Purchase Confirmation Email Scam: What Is It & How It Works
Written by: Stelian
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Spam emails are unsolicited messages that try to trick you into giving away your personal or financial information, or infect your device with malware. One of the common types of spam emails is the “purchase confirmation” email, which pretends to be a receipt or an invoice for a purchase you never made. In this blog post, we will show you how to spot and avoid this type of spam email, and what to do if you receive one.
What is a “Purchase Confirmation” Spam Email?
A “purchase confirmation” spam email is a message that looks like it comes from a legitimate company or organization, such as a bank, an online store, or a utility provider. The email claims that you have made a purchase or a payment, and asks you to confirm your details, view an attachment, or click on a link. However, the email is actually a phishing scam that tries to steal your passwords, account numbers, or credit card information. Alternatively, the attachment or the link may contain malware that can harm your device or access your data.
The “purchase confirmation” spam email may use various tactics to make you believe that it is genuine, such as:
Using the logo, name, or domain of a real company or organization
Addressing you by your name or email address
Creating a sense of urgency or curiosity by saying that your account is on hold, that there is a problem with your payment, or that you are eligible for a refund
Mimicking the format and style of a real receipt or invoice
Including fake details such as order numbers, dates, amounts, or products
However, there are also some signs that can help you identify a “purchase confirmation” spam email, such as:
The email has a generic or vague greeting, such as “Dear Partner” or “Dear Customer”
The email contains spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors
The email asks you to provide sensitive information, such as your password, PIN, security code, or bank account number
The email asks you to open an attachment or click on a link that has a suspicious name or URL
The email does not match your purchase history or account activity
For example, here is a sample of a “purchase confirmation” spam email:
Dear Partner,
In response to our request, please find attached our Purchase Confirmation duly sgined and stamp in secured format please pay more attention to number (1&5) regarding contract details (Ref No. PO/27666/19) 4/18/2023 3:52:28 p.m. for your review and approval. Click on the link below to view documents
PO/27666/19
Kindly acknowledge receipt of this e-mail for our internal record purposes.
Best Regards,Ha Bao
The above email is a scam that claims to contain a purchase confirmation document as per the request of the recipient. The email provides some details about the supposed document and asks the recipient to confirm its receipt by clicking on a link. However, when the link is clicked, it redirects to a phishing website that mimics an email account sign-in page. The website asks the recipient to enter their email address and password, which are then stolen by the scammers
The scam works by exploiting the curiosity and fear of the recipients who may wonder why they received a confirmation for something they did not order or buy. The scammers hope that the recipients will either open the attachments or links out of curiosity or call or email them out of fear of being charged for something they did not authorize. Either way, the scammers aim to trick the recipients into giving up their personal or financial information, or infecting their systems with malicious software.
How to Spot the “Purchase Confirmation” Email Scam?
There are some signs that can help you identify a fake “purchase confirmation” email and avoid falling for this scam. Here are some of them:
The sender’s email address does not match the company’s official domain name. For example, if Norton were sending you a real confirmation message, it would not come from a dodgy-looking Gmail address. It would come from one of their real domains, such as @nortonlifelock.com.
The email contains spelling and grammatical errors, or uses poor formatting and design. For example, the email may have missing punctuation, inconsistent capitalization, or mismatched fonts and colors.
The email asks you to open an attachment or click on a link that does not look trustworthy. For example, the attachment may have an unusual file extension, such as .exe or .zip, or the link may have a long and random string of characters.
The email urges you to act quickly or threatens you with negative consequences if you do not respond. For example, the email may claim that you will be charged for something you did not order if you do not cancel it within a certain time frame.
The email requests personal or financial information that is not relevant to the order or shipment. For example, the email may ask you for your credit card number, bank account details, social security number, or other sensitive data.
How to Protect Yourself from the “Purchase Confirmation” Email Scam?
If you receive a suspicious email that claims to be a purchase confirmation from an online retailer, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your data:
Do not open any attachments or click on any links in the email. They may contain malware or lead you to phishing websites.<.li>
Do not reply to the email or call any phone numbers provided in the email. They may belong to scammers who will try to trick you into giving up your information.
Delete the email from your inbox and report it as spam or phishing to your email provider.
If you are unsure whether an email is legitimate or not, contact the company directly using their official website or customer service number. Do not use any contact information provided in the email.
If you have already provided your login credentials to a phishing website, change your password immediately and inform your email provider. Also check your other online accounts for any suspicious activity and change your passwords if necessary.
Use a reputable antivirus software and keep it updated. Scan your system regularly for any malware infections.
Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication if possible.
Check if you’re device is infected with malware
The “Purchase Confirmation” emails can contain malware within the attachments or links that appear in the body of the email. By interacting with the malware — for example, opening or downloading an attachment that contains a malicious payload — the user may unknowingly infect their device or network, enabling attackers to gain access to protected applications and data.
To check your computer or phone for Trojans, browser hijackers, or other malware and remove them for free, you run a scan with Malwarebytes Free.
Malwarebytes runs on Windows, Mac, and Android. Click the tab below for the device you want to scan, then follow the steps to remove any malware it finds.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan Your Computer 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.
That’s it — your Windows computer is now free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, 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 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.
That’s it — your Mac is now free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Scan Your Phone 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.
That’s it — your Android device is now free of malicious apps, adware, and 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.
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.
About Stelian
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
