Phishing scams are a prevalent threat in the digital age, designed to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information or downloading malicious software. These scams can take various forms, from fake bank notifications to fraudulent job offers, and they often mimic legitimate sources to exploit trust. The general purpose of these phishing attacks is to gain unauthorized access to personal data, financial information, or to install malware on the victim’s system.
General Overview of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams typically infiltrate systems through deceptive emails or messages that appear to be from reputable organizations or entities. The primary aim is to trick the recipient into clicking on malicious links, downloading attachments, or providing personal details. Once the malware or virus is installed, it can lead to data theft, financial loss, or further compromise of the system.
Specific Threat: New Order from Start Group S.R.L Email Scam
The “New Order from Start Group S.R.L” email scam is a specific phishing attempt that has been reported recently. This scam uses a convincing facade of a legitimate order confirmation to lure victims.
Email Address and Instructions
The email in question is sent from the address orders@startgroupsrl.com
. It claims to be a confirmation for an order that the recipient supposedly placed. The email instructs the recipient to download an attachment to view the order details. This attachment, however, contains malware designed to compromise the victim’s system.
Text presented in the “Price And Delivery Time” email letter:
Subject: New Order from Start Group S.R.L
Good morning,
I am Mrs. Elena Cristea from Start Group S.R.L located in Romania.Attached is the order I sent to you last month without a response. Would you please quote your price and delivery time for the following items in the attached order?
I appreciate your co-operation in advance.
Elena Cristea
Purchase Manager STAR T GROUP S.R.L. Delea Veche 12, building A, office 4-2, Sector 3 Bucharest, Romania Tel : +40 478 246 150 Web: www.startgroup.ro
Purpose of the Scam
The primary purpose of this scam is to install malware on the victim’s computer. The malware could be used to steal personal information, financial details, or even to create a backdoor for further attacks. This particular scam might also be employed to gain access to sensitive corporate or financial information if the recipient is part of an organization.
Common Encounters
Recipients might encounter this scam in various scenarios:
- Unexpected Orders: Receiving an order confirmation for something they did not purchase.
- Unfamiliar Senders: Emails from unknown or unverified email addresses.
- Urgency or Pressure: Emails that create a sense of urgency, such as a confirmation that requires immediate attention.
Similar Threats
Similar phishing threats include fake shipping notifications, fraudulent invoices, and emails pretending to be from financial institutions or service providers. Always be cautious of unsolicited emails asking you to open attachments or click on links.
Removal Guide
If you have fallen victim to the “New Order from Start Group S.R.L” email scam and suspect that malware has been installed, follow these steps to remove it:
- Disconnect from the Internet:
Disconnect your computer from the internet to prevent further communication between the malware and its command center. - Enter Safe Mode:
- For Windows: Restart your computer and press
F8
(orShift + F8
) repeatedly during startup. Select “Safe Mode with Networking” from the boot options menu. - For macOS: Restart and hold down the
Shift
key while it boots.
- For Windows: Restart your computer and press
- Delete Suspicious Files:
- Open
Task Manager
(Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and look for unfamiliar processes. End them. - Navigate to
Control Panel
>Programs and Features
and uninstall any unknown programs.
- Open
- Remove Malicious Attachments: Check your
Downloads
folder and any other locations where you might have saved the attachment. Delete any suspicious files. - Run a Full System Scan:
- Download and install SpyHunter, a trusted anti-malware tool.
- Run a full system scan to detect and remove any remaining threats.
- Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system, antivirus software, and other programs are up to date to patch any vulnerabilities.
- Change Your Passwords: Change passwords for any online accounts that might have been compromised.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial statements and online accounts for any unauthorized transactions.
Preventative Measures
To avoid falling victim to similar scams in the future:
- Verify Email Addresses: Always check the sender’s email address for authenticity.
- Avoid Unsolicited Attachments: Do not open attachments from unknown or unexpected sources.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common phishing tactics and scams.
- Use Reliable Anti-Malware Tools: Regularly scan your system with reputable anti-malware software like SpyHunter.
Conclusion
The “New Order from Start Group S.R.L” email scam is a deceptive phishing attempt that aims to install malware on your system. By following the detailed removal guide and taking preventative measures, you can protect yourself from such threats. For enhanced security, download SpyHunter today and scan your computer for free.