How to avoid falling for fake Pfizer emails

What is the "Pfizer Supply" scam?

Upon examination, we have determined that it is a scam involving several variants of the email and deceptive attachments. This is a phishing campaign launched by scammers with the purpose of tricking unsuspecting recipients into providing personal details and (or) making payments. Thus, recipients should not respond to any of the fake emails described in our article.

More about the "Pfizer Supply" phishing campaign

This phishing campaign follows a pattern where the scammers pretend to be a reputable company (Pfizer), instructing the recipient to provide a quotation or supply certain products. These emails provide a particular product or series of products, along with a unique code. They also contain a contact email address and an attachment.

The file attached to these emails (at least some of them) is a PDF file disguised as a request for a quotation. Additionally, these emails contain phone numbers, the supposed sender's name (and occupation), and the company's address. The attached fake documents contain a Pfizer logo and other elements to appear as legitimate requests for quotation.

Certain details within these emails and attached files vary, but their purpose is the same: to trick recipients into believing that they have received a request for quotation from the Pfizer company (a legitimate developer and producer of medicines and vaccines). In these emails, recipients are encouraged to send the received document to the provided email address.

When contacted, the scammers behind these fake emails may try to obtain sensitive information such as credit card details, ID card information, login credentials, or other details. They may also attempt to convince recipients to pay fake shipping, administration, or other fees. Overall, the ultimate goal of this phishing campaign is likely to exploit recipients for financial gain or steal sensitive information.

Similar scam emails in general

Usually, phishing emails impersonate reputable companies like Pfizer and pressure recipients to act quickly. They aim to trick recipients into providing sensitive information or engaging in transactions, leading to financial loss, identity theft, or other issues. Additionally, phishing emails often contain links to deceptive pages or attachments (e.g., fake documents).

Some examples of phishing emails are: "Crédit Agricole", "Error In Your IMAP/POP3 Mails Server", and "Mailbox Update". It is important to note that links and files in such emails can be malicious.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

When threat actors aim to deliver malware via email, they send malicious links or attachments. Opening these links or files can allow malware to infiltrate systems. This often involves tricking users into taking steps such as opening files hosted on untrustworthy pages or activating macro commands in malicious MS Office documents.

However, computers cannot get infected via email unless users open malicious files or pages. Threat actors commonly utilize malicious MS Office documents, PDFs, archives, executables, ISO files, and script files to trick users into executing malware.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Scrutinize emails before accessing any files or links, particularly those in unexpected emails from unknown sources. Avoid downloading pirated software, cracking tools, key generators, and similar programs. Rely on official websites and app stores for software and file downloads.

Do not trust advertisements, pop-ups, or buttons on suspicious websites, including notifications from such pages. Keep your operating system and installed programs up to date and employ a trusted antivirus or anti-malware tool for the security of your computer. If you have already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the "Pfizer Supply" email letter (first screenshot):

Subject: Inquiry For An Urgent Procurement

Good day,

I would like to extend an invitation to you/your company to supply us with the attached product. We would like you to source the product.

Below is the details of the product:

Product Unique Code: SAIUS-OLAC0964
Product: SAIUS-OLAC0964 PUMP
Qty. 30 units

NB: We would like you to source the Product by the Unique Code(see attachment) and supply it to us.

Compulsory, Kindly send your quotation to: quotes@pfizer-supplies.com for immediate approval.

Best Regards,

Alex Pedrana
Supply Chain Leader

PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV)
Address: Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium
B.T.W: BE 0400.778.165
Tel: +32 2320 7077
Fax: +32 2808 2477
Email: quotes@pfizer-supplies.com

Other examples of Pfizer supply-themed spam emails:

Sample 1:

Text in this email:

Subject: Inquiry For An Urgent Bid

Good Day,

We are pleased to invite you or your company to quote the following item listed below. The product we request may fall out of your scope of work hence we would like you to source the product and supply them to us.

Below is the details of the product:

Product Unique Code: SAIUS-OLAC0964
Product: SAIUS-OLAC0964 PUMP
Qty. 30 units
Deadline:   19/04/2024

Kindly reply with your official quotation to: quotes@pfizer-supplies.com , however if you need the product description then indicate via email to enable me to provide you with it.

Regards
Alex Pedrana
Supply Chain leader
PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV)
Address: Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium
B.T.W: BE 0400.778.165
Tel: +32 2320 7077
Fax: +32 2808 2477
Email: quotes@pfizer-supplies.com

Sample 2:

Text in this email:

Subject: Request For Quotation

Good Day,

We are pleased to invite you or your company to source and supply the following items listed below:

Product Unique Code: SAIUS-OLAC0964
Product: SAIUS-OLAC0964 PUMP
Qty. 41 units

Compulsory, Kindly send your quotation to:(quote@pfizersupplies.com) for immediate approval.

Regards
Alex Pedrana
Supply Chain leader
PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV)
Address: Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium
B.T.W : BE 0400.778.165
Tel: +32 3 3320151
Fax: +32 2 2643544

The file attached to this email:

Sample 3:

Text in this email:

Subject: Request For Quotation

Good Day.

We are pleased to invite you or your company to supply the following items listed below:

Product Unique Code: NABFG09-ITU964   
Product: NABFG09-ITU964 Pumps
Qty. 31 units
 
Compulsory, Kindly send your quotation to:(enquiry@pfizersupplies.com) for immediate approval.

Regards
Alex Pedrana
Supply Chain leader
PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV)
Address: Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium
B.T.W : BE 0400.778.165
Tel: +32 3 3320151
Fax: +32 2 2643544

File attached to this email:

Sample 4:

Text in this email:

Subject: Request for Quotation.

Good Day.

We are pleased to invite you or your company to supply the following items listed below:

Product Unique Code: GDGAFDT976-96MNRNGH
Product: GDGAFDT976-96MNRNGH Series pumps
Qty. 32 units
 
Compulsory, Kindly send your quotation to:(quotes@pfizer-supplychain.com) for immediate approval.

Regards
Mike McDermott
Chief Global Supply Officer
PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV)
Address: Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium
B.T.W : BE 0400.778.165
Tel: +32 2320 7077
Fax: +32 2808 2477

File attached to this email:

Sample 5:

Text in this email:

Subject: RFQ

Good Day Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to invite you or your company to quote the following item
listed below:

Product/Model No: CTB FORGED 20K GLOBE VALVE CTBI771114
Model Number: CTBI771114
Port Size: DN80
Pressure Rating: PN16
Material: stainless steel
Qty. 55
Compulsory, Kindly send your quotation to:
quotations@pfizernvsupplychains.com
for immediate approval.

Kind Regards,
Mike McDermott
Chief Global Supply Chain Officer
PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV) SUPPLY CHAIN
Address: Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium.
B.T.W: BE 0400.778.165
Tel: +32 78 48 28 01
Fax: +32 20 12 94 06

Sample 6:

Text presented within:

Subject: RFQ .

Good Day,
 
We'reglad to invite you to participate in the tender process by submitting your best quote for the Supply of [45 units of DualStream Pumps].
 
Below are the Code and the Specifications required for this Product.
 
Product Name:       DualStream Pumps
Model Code:         OZ24YFQ-K9XZDX0
Qty:                45 Units
Submission Deadline:  24/2/2025
 
This product may be out of your range, we request that you source a supplier that can supply thequantity required and send us your best quote to  info@pfizertenders.com
 
Thank you for considering this request.
 
Warmest Regards
 
Gino Van Steenbergen
Global Procurement Leader
 
PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV)
Rijksweg 12, 2870
Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium.
B.T.W.: BE 0400.778.165
Email: info@pfizertenders.com
Tel: +32 460 23 3055
Fax: +32 460 00 0780

Sample 7:

Text presented within:

Subject: Request for Quotation!

 

Good Day,

We would like to invite you to participate in our supply chain network by sourcing and submitting your best offer for the supply of [ 45 units of JDNUII9-9SY6Q3P PRIMEFLOW PUMPS ].

Below is the product code and the specifications required for this project.

Product Unique Code: JDNUII9-9SY6Q3P PRIMEFLOW PUMPS
Capacity Max: 600 m3/h 2650 USgpm
Total Head Max: 160 m 525 ft.
Output Max 132 kW 177 hp
VFD Compatible Yes
Qty 45pcs

This product may be out of your range, we request that you source a supplier that can supply the quantity required and send us your best quote to info@pfizertenders.com

Thank you for considering this request.

Warmest Regards,

Gino Van Steenbergen
Global Procurement Leader

Pfizer Manufacturing BELGIUM (NV)
Rijksweg 12, 2870
Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium.
B.T.W.: BE 0400.778.165
Email: info@pfizertenders.com
Tel: +32 460 23 3055
Fax: +32 460 00 0780

Sample 8:

Text presented within:

Subject: Quotation for Pump

Attn,
Bidder,

As Our Company The PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV) invites you to submit a tender quotation for the Pump model below at your earliest convenience for our ongoing project:.

Model: AIS-P-1009
Product: AIS-P-1009 Pump
Quantity. 31 Pieces

Compulsory,
Kindly send your quotation to:(supply@pfizer-manufacturing.com) for immediate approval.

Regards
Jozef Vrijders
Procurement Manager
PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV)
Address: Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium
B.T.W : BE 0400.778.165
Tel: +32 480 20 5319

Sample 9:

Text presented within:

Subject: Request for Quotation (RFQ)

Good Day,

Please source and submit a BID for the supply of the Pump Model attached below:

Model: D1S44S8A64

Name: D1 Series – End Suction Standard Centrifugal Pump

Quantity: 45 pcs

Submission deadline: 2/6/2026

Submit your official quote to this Email Address: quotes@be-pfizer.com

Please revert with availability, lead time, and your best possible quotation for the supply of this item in the shortest time possible.

Find attached RFQ for the image and specifications.

Kind Regards,

Carl Parein

SENIOR DIRECTOR, GLOBAL PROCUREMENT

Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium (NV)

Address: Rijksweg 12 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands Belgium

Tel: +32 (0) 460 22 27 95

Email: c.parein@be-pfizer.com

VAT B.T.W: BE 0400.778.165

Sample 10:

Text presented within:

Subject: RFQ-46

Dear Team,

PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV) invites you to source and submit a bid for the supply of the pump model specified below for our review and possible approval in connection with our ongoing project.

Product Details:
Product Code: AquaGuard-ND WTWire-410
Product: AquaGuard-ND WTWire-410 Pump
Quantity: 46 Pieces

Please forward your formal quotation to info.be@pfizersupplies.com for immediate review and approval.

We would appreciate receiving your quotation at your earliest convenience and look forward to your response.

Regards
Richard Teixeira
Sr. Director, Procurement.
PFIZER MANUFACTURING BELGIUM (NV)
Address: Rijksweg 12, 2870 Puurs-Sint-Amands, Belgium
B.T.W : BE 0400.778.165
Tel: +32 33320 151

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Types of malicious emails:

If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file from a suspicious email, run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner. If you only received the email and didn't engage with it, you don't need to scan anything - just identify the scam and delete it. The full procedure below covers both situations and what to do if you already clicked, replied, or sent money.

Credential theft Phishing emails

Fake login pages disguised as PayPal, Microsoft, Apple, banks, or social networks. The email pushes a link to a near-perfect copy of the real login screen. The moment you type your username and password, the attacker has them.

Common subject lines

• "Action required: confirm your account"
• "Your password expires today"
• "Unusual sign-in attempt detected"
• "Verify your billing information"

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

Trojans hidden inside fake invoices, faxes, shipping confirmations, or Office documents. Opening the attachment runs the payload and infects the system - often with an info-stealer or remote-access trojan.

Common subject lines

• "Invoice INV-2026-XXXX attached"
• "Fax received - 3 pages"
• "Your shipping document is ready"
• "Voicemail from +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX"

Extortion Sextortion emails

Fake claims of webcam recordings demanding cryptocurrency. Almost always a bluff: the attacker pulls a real password from an old data breach to make the threat look credible, then claims to have video of you. They have no recording and no access.

Common subject lines

• "I know your password is XXXX"
• "Your account has been hacked"
• "I have recorded you - 48 hours to pay"
• "You have been compromised"

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

"Your subscription was renewed for $499 - call to cancel." Norton, McAfee, Geek Squad, PayPal, and Wells Fargo variants are all common. There's no real subscription. The phone number in the email connects directly to the scammer, who walks you through "refunding" yourself - which is actually them stealing money from your bank.

Common subject lines

• "Norton subscription auto-renewed - $499.99"
• "McAfee Total Protection invoice"
• "Geek Squad order confirmation"
• "Your PayPal payment is being processed"

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

"Your account will be deleted in 24 hours - verify now." The artificial deadline is the whole point: it pressures you to click before checking details. The "verify" link goes to a phishing page styled to look like the real provider.

Common subject lines

• "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
• "Suspicious activity detected - verify now"
• "Final warning: account closure"
• "Action required to keep your account active"

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

Fake DHL, USPS, UPS, or FedEx tracking, customs fees, or "package undeliverable" notices. Targets anyone expecting a parcel - the timing alone catches many people. The link hides either phishing (asking for card details to "release" the package) or a malware download.

Common subject lines

• "Your DHL package is held at customs"
• "USPS - delivery attempt failed"
• "FedEx tracking update - action required"
• "Pay $2.99 redelivery fee to release your parcel"

Remote access Tech support scams

Fake Microsoft, Apple, or "Windows Defender" security alerts pushing a phone number. Real Microsoft and Apple never email a phone number to call. The number connects you to a scammer who asks for remote access to "fix" the imaginary problem and then demands payment.

Common subject lines

• "Microsoft Defender expired - renew now"
• "Apple ID security alert"
• "Critical: virus detected on your PC"
• "Windows license expired - call now"

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

Inheritance, lottery wins, romance, or business deals that ask for a small fee to release a much larger sum. The classic "Nigerian prince" 419 family of frauds. Once you pay the first fee, more fees appear (taxes, lawyer, transfer charges) until you stop paying. The promised money never exists.

Common subject lines

• "Inheritance from a relative you didn't know about"
• "You won the international lottery"
• "URGENT - business proposal worth $XX million"
• "Compensation fund release for fraud victims"

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

CEO impersonation asking employees to wire money or buy gift cards, or fake supplier invoices with newly "updated" bank details for payment redirection. The email often spoofs a real internal executive's display name and uses an external lookalike domain.

Common subject lines

• "Quick task - need you to buy gift cards"
• "Updated banking details for invoice payment"
• "Wire transfer request - urgent"
• "Are you available?" (CEO impersonation opener)

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

---

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?

Typically, scammers acquire email addresses from data breaches, public directories, or the dark web. They send identical emails to all recipients, lacking personalized information (e.g., names or surnames).

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

Change the passwords for any accounts that might have been accessed by scammers. Moreover, notify the relevant authorities, such as your email provider, bank, or law enforcement, about the phishing attempt.

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

The likelihood of malware infiltration depends on the file type. If it was an executable file, the risk is high. However, with document files like PDFs or Word documents, there is a chance you may have avoided malware infiltration. Files attached to the emails described in our article are not malicious.

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

Reading emails typically poses no harm. Malware cannot infiltrate systems without the recipient opening malicious attachments or links.

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

Combo Cleaner has the ability to find and eliminate almost all recognized malware infections. However, it is crucial to understand that advanced malware can hide deeply within your system. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive system scan is necessary to ensure thorough detection and removal.