If you have recently ordered something online, you may have received an email with the subject line “Reconfirm Shipping Documents”. This email may look like it came from a reputable shipping company, such as FedEx or UPS, and it may ask you to open an attachment or click on a link to verify your shipping information. However, this email is actually a scam that aims to steal your personal and financial data.
What is the “Reconfirm Shipping Documents” Email Scam
The “Reconfirm Shipping Documents” scam is a type of phishing scam, which is a fraudulent attempt to trick you into giving away your sensitive information by impersonating a legitimate entity. The scammers behind this scam send out mass emails that contain a fake message from a shipping company. The message claims that they have received an instruction from their client to contact you regarding your shipment. It also asks you to reconfirm your shipping documents as soon as possible and reply back before the goods are dispatched.
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The email also includes one or more attachments, usually in the form of HTML or PDF files. These files are typically disguised as payment slips, invoices, or other shipping-related documents. However, upon opening these attachments, the victim is prompted to enter sensitive information such as passwords, login credentials, or financial information. The scammers can then use this information to access the victim’s online accounts, make fraudulent purchases, or steal their identity.
How to Spot and Avoid the “Reconfirm Shipping Documents” Scam
The “Reconfirm Shipping Documents” scam can be hard to spot at first glance, as it may use the logo and name of a legitimate shipping company. However, there are some signs that can help you identify and avoid this scam. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Check the sender’s email address. The scammers may use a generic or spoofed email address that does not match the shipping company’s official domain name. For example, instead of “support@fedex.com”, they may use something like “noreply@fedex-shipping.com” or “fedex@delivery-service.com”.
- Check the email’s grammar and spelling. The scammers may make mistakes in their writing, such as using poor punctuation, capitalization, or word choice. For example, they may write “reconfirm shipping documents asap” instead of “please reconfirm your shipping documents as soon as possible”.
- Check the email’s tone and urgency. The scammers may try to create a sense of urgency or pressure by using words like “immediately”, “asap”, or “before goods are dispatched”. They may also use threats or warnings, such as “failure to comply will result in cancellation of your order” or “your account will be suspended if you do not verify your information”.
- Check the email’s attachments and links. The scammers may attach files that have suspicious extensions, such as .exe, .zip, .scr, or .bat. These files may contain malware that can infect your device or steal your data. They may also include links that lead to fake websites that look like the shipping company’s website but have different domain names or URLs.
- Do not open any attachments or click on any links from unknown senders. If you are not sure about an email’s legitimacy, contact the shipping company directly using their official website or phone number. Do not reply to the email or use any contact information provided in the email.
- Use antivirus software and update it regularly. Antivirus software can help you detect and remove any malware that may be hidden in the email’s attachments or links. It can also protect you from other online threats and scams.
What to Do If You Have Fallen for the “Reconfirm Shipping Documents” Scam
If you have opened an attachment or clicked on a link from the “Reconfirm Shipping Documents” scam email, you may have compromised your personal and financial data. Here are some steps you can take to minimize the damage and prevent further harm:
- Scan your device for malware using Malwarebyte Anti-Malware. If you find any malware, delete it immediately and restart your device.
- Change your passwords for all your online accounts, especially those that are related to your email, banking, shopping, or social media. Use strong and unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication if possible.
- Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious transactions or activities. If you notice any unauthorized charges or changes, report them to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible.
- Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.ftc.gov/complaint or to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
Check if you’re device is infected with malware
The ““Reconfirm Shipping Documents” Email Scam 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.
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 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.
Scan Your Mac 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.
Scan Your Phone 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.
The “Reconfirm Shipping Documents” scam is a common and dangerous phishing scam that targets online shoppers. By being aware and alert, you can avoid falling victim to this scam and keep your information safe.
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