How to avoid falling for scams like "Bittrex" phishing campaign

What is "Bittrex" email scam?

Having scrutinized the email associated with this scam, we have concluded that the scammers orchestrating it intend to entice unsuspecting individuals into revealing sensitive information. Their primary objective is to pilfer cryptocurrency wallets. Therefore, it is imperative to disregard both the email promoting this scam and the deceptive page featured within it.

More about the "Bittrex" scam email

The scam email opens with a polite greeting, claiming to address the recipient about an urgent matter. It asserts that Bittrex, a cryptocurrency exchange, is shutting down its services after filing for bankruptcy. The scammers allege that the recipient's account, linked to the provided email address, has a remaining balance exceeding $5,750.

They express a purported interest in facilitating a smooth withdrawal process to ensure the funds are not forfeited after the platform shutdown. The email provides detailed steps for the withdrawal process, including a specified withdrawal window.

The recipient is urged to click a button to initiate the withdrawal. A sense of urgency is emphasized, warning that failure to withdraw within the specified period will result in the loss of all remaining assets. The email concludes with an email address for purported support.

The provided link ("Initiate Withdrawal" button), supposedly directing users to the Bittrex withdrawal portal, is, in reality, a tool used to redirect victims to a fraudulent website. Once on the deceptive page, users are prompted to input their account details, including private keys or recovery phrases, under the guise of verifying ownership for the withdrawal process.

Unbeknownst to the victims, this information is harvested by the scammers, enabling them to gain unauthorized access to the users' cryptocurrency wallets. Once scammers gain access to cryptocurrency wallets, they can execute transfers of digital assets to their own wallets.

Similar scam emails in general

In conclusion, scams exploiting the imminent closure of cryptocurrency platforms, such as the deceptive Bittrex shutdown email, underscore the persistent threat of phishing schemes in the digital landscape. These scams aim to manipulate users through urgency and misinformation, leading them to unknowingly surrender access to their cryptocurrency wallets.

Examples of other crypto-related scams are "Shibarium Scam", "Brad Garlinghouse Crypto Giveaway", and "The Bored Ape Pixel Club". It is important to know that cybecriminals use emails not only steal information but also to deliver malware.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Users can infect their computers via email through malicious attachments or links. Cybercriminals send emails containing seemingly innocuous files, such as PDFs or Word documents, which harbor hidden malware. When users open these attachments and perform additional actions if necessary for malware to execute, the malware is planted on computers.

In other cases, users can compromise their computers via links that lead them to websites hosting malware. Those pages host malicious files, programs, or trigger malicious drive-by downloads.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Regularly update all software, including the operating system, web browsers, and security applications. Exercise caution when receiving links or files via email. Do not open them if the email is suspicious (e.g., irrelevant or sent from unfamiliar email address). Avoid suspicious websites, advertisements, and pop-ups.

Do not download pirated software, cracking tools, key generators, etc. Always obtain software from official pages or reputable app stores.

If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

The appearance of the "Bittrex" scam email (GIF):

Text presented in the "Bittrex" email letter:

BITTREX GLOBAL

Dear Bittrex User,

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you about an URGENT concern. As you may already know, Bittrex has made the difficult decision to shut down our exchange services after filing for bankruptcy. However, it's come to our attention that before platform shutdown, the account registered with your email address **** had a remaining balance greater than $5,750 USD, and we want to ensure a smooth process for you to withdraw these funds. Failure to withdraw will result in a complete forfeiture of all remaining assets held by Bittrex.

Withdrawal Process:
To withdraw remaining assets, please follow these steps:
1. Head over to the Bittrex withdraw portal found in this email.
2. Initiate the account owner verification steps.
3. Enter the withdrawal amount and the destination address (if applicable).
4. Review the withdrawal details and confirm the transaction.

Withdrawal Period: The withdrawal window will be open for a limited time, and it is crucial that you initiate your withdrawal as soon as possible. The withdrawal period begins on 11/23/2023 and ends on 11/26/2023.

To get started, simply click the button below to visit the withdrawal page and begin the withdrawal process:

Initiate Withdrawal

Please be aware that after the withdrawal period expires, your remaining funds will become inaccessible, so it is crucial to complete your withdrawals within the specified time frame.

If you have any questions or require support you can send an email to global@bittrex.com

© Bittrex 2023

Screenshot of the website utilized to steal crypto wallets:

Another variant of a Bittrex-themed scam email promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: Your Bittrex-Inc assets can now be transferred.

BITTREX GLOBAL

Dear Bittrex User,

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you about an URGENT concern. As you may already know, Bittrex has made the difficult decision to shut down our exchange services after filing forbankruptcy. However, it's come to our attention that before platform shutdown, the account registered with your email address had a remaining balance of above $1,250 USD, and we want to ensure a smooth process for you to access these funds. Failure to access will result in a complete forfeiture of all remaining assets held by Bittrex.

Access Process:
To access remaining assets, please follow these steps:
1. Head over to the Bittrex access portal found in this email.
2. Initiate the account owner verification steps.
3. Enter the access amount and the destination address (if applicable).
4. Review the access details and confirm the transaction.

Access Period: The access window will be open for a limited time, and it is crucial that you initiate your access as soon as possible. The access period begins on 05/14/2024 and ends on 05/19/2024.

To get started, simply click the button below to visit the access page and begin the access process:

Initiate Access

Please be aware that after the access period expires, your remaining funds will become inaccessible, so it is crucial to complete your access within the specified time frame.

If you encounter any difficulties during the access process or have questions, Bittrex Inc. has established an information line for interested parties: 888-481-3704 (US & Canada toll free) and 747-293-0010 (International). You can also send an email to BittrexInquiries@omniagnt.com

© Bittrex 2024

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Yet another example of Bittrex-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

Subject: Available Now: Your Assets.

 

BITTREX GLOBAL

Dear Valued Customer,

We're reaching out to inform you of an important matter regarding your account with us. It has come to our attention that there are leftover funds associated with your account that require your attention.

Funds Access Process:

Access our platform by clicking the button below.
Follow the instructions provided to verify your account.
Once verified, you can proceed to access and withdraw your leftover funds.

Access Period: Please note that the access period is limited. Act now to ensure you don't miss out on accessing your funds.

To proceed and access your leftover funds, simply click the button below:

Access Funds

If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to contact our support team.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
© 2024 BTX LTD. All rights reserved.

Another example of a Bittrex-themed spam email promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Subject: FlNAL MASS NOTIFICATION FOR CLIENTS TO MAKE LEAVE BEFORE CLOSING DATE

 

BITTREX

We hope this message reaches our former users from the early dawns of our time in the space & loyal members of our community that have long awaited our approval by the S.E.C to begin full allocations to our clients.

You have remainders with us that have accumulated heavily since your last login, Please remove everything today as this is a needed procedure.

Details:

- Access will be processed to destination addresses provided by the client.
- All remainders will be distributed evenly and fairly.

Ensure your destination is valid and previously used with us.

Smoothly Leave Platform!

Initiate Your Leave:
To start the process, please follow these steps:

Confirm Your identity.
Approve the required prompts.
Confirm and complete your leave.

Good luck with your future journeys.

You will be notified of any changes to the status.

Re-sends of this exact email may be sent to confirm you are paying attention to updates given to you.

Security:  888-887-0311

IT Help Desk:  888-887-0153

HRAssist:  888-887-6915

Help Desk:  888-661-6100;

PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL

If you have any questions please contact the appropriate parties:

Yet another example of a Bittrex-themed spam email promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

Bittrex Inc.

Bittrex Inc. has been granted permission by the United States Bankruptcy Court to allow customers who meet the necessary regulatory requirements to access their accounts and withdraw any remaining assets.
 
Based on our records, as of September 27th, 2024 your Bittrex account holds an estimated value of $14,231.07

You have until October 6th, 2024 to withdraw your remaining assets or file a Proof of Claim (more info below). However, we strongly suggest you withdraw your funds as soon as possible to give our customer support team sufficient time to resolve any unforeseen issues.

text in website:

Affected Creditor Withdrawal
You have been identified as an substantially affected creditor during Bittrex's chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, Which they were mishandling customer funds It is possible that you did not file a Proof of Claim prior to the deadline, however, you are still eligible to withdraw ALL assets entitled to you that Bittrex withheld, and the market gains from those assets, the debtor , still possesses.

In order to begin the claims process, enter the email address associated with your Bittrex account and then connect and verify with an eligible previously used with Bittrex, crypto wallet.

Upon completing this process, you will receive any outstanding debts or obligations that Bittrex,the debtor, still owes you within 24 hours to the same Wallets you wish to receive your coins to.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

Yet another example of an email from Bittrex-themed spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Subject: NOTICE: TAKE ACTION TO WITHDRAW REMAINING ASSETS ON BITTREX ACCOUNT

 

LEGAL NOTICE
BITTREX

You have remaining assets within your Bittrex Account that must be withdrawn by October 15 2024,

Failure to complete this process will result in a debtor liquidation

We strongly suggest you withdraw your funds as soon as possible to give our customer support team sufficient time to resolve any unforeseen issues.
Redistribute Your Coins

Another example of a Bittrex-themed spam email promoting a phishing site:

Text presented within:

BITTREX GLOBAL

 

We’re notifying you that, under recent authorization, account holders are now eligible to manage and transfer any unreviewed holdings.

 

As of November 4th, 2024, your account reflects an unclaimed balance of $7,264.34. This may include credits applied in the past, along with additional items requiring confirmation. As part of our ongoing account closure procedures, we are enabling the release of these holdings following the latest protocols.

 

To proceed, please log in to your account and connect a compatible tool or service (web, hardware, or app) for safe handling. Completion times may range from 5 minutes to 1 hour, depending on verification checks of your linked account.

Access Your Account

Thank you for your attention to this matter. If any questions arise, our support team is available to assist.

Best regards.

Screenshot of the promoted phishing site:

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?

Criminals send identical letters to thousands of recipients, anticipating that they will trick someone. These spam emails lack any personalization.

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

If you have provided your crypto wallet access information on a fraudulent website, update those login credentials and notify your crypto wallet service provider about the scam.

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

If the file was executable (like .exe), malware may likely have been introduced to your computer. However, in the case of a document file (.pdf, .doc, or similar), you might have avoided infection, as merely opening the document is sometimes insufficient for malware to penetrate the system.

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

Simply accessing an email poses no threat. The risk of system infections emerges when links within the email are opened or when attached files are accessed.

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

Combo Cleaner can detect and get rid of nearly all known malware infections. It is essential to mention that advanced malware often conceals itself deeply within the system. Therefore, conducting a full system scan is highly recommended.