System Has Flagged Messages Due To Security Violations Email Scam
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
If you’ve recently received an alarming email claiming that your system has flagged undelivered messages due to security validations, you are not alone. Many individuals and businesses are being targeted by this scam, which is designed to trick recipients into handing over their login credentials. The email typically looks like a legitimate system notification and warns that several messages are being held in a quarantine folder. It then prompts the user to click a button labeled something like “Deliver (3) Messages to Inbox.”
Unfortunately, this message is not from your email provider. It is a carefully designed phishing attempt meant to steal sensitive information such as your email address, password, and potentially financial data. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of this scam, explain how it works step by step, and show you exactly what to do if you’ve already interacted with it.
Scam Overview
The “System Has Flagged Messages Due To Security Violations” email scam is a classic phishing campaign. It relies on fear and urgency to push victims into taking immediate action without questioning the legitimacy of the email.
Key Characteristics of the Scam Email
Subject Line Variations
“Alert: Incoming Emails Are Being Held”
“System Has Flagged Messages Due To Security Violations”
“Action Required: Review Quarantined Messages”
“Undelivered Emails Pending Your Review”
These subject lines are intentionally crafted to look like automated alerts from an email security system.
False Claim of Quarantined Emails The body of the email states that your account has flagged a number of undelivered or quarantined messages (often three). To make it appear credible, the email often lists fake subjects such as:
Bank T/T
Payment
Invoice
These are chosen specifically because they imply financial transactions, increasing the likelihood that the recipient will panic and act quickly.
Urgency and Call to Action The email insists that the recipient must take immediate action to “release the messages” by clicking a button that looks professional and trustworthy.
The Dangerous Button
Example: Deliver (3) Messages to Inbox
Clicking this button does not release any emails. Instead, it redirects the victim to a fraudulent login page disguised as a legitimate webmail portal.
Phishing Page Mechanics
The fake page usually copies the look of popular services (Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or company-branded portals).
Once you enter your login credentials, they are immediately sent to the scammers.
Potential Consequences
Unauthorized access to your email account.
Password reuse exploitation (if the same password is used for banking, social media, or business accounts).
Identity theft.
Business email compromise (BEC) leading to fraudulent invoices or payment redirection scams.
How the Scam Works
Understanding exactly how this scam functions is key to avoiding it. Let’s break it down into clear steps.
Step 1: The Initial Email
The victim receives an email with a subject line implying urgency.
It is formatted to mimic a professional system alert, complete with tables showing pending emails.
The fake “quarantined” emails usually appear important (financial terms like “Invoice,” “Payment,” etc.).
Step 2: Psychological Manipulation
The scam leverages social engineering tactics:
Urgency: “You have 3 undelivered messages pending.”
Fear of Missing Out: “You might lose critical communications.”
Authority: Styled to look like an official system message.
Most people do not want to risk losing important bank or invoice emails, so they are more likely to comply.
Step 3: The Call to Action
A large, eye-catching button labeled “Deliver Messages to Inbox” urges the victim to click.
The button leads to a fraudulent website.
Step 4: The Phishing Website
The victim is redirected to a fake login page designed to look like their email provider.
Victims are prompted to enter:
Email address
Password
Sometimes additional security questions or multi-factor authentication codes
Step 5: Data Harvesting
Once submitted, the information is not used to release any messages.
Instead, it is immediately sent to cybercriminals.
Step 6: Exploitation of Stolen Credentials
Scammers may:
Log into the victim’s email account.
Send out more phishing emails to their contacts.
Attempt password reuse on banking, social media, and business platforms.
Launch fraudulent payment requests (e.g., Business Email Compromise).
Sell the stolen credentials on dark web marketplaces.
Step 7: Further Attacks
If scammers gain control of a corporate email account, they can impersonate employees or executives, leading to large-scale financial fraud.
They may also steal confidential documents, trade secrets, or sensitive customer data.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim To This Scam
If you clicked the link or entered your credentials, time is critical. Immediate action can help minimize the damage.
1. Change Your Email Password Immediately
Go directly to your email provider’s official website (do not use any links in the suspicious email).
Change your password to something strong and unique.
Do not reuse this password for other accounts.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If available, turn on two-factor authentication for your email account.
Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) rather than SMS when possible.
3. Check for Unauthorized Access
Review your email login history (most providers allow this).
Look for unusual IP addresses, devices, or locations.
4. Revoke Malicious App Connections
Go to your account’s security settings.
Remove any suspicious third-party apps or connections that may have been authorized.
5. Scan Your Device for Malware
Use a reputable antivirus program.
Scammers may also trick users into downloading malware in similar campaigns.
6. Secure Other Accounts
If you reused your password on banking, social media, or other services, change those passwords immediately.
Enable 2FA wherever possible.
7. Notify Your Contacts
If scammers have accessed your email, they may send phishing emails to your contacts.
Warn colleagues, friends, and family not to click on suspicious messages coming from your address.
8. Report the Scam
Report the phishing attempt to your email provider (e.g., Microsoft, Google, Yahoo).
In the EU or UK, report to your national cybercrime authority.
9. Monitor Your Accounts Closely
Watch for suspicious financial transactions.
Monitor for password reset attempts or unfamiliar account recovery emails.
10. Consider Identity Protection Services
If you suspect identity theft, consider using a credit monitoring service.
Freeze your credit reports if you believe financial fraud may be attempted.
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
What is the “System Has Flagged Messages Due To Security Violations” email scam?
The “System Has Flagged Messages Due To Security Violations” email scam is a phishing attack disguised as a legitimate email security alert. The email claims that several messages (often labeled as “Bank T/T,” “Payment,” and “Invoice”) have been quarantined due to security validations. Victims are urged to click a button to “deliver messages to inbox.” Instead of releasing messages, the link redirects to a fake login page that steals your email credentials.
Is the “Incoming Emails Are Being Held” message real?
No, it is not real. The “Alert: Incoming Emails Are Being Held” subject line is a common variation of this phishing scam. No legitimate email service provider will ever send such an email asking you to click a button to release quarantined messages. If you receive this notification, it is 100% fraudulent and should be ignored or deleted.
How does the scam trick victims?
The scam uses social engineering tactics to create a sense of urgency and fear. It tricks users into believing:
They are missing critical business or financial emails.
Their account has detected a security issue.
Immediate action is required to restore normal functionality.
By playing on fear of missing payments or invoices, the scam increases the likelihood of victims clicking the phishing link without verifying authenticity.
What happens if I click “Deliver Messages to Inbox”?
If you click the “Deliver Messages to Inbox” button in this phishing email, you will be redirected to a fake login page. This page is designed to look like your email provider’s sign-in portal. Once you enter your username and password, the credentials are immediately stolen by scammers. This gives them unauthorized access to your email account and potentially all linked services.
What can scammers do with my stolen email login credentials?
Scammers who gain access to your email account may:
Hijack your inbox to send phishing emails to your contacts.
Reset passwords for other accounts (banking, shopping, social media).
Commit financial fraud through invoice scams or wire transfer requests.
Steal sensitive data, such as business files, tax documents, or IDs.
Sell your credentials on dark web marketplaces for profit.
The consequences can be severe, especially if you reuse the same password across multiple platforms.
How can I tell if the “System Has Flagged Messages” email is a scam?
Look for these red flags:
Generic greeting (“Dear user” instead of your real name).
Urgent language pressuring you to act quickly.
Suspicious links or buttons (hover over the link and check the URL — it won’t match your email provider’s domain).
Unfamiliar sender address that doesn’t match official domains.
Grammar mistakes or formatting issues in the message.
If an email seems off, always log in directly to your email provider through its official website instead of clicking embedded links.
What should I do if I entered my password on the phishing page?
If you already entered your credentials, act immediately:
Change your email password on the official site.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
Check recent login activity in your account settings.
Revoke any suspicious app connections linked to your account.
Secure other accounts that use the same password.
Warn your contacts that your account may have been compromised.
Report the phishing email to your provider (Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, etc.).
The faster you act, the better chance you have of preventing identity theft or fraud.
Why do scammers use subjects like “Bank T/T,” “Payment,” or “Invoice”?
These subject lines are chosen strategically to trigger urgency and financial concern. Many people assume these could be related to payments, banking transfers, or invoices from clients. By using financial terminology, scammers increase the odds that recipients will panic and click without thinking twice.
How can I protect myself from email phishing scams like this?
Follow these best practices to stay safe:
Never click links in unsolicited security alerts.
Verify directly by logging into your account through the official website.
Within the EU, report to your national cybercrime authority.
The Bottom Line
The “System Has Flagged Messages Due To Security Violations” email scam is a dangerous phishing campaign that preys on urgency and fear. It tricks users into believing their emails are being quarantined due to security checks, then lures them into entering their login credentials on a fake website.
If you receive such an email:
Do not click any links or buttons.
Delete the email immediately.
Secure your account if you have interacted with it.
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.
