Avoid getting scammed by fake "Saudi Aramco" emails

What is the "Saudi Aramco" email scam?

"Saudi Aramco email scam" refers to spam campaigns impersonating business offers from Saudi Aramco. We investigated four email variants distributed through said campaigns. However, this is a longstanding scam with many email versions.

It must be emphasized that these spam emails are not associated with the actual Saudi Arabian Oil Group (Saudi Aramco) or any other legitimate entities.

"Saudi Aramco" email scam overview

Typically, "Saudi Aramco" scam emails are presented as business offers and have been widely used to target the oil and gas industries. Older campaigns distributed malicious attachments (primarily Microsoft Excel documents) that, upon macro command enablement, infected victims' systems with Formbook malware.

We investigated four email versions associated with these campaigns. The letters had the following subject lines – "Aramco Project Request for Organizations & Customers 2023–2024", "Special Invitation, Aramco", "VENDORS EOI", and "Aramco Projects 2024 - 2025" (subjects may vary).

These emails are disguised as offers for potential partners, suppliers, vendors, and contractors. Recipients are requested to provide EOIs (Expression Of Interest) / ITTs (Invitation To Tender) and Vendor Questionnaires.

It must be stressed that the information in these letters is false, and this mail is in no way affiliated with the real Saudi Arabian Oil Group (Saudi Aramco).

EOIs and Vendor Questionnaires can include highly sensitive information that cyber criminals may abuse for a host of nefarious purposes.

While the four samples we examined had no malicious files attached to or linked inside them, it is not out of the question that the goal is to infect corporate networks. The emails lure recipients into contacting the scammers – hence, well-disguised infectious files could be sent at some point during the communication.

Therefore, victims of this scam could experience trojans, ransomware, or other malware infections. The risks associated can be of great significance, ranging from vulnerable information expose and public data leaks to data encryption for exorbitant decryption ransoms.

Alternatively, the scam could be facilitated through phishing files or sites that target log-in credentials of various accounts, personally identifiable information, or finance-related data. Additionally, scammers can ask victims to send them money directly under the guise of paying taxes or fees.

To summarize, by trusting an email like "Saudi Aramco" – users can experience system infections, data loss, severe privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

If you suspect that your network is already infected – perform a complete system scan with an anti-virus and eliminate all detected threats.

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

Spam campaigns in general

We have investigated numerous spam campaigns; "Mitsubishi Corp. email scam", "Email Account Requires Verification", "Messages Have Been Blocked By Your Server", "Password Nearing Expiration", "Products We Want To Purchase", "SWIFT - Outward Wire Transfer Confirmation", "Order Details", and "Specification For The Item Requested" are merely some of our latest articles.

This mail is used to promote various scams, such as phishing, advance fee, refund, technical support, inheritance, lottery, etc. It is also utilized in malware proliferation. False claims are used to gain and subsequently abuse victims' trust.

While the commonly held belief that spam emails are full of mistakes is not untrue, it is not always the case. These letters can be competently made and even convincingly disguised as messages from legitimate entities (e.g., corporations, companies, organizations, authorities, etc.).

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

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

When an infectious file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the malware download/installation chain is triggered. Some formats need extra interaction to initiate infection processes. For example, Microsoft Office files require users to enable macro commands (i.e., editing/content), while OneNote documents need them to click embedded files or links.

How to avoid installation of malware?

It is paramount to approach incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages with vigilance. We advise against opening attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail, as they can be harmful or infectious.

It must be mentioned that malware is not spread exclusively via spam mail. Therefore, we recommend caution when browsing since fraudulent and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous.

Another recommendation is to download only from official and trustworthy channels. Additionally, software must be activated and updated using functions/tools provided by genuine developers, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updates may contain malware.

It is essential for device integrity and user safety to have a dependable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. If you've already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the first "Saudi Aramco" spam email variant:

Subject: Aramco Project Request for Organizations & Customers 2023–2024

Hello -,

We are extending an invitation to your valued company (-) to register as potential suppliers and partners for the Saudi Aramco Petroleum Refineries UAE 2023–2024 projects. Are all companies from around the world open to this project? If you're interested in participating, kindly request the EOI and Vendor's Questionnaire. We appreciate your interest in this invitation and look forward to receiving your prompt response.

Kind Regards,

Frida Abdul Assistant Project Manager.
Saudi Arabia Oil Company (Aramco) Al-Midra Tower Building 3rd floor, East Wing Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia.

Other examples of emails from Saudi Aramco spam campaign:

Sample 1:

Text presented in this email variant:

Subject: Special Invitation, Aramco

Hello,
We extend a vivid invitation to your valued company to register as a potential supplier/vendor for Saudi Aramco company, on special projects for the last quarters of 2024/2025 respectively.
Companies from across the globe are open to these opportunities. If you are interested in participating, kindly request for EOI and Vendor's Questionnaire Form.
We appreciate your interest and look forward to assist you on the path to Saudi Aramco.

Kind Regards,

Khojandi, Abdulrahman H (SAO)
Strategic Sourcing Unit
Saudi Aramco
Al-Midra Tower Building 3rd floor,
East Wing Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
Email: abdulrahman@aramcoengage.com
Saudi Aramco, Al-Midra Tower Building 3rd floor, East Wing Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
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Sample 2:

Text presented in this email variant:

Subject: VENDORS EOI

Greetings Sir/Madam,

We are extending an invitation to your valued company to register as a potential Vendor/suppliers and partners for the Aramco Petroleum Refineries 2024–2025 projects.

These initiatives offers a remarkable opportunities for cooperation and are accessible to businesses from across the world. We respectfully ask that you request the Vendors Questionnaire and EOI (Expression of Interest) if your organization is interested in participating in this endeavor.

We will give you the information you need to commence your registration with these projects upon your request. Our dedicated team will then reach out to guide you through the subsequent steps.

We appreciate your interest in this invitation and look forward to receiving your prompt response.

Kind Regards,

TALAL OMAR
Vendor Coordinator Group Procurement & Contracts Shared Services
Center
Saudi Aramco
P.O. Box 5000, Dhahran, 31311,
projects@aramco-tender.com
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sample 3:

Text presented in this email variant:

Subject: Aramco Projects 2024 - 2025

Hello Sir/Madam

We are extending an invitation to your valued company to register as potential suppliers/contractors and partners for the Aramco Petroleum Refineries and other projects for 2024–2025.
All companies from across the world are open to this project, if you're interested in participating, kindly request the EOI and Vendor's Questionnaire Form.
We appreciate your interest in this invitation and look forward to receiving your prompt response.

Kind Regards,

Abdulrahman Mahfouz
Assistant Project Manager.
Saudi Arabia Oil Company(Aramco)
Al-Midra Tower Building 3rd floor,
East Wing Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia.
Email:director@saudiarabianationaloil-ae.net

Sample 4:

Text presented within:

Subject: Strategic Supplier Partnership

Hello,

We extend a vivid invitation to your valued company to register as a potential supplier/vendor for Saudi Aramco company, as we source services and materials from the global market in response to the recent change in global Economic Tariffs.

As a valued company in the industry, we believe that your participation in the Aramco Program will not only contribute to your business growth but also align with the national vision for economic localization and diversification for sustainable development of our kingdom.
Companies from across the globe are open to these opportunities and if you are interested in participating, kindly request for EOI and Vendor's Questionnaire Form. We appreciate your interest and look forward to assisting you on the path to Saudi Aramco.

Do let me know if you require any additional information or support, or if you would like to book an online meeting.

Warm Regards,

Mr. Nabeel A. Al-Jama
منسق الموردين، مجموعة المشتريات والعقود، مركز الخدمات المشتركة
© شركة النفط الوطنية السعودية (أرامكو)
أرامكو السعودية
ص.ب. 5000
الظهران 31311
المملكة العربية السعودية

Vendor Coordinator Group Procurement & Contracts Shared Services Center
© Saudi Arabia National Oil Company (ARAMCO)
Saudi Aramco
P.O. Box 5000
Dhahran 31311
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Email: vendor@aramcoengaged.com
Websites: www.aramco.com
Saudi Aramco, North Admin Building, P.O. Box 5000, Dhahran, Eastern Province, 31311, Saudi Arabia.
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Sample 5:

Text presented within:

Subject: Luberef - Supplier Partnership

Hello,

As we seek services and materials from the global market in response to recent developments in the global economy, we kindly invite your esteemed organization to register as a possible supplier or vendor for Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company - Luberef.

As a reputable firm in the sector, we think that your involvement in the Luberef's Program will support our national goal of economic localization and diversification for the long-term prosperity of our wonderful kingdom, in addition to helping your company expand.
These possibilities are available to businesses worldwide; if you would like to participate, please request the Vendor's Questionnaire Form and EOI. We are grateful for your interest and want to help you get to Luberef. Do let me know if you require any additional information or support, or if you would like to book an online meeting.

Warm Regards,

Faisal Al-Qahtani
منسق مجموعة المشتريات والعقود مركز الخدمات المشتركة
© شركة أرامكو السعودية للزيوت الأساسية - لوبريف
مبنى رقم 7168، شارع الميناء،
صندوق بريد 5518، مصفاة جدة،
جدة، 22411، المملكة العربية السعودية

Coordinator Group Procurement & Contracts Shared Services Center
© Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company - Luberef
Building No. 7168, Al Minaa Street,
P.O. Box 5518, Jeddah Refinery,
Jeddah, 22411, Saudi Arabia
Website: www.luberef.com
Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company - Luberef, Building No. 7168, Al Minaa Street, P.O. Box 5518, Jeddah Refinery, Jeddah, 22411, Saudi Arabia
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Sample 6:

Text presented within:

Subject: SOA Payment Document, Payment Plans Terms

Saudi Aramco Oil & Gas Shared SOA New Payment Plan For October
Unknown profile photo
Saudi Aramco Oil & Gas Company has sent a message regarding the following spreadsheet for the list of items needed and the payment plans for October.
Item List.pdf #ME-7021 is here
Item List for Purchase via TT paymentView SOA Payment Document; Payment Plans for next year & Terms
You have received this email because ******** shared a spreadsheet with you from G00gle Sheets.

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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?

Regardless of any relevant information that they may include, spam emails are not personal. This data is typically obtained from publicly available sources or through phishing scams. Cyber criminals distribute this mail by the thousand with the hopes that at least some recipients will fall for their scams.

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

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

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

No, reading an email is harmless. Devices 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?

Whether the system was compromised might depend on the format of the opened file. Once launched, executables (.exe, .run, etc.) trigger (malware) download/installation processes almost without fail. Some other formats – like documents (.doc, .xls, .pdf, etc.) – might need additional user interaction to initiate infection chains (e.g., enabling macro commands, clicking embedded content, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and removing practically all known malware infections. Keep in mind that performing a full system scan is crucial since high-end malicious programs usually hide deep within systems.