‘We Have Received 59 Complaints’ Yahoo Account Deletion Scam
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Have you recently received an email claiming your Yahoo account is at risk of being deleted due to complaints? Don’t click anything in it! This post will explain why it’s a scam and what to do about it.
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What is the “We Have Received 59 Complaints” Yahoo Email Scam?
The “We Have Received 59 Complaints – Your Yahoo Account Will Be Removed” email scam is a phishing attempt targeting Yahoo users. The scam email claims Yahoo has received multiple complaints about your account sending malware and viruses.
It states that 59 complaints were filed against your account over the past three days. The email then pressures you to “avoid mail account deletion” by installing an antivirus through their provided button.
However, this is a scam designed to steal your personal information or install malware on your device. Yahoo would never contact you in this manner about account complaints or request you download security software.
Here is how this email scam might look:
We have received 59 Complaints – Your Yahoo Account Will Be Removed!!! Act Now!!
[Yahoo logo]
Yahoo Team Support
Dear customer,
I am a representative of customer support center at Yahoo!
We have received 59 complaints about your mail account from Yahoo Mail.
Complaints Received from: Account-Yahoo !
Complaints: Sending Malwares and viruses
There are thousand of spam emails that were sent out from your email address in the last 3 days. We require your clarification now to avoid mail account deletion.
We recommend you to install an antivirus, we will choose the best one for you.
[Run & Scan for viruses]
The Email Contains Red Flags of a Phishing Scam
The “We Have Received 59 Complaints” email contains several tell-tale signs it’s a scam:
Sense of urgency – Creating a false urgency to act now is a common phishing tactic. Real companies give you time to address issues.
Threat of account deletion – Legitimate companies don’t threaten to delete accounts without allowing you to fix problems first. This threat is meant to scare you into acting irrationally.
Request to download software – Downloading software from an unverified link is very risky. The software could contain malware.
Poor grammar/spelling errors – The email contains many typos and grammar errors. Legitimate companies proofread correspondence.
Generic greeting – Addresses you as “Dear customer” instead of your name. Real Yahoo emails address you personally.
Non-secure links – Hovering over links shows they lead to sketchy or unrelated sites instead of Yahoo.
These red flags indicate the email’s sole purpose is to steal your personal information or infect your device, not help you with your account.
An In-Depth Look at the Scam Email
Here is a more in-depth analysis of the scam email to understand precisely how it works:
The Email Appears to Originate From Yahoo
The email is designed to look like it comes directly from Yahoo:
The “From” line shows Yahoo Team Support.
It includes the Yahoo logo at the top, making it appear official.
The greeting references “Yahoo Customer Support Center.”
This tricks users into thinking the urgent warning is legitimate since it seems to come from Yahoo itself. But the email address will not match Yahoo’s if you look closely.
It Claims Yahoo Received 59 Complaints About Your Account
The email states Yahoo received 59 complaints in just 3 days about your account sending malware and viruses.
Listing an exact high number of complaints over a short period creates urgency. It implies whatever you’re doing is seriously problematic and risking the deletion of your account.
In reality, Yahoo would never inform you of a specific amount of abuse complaints in this threatening manner. This technique heightens fear so you’ll click their link impulsively.
It Warns Your Account Could Be Deleted Without Action
The email pressures you to avoid account deletion by clarifying the issue immediately.
Threatening users with deleting accounts over minor issues is not normal policy. But this tactic banks on making you so concerned about losing your account that you’ll act recklessly to save it.
Of course, clicking their link or downloading anything won’t save your account at all. Real Yahoo warnings provide detailed information on how to properly address problems.
It Instructs You to Install an Antivirus They Recommend
Finally, the email recommends installing an antivirus they imply will resolve the complaints and protect your account.
A button below says “Run & Scan for viruses” – clicking it will likely download malware disguised as antivirus software.
Genuine companies don’t suggest specific software like this to install. And they certainly don’t provide direct links to download security programs to fix issues.
This tactic aims to infect devices with malware under the guise of protection. But any software from an unverified link should be avoided.
How the Yahoo Account Deletion Scam Works
Now that you know the tell-tale signs it’s a scam, here are the steps of how the phishing attack operates if users fall for it:
1. You Receive the Email Threatening Account Deletion
The scam starts with the urgent email hitting your inbox, crafted to appear it’s from Yahoo. The frightening claims of mass complaints and imminent deletion encourage urgency.
2. You Panic and Click the Link or Button
Alarmed your account could be erased, you click the “Run & Scan” button without thinking. The deceitfully reassuring message convinces you this will fix the issue.
3. Malware is Installed or You’re Redirected
Clicking downloads malware disguised as antivirus software. Or you’re redirected to sketchy sites, or fake Yahoo login pages to steal your credentials.
4. Your Device is Infected or Account Hacked
Now malware has infected your machine to steal data, mine cryptocurrency, or spy. Or your Yahoo credentials are compromised from fake login pages.
5. Yahoo Data and Connected Accounts are at Risk
With your Yahoo account hacked, personal data and connected accounts like email or banking can be accessed by criminals.
6. Your Accounts and Devices are Leveraged for Further Scams
Criminals who phished your account can perpetuate more scams using your compromised Yahoo account and devices. Then the cycle continues.
As you can see, a simple click has disastrous consequences. Following urgent demands instead of thinking critically makes you extremely vulnerable to being manipulated, infected, or hacked.
What to Do If You Fell For the Yahoo Account Deletion Scam
If you unfortunately clicked the link or downloaded software from the scam email already, here are the steps to take now:
1. Scan Devices for Malware and Change Passwords
First, run malware scans using a legitimate antivirus software like Malwarebytes or Norton. Remove anything suspicious found.
Also change passwords on your Yahoo account and any other account sharing that password immediately. Enable two-factor authentication if possible.
2. Contact Yahoo Support to Review Account Activity
Reach out to Yahoo’s real customer service via their official contact channels. Ask them to review your account for suspicious activity and restore access if it was compromised.
3. Reset All Account Passwords Just in Case
Even if your Yahoo account seems fine now, reset passwords on all your online accounts as a precaution. Criminals sometimes wait before abusing phished accounts.
4. Monitor Accounts Closely for Suspicious Activity
Keep checking bank, email, and other online accounts regularly for any unauthorized access. Report any charges or activity that seem fraudulent.
5. Beware of Any Further Phishing Attempts
Criminals may target you again thinking you’re prone to phishing. Carefully scrutinize future emails for other scam tactics asking for personal info or to click links.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to the Yahoo Account Deletion Scam
Here are some tips to avoid being a victim of the “We Have Received 59 Complaints” or other phishing scams:
Be Wary of Threatening Messages
If an email creates strong urgency or makes intimidating threats, slow down. This is likely a scam trying to provoke irrational fear so you’ll act recklessly.
Verify the Sender
Even if the email looks like it’s from a legitimate company, double check the actual sender address. Hover over links to preview their real destination as well.
Don’t Trust Links or Attachments
Never download software or click links in unsolicited or suspicious emails. They are likely to contain malware or lead to phishing sites.
Check for Errors
Phishing emails often contain typos, grammatical mistakes, and other errors. Official company emails are polished.
Contact Companies Through Verified Channels
If an email references an account issue, log into your account directly or contact customer service instead of replying. Don’t use contact info provided in emails.
Use Antivirus/Antimalware Software
Protect your devices with reputable security software like Norton or Webroot to block malicious sites and downloads.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Adding two-factor authentication on online accounts provides an extra layer of security in case passwords are compromised.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
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 for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
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.
Your computer should now be 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:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
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.
Your Mac should now be 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 to remove malware
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.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Yahoo Account Deletion Scam
1. I got an email threatening to delete my Yahoo account – is it real?
No, an email stating Yahoo received complaints about your account and threatening deletion is a phishing scam. Yahoo will never send an email warning they will delete your account without allowing you to fix any issues first.
2. What are some signs the Yahoo complaint email is fake?
Red flags include urgency tactics, account deletion threats, requests to download software, poor grammar/spelling, impersonal greeting, mismatched sender address, and shady links. Real Yahoo emails are professional and provide ways to properly address any problems.
3. What happens if I click the link or button in the Yahoo scam email?
The links and buttons are designed to infect your device with malware disguised as antivirus software. Or it will redirect to phishing sites to steal your Yahoo login credentials. Either results in compromised accounts, stolen data, identity theft.
4. I already clicked the link – what steps should I take now?
If you clicked already, scan all devices for malware, change passwords, contact Yahoo support, reset all account passwords, monitor accounts closely, and watch for further phishing attempts. Acting quickly can help minimize damage.
5. How can I report the fake Yahoo email?
Forward the scam email to Yahoo directly at abuse@yahoo-inc.com. You can also report the email as phishing in your email client like Outlook or Gmail. This helps protect other users.
6. How can I help avoid phishing scams in the future?
Tips to avoid phishing include being wary of threats, verifying senders, avoiding unsolicited links/attachments, watching for errors, contacting companies directly, using antivirus software, and enabling two-factor authentication.
7. What if I think my Yahoo account has been hacked?
If you notice any unauthorized access or activity in your Yahoo account, reset your password immediately. Check connected accounts for fraudulent activity as well and monitor all accounts closely moving forward.
8. Is it ever legitimate for Yahoo to email users about account complaints?
Yes, but Yahoo will email through official channels, address you politely by name, explain the issue and steps to resolve it, provide proper contact methods, and never threaten immediate deletion.
9. What are some other examples of phishing scams I should watch for?
Other common phishing scams pretend to be from banks, online retailers, social media sites, shipping companies, or any major brand. Be vigilant for urgent threats, requests for info, fake invoices, sketchy links in any emails.
10. Who is behind phishing scams like the fake Yahoo email?
Phishing scams are perpetrated by cybercriminals aiming to steal personal data and account credentials or infect devices with malware for financial gain. Being cautious and skeptical protects against their deception tactics.
The Bottom Line – The “We Have Received 59 Complaints” Email is 100% Scam
In summary, emails like the “We Have Received 59 Complaints” scam aim to prey on users through deceit and manipulation. While the urgent threats and questionable links may seem concerning, it’s important to pause and think critically.
No reputable company would threaten account deletion without cause, pressure you to act immediately, or provide unsolicited software. These are all extremely suspicious signs of a scam.
The most important thing is never act rashly out of fear, uncertainty, or a sense of urgency. Slow down and scrutinize any emails thoroughly before providing personal information or clicking links.
Look for scam red flags like grammar errors, intimidation tactics, and non-secure links. Verify the sender address and contact companies directly with any account concerns.
Staying vigilant against phishing protects your data and identity. Spread awareness to family and friends about scam techniques as well to keep everyone secure. With critical thinking and caution, users have the power to prevent scammers from succeeding.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
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Meet Thomas Orsolya
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.
