Avoid getting scammed by fake "Claim Inheritance Money" emails

What kind of email is "Claim Inheritance Money"?

After reading this "Claim Inheritance Money" email, we determined that it is spam. This letter states that the recipient is the inheritor of a will and is entitled to receive five million USD. Typically, scam mail of this kind targets private data and/or seeks money directly.

"Claim Inheritance Money" email scam overview

The spam email with the subject "CLAIM OF INHERITANCE" (may vary) informs the recipient of their five million USD inheritance. The legitimacy of the claim is supposedly proved by the fact that the recipient has the same last name as the testator (the person who passed away and left the will). Allegedly, this mere coincidence is enough according to the will's terms.

It must be stressed that all the claims made by this email are false, and this mail is not associated with any genuine entities.

Typically, scam mail of this kind seeks data and/or funds. Targeted information can be personally identifiable details or finance-related data like ID card details, passport scans/photos, online bank account log-in credentials, credit/debit card numbers, and so on.

Scammers can simply ask for the data or acquire it via phishing sites/files (e.g., ones disguised as sign-in pages or registration forms). Money can be targeted directly by cyber criminals requesting payment for legitimate-sounding reasons (e.g., taxes, fees, bills, etc.).

To summarize, victims of spam emails like "Claim Inheritance Money" can experience severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

If you have disclosed your personally identifiable or finance-related information to scammers – immediately contact the corresponding authorities.

Spam campaigns in general

Spam campaigns promote various scams like phishing, advance fee, technical support, sextortion, refund, and so on. This mail is also used to proliferate trojans, ransomware, cryptominers, and other malware. Various lures are utilized to gain and subsequently abuse recipients' trust, such as inheritances, prizes/lotteries, business offers, payments/invoices, account issues, subscription cancellation/renewal, etc.

"Validation Process For The SSL Certificate", "Compensation Funds", "Boost Your Productivity With Dropbox", "Update Server Terms Now", "Timesheet Report", "Email Verification Campaign", "Review Important Messages", "Revalidate Email Or Lose Account", "Spotify Subscription Update", and "Your System Was Breached By Remote Desktop Protocol" are just some of our latest articles on spam campaigns.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Malware is commonly spread via spam campaigns. Malicious files are attached to or linked inside the 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 initiate the download/installation process of malicious software. However, some formats require additional actions to trigger infection chains. For example, Microsoft Office files need users to enable macro commands (i.e., editing/content), while OneNote documents require them to click on embedded links or files.

How to avoid installation of malware?

We highly recommend approaching incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be harmful or virulent.

However, malware is spread using various techniques. Therefore, we advise vigilance when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and dangerous content.

Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified sources. Another recommendation is to activate and update programs using genuine functions/tools, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updates can contain malware.

We must emphasize the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected 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 "Claim Inheritance Money" spam email letter:

Subject: CLAIM OF INHERITANCE

Hello
I want you to claim an inheritance money valued at USD5,000,000.00 (Five Million USD) which is an inheritance money.
This claim is legitimate because you have the same surname identity with the deceased who passed away a year ago.
The deceased has mandated the bank that in an event of his death the above-mentioned money should be transferred to anyone who has the same surname identity with him.

This is the reason I am contact you and urging you to reply as soon as possible so I can link you up with the lawyer in charge of the deceased WILL

Yours faithfully,

Renaard Sjaak

Other examples of emails from "Claim Inheritance Money" spam campaign:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: .Re: Incoming Funds =

Beloved, I am a financial programmer at the World Bank in United States, and the sum of $49,000,000.00 USD is ready to be programmed into inheritance beneficiary's your bank account. I have been handling a deceased funds into the sum of $2.7 Billion USD, his family has finally taken the US$2.7B completely, but this little $49,000,000.00 was secretely derived from the accumulated interest. I shall make you the inheritance beneficiary of the funds because I cannot possibly claim it in my name as a financial programmer. You will legitimately receive the funds after signing the backup documents knowingly that such documents must be signed live in presence of the payment committee. Quickly provide your complete information to file payment in your favor today. Yours faithfully, Engr. M. Yoshimi Financial Programmer World Bank United States WhatsApp 2709318672 Email: KWPF@programmer.net

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: Inheritance Claim

Hello Beneficiary

I am reaching out to you in strict confidence and kindly request that the contents of this communication be treated with the utmost discretion.

My name is Grigoryan Sargis Amayakovich. I previously served as the executive personal assistant to Sergei Protosenya, a former senior manager at the Russian energy company NOVATEK. Mr Protosenya was found deceased on April 19, 2023, in an incident in which his wife and daughter also lost their lives.

You can verify this on -

Since Sergei's unfortunate passing an event surrounded by unusual and tragic circumstances I have found myself in a position that has created a unique opportunity, one that I believe may align well with your professional capabilities.

This opportunity has the potential to yield substantial benefits for both parties, should we decide to collaborate.

Regards,

Grigoryan Sargis Amayakovich
Barrister & Legal Consultant
Email: Grigoryanamayakovichsargis@gmail.com

Sample 3:

Text presented within:

Subject: Inheritance

ROCKVILLE ROAD 2001
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
TEL: + 27 693690074
Greetings,

TRANSFER OF (US$20.5 MILLION) TWENTY MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS

We want to transfer overseas (US$20.5 Million) from the Standard Chartered Bank of South Africa . I want to ask you to quietly look for a reliable and honest person who will be capable and fit to provide either an existing bank account or to set up a new bank account immediately to receive this funds, Even an empty account can serve to receive these funds.

As long as you will remain honest to me till the end for this important business, trusting in you and believing in God that you will never let me down either now or in the future. I am Atty Clifford , the Auditor General of SCB, during the course of our auditing, I discovered a floating fund in an account opened in the bank in 2020 and since 2023 nobody has operated on this account again.

After going through some old files in the records I discovered that the owner of the account died without a heir; hence the money is floating and if I do not remit this money out urgently it will be forfeited for nothing. The owner of this account is Mr. Jeff Lawrence, a foreigner and an industrialist, he died since 2023. However no other person knows about this account or anything concerning it, the account has no other beneficiary and my investigation proved to me as well that Mr. Jeff Lawrence until his death was the manager of Diamond Safari (Pty.) South Africa.

I want this fund to be remitted into a safe foreigners account abroad, but I don't know any foreigner, I am only contacting you as a foreigner because this money can not be approved to a local person here, but can only be approved to any foreigner with valid international passport or driver's license.

The fund is in US Dollars and the former owner of the account Mr. Jeff Lawrence is a foreigner too and the Fund can only be approved into a foreign account. Considering the recommendation I received in your favor by the South Africa Chamber of Commerce as regards your suitability and reliability in carrying out this transaction. I hereby request your indulgence to co-operate with me in this mutually beneficial transaction. I am revealing this to you, believing in God that you will never let me down in this business, you are the first and the only person that I am contacting for this business, so please reply urgently so that I will inform you of the next step to take. Please while replying include your private telephone and fax numbers including the full details of the account to be used for the deposit.

Also note that upon your reply, we may opt for telephone and fax communication, as this channel may not be safe for the transaction .With my influence and the position of the bank official we can transfer this money to any foreign reliable account that you can provide with assurance that this fund will be intact pending our physical arrival in your country for sharing. The bank official will destroy all documents of the transaction immediately we receive this money leaving no trace to any place. As you receive this fund in your account. I will use my position and influence to obtain legal approvals for I will apply for annual leave to get a visa immediately. At the conclusion of this business, you will be given 30% of the total amount, 5% processing of the transfer, while the remaining 65% will be mine.

Please if you are interested in this transaction, contact me with the telephone number above and I will give you the procedure of the business.
Thanks for your cooperation
Atty Clifford
TEL: + 27 693690074
Email: hgfr.bdc@iname.com

Sample 4:

Text presented within:

Subject: Inheritance

CLIFFORD BORIS ATTORNEYS
24 MARKET STREET, MAYFAIR
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH AFRICA
TEL: + 27 79 85 91 918

Attention

I would like you to kindly read my email with patience. I am Attorney Clifford Boris, the legal assistant to late Engr. (names withheld) hereinafter referred to as 'My Client', a citizen of your country who died a few years ago. I got your contact details after an exhaustive search online for my client's relatives in order to retrieve the US$10, 500,000.00 (Ten Million, Five Hundred thousand United States Dollars) that he deposited in a South African bank , before his untimely death.

I approach you on a personal conviction of trust, to partner with me in receiving the money. As his attorney, I have all key documents relating to the deposit and his death. The Bank has asked me to present to his relatives to claim the funds within 30 days or forfeit it permanently in line with the laws of the republic of South Africa.

My wish is for this money to be invested in your country in areas that will create jobs and be of benefit to ordinary citizens. By this letter, I request your consent to present you to the Bank as a close relation of my client, so that the funds can be transferred directly to you. Once you receive the funds, you will keep 45% for yourself and 45% will be transferred to me. I will invest my share in a profitable venture in your country using your guidance. The remaining 10% will be for any charity organization of your choice in your country.

This claim is straightforward and will be carried out under proper directives that will protect you from breaking any laws. I kindly request you to keep the details of my proposal confidential because of its nature for total success.

Further information about the process and documents will be provided to you upon your reply.

Best regards,

Attorney Clifford Boris

EMAIL: hgfr.bdc@iname.com

Banking, Finance Specialist and conveyances

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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

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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 mail is not personal, even if it includes details relevant to the recipients. This mail is sent out in large-scale campaigns – therefore, thousands of users receive identical (or incredibly similar) emails/messages.

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

If you have provided your account credentials – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay. However, if you've disclosed other private information (e.g., ID card details, passport scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact relevant authorities.

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

Reading an email poses no infection threat; 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 infected might depend on the opened file's format. Executables cause infections almost without fail (once opened). Some formats – like documents – may need additional interaction to initiate malware download/installation. For example, the chain is jumpstarted after macros are enabled, embedded content is clicked, or other actions are performed.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Combo Cleaner is designed to scan systems and eliminate all kinds of threats. It can detect and remove most of the known malware infections. Note that running a full system scan is essential since sophisticated malicious software usually hides deep within systems.