Imagine getting an email claiming there’s an urgent purchase agreement waiting for your signature. It’s from what looks like DocuSign, a platform trusted by millions for secure document signing. The message is polished, includes a document name, a timestamp, and even a big button inviting you to “Review & Sign.” Seems legit, right?
That illusion is exactly what cybercriminals rely on. This email is part of a sophisticated phishing scam designed to steal your login credentials and gain access to your email account. Read on to understand exactly how this scam works, how you can avoid it, and what to do if you’ve already fallen victim.
Scam Overview
The DocuSign “Document Review Notification” phishing email is a meticulously crafted scam designed to exploit the trust users place in digital document services. By masquerading as an official DocuSign notification, scammers create a sense of urgency and legitimacy that compels recipients to take quick action—precisely the response that allows cybercriminals to strike.
This phishing email often arrives with the subject line: “Purchase Agreement Contract sent on [Date and Time].” Inside, it claims there is a document titled “Purchase Agreement Contract.pdf” awaiting your review. The email includes the date, status of the document (usually marked as “Pending Review”), and a prominent “Review & Sign” button.
What makes this scam so convincing is its attention to detail. The email mimics the layout, branding, and language of genuine DocuSign communications. There are no glaring grammatical errors, and the design looks professional—further lulling recipients into a false sense of security.
However, this is where the deception begins. The “Review & Sign” button doesn’t lead to DocuSign at all. Instead, it redirects you to a fake website made to resemble a Gmail login page. The purpose? To trick you into entering your email credentials.
Once you type in your login information, it is immediately captured by the attackers. From there, the consequences can be severe:
Email Account Takeover: Scammers gain full access to your inbox.
Sensitive Data Theft: They can read past emails, gather private or financial information, and exploit any data found.
Further Scamming: Attackers may send phishing emails to your contacts, spreading the scam further.
Account Manipulation: They might change your login credentials, locking you out completely.
This scam is especially dangerous because of its potential to open the door to more targeted and damaging attacks. By accessing your email, scammers can reset passwords for other accounts, impersonate you in personal or business communications, and plant further malware.
Moreover, many users rely on a single email account as the hub for personal and professional communication. A compromised email doesn’t just affect the individual—it can affect colleagues, friends, and family members as well.
In terms of reach, this scam is not limited to a specific demographic or region. Anyone using email and familiar with DocuSign can be targeted. That means whether you’re a freelancer, a corporate executive, or someone handling real estate transactions, you’re at risk.
Despite the sophistication of this phishing scheme, it leaves behind subtle red flags—if you know what to look for:
Generic Greeting: Genuine DocuSign emails often include the sender’s full name.
Suspicious URLs: Hovering over the “Review & Sign” button may reveal a non-DocuSign web address.
Unexpected Emails: If you weren’t expecting a document, be wary.
Urgency: Scammers often impose artificial deadlines to rush your decision-making.
Understanding these signs is your first line of defense. Next, we’ll walk through the step-by-step mechanics of how this scam unfolds.
How the Scam Works
Step 1: The Email Arrives
The attack begins with a phishing email that appears to be from DocuSign. The subject line typically reads like an official notification, such as: “Purchase Agreement Contract sent on Friday June 27, 2025 1:26:32 a.m.”
The body of the email mimics DocuSign’s real interface and includes:
A message stating a document is awaiting your review
A file name, like “Purchase Agreement Contract.pdf”
A specific timestamp
A “Pending Review” status indicator
A bold “Review & Sign” button
Step 2: You Click the Link
Motivated by the sense of urgency or curiosity, the user clicks the provided link. Instead of being taken to DocuSign’s official site, the user is redirected to a spoofed page.
Step 3: Fake Login Page Loads
The website you land on is a near-perfect replica of a Gmail login page. This level of detail is designed to fool even the most vigilant users. The page asks you to enter your email address and password.
In some cases, after submitting your credentials, you’re redirected to a real DocuSign page or shown an error message to maintain the illusion.
Step 4: Credentials Are Captured
Once entered, your login details are sent directly to the attacker’s server. They now have access to your email account.
Step 5: Account Compromise and Exploitation
With access to your email, the scammer can:
Browse your inbox for sensitive data
Reset passwords on other platforms
Send emails impersonating you
Gain access to financial accounts linked to the email
Conduct social engineering attacks on your contacts
Step 6: Spreading the Scam
Attackers often use compromised accounts to send more phishing emails. Because these come from a known contact, they appear more trustworthy and are more likely to succeed.
Step 7: Full Account Takeover
In some cases, the attacker changes your email password and recovery information. You are locked out, and regaining control becomes more difficult.
What to Do if You’ve Fallen Victim
If you suspect you’ve entered your login credentials into a phishing site, time is critical. Follow these steps immediately:
Change Your Email Password Immediately
Use a strong, unique password
If you can’t access your account, use the recovery options or contact support
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This adds an extra layer of security, even if your password is compromised
Check Account Activity
Review recent login locations and devices
Log out of all sessions that you don’t recognize
Scan for Forwarding Rules
In Gmail or other services, check for suspicious auto-forwarding or filtering rules
Notify Contacts
Inform people in your contact list that your account may have been compromised
Warn them not to click on suspicious links
Run a Security Scan on Your Device
Use antivirus software to check for malware that may have been installed
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file if sensitive data was exposed
Use a Password Manager
This helps you generate and store secure, unique passwords for every site
Educate Yourself and Others
Stay informed about new phishing tactics
Share information with coworkers and family members to reduce their risk
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. 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.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. 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 automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
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.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
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.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DocuSign “Document Review Notification” Email Scam
What is the DocuSign “Document Review Notification” email scam?
This is a phishing scam where attackers send fake emails that appear to come from DocuSign. The email claims there’s a pending document for you to review and sign. When you click the link, you’re taken to a fake login page designed to steal your email credentials.
How can I tell if the DocuSign email I received is fake?
Look for these red flags:
Generic greeting such as “Dear Customer” instead of your name
Unexpected email with a document you weren’t expecting
Urgent tone pushing you to act quickly
Links that don’t go to the official DocuSign website (hover over them to check)
Poor grammar or unusual formatting (though many look highly professional)
What happens if I click the link in the phishing email?
Clicking the link redirects you to a fraudulent page that looks like a Gmail login. If you enter your credentials, the scammers can access your email account and potentially all connected services, including financial accounts and private information.
Is the fake login page always Gmail?
In most cases, yes. The attackers commonly use a Gmail login replica because of the platform’s popularity. However, depending on the target, they may spoof other email providers too.
What should I do if I entered my email and password on the fake site?
Take these steps immediately:
Change your email password
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Review recent login activity
Remove unauthorized devices or sessions
Check for auto-forwarding rules
Notify your contacts of the breach
Report the phishing attempt to both your email provider and DocuSign
Can scammers do more than just read my emails?
Yes. Once they have access, they can:
Reset passwords on other accounts
Steal personal or financial data
Impersonate you in emails to scam others
Send malware or additional phishing emails to your contacts
Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Will DocuSign ever ask for my email login credentials?
No. DocuSign will never request your email username or password. Official documents are signed within their secure platform, and you should access them only through the official DocuSign website or trusted integrations.
Can antivirus software detect this scam?
Antivirus software can help detect and block some phishing links and malicious downloads. However, these scams often rely on social engineering, so user awareness is the best defense. Regular updates and security scans are still highly recommended.
How do I protect myself from similar phishing scams?
Always verify the sender’s email address
Don’t click on unexpected links or attachments
Access important documents directly by logging into trusted platforms
Use strong, unique passwords for each account
Enable 2FA wherever possible
Stay informed about current phishing tactics
Why do scammers target DocuSign users?
DocuSign is widely trusted and used for important documents, including contracts and legal agreements. By mimicking DocuSign, scammers exploit this trust to increase the chance of users clicking their malicious links and entering sensitive information.
Should I delete the phishing email?
Yes, but only after reporting it. Forward the message to the appropriate authorities, then delete it from your inbox and trash folder to avoid accidentally clicking it later.
The Bottom Line
The DocuSign “Document Review Notification” scam is a deceptive and dangerous phishing attack designed to steal your email credentials and compromise your digital life. Despite its professional appearance, it’s a fraud. Knowing how to identify, avoid, and respond to such scams is essential for protecting your personal information.
Always verify unexpected requests for information, especially those involving logins or financial details. When in doubt, go directly to the source rather than clicking a link in an email.
Digital security is not just about tools. It’s about vigilance, education, and quick action. Stay alert, stay informed, and help others do the same.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
