Do not trust fake "McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership" emails

What kind of email is "McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership"?

Our inspection of the "McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership" email revealed that it is spam. The email is presented as a notification from McAfee regarding membership renewal. This spam mail promotes a callback scam by deceiving users into calling a fake helpline to address or cancel the renewal fee.

It must be emphasized that all the information provided by this email is false, and this mail is in no way associated with the McAfee anti-virus or its developer – McAfee Corp.

"McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership" email scam overview

The spam email with the subject "Payment Sucess" (may vary) is disguised as a notification from McAfee. It informs the recipient that their membership has been renewed. The letter then offers platitudes and lists details of the bogus renewal. Between 24 to 48 hours, 119.90 USD will be charged to the recipient's account. For further inquiries, the email encourages to call the listed telephone number.

As mentioned in the introduction, all these claims are false, and this spam mail is not associated with McAfee Corp. Emails of this kind operate as callback scams; their goal is to deceive recipients into calling provided numbers, but how the scheme progresses from that point on may vary.

Victims can be tricked into making monetary transactions, disclosing private data, or downloading/installing malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, etc.).

Information of interest can include: account log-in credentials (e.g., emails, social networking/media, e-commerce, cryptocurrency wallets, online banking, etc.), personally identifiable details, and finance-related data (e.g., banking account details, credit card numbers, etc.).

Cyber criminals may ask that the data be provided over the phone or entered into phishing websites/files. Information-stealing malware can also be used to obtain private data.

It is likely that "McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership" operates as a refund scam. In these schemes, victims are lured into allowing scammers (pretending to be support) to access their devices remotely.

This is a necessary element of tech support scams as well; more on which can be found in our articles on UltraViewer and TeamViewer – legitimate remote access programs commonly used in both tech support and refund scams.

Once cyber criminals are connected, they ask victims to sign into their bank accounts to process the cancellation/refund. The screen is then darkened on the victims' end using a feature of the remote software, and they are asked to enter the refund amount.

Meanwhile, scammers either move funds between victims' accounts (e.g., from savings to checking) or edit the webpage's HTML – to create the impression that a significantly bigger sum was transferred. It must be stressed that neither of the methods affects the money in the account.

The cyber criminals ask, demand, or beg the victims to return the nonexistent excess. It must be reiterated that no sum was actually transferred – hence, by attempting to return the funds, the victims will send their own money to scammers.

Difficult-to-trace techniques are used to acquire funds, e.g., cryptocurrencies, gift cards, pre-paid vouchers, or cash hidden in packages and shipped. It is pertinent to mention that successfully scammed victims are often targeted repeatedly.

In summary, by trusting an email like "McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership" – users can experience system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

If you have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access your device – first, you must disconnect it from the Internet. Second, uninstall the remote access program that the criminals used since they may not need your consent to reconnect. Last, perform a full system scan with an anti-virus and remove all detected threats.

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

Spam campaigns in general

We have analyzed thousands of spam emails; "Password Was Compromised Through A Legitimate Website", "Change Of Your Banking Details", "Email Routine Check", "Deceased Relative", and "Documents And Funds Have Been Credited" are merely some examples.

This mail is used to facilitate a wide variety of scams and even to spread malware. Spam emails/messages can be riddled with errors or be competently disguised as notifications/alerts from legitimate companies, institutions, organizations, service providers, authorities, and other entities.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Spam campaigns proliferate malware by sending malicious files as attachments or download links. These files can be executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (RAR, ZIP, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

When such a file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain is initiated. For example, Microsoft Office files infect systems by executing malicious macro commands, while virulent OneNote documents require users to click embedded files/links.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly recommend treating incoming emails and other messages with caution. Attachments or links found in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious. 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 distributed using other methods as well. Hence, we advise being vigilant when browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous.

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

We must stress that having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated is paramount to device/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 "McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership" spam email letter:

Subject: Payment Sucess

Dear Subscriber,

We are delighted to let you know that McAfee has successfully renewed your membership.

We appreciate your continued assistance. Please allow us to take this opportunity to thank you for continuing to use our services.

Your pleasure is extremely important to us, and we sincerely hope that the level of service and security we have thus far offered has satisfied you.

Product descriptions:-

Invoice Number: 295170253

Product ID: MAQ-PDRX9531720

Activation key: M7D1-P8V2-X8G6-A3Q9

Amount: $119.90

Renewal date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

A debit of $119.90 has been made to assure continuous service; it will appear on your account statement within the next 24 to 48 hours.

You may be confident that this transaction will be identified on your statement as "McAfee" for your convenience.

We want to reassure you that our devoted support team is available to help you. We recognize that questions or concerns can occur.

Call us at +1 877-976-5703 if you have any inquiries or need further details.

With regards,

McAfee Billing Team

Another example of an email from "McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

McAfee SECURE

INVOICE NO: #7JVX-RT6-ASW2
INVOICE DATE: 04 OCT, 2023
TENURE:: 2 Years

CUSTOMER SUPPORT
+1 (805)-438-2179

HI USER!
YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS NOW ACTIVE FOR COMPLE TE 2 YEARS.THIS EMAIL CONFIRMS THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED THE FOLLOWING SUBSCRIPTION PLAN.

NO. ITEM DESCRIPTION QUANTITY TOTAL
1. MCAFEE TOTAL PROTECTION - 10 DEVICES 1 $499.99
Sub-Total $499.99
Tax NOT YET INCLUDED

Payment Method
Auto - Debit

total $499.990

Note
You can change your subscription plan any time. Your subscription will auto - renew at $499.99 unless you cancel by 04th OCT, 2023.
To CANCEL your subscription, contact Customer Support and initiate CANCELLATION process.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT +1 (805)-438-2179
REGARDS,
The McAfee Team

Another example of an email from "McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

McAfee
2024-03-28
I2YMKTCGOKL54WZE5GHO

Customer Care Support

+1 (844) 444-1303

Dear -

We appreciate your choice of McAfee for your security needs. This email is your detailed invoice - for your recent purchase. Your McAfee account has been automatically charged $349.5, ensuring interrupted online protection with a seamless annual subscription renewal.

Order ID: I2YMKTCGOKL54WZE5GHO
Product: McAfee Total Security Protection
Product Key: -
Valid Till: 2024-03-28
Renewal Amount: $349.95

Description Amount
McAfee Total Security Protection $349.95
TOTAL $349.95

If didn't authorize this transaction -, please be aware that you have a 24-hour grace period to request a cancellation and receive and immediate refund for your annual subscription. Our dedicated customer support team is ready to assist you promptly; feel free to reach out at +1 (844) 444-1303

Thank Your,
Regards,
Team McAfee

Note: If This email received in your spam box, ask the service desk to verify the Invoice Number.
Copyright © McAfee, All Right Reserved, McAfee LLC.
McAfee
SECURE

Another example of an email from "McAfee Has Successfully Renewed Your Membership" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

McAfee

Your subscription has been auto-renewed. Now you are more secure than earlier.

If you wish to cancel this subscription, then contact our customer support helpline within 24-48 hours to cancel this subscription.

Customer Support : +1(870) 210 - 4680

Invoice ID : #925373569 DATE : May 21st, 2024

DETAILS QTY AMOUNT TOTAL
McAfee Full Support Service 1 $292.00 USD $292.00 USD
Service Tax $7.00 USD $7.00 USD
$299.00 USD

Total Amount Paid: $299.00 USD

We are writing to confirm the details of your transaction and provide you with receipt for your records. For any queries regarding this order, contact our customer support team as a first priority.

Customer Support : +1(870) 210 - 4680

Copyright @ McAfee Pvt. Ltd. 2001

Please do not reply to this mail. This mailbox is not monitored.

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?

Cyber criminals send these emails in large-scale campaigns – therefore, thousands of users receive identical messages.

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

If you have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access your computer – you must first disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, remove the remote access software that the criminals used (e.g., TeamViewer, UltraViewer, AnyDesk, etc.), as they may not need your permission to reconnect. Lastly, perform a complete system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate all detected threats.

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

If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all possibly compromised accounts and inform their official support without delay. And if you have disclosed your private information (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact relevant authorities.

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

Devices are infected when malicious attachments or links are opened – hence, merely reading an email is harmless.

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

Whether your device was infected might depend on the opened file's format. If it was an executable (.exe, .run, etc.) – most likely, yes. However, you might have avoided a compromise if it was a document (.doc, .xls, .one, .pdf, etc.). These formats may require additional actions (e.g., enabling macro commands, clicking embedded content, etc.) to start downloading/installing malware.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and remove threats. It can eliminate practically all known malware infections. Note that since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems – running a full system scan is crucial.