Do not trust fake "Contract/Inheritance/Winning Payment" emails

What kind of email is "Contract/Inheritance/Winning Payment"?

After reading this "Contract/Inheritance/Winning Payment" email, we determined that it is spam. It claims that the recipient did not receive their contract, inheritance, or prize payment – and to withdraw it, they must provide their details.

The information in this email is false and in no way associated with any genuine entities. This is a phishing campaign that targets personally identifiable data.

"Contract/Inheritance/Winning Payment" email scam overview

The spam email with the subject "PAYMENT" (may vary) is presented as a missive from South Africa's foreign payment committee office, specifically – the contract/inheritance payment resolution panel. The recipient is informed that their file has been reviewed, and the reason why they have not received their contract/inheritance/winning payment has been discovered.

The corruption of a bank director was the cause, and their financial fraud and creation of unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles have affected many victims in the first quarter of this year. The individual responsible has been fired, and the recipient can now proceed with their payment of 1,5 million USD, which can be carried out within 48 hours.

Supposedly, the transfer will be handled with a legitimate South African bank, as instructed by the Minister of Finance. The recipient will be sent an ATM card with their funds, which they will be able to use across the globe.

The letter instructs the recipient to contact the card payment center and provide them the reference code, which is included in the email. The recipient is also to send their personal information – a copy of an ID card or passport, full name, address, phone and fax numbers.

It must be emphasized that the claims made by this email are false. This mail is not associated with legitimate governmental bodies and offices of the Union of South Africa, the Nedbank Group, Enoch Godongwana – South Africa's Minister of Finance since August 2021, or any other public figures and entities.

The information targeted by the "Contract/Inheritance/Winning Payment" spam campaign can be used for a variety of nefarious activities, including identity theft. It is pertinent to mention that scams of this kind often request victims to pay fake taxes or fees, thus tricking them into sending scammers money.

To summarize, victims of spam mail like "Contract/Inheritance/Winning Payment" can experience severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

If you have already disclosed your personally identifiable information or finance-related data – contact the appropriate authorities.

Phishing spam campaign examples

"Message Sent Using DocuSign Service", "Mailbox Service Notification", "New Salary Changes", "Webmail Validation Notice", "Email Address Included In The Blacklist", and "Truist - Disputed Transactions Posted To Your Account" are just some of our latest articles on phishing emails.

This mail primarily seeks personally identifiable data, log-in credentials (usernames/passwords), and finance-related information. Various scams are promoted through spam mail, and it is utilized in malware proliferation.

While these emails are often poorly written and riddled with mistakes, they can be competently put together and even convincingly disguised as mail from legitimate entities (e.g., companies, service providers, authorities, organizations, institutions, etc.).

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Spam campaigns distribute malware through infectious files that can be attached to or linked inside these emails/messages. These files come in various formats, e.g., archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, PDF, etc.), JavaScript, and so on.

Merely opening a virulent file can be enough to trigger malware download/installation. However, some formats require additional actions to jumpstart infection processes. For example, Microsoft Office files need users to enable macro commands (i.e., editing/content), while OneNote documents require them to click on embedded files or links.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly recommend approaching incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages with caution. Do not open attachments or links present in suspicious/irrelevant mail, as they can be harmful or infectious.

However, malware is proliferated using various methods. The Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content – hence, be careful when browsing.

Additionally, download only from official and verified sources. Activate and update programs using genuine functions/tools, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updates can contain malware.

It is paramount for device integrity and user safety to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats. 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 "Contract/Inheritance/Winning Payment" spam email letter:

PO BOX 15, CAPE TOWN, 8000 PARLIAMENT STREET, CAPE TOWN

OFFICE OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN PAYMENT

(RESOLUTION PANEL ON CONTRACT/INHERITANCE PAYMENT)

PO BOX 15, CAPE TOWN, 8000 PARLIAMENT STREET, CAPE TOWN

Good day -,

This to inform you officially that we have verified your contract /inheritance/Winning file and found out why you have not received your payment is because you are still dealing with expelled/sacked Bank Directors in respect of your contract / inheritance payment due to you and with the deviance behavior of the fired bank director handling your transfer, particularly during the first quarter of this year, so many individuals like you were victims of scam, characterized by confusion and due to fraudulent and corrupt Bank officials making you to go through untold hardship and pain

 

Our aim is to critically assess established approaches to the subject at the same time as demonstrating ways in which you might receive payment due to you within 48hrs from today

Realistically we have integrated your payment through the Ned credit bank office, which is the latest instruction by MINISTER OF FINANCE Enoch Godongwana during the midterm budget speech

Enoch Godongwana indicated that the National Treasury - Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Would facilitate your payment within 48hrs from the time you send your details and you are entitled to (US$1,500,000.00)

The ATM center will send an ATM card that would be used to withdraw money in any ATM machine in any part of the world, please contact the card payment center and also send the following information:

 

1. Your full names

2. Phone and fax number

3. Address

4. A copy of your identity

Mr. MICHAEL MALAKASA

Director ATM Swift Card Center

EMAIL: m.malakasa@yandex.com, Q578698@bigmir.net

PHONE: +27-634910274

Note: Due to imposters, we request you present this reference code to the ATM Card officer BK/ATMSCXX0X5X9X3X21 when contacting him

 

Please make sure that your reply goes through any of the ATM Director email as stated above. We are sorry for PAIN you must have gone through.

On behalf of the Republic of South Africa

WHO WE ARE

Parliament plays a direct and active role in national affairs. It is the place where the members of Parliament look after your interests. Members of Parliament (MPs) have many responsibilities, including -

Appearance of the "Contract/Inheritance/Winning Payment" spam email (GIF):

Another example of an email from "Contract/Inheritance/Winning Payment" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

Subject: Citi Bank Settlement Fund Approved

FROM OFFICE OF MR.DENIS K. MONTAG,
FUND OPERATIONAL MANAGER CITI BANK
NEW YORK,UNITED STATES
OUR REF: CBUSAX0025-ODCS/25
YOUR REF:CBUSA/WB/IMF/USA-25

PAYMENT APPROVED URGENT NOTICE

THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION DEVELOPMENT (ECOD),WITH THE
EFFORTS OF THE WORLD BANK TO SYNERGIZE INTERNATIONAL ADVANCES IN THE AREA OF EXTERNAL DEBT
STATISTICS.DUE TO THIS NEWLY LAUNCHED ORGANIZATION, THE WORLD BANK HAS GRATIFIED THE
INTERNATIONAL DEBT MANAGEMENT TO LOOK INTO AND RELEASE ALL OUTSTANDING BENEFICIARY
CONTRACTORS/WORKERS THAT ARE DUE FOR PAYMENT WITH US. IN THIS REGARDS, YOU ARE AMONG THE LUCKY NAMES SELECTED AMONG THE UNSETTLED BENEFICIARY CONTRACTORS/WORKERS WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEIR PAYMENTS.

I WISH TO INFORM YOU THAT THE INTERNATIONAL DEBT MANAGEMENT WAS APPROVED AND
INSTRUCTED BY WORLD DEBT ORGANIZATION & WORLD BANK TO PROCESS AND RELEASE ALL THE
OUTSTANDING DUE PAYMENTS.

WE OFFICIALLY NOTIFY YOU THROUGH THIS EMAIL, THAT THE WORLD BANK IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE UNITED STATES SET ASIDE US$3.4BILLION TO PAY IN GOOD CLAIMS FROM FOREIGN INHERITANCE FUND (NEXT OF KIN); IN LINE WITH THIS THE UNITED STATES ON FOREIGN DEBT MATTERS (USFDM) ORDERED, THAT CONTRACTORS AND NEXT-OF-KINS WHOSE FILE HAVE SHOWN SUFFICIENT PROOF REGARDING JOB EXECUTION AND DEBT OUTSTANDING BE SETTLED WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY. WE WISH TO INFORM YOU THAT YOUR FILE WAS FORWARDED TO US THE CITI BANK BY VARIOUS OFFICES AND
DEPARTMENT SHOWING THAT YOU HAVE FULFILLED ALL CONDITIONS NECESSARY TO RECEIVE YOUR PAYMENT.

THE DELAYED REASONS FOR YOUR DUE PROLONGED PAYMENT WAS BECAUSE OF COUNTER-CLAIM ON YOUR
FUND, THIS NECESSITATED ALL THE NEEDFUL DOCUMENTS RELATING TO YOUR CONTRACT PAYMENT, WHICH WE WERE CONVINCED THAT YOU ARE THE BONA-FIDE BENEFICIARY TO THE FUND. THERE
WAS ATTEMPTS TO DIVERT YOUR PAYMENT TO FOREIGN ACCOUNT WHICH WAS DONE BY YOUR LOCAL
REPRESENTATIVES IN COLLABORATION WITH SOME OFFICIALS AND MOST OF THE OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN
SEVERAL EXECUTIVE IN THIS MISCONDUCT HAVE BEEN SACKED.

I HEREBY TO INFORM YOU THIS DAY THAT YOUR INHERITANCE SUM CALCULATED US$23.3M SHALL BE PAID
TO YOU VIA ATM CARD / BANK TO BANK WIRE TRANSFER OR ANY OTHER WAY YOU CHOOSE TO RECEIVE YOUR US$23.3M SHALL BE PAID TO YOU DUE TO RULES/REGULATION GUIDING BANK SECRECY ACT(BSA). BE AWARE THAT ALL NECESSARY MODALITIES CONCERNING THE RELEASE OF YOUR FUND HAVE REGULARIZED, YOU ARE REQUIRE OF MAXIMUM HONESTY CONCENTRATION TO MAKE THIS ATM CARD OR BANK TO BANK WIRE TRANSFER TO BE DELIVERED TO YOU WITHIN 72HRS.

FINALLY, KINDLY PROVIDE THE DETAILED INFORMATION BELOW AND GET BACK TO US FOR YOUR ATM CARD OR BANK TO BANK WIRE TRANSFER TO BE DELIVERED TO YOU WITHIN 72HRS.

YOUR FULL:
RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.
PERSONAL PHONE/MOBILE NO:
AGE:
OCCUPATION:
COPY OF YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE:

PLEASE PROVIDE THE ABOVE INFORMATION ACCURATELY, BECAUSE THIS OFFICE WILL NOT BE HELD
LIABLE FOR ANY WRONG DELIVERY OF FUNDS VIA ATM CARD OR ONLINE BANKING.THANKS FOR BANKING WITH CITI BANK WHILE WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU WITH THE BEST OF OUR SERVICE.

YOURS TRULY

MR.DENIS K. MONTAG
FUND OPERATIONAL MANAGER
HEAD FOREIGN TRANSFER DEPARTMENT CITI
BANK NEW YORK,UNITED STATES

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Types of malicious emails:

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

Credential theft Phishing emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

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

Common subject lines

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

Extortion Sextortion emails

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

Common subject lines

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

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Remote access Tech support scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

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

Common subject lines

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

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

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

Common subject lines

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

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

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1

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

30 sec

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

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

Why this matters

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

2

Watch for urgency, threats, and generic greetings

30 sec

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

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

3

Hover over every link before clicking

30 sec

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

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

Pro tip

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

4

Treat unexpected attachments as hostile

30 sec

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

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

Phase 2~ 2 min

Report and delete - if you haven't engaged

---

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

5

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

30 sec

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

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

6

Report the scam to your email provider and authorities

1 min

Inside your email client:

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

Forward or report to authorities:

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

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

Phase 3~ 10–60 min

Recover - if you already engaged with the scam

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

7

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

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

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

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

Why this matters

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

8

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

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

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

8.1Disconnect from the network

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

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

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

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

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

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

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

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

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

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

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

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

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

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

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

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

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

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

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

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

Important

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

9

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

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

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

Why email comes first

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

10

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

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

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

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

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

---

11

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

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

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

12

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

Spam emails are not personal, even if they include details relevant to the recipients. Cyber criminals send this mail out 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 – immediately change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support. However, if you have disclosed other private information (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

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

No, reading an email is harmless. Systems are infected when malicious attachments or links are opened/clicked.

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

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

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is capable of detecting and eliminating practically all known malware infections. It must be stressed that performing a full system scan is paramount since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.