How to identify fraudulent emails like "Fund Transaction"

What is "Fund Transaction"?

We have examined the email and determined that it is a scam email designed to trick recipients into believing they can receive a large sum of money. Typically, scammers behind such emails seek to extract money and (or) personal information from unsuspecting recipients. Such emails should be ignored.

More about the "Fund Transaction" scam email

The scam email claims to be from Mama Graca Machel Mandela. It says that a $60.5 million transfer proposal discussed in a previous email was concluded with someone else. The recipient is promised $250,000 as compensation for their previous involvement. The email instructs them to contact Mr. Simpiwe K. Tshabalala at Standard Bank of South Africa to claim the funds.

The sender claims to be out of South Africa for medical treatment and urges immediate contact to begin the process. This email falls into the category of advance-fee scams, where scammers aim to deceive recipients into contacting them and paying upfront fees or providing personal information.

Scammers behind such emails usually request personal information like full name, address, date of birth, banking details, ID card information, or other details. Falling for such emails may result in identity theft, monetary loss, and (or) other issues. Thus, individuals who receive suspicious emails like the one described in this article should be careful and not respond to scammers.

Similar scam emails in general

In conclusion, emails promising large sums of money, especially from unfamiliar senders, are usually scams designed to trick recipients into providing personal information or making payments. In order to avoid falling for such fraudulent schemes, it is important to be careful, verify the legitimacy of any unexpected offers, and not share sensitive information online without analyzing emails, websites, or other platforms.

Some examples of similar scam emails are "Trustworthy Foreign Partner", "Donation To Selected Grant Recipients Email Scam", and "Seeking Partnership Investment Email Scam". It is worth noting that scam emails can contain links or files. Moreover, their contents can be used to trick users into infecting computers.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Emails designed to distribute malware include malicious links and attachments to deceive recipients into downloading malware on their devices. Malicious links in these emails can direct users to websites that automatically download malware or persuade them to download malicious files.

Attachments in these deceptive emails can infect devices through various methods. For example, malicious Microsoft Office documents may inject malware after users enable macro commands. Malicious executables can infect devices when opened. Other types of files used to distribute malware include archives (like ZIP and RAR), PDF documents, ISO files, and JavaScript files.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Always use reliable sources (official web pages or app stores) when downloading software or files. Carefully examine unexpected emails from unknown addresses, especially when they contain links or files. Do not download pirated software, cracking tools, or unofficial key generators. Avoid interacting with ads, buttons, and pop-ups on dubious websites.

Do not allow suspicious web pages to send you notifications. Regularly update the operating system and installed software and scan your computer for threats. Use a reputable security solution for computer protection. 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 "Fund Transaction" email letter:

Subject: JUST TO THANK YOU.

18/06/2024
 
Beloved Friend,
 
How are you today? Hope all is well with you and your family? I hope this mail meets you in a perfect condition.   
You may not understand why this mail came to you. But if you do not remember me, you might have received an email from me in the past regarding the $60.5 Million transfer proposal which we never concluded. I am using this opportunity to inform you that the transfer has been concluded with another person who financed it to a logical conclusion.

I thank you for your great effort to put our unfinished transaction of funds into your account due to one reason or the other best known to you. But I want to inform you that I have successfully transferred the fund out of the bank here in South Africa to my new partner's account in China that was capable of assisting me in this great venture.   

Due to your effort, sincerity, courage and trustworthiness you showed during the course of the transaction I want to compensate you and show my gratitude to you with the sum of $250,000.(Two hundred and Fifty thousand United States dollars). I have left an international bank Cheque for you worth $250,000 .My dear friend, I want you to contact Mr. Simpiwe K. Tshabalala of the Standard bank of South Africa In Johannesburg, South Africa to let you receive your funds.

I have authorized him to release the fund  to you as soon as you contact him regarding this issue. At the moment, I am out of South Africa for my medical treatment. I do not know when I will be going back to South Africa because after my medical treatment I will be going to Istanbul, Turkey. Please I will like you to accept this token with good faith as this is from the bottom of my heart. Also comply with Mr. Simpiwe k. Tshabalala so that he will let you receive your money without any delay, contact him on the below e-mail address and call  him also on the telephone number below:
 
Name: Simpiwe Kenneth Tshabalala   
E-mail: standardbkbank@africamail.com   
Telephone: +27835932648   
Address: Johannesburg Standard bank South Africa.   
Do contact him immediately and receive your money urgently.   
Thank you for putting in effort to assist me and keeping things very confidential   
despite  not concluding the transfer with you. God bless you.    
Sincerely,    
Mama Graca Machel Mandela.

Other examples of fund transaction-themed spam emails:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: [[SPAM]]ALERT ABOUT YOUR FUND

HSBC BANK PLC LONDON.(REGISTERED NO.1026167).
ADDRESS: 8 CANADA SQUARE, CANARY WHARF, LONDON E14 5HQ, UK.

Attn: Beneficiary,

We write to inform you that Series of meetings that was held with the Secretary General of United Nations,U.S Department of State and Africa Union Organization this ended last week.

During the meeting we discovered that you have not receive your funds due to past corrupt Government Officials who almost held the funds to themselves for their selfish reason, who have taken advantage of your fund all in an attempt to defraud you, which has led to unnecessary delay in releasing the funds to you.

The as stated above has already passed a payment mandate to our bank, to clear all over due Contract funds, Lottery winnings and Inheritance/Investment funds owed to you and other individuals/organizations who have been found not to receive their long overdue payment.

A woman by name (MRS: CINDY MAY A CITIZEN OF USA) contact us with an application stating that you gave her the power of attorney to be the beneficiary of your Outstanding funds. She made us to believe that you are dead and that she is your next of kin. We decided to send you email through this address hoping to find out if what she said is true before we can take any action because of the sensitive nature of the transaction and the amount of money that is involved:

For the immediate release of the sum of $21.5M to you legally as the legal recipient if you are alive and did not authorize Cindy May, you are required to send YOUR FULL NAME, CURRENT ADDRESS, CELL PHONE AND FAX NUMBER if any for onward proceeding on how you are going to receive the said funds legally without any problem either now or in future. Treat as urgent.

Yours Sincerely,

Mr. Noel Quinn
HSBC Chief Executive Officer .

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Address: 760 United Nations Plaza,
Manhattan, New York City, New York, US.

Dated: 01/05/2025

Ref; (OVERDUE REGISTERED FILE NO.1026167/25).
 
Dear email Beneficiary ********,

I am writing to inform you that a series of our first Quarter of the Year 2025 Meetings with the European Union head of the Controls, Secretary General of the United Nations, U.S. Department of State, Asian/Middle East, and African Union Organization ended today.

During the meeting, we discovered that you have not received your funds due to past corrupt Government Officials who almost kept the funds to themselves for selfish reasons. These officials have taken advantage of your funds in an attempt to defraud you, which has led to unnecessary delay in releasing the funds to you.

As stated above has already passed a payment mandate to our bank, to clear all overdue Contract funds, Lottery winnings, and Inheritance/Investment funds pending owed to you and other individuals/organizations who have been found not to receive their long overdue payment for some years back.

A woman by your name (MRS: CINDY MAY A CITIZEN OF CANADIAN) contacted us with an application stating that you gave her a power of attorney to be the beneficiary of your Outstanding funds. She made us believe that you are dead and that she is your next of kin. I have decided to send you an email through this address hoping to find out if what she said is true before we can take any action because of the sensitive nature of the transaction and the amount of money that is involved:

For the immediate release of the sum of $21.5M to you legally as the legal recipient, if you are alive and did not authorize Cindy May, you are required to Reconfirm YOUR FULL NAME, AGE, OCCUPATION, CURRENT ADDRESS, CELL PHONE, AND FAX NUMBER if any for onward proceeding on how you are going to receive the said funds legally without any problem either now or in future. Treat it as urgent.

Yours Sincerely,

Mrs. Tatiana Valovaya,
The Chief Executive Director-General of the United Nations ( UN ) Headquarters.
Email: tatianavalovaya@nycmail.com
Email: info.response@yandex.com

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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

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11

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

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

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

12

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

These emails are not personal. Scammers send identical emails to numerous email addresses at once. Their goal is to trick at least one recipient.

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

If you have sent account credentials like passwords and usernames to scammers, it is crucial to update all passwords immediately. If you have disclosed other personal information, such as credit card details or ID card information, contact the relevant authorities.

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

Whether your computer is infected depends on the type of malicious file you downloaded and opened. For example, executables can infect computers without further interaction. However, malicious MS Office documents usually require users to enable macros commands to infiltrate malware.

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

No, merely opening an email is safe. Computer infections can occur when recipients interact with malicious links or attachments within fraudulent emails.

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

Combo Cleaner has the capability to detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. However, sophisticated malware may be deeply hidden in the system, necessitating a full system scan for removal.