Avoid getting scammed by fake "Trustworthy Foreign Partner" emails

What kind of email is "Trustworthy Foreign Partner"?

Upon reading the "Trustworthy Foreign Partner" email, we determined that it is spam. The letter is presented as a partnership proposal, wherein the recipient will be transferred the sender's funds. The nonexistent assets are worth millions, and the recipient will be able to keep 35%.

It must be stressed that all the information in this email is false. The purpose of this scam is likely to deceive victims into disclosing vulnerable data or sending money to scammers.

"Trustworthy Foreign Partner" email scam overview

The spam email with the subject "Hi" (may vary) is supposedly from a Zimbabwean refugee located in the Republic of South Africa. He is seeking a foreign partner.

The sender claims that his father was a farmer who had opposed land policies, and his opposition resulted in him being killed. Prior to passing, he had deposited $30 million in a South African financial institution. Due to their refugee status, the sender and his family cannot recover these funds.

The recipient is offered a deal in which they will be made the deceased father's beneficiary, as facilitated by his financial attorney – this will enable the transfer of the money. For their assistance, they will be able to keep 35%; 5% will be allocated to handling transaction fees, and the sender will use the remaining 60% to establish a business in the recipient's country.

As mentioned in the introduction, all the claims made by "Trustworthy Foreign Partner" are false, and this email is not associated with any real public figures or legitimate entities.

Scams promoted through this kind of spam mail can operate in a variety of ways. This email includes a telephone number, and that makes it evident that the scammers behind this campaign aim to lure victims into communicating with them. The scheme may be elaborate and complex.

It could operate as a phishing scam and target sensitive information, such as personally identifiable details (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, etc.), log-in credentials (e.g., emails, social networking, e-commerce, online banking, digital wallets, etc.), and finance-related data (e.g., banking account details, credit/debit card numbers, etc.).

Personally identifiable information can be used to steal identities or carry out other nefarious deeds. Hijacked accounts can be variously misused, e.g., to request loans or donations from the owner's contacts/friends/followers, promote scams, proliferate malware, facilitate monetary transactions, make online purchases, etc.

Victims may be tricked into transferring funds to scammers under the guise of handling taxes, paying fees, and so on. Difficult-to-trace methods are used to obtain money, thus lowering the chances of prosecuting the cyber criminals and victims retrieving their funds (e.g., cryptocurrencies, pre-paid vouchers, gift cards, cash hidden in packages and shipped, etc.).

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

If you have already disclosed personally identifiable or finance-related data – immediately contact the appropriate authorities. And if you've provided your log-in credentials to scammers – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay.

Spam campaigns in general

"Donation To Selected Grant Recipients", "American Express - Username/Password Has Been Updated", "Seeking Partnership Investment", "Specification For The Item Requested", "Products We Want To Purchase", "EUROJACKPOT", and "You Were Scammed A Huge Sum Of Money" are merely some of our latest articles on spam campaigns.

This mail is used to promote various scams, e.g., phishing, sextortion, refund, inheritance, tech support, lottery, and so forth. Additionally, spam is used to proliferate malware.

Due to how widespread deceptive emails/messages are and how well-made they can be – we strongly recommend exercising caution with incoming emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, etc.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Cyber criminals commonly use spam campaigns to distribute malware. These emails/messages can include infectious files as attachments or download links. The files can be documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

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

How to avoid installation of malware?

Incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages must be approached with care. Attachments or links found in suspicious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be harmful or virulent.

It must be mentioned that malware is not spread exclusively through spam mail. Therefore, we advise vigilance while browsing, as fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears genuine and harmless.

Furthermore, all downloads must be made from official and trustworthy sources. Another recommendation is to activate and update software using legitimate functions/tools, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updates may contain malware.

We must stress the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected threats/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 "Trustworthy Foreign Partner" spam email letter:

Subject: Hi

From. Paul Matondi

Tel: +27 844283910,

Dear Friend

I hope this message finds you well. We discovered your contact information during our search for a trustworthy foreign partner who can assist us in a critical matter. Please accept our apologies if this email causes any discomfort, as we are reaching out to you without prior acquaintance.

My name is Paul Matondi, and I am reaching out on behalf of my family. Due to the political crisis in Zimbabwe, we are currently refugees in South Africa and urgently need your assistance.

Our father, Sir Clifford Matondi, was a prominent farmer in Zimbabwe who opposed President Robert Mugabe’s land policies. As a result, our farm was destroyed, and our father was severely beaten, leading to his death. Before he passed, he deposited $30 million in a South African financial institution for purchasing farming equipment.

 

As refugees, we cannot access these funds. We seek your help to transfer the money out of South Africa by standing as our father's beneficiary, facilitated by his financial attorney.

In appreciation, we offer you 35% of the total funds, with 5% allocated for transfer-related expenses. The remaining 60% will help us start a new business in your country with your support.

Please respond if you are willing to assist, and we will provide further details.

Thank you and God bless,

Paul and Sandile Matondi
(On behalf of the Matondi Family)

Other examples of a foreign partner-themed phishing mails:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: Dear Friend,

 

Dear Friend,

Let me start by introducing myself, I am  Manager of Bank Of Africa Burkina Faso.

I am writing you this letter based on the latest development at my Department which I will like to bring to your personal edification.(10.5 million U.S Dollars transfer claims).

This is a legitimate transaction and I agreed to offer you 40% of this money as my foreign partner after confirmation of the fund in your bank account, if you are interested, get back to me with the following

details below.

(1)Your age........

(2)Your occupation.....

(3)Your marital status.....

(4)Your full residential address.......

(5)Your private phone and fax number and your complete name.......

As soon as I receive these data's, I will forward to you the application form which you will fill and send to the bank.

Kindly reach me on this email address (abduluzun1790@outlook.com)

Best Regard

Abdul Uzun

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: GOOD DAY

Dear Sir/Madam
I know, this letter will come to you as surprises as we never met before. My name is Mr. Johnny Mark , the director in charge of Chief Auditing and Accounting Unit of HSBC South Africa I and my colleagues, hope that you will not expose or betray this trust and confidant that am about to introduce to you for the mutual benefit of our both families. I am writing in respect of Mr. Christine Alalo of a foreign customer of HSBC who perished along with his next of kin with Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, flight number 801with the whole passengers on 10th of March 2019, Open and view the website: -
Now we are looking for a Foreign partnerwho will help us to Execute the Transfer ofЈ15.000.000,00 (Fifteen Million Pound) tohis or her account for Investment Purpose . We agreed to offer you 30%from the total amount. Ifyou are interested. Kindly Email us with your reply to (NCPBT2025@mail.com)

The chief auditor
Regards,
Johnny Mark
1st Floor, Court Chambers, Mandela Rhodes Place,
Corner of Wale and Burg Streets, Cape Town,
(H.S.B.C South Africa).
Tel: +27834613512

Sample 3:

Text presented within:

Subject: Re: Urgent Response

Good day -,

My name is Manuel Rabelais, a former minister from Angola. Please accept my apologies for reaching out through this medium, I found your contact while searching for a trustworthy individual or company interested in a discreet financial partnership.

I am currently seeking a sincere and reliable person who can either utilize or safeguard a significant sum of $20 million USD, on my behalf. This amount is available for either investment in a legitimate business venture or for safekeeping until I am able to personally oversee it in your country.

Due to unfortunate circumstances, I am currently being held in a detention center in Angola, facing charges related to alleged embezzlement. For further context, you may refer to the article titled "Angola jails former minister over corruption" published by Africanews. While I maintain my innocence and have filed an appeal with the High Court, my assets and properties are under threat of seizure by the government.

To protect the remaining funds, which are securely held in a private security vault abroad, I urgently need someone trustworthy to receive and hold them under their name. This must remain strictly confidential, and I kindly request that no third parties be involved.

In return for your assistance, I am prepared to offer you 15% of the total amount, with the remaining funds to be invested in a mutually agreed business under a shared-profit arrangement.

If you are willing to discuss this further, I will provide detailed information regarding the location and procedures involved. Your discretion and integrity will be highly valued in this matter.

Here is my private email: dr.rabelais57@gmail.com

Kind regards,
Hon. Dr. Manuel Rabelais

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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

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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

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Pick the step below that matches what you did. If multiple apply, work through them in the order they appear - the steps are arranged from lowest to highest risk.

7

You only clicked a link (didn't enter anything or download anything)

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

Close the page right away. Don't enter any information, even if the page looks legitimate.

• Clear your browser cache and cookies for the last hour - Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+Del → Last hour → check Cookies and Cached files
• Run a quick scan with Combo Cleaner in case the page tried to drop a file silently (drive-by download)
• Update your browser to the latest version - most drive-by exploits target outdated browsers
• Watch for new browser pop-ups, redirects, or unfamiliar notifications over the next few days

Why this matters

Modern browsers block most drive-by attacks, but a single click on a phishing page can still be enough on an outdated browser or unpatched plugin. A quick scan catches anything that landed silently.

8

You opened an attachment or downloaded a file - run a full malware scan

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

Opening an attachment is the most common path to actual infection. Treat the system as compromised until the scans below come back clean. Work through these sub-steps in order:

8.1Disconnect from the network

Unplug Ethernet and turn off Wi-Fi. If the attachment was an info-stealer or remote-access trojan, this stops it from sending data out or receiving commands. Keep the network off until you've booted into Safe Mode (next step) - you'll reconnect there briefly to download the scanners.

8.2Boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then download the scanners

Windows 11: Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: hold Shift, click Power → Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in 8.4) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in 8.5). Safe Mode loads only minimal drivers, so most malware can't auto-run while you're getting the tools. Save both installers to your Desktop.

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads - this is what catches rootkits and bootkits.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Install Combo Cleaner and run a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete fully, review what it found, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner will quarantine known trojans and remove their persistence in the registry.

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe). The binary expires every 10 days, which means every download has the latest signatures. Run a full scan after Combo Cleaner to catch anything one engine alone might miss.

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

Many email-borne trojans drop adware that hijacks browsers. Reset each browser you use:

Chrome: chrome://settings/reset → Restore settings to their original defaults. Then chrome://settings/content/notifications - remove unfamiliar sites.

Edge: edge://settings/reset. Then edge://settings/content/notifications.

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

8.7Re-enable Defender, Tamper Protection, and update everything

Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Then run Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and update browsers and applications.

Important

If the scans keep finding new threats on each run, or files reappear after deletion, you may have a deeper compromise that needs a clean Windows reinstall. See pcrisk's full manual malware removal guide for the extended procedure (Process Explorer, Autoruns, hosts file inspection).

9

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

Assume the attacker has your password and is using it right now. Speed matters.

1. Change the password from a different, known-clean device (your phone is fine if it's not infected). Don't reuse the old password anywhere else.
2. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already. Prefer an authenticator app or hardware key over SMS.
3. Sign out of all sessions - most platforms have a "sign out everywhere" option in security settings, which kicks the attacker out.
4. Review recent activity - look for unfamiliar logins, new devices, forwarding rules, or app permissions. Remove anything you don't recognize.
5. Check your other accounts - if you reused that password anywhere else, change it there too. Check your exposure at haveibeenpwned.com.
6. Update security questions - the attacker may have seen the answers in your account profile.

Why email comes first

If you only have time to change one password, change your primary email password - it's the recovery hub for every other account. An attacker who controls your email can reset everything else.

10

You sent money or shared bank, card, or ID details

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

Time is the single biggest factor in recovering money. Banks can sometimes recall a wire or reverse a card transaction within the first few hours.

1. Call your bank or card issuer immediately. Use the number on the back of the card, not any number from the scam email. Ask them to freeze the card, reverse the transaction if possible, and flag the account for fraud monitoring.
2. If you sent a wire transfer or used a money-transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle, Wise), call them directly and request a recall. Some can be reversed within minutes if reported fast.
3. If you sent cryptocurrency or gift cards, recovery is unlikely - but report it anyway, since law enforcement tracks these patterns.
4. File a police report. You'll need the report number for any insurance, bank, or credit-bureau claim. Save the report number.
5. File with the right authority for your country:
   • US: ic3.gov + reportfraud.ftc.gov
   • UK: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
   • Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
   • Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
   • EU: your national CERT or police cybercrime unit
6. Set fraud alerts on all major credit bureaus if you shared any ID details. US: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion (Cifas Protective Registration is a stronger option).
7. Save all evidence - the original email (with full headers), screenshots of the fake site, transaction records, any phone numbers or chat logs.

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

---

11

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

Reconnect to the network and run one final full scan with Combo Cleaner, followed by a Windows Defender quick scan. Then open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and switch to Startup apps - disable anything unfamiliar.

Make sure Windows, browsers, and any applications you use are fully up to date. The infection vector that worked on you once usually involves outdated software.

12

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most fraud follow-ups land in the first month. Until that window closes, keep watching:

• Bank and card statements - daily for the first week, then weekly
• Email - watch for password-reset confirmations or login alerts you didn't trigger
• Credit report - US: free at annualcreditreport.com; UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion all have free tiers
• Breach alerts - sign up at haveibeenpwned.com to be notified when your email appears in new leaks

If anything new appears in any of those, treat it as a continuing compromise: change passwords again, contact the bank again, and update the police report.

Important: If you didn't click anything, didn't reply, and didn't open any attachment, your computer is not infected - just delete the email and move on. If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there. That path catches the vast majority of email-borne malware without the risk of breaking Windows by deleting the wrong file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

Spam emails are not personal, even if they include details relevant to the recipients. These letters are sent out in massive operations – therefore, thousands of users receive identical messages.

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

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

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

Merely reading an email poses no infection threat; systems are infected when malicious attachments or links are opened/clicked.

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

If the opened file was an executable (.exe, .run, etc.) – most likely, yes – your device was infected. However, you might have avoided compromising the system if it was a document (.doc, .pdf, .one, .xls, etc.). Some formats may need additional interaction (e.g., enabling macro commands, clicking embedded files/links, etc.) to start malware download/installation chains.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove almost all known malware infections. It must be emphasized that performing a complete system scan is paramount since high-end malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.