Monthly e‑Statement Email Virus

Beware: This phishing email infects systems with PDQ Connect, enabling remote access and data theft

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Overview

This email malware uses a phony notification—claiming your monthly electronic statement is ready—to trick you into downloading a malicious .msi installer (e.g., “August_e-statement-pdf.msi“) that installs PDQ Connect. Once installed, it allows attackers to remotely control your device, steal passwords, record keystrokes or audio/video, exfiltrate sensitive data, and even deploy further malware.

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Threat Summary

Field	Details
Threat Type	Malspam / Scam / Phishing / Social Engineering
Associated Email	Fake “Monthly e‑Statement” notification claiming your paperless statement is ready
Detection Names	Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.77186518), CTX (Msi.unknown.pdqconnect), Fortinet (Riskware/Application), GData (Win32.Backdoor.EvilPDQ.D), Kaspersky (Not‑a‑virus:HEUR:RemoteAdmin.Win32.Bar)
Symptoms	Installer download; afterward, possible slow performance, unauthorized access, unexpected file changes, privacy breaches
Damage & Distribution	Remote admin malware installation, credential and data theft, botnet use; distributed via deceptive emails, rogue ads, search poisoning, and typosquatting
Danger Level	High—enables remote control, deep infection, and extensive data compromise
SpyHunter Removal Tool →	SpyHunter Download

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How Did the “Monthly e‑Statement” Scam Trick You?

The scam mimics legitimate paperless billing alerts, stating your monthly e-statement is ready because you’ve opted for digital delivery. The email includes a “Download ___ Statement” button, which triggers the download of a deceptive .msiinstaller that silently installs PDQ Connect. The email has no connection to your actual billing provider—it’s a bait tactic designed to exploit user trust.

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What Happens Next: What the Monthly e‑Statement Malware Does

Once the .msi file is executed, PDQ Connect gives attackers full remote access to your system. It can:

• Download and execute additional malware
• Steal saved credentials and documents
• Log keystrokes and screen activity
• Activate your webcam or microphone
• Install spyware, backdoors, or ransomware
• Add your system to a botnet

This malware is designed for stealth and long-term data harvesting.

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Should You Be Worried?

Yes. This is not just a typical scam—it’s a remote-access Trojan bundled inside a convincing email lure. Once PDQ Connect is installed, the attacker has access to everything on your system. Risks include:

• Identity theft
• Bank fraud
• Stolen credentials
• Compromised personal files
• Unauthorized surveillance
• Data sold on the dark web

Even if you didn’t open the file, it’s best to scan your system immediately if the email was delivered.

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Manual Removal Guide: How to Identify and Remove Email Scams Yourself

Step 1: Recognizing Scam Emails

Before taking action, learn to identify email scams. Some common red flags include:

• Unknown Sender: Emails from unfamiliar addresses, especially if they claim to be from banks, tech support, or government agencies.
• Urgent or Threatening Language: Messages pressuring you to act quickly (e.g., “Your account will be suspended!”).
• Poor Grammar & Spelling Mistakes: Many scam emails contain grammatical errors.
• Suspicious Links or Attachments: Hover over links to check if they lead to an unusual website before clicking.
• Requests for Personal or Financial Information: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive details via email.

Step 2: Avoid Interacting with Scam Emails

If an email appears suspicious:

• Do NOT click on any links.
• Do NOT download attachments.
• Do NOT reply to the sender.

Step 3: Report the Email Scam

Reporting scam emails helps prevent others from falling victim to them:

• Gmail/Outlook/Yahoo Users: Click “Report Phishing” or “Report Spam” in your email client.
• FTC (U.S. users): Report scams to the FTC Complaint Assistant.
• Google Safe Browsing: Report phishing sites at Google’s Phishing Report.

Step 4: Block the Sender

To prevent further scam emails from the same sender:

• Gmail: Open the email, click the three dots, and select “Block [Sender Name]”.
• Outlook: Open the email, select “Junk” > “Block Sender”.
• Yahoo Mail: Click “More” > “Block Sender”.

Step 5: Check Your Accounts for Compromise

If you’ve interacted with a scam email:

• Change your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Adds an extra security layer.
• Monitor your banking transactions for suspicious activity.

Step 6: Scan Your Device for Malware

If you accidentally clicked a link or downloaded a file, scan your system for malware:

• Windows Users (Windows Defender)
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
  • Click “Quick Scan” or “Full Scan”.
• Mac Users
  • Use security software like Malwarebytes for Mac to scan for threats.

Step 7: Strengthen Email Security

• Enable spam filtering in your email provider’s settings.
• Use a third-party spam filter such as Spamihilator or Mailwasher.
• Stay educated on phishing techniques to avoid falling for scams in the future.

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SpyHunter Removal Guide: Automated Solution for Email Scam Threats

SpyHunter is a powerful anti-malware tool designed to detect and remove phishing-related threats, Trojans, spyware, and other cyber threats. If you prefer a quick and automated solution, follow these steps:

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

1. Visit the official SpyHunter download page: Download SpyHunter
2. Click “Download” and save the file.

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Open SpyHunter and go to “Malware/PC Scan”.
2. Click “Start Scan Now” to begin scanning.
3. SpyHunter will detect threats linked to email scams.

Step 4: Review and Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan completes, SpyHunter will display a list of detected threats.
2. Click "Fix Threats" to remove them.
3. Restart your computer after removal.

Step 5: Enable Real-Time Protection

• Activate SpyHunter’s Active Guards for real-time malware protection.
• Schedule regular system scans for ongoing security.

Step 6: Keep SpyHunter Updated

• Regularly update SpyHunter to detect new threats.
• To update, go to "Settings" > "Update" and click "Check for Updates".

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How to Prevent Future Email Scams

To avoid falling for email scams in the future, follow these precautions:

Use a Secure Email Provider

Consider using encrypted email services like ProtonMail or Tutanota for enhanced security.

Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links

Always verify links before clicking by hovering over them to see the actual URL.

Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi

Scammers can intercept your data on public networks. Use a VPN for secure browsing.

Regularly Change Your Passwords

Use a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.

Install Anti-Phishing Browser Extensions

Use security extensions like Bitdefender TrafficLight or Avast Online Security to detect phishing attempts.

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Email scams pose a significant risk to personal and financial security. By following this manual removal guide, you can effectively identify and remove scam emails. For those seeking a fast and automated approach, SpyHunter provides a reliable solution to detect and remove email scam-related threats.

Take Action Now

Protect your device from scam-related malware with SpyHunter: Download SpyHunter

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Conclusion

If you received an unexpected e-statement email and downloaded any file—disconnect your device from the internet and scan it immediately. These attacks are highly convincing and often bypass spam filters.

Always verify billing alerts directly from your account portal, and never download .msi, .exe, or .zip files from unsolicited emails.