Avoid getting scammed by fake "TNT Express" emails
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on
What kind of email is "TNT Express"?
After inspecting this "TNT Express" email, we determined that it is fake. This spam letter concerns shipment documents that need to be signed. The email has a phishing file attached, and recipients can get their email accounts stolen by scammers if they enter their log-in credentials into it.
It must be emphasized that the information in this email is false, and this mail is not associated with TNT Express or any other legitimate entities.
"TNT Express" email scam overview
The spam email with the subject "TNT consignment number: 87993766478" (may vary) is presented as an alert from TNT Express – an international courier delivery services company. The message concerns a shipment that has been scheduled for delivery.
The recipient is informed that they must sign all copies of the attached consignment note. By signing, they agree with all of TNT's Terms & Conditions. The email also mentions that it is recommended to include the invoice of the goods for shipments outside the European Union (EU). The signed documents must be handed over to the TNT Express delivery driver.
It must be reiterated that the information in this email is false, and this mail is not associated with the actual TNT Express or any other genuine entities.
The file attached to this letter – "Shipping Documents.pdf.shtml" (filename may vary) – is disguised as a PDF document. Once opened, the file masquerades as "Adobe cloud storage" containing multiple documents, and the fake interface is overlaid by a pop-up window asking users to sign in using their email credentials.
Phishing files record provided information and send it to scammers. Hijacked emails can be misused in various ways, even to gain access to the accounts, services, and platforms registered through them. To expand upon this, scammers can steal the account owners' identities (e.g., emails, social networking/media, messengers, etc.) and request loans or donations from contacts/friends/followers, endorse scams, and proliferate malware by sharing malicious files/links.
Furthermore, confidential content discovered on emails, data storage platforms, or other accounts – can be used for nefarious purposes like blackmail. What is more, cyber criminals can use stolen finance-related accounts (e.g., online banking, money transferring, digital wallets, e-commerce, etc.) to make fraudulent transactions or online purchases.
To summarize, by trusting an email like "TNT Express" – users can experience severe privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.
If you have already disclosed your log-in credentials – immediately change the passwords of all potentially compromised accounts and inform their official support.
| Name | "TNT Express" phishing email |
| Threat Type | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim | Recipient must sign the attached consignment note copies. |
| Disguise | TNT Express |
| Attachment(s) | Shipping Documents.pdf.shtml (filename may vary) |
| Detection Names | Avast (HTML:Phishing-DUK [Phish]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Script.EDO), ESET-NOD32 (HTML/Phishing.Telegram.A), Fortinet (JS/Phishing.D146!tr), Symantec (Phish.ScrTgHtml!gen1), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Unauthorized online purchases, changed online account passwords, identity theft, illegal access of the computer. |
| Distribution methods | Deceptive emails, rogue online pop-up ads, search engine poisoning techniques, misspelled domains. |
| Damage | Loss of sensitive private information, monetary loss, identity theft. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Phishing spam campaign examples
We have examined countless spam emails; "Validation Process For The SSL Certificate", "Boost Your Productivity With Dropbox", "Update Server Terms Now", and "Email Verification Campaign" are just some of our latest articles on phishing campaigns.
Commonly targeted data includes log-in credentials, personally identifiable details, and finance-related information. Other scams are promoted through spam mail as well, and it is used to proliferate malware.
Due to how widespread spam mail is and how well-made it can be – we highly recommend approaching incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages with caution.
How do spam campaigns infect computers?
Spam campaigns proliferate malware by distributing infectious files as attachments or download links. These files can be 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 malware download/installation chain. 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 links or files.
How to avoid installation of malware?
We strongly advise treating incoming emails and other messages with caution. Attachments or links present in suspect/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.
However, malware is spread using various methods. Therefore, we recommend being vigilant when browsing since the Internet is rife with fake and malicious content.
Additionally, all downloads must be made from official and verified sources. Another recommendation is to activate and update software using legitimate functions/tools, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updates can contain malware.
We must stress the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date. Security programs 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 "TNT Express" spam email letter:
Subject: TNT consignment number: 87993766478
Dear Customer,
A shipment has been arranged for you though TNT
The shipment has been scheduled for delivery and has TNT consignment number: 87993766478.
Attached is the documentation that relates to this Express Import Order
Print and sign all copies of the consignment note.
Note: For shipments outside of the EU, it is highly recommended to include the actual invoice of the goods.
- Make sure you have read the TNT Terms & Conditions attached to this email. By signing the consignment notes, you confirm that you agree to the TNT Terms & Conditions.
- Hand the signed copies of the consignment note to the TNT Express driver, keep the Sender copy for your records.
- Leave the shipment open for TNT Express driver to inspect.
As your order has been processed automatically, it is not necessary to contact TNT Express Customer Service by telephone.
This email is meant for ********.
If you would like to find out about the many ways TNT helps you to track your shipment, or if you would like to know more about the services provided by TNT, simply connect to www.tnt.com and select your location at any time.
Screenshot of the phishing file attached to this email ("Shipping Documents.pdf.shtml"):
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Quick menu:
- What is "TNT Express" phishing email?
- Types of malicious emails.
- How to spot a malicious email?
- What to do if you fell for an email scam?
Types of malicious emails:
Phishing Emails
Most commonly, cybercriminals use deceptive emails to trick Internet users into giving away their sensitive private information, for example, login information for various online services, email accounts, or online banking information.
Such attacks are called phishing. In a phishing attack, cybercriminals usually send an email message with some popular service logo (for example, Microsoft, DHL, Amazon, Netflix), create urgency (wrong shipping address, expired password, etc.), and place a link which they hope their potential victims will click on.
After clicking the link presented in such email message, victims are redirected to a fake website that looks identical or extremely similar to the original one. Victims are then asked to enter their password, credit card details, or some other information that gets stolen by cybercriminals.
Emails with Malicious Attachments
Another popular attack vector is email spam with malicious attachments that infect users' computers with malware. Malicious attachments usually carry trojans that are capable of stealing passwords, banking information, and other sensitive information.
In such attacks, cybercriminals' main goal is to trick their potential victims into opening an infected email attachment. To achieve this goal, email messages usually talk about recently received invoices, faxes, or voice messages.
If a potential victim falls for the lure and opens the attachment, their computers get infected, and cybercriminals can collect a lot of sensitive information.
While it's a more complicated method to steal personal information (spam filters and antivirus programs usually detect such attempts), if successful, cybercriminals can get a much wider array of data and can collect information for a long period of time.
Sextortion Emails
This is a type of phishing. In this case, users receive an email claiming that a cybercriminal could access the webcam of the potential victim and has a video recording of one's masturbation.
To get rid of the video, victims are asked to pay a ransom (usually using Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency). Nevertheless, all of these claims are false - users who receive such emails should ignore and delete them.
How to spot a malicious email?
While cyber criminals try to make their lure emails look trustworthy, here are some things that you should look for when trying to spot a phishing email:
- Check the sender's ("from") email address: Hover your mouse over the "from" address and check if it's legitimate. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft, be sure to check if the email address is @microsoft.com and not something suspicious like @m1crosoft.com, @microsfot.com, @account-security-noreply.com, etc.
- Check for generic greetings: If the greeting in the email is "Dear user", "Dear @youremail.com", "Dear valued customer", this should raise suspiciousness. Most commonly, companies call you by your name. Lack of this information could signal a phishing attempt.
- Check the links in the email: Hover your mouse over the link presented in the email, if the link that appears seems suspicious, don't click it. For example, if you received an email from Microsoft and the link in the email shows that it will go to firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0... you shouldn't trust it. It's best not to click any links in the emails but to visit the company website that sent you the email in the first place.
- Don't blindly trust email attachments: Most commonly, legitimate companies will ask you to log in to their website and to view any documents there; if you received an email with an attachment, it's a good idea to scan it with an antivirus application. Infected email attachments are a common attack vector used by cybercriminals.
To minimise the risk of opening phishing and malicious emails we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
Example of a spam email:
What to do if you fell for an email scam?
- If you clicked on a link in a phishing email and entered your password - be sure to change your password as soon as possible. Usually, cybercriminals collect stolen credentials and then sell them to other groups that use them for malicious purposes. If you change your password in a timely manner, there's a chance that criminals won't have enough time to do any damage.
- If you entered your credit card information - contact your bank as soon as possible and explain the situation. There's a good chance that you will need to cancel your compromised credit card and get a new one.
- If you see any signs of identity theft - you should immediately contact the Federal Trade Commission. This institution will collect information about your situation and create a personal recovery plan.
- If you opened a malicious attachment - your computer is probably infected, you should scan it with a reputable antivirus application. For this purpose, we recommend using Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows.
- Help other Internet users - report phishing emails to Anti-Phishing Working Group, FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, National Fraud Information Center and U.S. Department of Justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did I receive this email?
Spam emails are not personal, even if they include information relevant to the recipients. This mail is sent out in massive campaigns – therefore, thousands of users receive identical or similar emails.
I have provided my personal information when tricked by this spam email, what should I do?
If you have disclosed your log-in credentials – immediately change the passwords of all possibly exposed accounts and inform their official support. However, if you have provided other private data (e.g., ID card details, passport photos/scans, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact relevant authorities without delay.
I have read a spam email but didn't open the attachment, is my computer infected?
Merely opening an email is harmless; devices are infected when malicious attachments or links are opened/clicked.
I have downloaded and opened a file attached to a spam email, is my computer infected?
Once opened, executables (.exe, .run, etc.) cause infections almost without delay. Some formats – like documents (.doc, .xls, .one, .pdf, etc.) – may require additional interaction. Hence, the infection can only be triggered 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 capable of detecting and removing nearly all known malware infections. Note that running a full system scan is essential since sophisticated malicious software usually hides deep within systems.
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