Beware the FAKE DocuSign “Your Document Has Been Signed” Scam
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Imagine receiving an email that appears to be from DocuSign, a trusted electronic signature service, informing you that a crucial document related to the Paycheck Protection Program has been signed and is ready for your review. The email looks legitimate, complete with DocuSign’s branding and a sense of urgency, urging you to click on a link to access the document. But beware – this convincing email is actually a dangerous scam designed to steal your sensitive information or infect your device with malware.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the DocuSign “Your Document Has Been Signed” email scam, uncovering how it works, what red flags to look for, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from falling victim to this deceptive scheme.
Scam Overview
The DocuSign “Your Document Has Been Signed” email scam is a well-crafted attempt to deceive unsuspecting individuals into believing that they have a signed document waiting for their review. The email appears to originate from DocuSign, a legitimate and widely-used electronic signature service, which adds to its credibility. The scammers behind this scheme have gone to great lengths to make the email look authentic, including DocuSign’s branding, a subject line that reads “Your Document Has Been Signed,” and even a security code to access the supposed document.
The email’s body typically contains a message stating that all parties have completed the Paycheck Protection Program Confirmation and that the recipient should click on a link to view the completed document. To further entice the recipient, the email may mention that the link is secure and that the document has been signed electronically, making it legally binding. The scammers also include a warning not to share the email, link, or access code with others, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity.
However, upon closer inspection, several red flags become apparent. For instance, the email may be sent from a domain that is not associated with DocuSign, or the link provided may lead to a website that is not secure or is a misspelled version of the official DocuSign website. Additionally, the email may contain grammatical errors or unusual phrasing, which is often a telltale sign of a scam.
How the Scam Works
The DocuSign “Your Document Has Been Signed” email scam is a multi-step process designed to trick the recipient into divulging sensitive information or inadvertently installing malware on their device. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:
Step 1: The Initial Email
The scammer sends an email to the target, claiming that a document has been signed and is ready for review. The email looks like it is from DocuSign and includes the company’s logo and branding.
Step 2: The Malicious Link
Within the email, there is a link that the recipient is encouraged to click to view the completed document. However, this link does not lead to the official DocuSign website. Instead, it directs the user to a malicious site designed to steal personal information or install malware.
Step 3: The Fake Website
Upon clicking the link, the user is taken to a website that closely resembles the official DocuSign site. This fake website may prompt the user to enter their login credentials, personal information, or even payment details to “verify” their identity or to “unlock” the document.
Step 4: Information Theft or Malware Installation
If the user enters their information on the fake website, the scammers can then use this data for identity theft or financial fraud. In some cases, clicking the link or downloading the supposed document may also result in the installation of malware, such as keyloggers, trojans, or ransomware, on the user’s device.
Step 5: The Fallout
Once the scammers have obtained the user’s information or infected their device with malware, they can use this to commit various crimes, such as stealing funds from bank accounts, making unauthorized purchases, or even selling the user’s personal information on the dark web.
What to Do if You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you suspect that you have fallen victim to the DocuSign “Your Document Has Been Signed” email scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to minimize the potential damage. Here are some steps you should take:
Change your passwords: If you entered your login credentials on the fake website, change your passwords immediately for any accounts that use the same email address or username.
Contact your bank: If you provided any financial information, such as credit card numbers or bank account details, contact your bank or financial institution immediately to report the potential fraud and request new cards or account numbers.
Run a virus scan: If you clicked on the link or downloaded any attachments from the email, run a comprehensive virus scan on your device using up-to-date antivirus software to detect and remove any malware.
Report the scam: Inform DocuSign and the relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement, about the scam to help prevent others from falling victim.
Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file to prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
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. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
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 whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
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 and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
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.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
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:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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.
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, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
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 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 and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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“.
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.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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.
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.
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, your Mac is clean.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser 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.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or 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.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the DocuSign “Your Document Has Been Signed” Email Scam
Q1: What is the DocuSign “Your Document Has Been Signed” email scam?
A: The DocuSign “Your Document Has Been Signed” email scam is a fraudulent attempt to trick individuals into believing that they have a signed document waiting for their review. The scammer sends an email that appears to be from DocuSign, stating that a document related to the Paycheck Protection Program has been completed and signed. The email includes a link that, when clicked, leads the user to a malicious website designed to steal personal information or install malware on their device.
Q2: How can I spot a fake DocuSign email?
A: There are several red flags to look out for when trying to identify a fake DocuSign email:
Check the sender’s email address for any inconsistencies or unfamiliar domains.
Look for grammatical errors, unusual phrasing, or poor formatting in the email’s content.
Hover over any links in the email (without clicking them) to see if they lead to a legitimate DocuSign website.
Be wary of emails that create a sense of urgency or pressure you to act quickly.
Q3: What should I do if I receive a suspicious DocuSign email?
A: If you receive an email claiming to be from DocuSign that you believe may be a scam, do not click on any links or download any attachments. Instead, report the email to DocuSign and delete it from your inbox. If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate, contact DocuSign directly using the contact information provided on their official website.
Q4: What are the consequences of falling for the DocuSign email scam?
A: Falling victim to the DocuSign email scam can lead to severe consequences, such as:
Identity theft, where scammers use your personal information to commit fraud or open accounts in your name.
Financial losses, if you provide your bank account or credit card details on the fake website.
Malware infection on your device, which can lead to data loss, system damage, or further compromises to your online security.
Q5: How can I protect myself from email scams like the DocuSign one?
A: To protect yourself from email scams, follow these best practices:
Always verify the sender’s email address and be cautious of unsolicited emails.
Never click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails.
Keep your antivirus software and operating system up-to-date to prevent malware infections.
Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication when available.
Regularly monitor your financial statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
Q6: What should I do if I think I’ve fallen victim to the DocuSign email scam?
A: If you believe you have fallen victim to the DocuSign email scam, take the following steps:
Change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.
Contact your bank or financial institution if you provided any financial information on the fake website.
Run a comprehensive virus scan on your device to detect and remove any malware.
Report the scam to DocuSign, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and your local law enforcement.
Monitor your accounts and credit reports closely for any suspicious activity.
Q7: Are there any legitimate reasons DocuSign would email me about a signed document?
A: Yes, DocuSign may send you legitimate emails about documents that require your signature or have been signed by other parties. However, these emails will always come from a verified @docusign.com email address and will direct you to the official DocuSign website. If you are ever unsure about the legitimacy of a DocuSign email, contact their support team directly for confirmation.
Q8: Can DocuSign prevent these types of email scams?
A: While DocuSign takes measures to prevent and combat email scams, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. As a result, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and educate themselves on how to identify and avoid these scams. DocuSign provides resources and information on its website to help users stay informed about potential threats and best practices for secure document signing.
The Bottom Line
The DocuSign “Your Document Has Been Signed” email scam is a stark reminder of the importance of staying vigilant in the face of increasingly sophisticated online threats. By understanding how these scams work and knowing what red flags to look for, you can protect yourself and your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
Remember, if you receive an unsolicited email claiming that a document has been signed, even if it appears to be from a trusted source like DocuSign, always exercise caution. Double-check the sender’s email address, hover over any links before clicking them, and never enter your personal information on a website unless you are absolutely certain it is legitimate.
By staying informed and proactive, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of this and other email scams, ensuring that your online experiences remain safe and secure.
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.
