Beware! “Email Deactivation In Progress” is a Phishing Scam

Email scams are on the rise. One such prevalent scam is the “Email Deactivation In Progress” phishing email. This misleading message claims your email account will soon be deleted.

Upon clicking the “Cancel Deactivation” button, you get redirected to a fake login page. By entering your credentials, cybercriminals can steal your online identity. This may lead to serious privacy violations, identity theft, and financial fraud.

This comprehensive guide will explain everything about the “Email Deactivation In Progress” scam email.

Overview of the Email Deactivation In Progress Scam

The “Email Deactivation In Progress” phishing email has a subject line stating your account deactivation is underway. The message body informs that a request to delete your email was received on a specific date.

It urges you to click “Cancel Deactivation” if this deletion request was made by mistake. Otherwise, the email claims all your data will be permanently erased.

In reality, no such deactivation demand was made. The entire email is a scam designed to steal your login credentials.

This phishing attack aims to:

• Trick recipients into clicking the “Cancel Deactivation” button
• Redirect users to a fake login page mimicking a real email service
• Capture entered email addresses and passwords
• Gain access to victim’s email accounts and personal data

With your login details, scammers can:

• Read through your private emails and attachments
• Access connected accounts registered with that email
• Reach out to your contacts promoting more scams
• Share malicious links and files from your hijacked account
• Make unauthorized transactions from compromised financial accounts

This scam email is not associated with any legitimate online service. No credible company would deactivate accounts without prior notification.

The threatening claims of permanent data loss are false. Your email will remain intact unless you hand over access to scammers.

Stay vigilant and avoid trusting emails with questionable requests. Especially those demanding immediate action to avoid account deletion.

How the “Email Deactivation In Progress” Scam Works

The “Email Deactivation In Progress” scam is designed to steal personal information. Here is how this phishing attack operates:

1. Victims Receive the Deceptive Email

The scam message reaches recipients directly in their inbox. Since it appears to come from a trusted sender, most users wouldn’t suspect anything malicious.

The email uses social engineering techniques to create a sense of urgency. The supposed account deactivation timeline pressures victims to act quickly.

To appear credible, scammers include:

• Realistic subject lines like “Deactivation Request Received”
• Name of the recipient’s email service in the message body
• Dates suggesting the deletion process is underway
• Threats of permanent data loss if ignored
• Logos of legitimate companies like Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

These tricks manipulate users into trusting the false claims.

2. Users Click the “Cancel Deactivation” Link

Worried their account will get deleted, most victims click the cancellation link. After all, the email insists this is their last chance to stop the deactivation process.

In reality, the bright “Cancel Deactivation” button is a hyperlink to a phishing site. But recipients believe they are accessing their real email account settings page.

3. The Link Redirects to a Fake Login Page

Clicking the call-to-action redirects users away from their inbox. Instead, it sends them to a website mocking their email provider’s login page.

Although the portal looks authentic, it is a scam site controlled by hackers. Everything from company logos to web layout is copied to dupe victims.

At this stage, users will likely login without hesitation. After all, the email urged accessing the account before permanent deletion.

4. Victims Enter Login Credentials on the Phishing Site

The fake login page prompts entering a username and password to “cancel deactivation”. Tricking users that this is a legitimate request, most comply.

Little do they know the credentials are sent directly to cybercriminals. The website is specifically designed to steal login details.

5. Hackers Gain Access to the Accounts

With username and password in hand, scammers gain full access to victim’s email accounts. They can:

• Read emails and download attachments
• Access connected accounts like social media using the same login info
• Reach out to contacts promoting more scams
• Reset passwords on other sites via password reset emails
• Make unauthorized online transactions and purchases

This leads to identity theft, privacy invasion, and huge financial losses.

6. Accounts Get Locked Out By Scammers

To prevent victims from regaining access, scammers quickly update passwords. This locks out rightful account owners.

Before victims can realize the breach, hackers plunder all connected accounts and data. Restoring access and undoing the damage becomes extremely difficult.

What To Do If You Fall Victim to This Scam Email

If you entered your credentials on the fake login page, take immediate countermeasures:

Step 1: Secure Your Accounts

• Change passwords for the compromised email and any associated accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each.
• Enable two-factor authentication where possible. This adds an extra login step to thwart hackers.
• Remove saved payment options from online accounts. Otherwise, scammers can make fraudulent purchases.

Step 2: Scan Devices for Malware

• Run antivirus scans on all devices used to access the phishing link.
• Check for any unauthorized software or browser extensions installed without consent. These could be spying malware.
• If compromised, factory reset devices to wipe out infections completely.

Step 3: Contact Service Providers

• Notify your email provider like Gmail, Yahoo, etc. Report unauthorized access so they can secure your account.
• Similarly, inform financial institutions if any related accounts were misused for fraud. Freeze cards, dispute charges, and request replacements.
• Change login credentials on websites where your email was used to register. Ask them to add extra account security.

Step 4: Monitor Accounts Closely

Keep a close watch on all compromised accounts for suspicious activity:

• Review account statements and transactions regularly for any unauthorized charges.
• Check emails and social media messages for malicious content sent from your account.
• Enable login alerts so providers inform you of any suspicious access attempts.
• Set up fraud alerts with credit bureaus to catch identity theft early.

Step 5: Warn Contacts Who Received Suspicious Messages

Tell people in your contact list to ignore suspicious emails or messages sent from your account recently. Warn them of potential scams, malware links, or other threats.

Step 6: Report the Attack to Authorities

• Report phishing sites to the hosting provider and domain registrar. This can get fraudulent sites taken down quickly.
• Submit details of the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Add email headers, phishing links, and any other relevant evidence.
• If finances were compromised, file internet crime complaints with the FBI and local law enforcement. Provide documentation to aid investigation.
• Ask contacts who received suspicious messages to also report the phishing scam. The more reports, the faster authorities will act against it.

Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware

If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.  

Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I got an email saying my account will be deleted. Is it real?

No, it is likely a scam. Legitimate email services will not deactivate accounts without sending prior warnings. Always confirm directly with the provider before taking any action.

2. What is the “Email Deactivation In Progress” scam?

This phishing email claims your email account is scheduled for deletion. It provides a fake timeline and urges clicking a link to cancel the process. The link leads to a phishing site stealing your login credentials.

3. Why is this email a scam?

The threatening claims of impending account deletion are false. The email is not sent by any real service provider. It is a deceptive tactic to steal your personal information.

4. What happens if I enter my password on their site?

The fake login page will capture your credentials and hand them over to hackers. This allows cybercriminals to access and misuse your email account and connected platforms.

5. How can I prevent my account from being deactivated?

Simply ignore the phishing email. Your account will remain active. Do not click links or provide any info. Confirm directly with your email provider if unsure.

6. What should I do if I already entered my password?

Immediately change your password and enable 2FA across accounts. Check for unauthorized access, scan devices for malware, and monitor accounts closely for any suspicious activity.

7. Can I get my account back if hackers gained access?

Yes, contact your email provider immediately. Report unauthorized access so they can help secure and restore your account. Also reset passwords everywhere else the email was used.

8. How can I spot similar phishing scams in the future?

Check for poor grammar, threatening language, suspicious links, and misleading headers. Confirm directly with providers if unsure. Never rush into providing personal info based on such emails.

9. Where can I report this scam or phishing attack?

Report phishing emails to your email provider, registrar, and hosting companies involved. Also file complaints with the FTC and FBI to aid investigation.

The Bottom Line

The “Email Deactivation In Progress” phishing scam can seriously compromise your online security and privacy. Avoid blindly trusting such warning emails demanding immediate account access.

Legitimate services will never deactivate accounts without prior intimation. If faced with sudden deletion threats, confirm directly with the provider via phone or their official site.

Exercise caution when clicking links and entering credentials. Use updated antivirus tools and be watchful of potential scams. With vigilance and prompt action, you can minimize risks from phishing attacks like this.