A new email phishing scam claiming to be from Capital One is making the rounds, aiming to fool unsuspecting recipients into handing over their sensitive information. This fraudulent email carries the subject line “Action Required: New Pending E-payment on Your Account” and claims there is a new incoming payment awaiting approval on the recipient’s Capital One account.
While it may look legitimate at first glance, this is nothing more than a phishing scam designed to steal personal information. In this in-depth article, we’ll break down exactly how the Capital One security message scam works, provide tips on how to spot it, and outline steps you should take if you received this deceptive email.
Scam Overview: Anatomy of the Deceptive Capital One Email
The fraudulent Capital One email is carefully crafted to appear trustworthy and urgent, hoping recipients will take immediate action without looking too closely. Here’s what you need to know about the anatomy of this phishing scam:
The Deceptive Subject Line
The email carries an alarming subject line such as “Action Required: New Pending E-payment on Your Account” or something similar. This is meant to catch the recipient’s attention and imply urgent action is needed on their part.
Spoofed Sender Address
While the email is made to look like it’s from Capital One, the sender address does not actually match Capital One’s real email domains. For example, it may show info@capitalone.com instead of a legitimate domain like @capitalone.com. This is a technique called email spoofing.
Official-Looking Format & Logos
The email is formatted to closely mimic a legitimate Capital One communication, including the use of fonts, colors, and logos used by the real company. This adds an air of authenticity.
Call to Action
A sense of urgency is conveyed, with language stating action is required “for safety reasons” or that the recipient’s account ownership must be verified. This pressures the recipient to act quickly.
Malicious Attachment or Link
The email includes either an attached HTML file or a link to a phishing site masquerading as Capital One’s real login page. Either of these are designed to steal login credentials and sensitive data.
By leveraging these social engineering techniques, the scam email tries to overcome skepticism and trick users into handing over their information willingly. But understanding these deceitful tactics can help expose the scam for what it is.
How the Capital One Security Message Scam Works
Now that you understand the general setup of the phishing email, let’s walk through step-by-step how the scam operates once a recipient takes the bait:
1. Recipient Receives the Email
The scam email lands in the recipient’s inbox and is opened. The deceptive subject line and urgent call to action urge the person to take swift action.
Here is what the scam email might say:
Subject: Action Required: New Pending E-payment on Your Account
CapitalOne
SECURITY MESSAGE
Dear Valuable Customer,
This email is to notify you that you have a new incoming payment pending on your account
For safety reasons, Please download secure attachment to review payment.
Update and verify your account ownership is required as a means to accept your payment.
Notice: Account wlll be credited within 24-72hrs after you verify your account ownership
Thank you for being a Capital One customer.
2. Recipient Downloads Attachment
Believing the message is legitimate, the recipient downloads the attached HTML file, which is typically named something like “Action Required New Pending E-payment on Your Account.html”.
3. Recipient Interacts with Phishing Page
When opened, the HTML attachment displays a fake Capital One login page. Without realizing it’s a scam, the recipient enters their username and password.
4. Credentials Sent to Scammers
Behind the scenes, the login credentials entered by the recipient are secretly recorded and transmitted directly to the scammers.
5. Account Takeover Initiated
Armed with the stolen login details, the criminals quickly move to access the victim’s real Capital One account or other linked accounts. They may change account passwords to lock out the legitimate user.
6. Fraudulent Activity Commences
From here, the scammers can drain the account, make unauthorized purchases with stored payment methods, or steal the victim’s identity. By the time the recipient realizes it was a scam, serious financial damage may already be done.
As this step-by-step breakdown shows, the scheme exploits a victim’s natural instinct to trust emails that appear to come from an official institution. Avoiding opening unverified attachments can stop the scam in its tracks.
What to Do if You Receive This Scam Email
If this fraudulent Capital One email lands in your inbox, stay calm and take these recommended steps:
- Do not open any attachments or click embedded links. Doing so can trigger malicious software or expose your data.
- Forward the email to Capital One’s phishing email address: phishing@capitalone.com. Alerting them can help curb the scam.
- Report the scam to the Anti-Phishing Working Group so they can warn others.
- Contact Capital One via their official customer service line or your branch. Verify no unauthorized changes were made to your real account.
- Scan for malware. Run a system-wide malware scan to check for any dangerous software that may have been downloaded.
- Change passwords. Update passwords for your Capital One account, email account, and other sensitive accounts as a precaution. Don’t reuse old passwords.
- Monitor account activity. Keep a close eye on your account statements to check for any signs of fraudulent use of your accounts. Report any discrepancies immediately.
- Install security software. Use robust antivirus software and email spam filters that can detect and block phishing scams before they reach your inbox.
Staying vigilant is key to protecting yourself from possible financial loss through phishing scams purporting to come from trusted brands like Capital One. But arming yourself with information is the best prevention against such devious cyberthreats.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
- Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
- Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
- Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
- Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Capital One Security Message Scam
1. What is the Capital One security message scam?
The Capital One security message scam is a phishing attack where scammers send fake emails pretending to be from Capital One. The emails claim there is a pending payment on your account and that you need to verify your account ownership. The goal is to trick you into downloading malware or entering your login credentials on a fake website.2. How do I recognize the Capital One security message scam email?
Watch for emails with an alarming subject line like “Action Required: New Pending E-payment on Your Account.” The sender address may look real but slightly misspelled. The email will urge you to act fast to verify your account and may have a attachment or link to a phishing site.3. What happens if I click the link or download the attachment?
The attachment contains malware that can infect your device. The link leads to a fake Capital One login page to steal your credentials. In both cases, scammers gain access to your sensitive personal and financial information.4. Should I reply to the Capital One security message email?
No, you should never reply to a phishing email or click any links within it. Replying verifies your email is active, potentially leading to more spam. Notify Capital One directly if you receive this scam.5. What are some ways to identify and avoid phishing scams?
Be wary of urgent calls to action, closely examine sender addresses, check for slight misspellings, and hover over hyperlinks to see the actual URL destination. Enable multi-factor authentication and install anti-phishing software.6. What should I do if I entered my details or clicked the link in the email?
Immediately contact Capital One to secure your account. Run anti-virus scans to check for and remove malware. Change passwords on all accounts, not just Capital One. Review accounts for any unauthorized transactions.7. How can I protect myself from phishing attacks in the future?
Never provide sensitive information unless you initiate contact on an institution’s official website. Check for the padlock icon and “https” in the URL. Install security and anti-phishing software. Closely monitor accounts and report discrepancies fast.8. Should I report the Capital One security message scam email?
Yes, you can report phishing emails to Capital One at phishing@capitalone.com. Also notify the Anti-Phishing Working Group so they can warn others and work to shut down scam.9. What will Capital One do if I report the phishing email to them?
Capital One has teams dedicated to phishing prevention. Reporting the scam helps them strengthen email filters, warn customers, and take legal action against scammers. They may also monitor your account for suspicious activity.10. How can Capital One customers stay safe from phishing scams?
Customers should avoid opening attachments or clicking links from unverified emails. Check Capital One’s website for phishing alerts. Use strong unique passwords and multi-factor authentication. Monitor accounts closely and immediately report concerns.The Bottom Line
This cunning phishing scam leverages social engineering tactics and urgency to trick recipients into handing over login credentials to Capital One accounts. By understanding common techniques used in the scam email, like spoofed sender addresses and deceptive formatting, readers can ensure they don’t get reeled in. If the fraudulent email reaches your inbox, avoid interacting with it and notify Capital One. With vigilance and security best practices, this prevalent phishing attack can be kept at bay.
Join the discussion
2 commentsShare your experience or ask a question about this article.
Discussion
Your domain examples aren’t actually different.
In reply to Lee
Fair enough – and if the two examples look identical on your screen then the article has failed at the one thing it was trying to show, so thank you for flagging it. We will check how those lines are rendering.
There are two likely causes. One is that the difference is a homoglyph – a Cyrillic character that is drawn the same as the Latin one, or a lowercase l against a capital I – which in many fonts is genuinely invisible, and that is the attack rather than a typo on our part. The right fix is to point out the specific character rather than expecting the reader to spot it, and where possible to use a monospace font so the shapes differ. The other possibility is that our formatting stripped or normalised the character when the page was published, in which case the two strings really are identical now and the example is broken.
If you tell me which two examples you mean, I will look at that section specifically. Either way the practical advice does not change: do not compare domains by eye. Check the address bar after the page loads, look at the registrable domain immediately before the first single slash, and reach important sites from a bookmark rather than a link.