How to recognize scams like "Etihad"

What kind of scam is "Etihad"?

Our examination of the email has shown that it is a scam aimed at tricking recipients into disclosing personal information. Emails of this type are called phishing emails, and they often impersonate trusted organizations or services to deceive recipients. It is important to recognize such emails and ignore them.

More about the "Etihad" scam email

The email claims to invite businesses to register as vendors for Etihad Aviation Group's upcoming projects and services, linked to "Adaireaexpo 2024/2025". Recipients are asked to request a "Vendor Questionnaire and Expression of Interest" document. It uses the name "Mrs. Fatima Fadia" as the sender and includes Etihad Airways details.

This is a phishing email designed to steal sensitive information under the guise of a partnership opportunity. Usually, scammers behind such emails seek to extract credit card details, ID card information, login credentials, or other details. If they achieve this, they can steal identities, personal accounts, money, or take other malicious actions.

Additionally, these scams can lead to computer infections if malicious attachments or links are clicked. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and avoid responding to unsolicited emails (and interacting with their contenrs like files or liks), especially if they are from unknown senders.

Similar scam emails in general

Phishing emails are designed to deceive recipients into sharing sensitive information, often leading to identity theft or financial loss. The scammers behind them often pretend to be legitimate companies or other entities by including names, addresses, logos, and other elements.

It is important to be cautious of unsolicited messages and verify their legitimacy before taking action. If emails of this kind contain files or links, they may be used to deliver malware. Some examples of scam emails are: "Message Sent Using DocuSign Service", "Mailbox Service Notification", and "New Salary Changes".

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Threat actors often embed malicious attachments or links in fraudulent emails to lure users into infecting their devices. The risk of infection depends on the file type; for example, executable files can trigger an immediate infection, while malicious Word documents (if opened with MS Office released in or after 2010) require the user to enable macros before activating the threat.

Clicking links in these deceptive emails may direct users to harmful websites, where malware could be automatically downloaded or require manual execution.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Keep your operating system and software up to date, and use reliable security tools for protection. Be cautious with links or attachments in suspicious emails, especially those from unknown senders. Avoid clicking on ads, pop-ups, or any content on untrustworthy websites. Always download files and software from trusted sources, such as official websites or reputable app stores.

Avoid using unreliable platforms, such as questionable websites, P2P networks, or third-party downloaders, and downloading pirated software, cracking tools, key generators, etc. 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 Etihad-themed scam email:

Subject: Expression Of Interest

Dear,

We are pleased to invite your esteemed company to participate in the vendor registration process and consider partnering with Etihad Aviation Group for our upcoming projects and services, in collaboration with our Adaireaexpo 2024/2025.

If you are interested in participating, please request the Vendor Questionnaire and Expression of Interest (EOI) document. We appreciate your prompt response and look forward to exploring potential collaborations. forward to exploring potential collaborations.

This opportunity is open to companies worldwide, and we welcome your interest.

Best regards,

Mrs. Fatima Fadia
Etihad Aviation Group PJSC (ETDAG)
Etihad Airways - Head Office
New Airport Road, Khalifa City
PO Box 35566, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Toll-Free: 800 - ETDAG (27335)"

Other examples of Etihad-themed spam emails:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: EOI Participation

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

Invitation notice for vendors registration and intending partners
for Etihad Aviation Group 2025/2026 projects.

Kindly confirm your interest in participation by requesting
Vendor Questionnaire and EOI.

We sincerely appreciate your interest in this invitation.

Regards

Mrs Halima Nasir
Marketing unit
Etihad Aviation Group

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: Etihad Vendor .Participation.

 

Dear Team,

Inviting your esteemed company for vendor registration and intending partners for Etihad Aviation Group projects and services.

This projects are open for all companies around the world, if you have intention to participate in the process, please confirm your interest by asking for Vendor Questionnaire and EOI..

Appreciate your interest in this invitation and look forward to your early response.

Regards

Mrs Fatima Fadia,

For Etihad Aviation Group PJSC (ETDAG)

Etihad Airways - Head office,

New Airport Road, Khalifa City,

PO Box 35566, Abu Dhabi,

United Arab Emirates.

Toll Free | 800 - ETDAG (27335)

Sample 3:

Text presented within:

Subject: Invitation for Vendor Registration for Etihad Aviation Group, UAE

Attn: Sir/Madam,

Greetings from Etihad Aviation Group, UAE.

We are inviting your esteemed company for vendor registration and intending partners for Etihad Aviation Group, UAE 2024/2025 projects.

These projects are open for all companies around the world, if you have any interest in participating, please confirm your interest by asking for Vendor Questionnaire and EOI.

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

Thanks, And Regards

Mr. Harry Morgan
Contractors Coordinator
Group Procurement & Contracts Shared Services Center
Etihad Aviation Group PJSC
Etihad Airways - Head office, New Airport Road,
Khalifa City, PO Box 35566, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates.
Email: venndor@etihadaviattiongroup.com

Sample 4:

Text presented within:

Subject: Re: Vendor Proposal

Dear Vendor,

We are excited to invite your company to register as a potential vendor for Etihad Aviation Group (EAG)
We are seeking reliable and quality-driven vendors to support our growth.

How to Register:
Kindly express your interest by requesting for the Vendor Questionnaire and EOI.

Thank you for your interest in partnering with us.

Regards
Mr. Anthony Miller
Contractors Coordinator
Email:inquiry@servicesetihadaviations.com
Group Procurement & Contracts Shared Services Center

Sample 5:

Text presented within:

Subject: Vendor Registration

Attn: Sir/Madam,

Greetings from Etihad Aviation Group, UAE.

We are happy to contact your company and also extend our invitation to your
esteemed company to Vendor/Contractor Partnership registration with Etihad
Aviation Group,UAE 2025/2026 projects.
If you have intention to participate in the process, please
confirm your interest by asking for Vendor Questionnaire and EOI.

We appreciate your interest in this invitation, and look forward to your
early response.

Best Regards,

Mr. Ben Stokes ,
Contractors Coordinator
Group Procurement & Contracts Shared Services Center Etihad Aviation Group
PJSC New Airport Road, Khalifa City.
P O Box 35566.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Email:vendorscontractor@tenderetihadae.com

Sample 6:

Text presented within:

Subject: Etihad Aviation 2025/2026 Partnership Registration

Honored Madam or Sir,

The Etihad Aviation Group UAE extends its greetings.
We are pleased to have reached out to you and extend an invitation to your prestigious company to sign up with Etihad Aviation UAE as a Vendor/Contractor Partnership.

We would also like to include your company in the procurement systems as a supplier, vendor, and potential partner for Etihad Aviation UAE's 2025–2026 projects.

It is available to all businesses worldwide to participate in these initiatives; if you are interested, please request the Vendor Questionnaire and EOI.

We value the time you have taken to reply to this invitation, projects@etihadaviationgroups.com is our official email address.

Greetings,

Vendor Procurement & Contracts
Shared Services Center Coordinator of Contractors,
Eng. Saeed Ahmad

Sample 7:

Text presented within:

Subject: Etihad Invitation For Registrations

Greetings of the day,

We are inviting your esteemed company for vendor registration and partnership for Etihad Aviation Group 2025/2027 projects.

These projects are open for both foreign and domestic companies/organizations, if you intend to participate in the process, confirm your interest by asking for the Vendor Questionnaire and Expression of Interest in response to this email.

We appreciate your interest in this invitation, and look forward to your early response.

Best Regards
Engr Tami Hassan,
Contractors Coordinator
Group Procurement & Contracts Shared Services Center
Etihad Aviation Group PJSC
Etihad Airways - Head office, New Airport Road,
Khalifa City, PO Box 35566, Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates.

Sample 8:

Text presented within:

Subject: Etihad Aviation 2026/2027 Partnership Invitation..

Dear Sir or Madam,

Etihad Aviation Group is preparing for upcoming projects scheduled for 2026–2027, and we would like to invite your company to consider supplying your products for these projects. Based on mutual interest and capability, your organization may be considered as a potential vendor, contractor, or business partner.

All companies from all regions are welcome to participate. If your organization is interested, please request the Vendor Questionnaire and Expression of Interest (EOI) form for further details on the evaluation process.

We look forward to your response.

Kind regards,
Mr. Saeed Ahmad
Contractors Coordinator
Vendor Procurement & Contracts
Shared Services Center
Etihad Aviation Group

Sample 9:

Text presented within:

Subject: Vendor/Contractor Partnership with Etihad Aviation UAE.

Good Day,

Greetings from the Etihad Aviation Group UAE.

We are happy to have gotten in touch with your company and offer your esteemed organization the opportunity to register as a Vendor/Contractor Partnership with Etihad Aviation UAE.

For Etihad Aviation UAE's 2026–2028 projects , we would also like to add your business to the procurement systems as a vendor, supplier, and possible partner.

Participation in these programs is open to all enterprises worldwide; if you want to participate, please indicate your interest by receiving the Vendor Questionnaire and EOI.

We appreciate you taking the time to respond to this invitation, and our official email address is admin@etihadairvendor.com

Sample 10:

Text presented within:

Subject: 2026/2028 Etihad Partnership Invitation

Dear Team,

Greetings from Etihad Aviation Group UAE.

We are currently reviewing and expanding our approved vendor list in preparation for upcoming projects scheduled for 2026–2028. Based on our market research and your company's profile, we would like to invite you to register as a potential vendor and contractor within our procurement system.

If you are interested in being considered, please confirm your interest by reply. Upon confirmation, we will share the Vendor Registration Questionnaire and Expression of Interest (EOI) documents for your review and completion.

We look forward to the opportunity to explore potential collaboration.

Kind regards,
Eng. Saeed Ahmad
Coordinator of Contractors
Vendor Procurement & Contracts

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Types of malicious emails:

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

Credential theft Phishing emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

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

Common subject lines

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

Extortion Sextortion emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Remote access Tech support scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

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

Common subject lines

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

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

---

1

Check the sender's actual address, not the display name

30 sec

The display name (the human-readable part) is trivial to fake. Always check the full address that comes after it. Common red flags:

• Domain mismatch - service@paypa1.com, support@micros0ft-help.com, look-alike domains using digits or extra hyphens
• Free-email impersonation - any "official" message from a bank, courier, or platform sent from a @gmail.com, @outlook.com, or @yahoo.com address
• Reply-To mismatch - the From address looks legitimate but Reply-To points somewhere completely different

Why this matters

Real companies own their domains and send mail from them. A "DHL" message from a Gmail address is never legitimate, regardless of how convincing the body looks.

2

Watch for urgency, threats, and generic greetings

30 sec

Scams almost always rush you. The point is to make you act before you think. Treat any of the following as a strong signal:

• "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
• "Final notice" / "Immediate action required"
• "Dear Customer" or "Dear User" instead of your real name
• Threats of fines, account closure, legal action, or arrest
• Promises of refunds, prizes, or money you didn't earn
• Spelling and grammar mistakes in messages claiming to come from a major brand

3

Hover over every link before clicking

30 sec

On a desktop, hover the mouse over the link without clicking. The real destination shows in the bottom-left status bar of your browser or email client. On a phone, long-press the link to preview the URL.

• Real Microsoft, PayPal, or bank links go to those exact domains, not redirects through unrelated sites
• Shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl, t.co) hide the real destination - never click them in unsolicited mail
• The visible link text and the actual URL must match - mismatches are the single biggest phishing red flag

Pro tip

When in doubt, don't click the link. Open a new browser tab and type the company's address yourself, then log in normally. If there really is an issue with your account, you'll see it there.

4

Treat unexpected attachments as hostile

30 sec

If you didn't ask for the file, don't open it - even if it appears to come from someone you know. Categories that should never be opened from email without verification through another channel:

• .exe, .scr, .iso, .img, .vbs, .bat - executables, never legitimate attachments
• .docx, .xlsx, .pptx with "Enable macros" prompts - the macros run the malware
• .pdf with "Click here to view" buttons - usually a phishing redirect, not a real document
• .zip, .rar, .7z archives, especially password-protected ones - the password defeats the email scanner

Phase 2~ 2 min

Report and delete - if you haven't engaged

---

If you only received the email and didn't reply, click, or open anything, the steps below are all you need. Your computer is not infected.

5

Don't reply, don't click "unsubscribe"

30 sec

Replying confirms your address is real and monitored, which gets you added to higher-value scam lists. The "unsubscribe" link in a scam message is rarely a real opt-out - it usually leads to a phishing page or downloads a tracking pixel.

Instead, mark the message as junk or phishing inside your email client (this trains the spam filter), then block the sender.

6

Report the scam to your email provider and authorities

1 min

Inside your email client:

• Gmail: open the message → ⋮ menu → Report phishing
• Outlook / Outlook.com: ⋯ menu → Report → Report phishing
• Apple Mail / iCloud: Move to Junk, then forward to reportphishing@apple.com

Forward or report to authorities:

• International: forward to reportphishing@apwg.org
• United States: ic3.gov (FBI)
• United Kingdom: forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC SERS); for financial loss report at reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
• Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
• Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
• EU: your national CERT - find yours via the ENISA CSIRT map

After reporting, delete the email and empty the Trash folder so you don't accidentally open it later.

Phase 3~ 10–60 min

Recover - if you already engaged with the scam

---

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

7

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

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

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

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

Why this matters

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

8

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

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

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

8.1Disconnect from the network

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

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

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

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

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

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

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

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

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

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

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

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

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

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

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

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

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

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

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

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

Important

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

9

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

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

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

Why email comes first

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

10

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

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

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

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

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

---

11

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

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

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

12

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

Fraudsters send the same email to all recipients, hoping that someone will be tricked. Their emails are not personal.

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

If you have shared any login credentials, change all passwords. Contact the relevant authorities immediately if you have disclosed other personal information, such as credit card details or ID card information.

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

It depends on the file. For example, executable files pose a high risk of infection, as they can cause immediate infection when opened. Documents (like .pdf, .doc, or similar) require additional interaction.

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

Opening an email is harmless. However, clicking on links within the email or opening attached files can lead to system infections.

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

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known malware infections. However, it is important to remember that advanced malware often hides deep within the system, so performing a full system scan is recommended.