirmation of the fund in your account to discuss with you on how to
invest the money, meanwhile all documents will be obtain in your name and endorse your signature on some of the
documents as the next of kin or business associate to the deceased once the fund has been approved by the bank.

 

I shall revalidate and notarize all the necessary legal documents that can be used to back up any claim that the bank may
need, this is a risk free transaction because the banker who is in charge of the account section has called to present a next of
kin or business associate. We shall split the money equally and jointly invest it on any lucrative investment as soon as the
transaction is successful. I guarantee you this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any
breach of the law.

If you are interested please kindly email me with your details and the two references above on: Desmondandcoc@gmail.com Because
I need your strong assurance and confidentiality on this matter.
Please, again, note I am a family man; I have a wife and children. I send you this mail not without a measure of fear as to the
consequences, but I know within me that nothing Ventured is nothing gained" and that success and riches never come easy or
on a platter of gold. This is the one truth I have learned from my private clients. Do not betray my confidence. If we can be of
one accord, we should act swiftly on this.

 

Please pardon my writing if in any way you pick offence. I await your immediate response indicating your interest ASAP.

Best regards,
Desmond & Co Cambers, Desk of
Barrister. Desmond Anderson.

Yet another example of an email from "Unsuccessful Search For Relatives" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Subject: Letter Of Proposal

--
Greetings!

I hope this mail will get to you in good condition.

First of all, I will start by introducing myself. My name is Alistair Currie, born in Scotland, grew up in Hong Kong, currently working with Barclays Bank London. I have been working here for several years and I have a very good working record with the Bank.

During the recent auditing of bank accounts in our bank, I discovered a bank account that had not been operated for a long period. After an investigation discreetly, I discovered that the owner of this account was a business mogul and Arabian, Dr. Manzoor Hassan who died in a helicopter crash in January 2007, with both his wife, his only son Avraham (who is his next of kin), and his daughter-in-law.

He died leaving a huge sum of £15,800,000.00 in our bank custody.

The choice of contacting you aroused from the geographical nature of where you live particularly due to the sensitivity of the transaction and the confidentiality here.

Before I contacted you, I took my time to thoroughly search for any of the relatives of the Late Dr. Manzoor Hasan but to no avail. I also made a discrete inquiry to find out that Dr. Manzoor Hasan doesn't have any other relatives, and no one else knows of his bank account with Barclays Bank London.

In this regard, I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin/beneficiary to the deceased so the proceeds of this bank account valued at £15.8 Million British Pounds sterling can be paid to you.

I propose for the money to be shared in these percentages, 60% to me and 40% to you, and all the necessary legal documents that can be used to back up this inheritance claim are not a problem.

All I need is to upload your names to the documents and legalize them at the British High Court to prove you as the legitimate beneficiary of this fund, and I guarantee you 100% success if you give me your honest cooperation and trust.

Therefore, your response to this email will be greatly appreciated as we have a short time to run it.

Rest assured that the procedures that will be taken in your favor for the transfer will be official and lawful to protect us against any violation of the law.

You can also ask questions if you have any, but if you are interested in my proposal I will send you more information directing you to further instructions on how we can claim the money in the account successfully.

A quick response from you will be highly appreciated.

Best Regards,
Alistair Currie.

Another example of an email from "Unsuccessful Search For Relatives" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Subject: DEAR  FRIEND
 
 
Hermosilla, 3,28001 Madrid Spain Tel: +34 697-902 -740 Fax: +34 911-980-793
Email migulpacoconsult@aol.com
OUR REF: T&NGO/KN3/EUR4524 YOU’RE REF: EUR/INO/ESP DATE: 16/02/2024
________________________________________
DEAR FRIEND,
Firstly, Let me start by first introducing myself properly to you. It may surprise you receiving this letter from me, since there was no previous correspondence between us My name is Barrister Miguel C Paco, (Spanish Lawyer and Doctor in Law) a personal Attorney to Late. Mr. Bruce Padore, an expatriate engineer who has worked with the Mining and Smelting Company (Asturiana de Zinc S.A. Spain).
I must solicit your confidence in this transaction; this is by virtue of its nature as being utterly confidential and top secret. Though I know that a transaction of this magnitude will make any one apprehensive and worried, but I am assuring you that all will be well at the end of the day.
My purpose of contacting you is for you to help me to secure his funds deposited with Spanish Bank before he died, to avoid it being confiscated or declared as unclaimed by the Bank. The fund value is $11,500, 000.00 (E leven Million, Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars), this money was deposited by my late client before he passed away, he died by stroke and cancer on the 16th April 2004, and up till today his relatives remained unknown.
The Bank has issued me a final notice to contact his relative’s/ the next of kin or else the account will be declared unserviceable and the fund will be diverted to the Bank treasury, So far all my efforts to get a hold of some one related to my late client has been in vain. Hence, Since this account is secret and there is no one left to claim the fund I am contacting you. I am actually asking for your consent to present you to the Bank as the Next of Kin/beneficiary of my late client's fund, since you have the same last name, so that the fund will be released to you as his next of kin. All the legal documents to back up your claim as my client's next of Kin are with me. All I require is your honest cooperation and absolute confidentiality in order to guarantee success.
I wish to point out that I want 20% of this money to be shared among the Charity Organizations, while the remaining 80% is shared equally between us. This transaction is entirely risk free. I will use my position as the client’s personal attorney to guarantee the successful execution of this transaction. If you are interested, please contact me Tel: +34 697-902 -740 , Fax: +34. 911-980-793 Email: migulpacoconsult@aol.com upon your response, I shall then provide you with more details and relevant documents that will help you understand more on this transaction.
The intended transaction will be processed under legitimacy,which will protect me and you from any violation of law.
If you wish to achieve the goal with me, please kindly get back to me with your interest for further explanations and better understanding. Also be kind to let me know if you are not interested so that I can further my search to another Citizen that has the same surname with my late client.
Kindest Regards
Bar.Miguel C Paco
Attorney at Law
 
________________________________________
Divorce, custody and marriage Laws, Corporate and Agreement laws, Incorporation, Rent, eviction, tenancy and Lease Laws, Labor laws, Insurance claim, Citizenship and immigration Laws, Copyright and Consumer Protection Laws, Wills, Trust, Estates and Intellectual Property Laws, Bank, Finance and Monetary Laws, Corporate, Private and Business Laws, Recovery, Joint Venture & Mergers, Civil Right Laws, Tax, sales and Custom Laws, Registration of property, Title search, deeds, mutation relationship, Conveyance. @ López Rodó & Cruz Ferrer Abogados © 2004All rights reserved

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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

---

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

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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?

Spam emails are not personal. This mail is spread in massive campaigns – hence, thousands of users receive identical emails/messages.

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

If you have provided your account credentials – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay. However, if you've disclosed other private data (e.g., ID card details, passport scans/photos, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the corresponding authorities.

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

No, merely reading an email will not result in a system infection. Devices are infected when malicious attachments or links are opened.

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 compromised. However, you might have avoided an infection if it was a document (.doc, .xls, .pdf, .one, etc.). These formats may need additional actions to start downloading/installing malware (e.g., enabling macro commands, clicking embedded content, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate threats. It is capable of removing practically all known malware infections. Note that performing a full system scan is essential since high-end malicious software typically hides deep within systems.