Avoid getting scammed by fake "Compensation Funds" emails

What kind of email is "Compensation Funds"?

Our examination of the "Compensation Funds" email revealed that it is spam. This letter claims that funds will be compensated due to foreign banks' failure to transfer their money.

It must be emphasized that the claims made by this email are false, and this mail is not associated with any legitimate entities. Typically, this kind of spam mail aims to deceive users into disclosing private information or sending money to scammers.

"Compensation Funds" email scam overview

The spam email with the subject "Dear Beneficiary /Estimado Beneficiário" (may vary) is written in English and Portuguese; the message is the same in both languages. This missive claims to be from the Bank of America.

The email claims that the recipient's transactions with foreign banks have been reviewed. These banks were contacted, and it was found that the recipient's funds were withheld. The reason was improper documentation and intentional interference from the banks.

Hence, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) – an agency of the United Nations (UN) – has resolved to compensate the recipient so that they could reactivate and claim their funds. The compensated sum is ten million euros.

It must be reiterated that the information in this email is false, and this mail is in no way associated with the Bank of America Corporation, IMF, UN, or any other genuine entities.

In most cases, these letters seek private data or funds directly. Targeted information can be personally identifiable details (ID card details, passport photos/scans, etc.) or finance-related data (online bank account log-in credentials, credit/debit card numbers, etc.).

Collected data can be used for a variety of nefarious purposes like identity theft, making fraudulent transactions or online purchases, and so forth. Scammers can also seek money directly and provide legitimate-sounding reasons like paying taxes or transaction fees.

To summarize, by trusting an email like "Compensation Funds" – users can experience serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft. If you have disclosed your personally identifiable or finance-related information – immediately contact relevant authorities.

If you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay.

Spam campaigns in general

We have investigated countless spam emails; "Update Server Terms Now", "Timesheet Report", "Spotify Subscription Update", "Your System Was Breached By Remote Desktop Protocol", "Chase - Suspicious Activity", "Donation From CEO Walgreens Boots Alliance", and "Donation From St Antonio's Cathedral" are merely some of our latest articles.

Various scams are promoted through spam mail, and it is used to spread malware. Due to how widespread this mail is and how well-crafted it can be – we strongly advise vigilance with incoming emails, DMs/PMs, SMSes, and other messages.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Malicious files can be attached to or linked inside the spam 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.

Malware download/installation is triggered once such a file is executed, run, or otherwise opened. Some formats require additional user interaction to initiate infection processes. For example, Microsoft Office files need users to enable macro commands (i.e., editing/content), while OneNote documents require them to click embedded links or files.

How to avoid installation of malware?

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

It must be mentioned that malware is spread using various techniques. Therefore, we advise being careful while browsing since fraudulent and dangerous online content usually appears legitimate and innocuous.

Another recommendation is to download only from official and trustworthy sources. Software must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as illegal activation ("cracking") tools and third-party updaters may contain malware.

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

Text presented in the "Compensation Funds" spam email letter:

Subject: Dear Beneficiary /Estimado Beneficiário

BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATE CENTER, NEW -YORK.
Address: 760 United Nation Plaza ,
New - York ,10017 - United State ,USA .
Email: unitednationcompensationfund@aol.com
Our reference:BOA/IRU/SFE//THD/28

Dear Beneficiary :
With this message we would like to inform you that we have taken the time to review yours
Transactions with foreign banks, particularly in Europe and the United States and other countries kingdoms
We want you to know that we have contacted most of the foreign banks to find out why your Compensation funds were withheld and the final solution to this problem . Finally we discovered that your unpaid contract/ indemnity money where in improper documented for an International money Transfer and we can not allowed the foreign bank continue and suspend your payment to your nominated bank Account
Such transfer block has been imposed on your balance because you a Foreigner and the majority of these international banker want to frustrate you to the funds to their respective Swiss , German and other Europe Account for their selfish interest
The United Nation joint alliance with the International Monetary Funds have resolved and have decided to Compensate you with the sum of Ten Million Euro (10,000,000.00) has been Compensated fund to you in order to activate and claim your funds and you will received the money in your bank account
Therefore we would like to inform you again that all we are doing right now is to activate and
Arrangements by our department for processing and payment to you
outstanding debts of €10,000,000. owed to you immediately and kindly provide full information so that we can process your Compensation funds by the United Nation .

Kindly contact BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATE CENTER, NEW -YORK via their Email , Reply only to these email below
Email: unitednationcompensationfund@aol.com
United Nation .

 

CENTRO CORPORATIVO DO BANCO DA AMÉRICA, NOVA IORQUE.
Morada: 760 Praça das Nações Unidas,
Nova Iorque ,10017 - Estados Unidos ,EUA .
E-mail: unitednationcompensationfund@aol.com
A nossa referência:BOA/IRU/SFE//THD/28

Estimado Beneficiário:
Com esta mensagem gostaríamos de informar que dedicámos algum tempo a rever a sua
Transações com bancos estrangeiros, especialmente na Europa e nos Estados Unidos e noutros reinos de países
Queremos que saiba que contactámos a maioria dos bancos estrangeiros para saber por que razão os seus fundos de compensação foram retidos e a solução final para este problema. Finalmente, descobrimos que o seu contrato/indemnização não pago estava inadequadamente documentado para uma transferência de dinheiro internacional e não podemos permitir que o banco estrangeiro continue e suspenda o seu pagamento para a conta bancária indicada.
Este bloqueio de transferência foi imposto ao seu saldo porque é estrangeiro e a maioria destes banqueiros internacionais deseja frustrá-lo com os fundos para as suas respectivas contas suíças, alemãs e outras da Europa pelos seus interesses egoístas
A aliança conjunta das Nações Unidas com os Fundos Monetários Internacionais resolveu e decidiu compensá-lo com a soma de Dez Milhões de Euros (10.000.000,00) que foram compensados ??para si, a fim de ativar e reivindicar os seus fundos e você receberá o dinheiro na sua conta bancária
Assim, gostaríamos de informar novamente que tudo o que estamos a fazer agora é ativar e
Acordos do nosso departamento para processamento e pagamento a si
dívidas pendentes de € 10.000.000.devido a si imediatamente e gentilmente fornecer informações completas para que possamos processar os seus fundos de compensação pelas Nações Unidas.

Contacte o BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATE CENTER, NEW -YORK por e-mail.
E-mail: unitednationcompensationfund@aol.com
Nação Unida.

Appearance of the "Compensation Funds" spam email (GIF):

Other examples of emails from "Compensation Funds" spam campaign:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

Subject: COMPENSATION FUNDS PAYMENT ORDER.

Dear Email Owner/Fund Beneficiary,

COMPENSATION FUNDS PAYMENT ORDER.

Following consultations with the Executive Board of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Secretary-General Ant nio Guterres announced to inform you that, we have been working towards the eradication of fraudsters and scam Artists in Africa with the help of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and European Commission Administration and Payment of Individual Entitlements.

We have been able to track down so many of this scam artist in various parts of African countries and Europe, which includes (Nigeria, United Kingdom, Spain, Ghana, Cameroon and Senegal) and they are all in Government custody now, they will appear at International Criminal Court (ICC) Hague (Netherlands) soon for Criminal/Fraud Justice.

During the course of our investigation, we have been able to recover so much money from these scam artists. The United Nations Anti-Crime Commission and the European Commission Administration for Payment of Individual Entitlements have ordered that the money recovered from the Scammers be shared among 100 Lucky people that have been scammed around the World for compensation. This Email/Letter has been directed to you because your email address was found in one of the scammer Artists file and computer hard-disk when the investigation was going on. Maybe you have been scammed. You are therefore being compensated with the sum of US#1, 000,000.00 (US$) (One Million United State Dollars)only.

To receive the above compensation fund, you are therefore advised to
forward to us your below contact details:

1. Your Full Name:
2. Your Age:
3. Your Occupation:
4. Your Cell/Mobile Number:
5. Your Passport Copy:
6. Your Contact Address

Yours in Service.
Barrister Daniel H. Abrahamian

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

Subject: Compensation Fund.

Dear Friend,

I'm Mrs. Mary Price, I'm a US citizen and I'm 52 years old. I reside here at 6460 Ruleton Avenue Goodland, Kansas 67735, and I'm thinking of relocating since I'm filthy rich. I'm one of those that took part in a compensation award many years ago and they refused to pay me. I had paid over $25,000 USD while in the US, trying to get my payment but all was to no avail.

So I decided to take a trip to WASHINGTON D.C with all my compensation documents, and I was directed to contact the (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, who is a representative of the (FBI) and also, a member of the COMPENSATION AWARD COMMITTEE currently in USA, I contacted him and he explained everything to me, He said whoever is contacting us through emails are fake. He also took me to the paying bank for the claim of my compensation payment.

Right now, I'm the happiest woman on earth because I have received my compensation funds of (US$5,000,000.00.) Moreover, Mr. Christopher A. Wray, showed me the few beneficiaries of those that are yet to receive their payments and I saw your email as one of the beneficiaries who haven't yet received the payment under CASE FILE 54AC003 and that is why I decided to email you.

Therefore, I will advise you to contact the Director of FBI, Mr. Christopher A. Wray for assistance and inform him that your CASE FILE is 54AC003 so that he can help you too. So please take note that Director Christopher Wray shall ensure that you deal directly with the paying bank.

I will advise you to contact Director Christopher Wray directly via the information below.

COMPENSATION AWARD HOUSE

Name: Mr. Christopher A. Wray
Email: fbicompensationfunds268@gmail.com

You are hereby advised to contact Director Christopher Wray with the following information below.

1. Names in Full
2. Residential Address
3. Place and date of birth
4. Telephone and fax Number
5. ID card for proper identification

You need to stop dealing with those people who're telling you that your fund is with them because they are not with your fund; they are only making money from you.

The only money I paid after I met the Director of the FBI, Mr. Christopher Wray was the procurement of the ownership paperwork that will enhance the immediate release of $5,000,000.00 by the paying bank.

Once again stop contacting those people. I will advise that you contact the Director of FBI, Mr. Christopher Wray so that he can help you in the collection of your transfer payment instead of dealing with those liars that will be turning you around asking for different kinds of money to complete your transaction.

I await your urgent response.

Thank you,

Mrs. Mary Price

Sample 3:

Text presented within:

For Your Reminder.

This is Barrister Daisy B. Joseph. Please be informed that I am the solution to your compensation funds for this last Quarter payment of 2025.

This is a reminder and a copy of the Affidavit to be filled and returned immediately.

Yours Truly

From Barr. Daisy Joseph

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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?

Spam emails are not personal even if they include details relevant to the recipients. Cyber criminals distribute these messages 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 disclosed your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support without delay. However, if you've provided other private information (e.g., passport photos/scans, ID card details, credit/debit card numbers, etc.) – immediately contact the corresponding authorities.

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

No, reading an email does not pose an infection threat. Malware download/installation is initiated once a malicious attachment or link is 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. If it was an executable – most likely, yes – the device was compromised. However, you might have avoided this if it was a document, as these formats may need extra interaction (e.g., enabling macros, clicking embedded content, etc.) to jumpstart 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 running a complete system scan is paramount since sophisticated malicious programs typically hide deep within systems.