Beware! “Your Mailbox Password Has Expired” Email is a Scam
Written by: Stelian Pilici
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Phishing scams are on the rise, with cybercriminals constantly finding new ways to trick unsuspecting victims into giving up personal information and account credentials. One such scam that has emerged recently is the “Important: The mailbox password for – has expired” phishing email.
This fraudulent email claims that the recipient’s email account password has expired and that outgoing messages could not be delivered as a result. The email includes a malicious link that redirects to a fake login page designed to steal account credentials and sensitive information when entered.
It is critical to be aware of this scam and to not fall victim to it. Having your email account compromised could lead to various negative consequences like identity theft, unauthorized access to other accounts, and financial fraud if the account is linked to online banking.
This article provides an in-depth look at how the “Important: The mailbox password for – has expired” phishing scam works, how to identify it, what you can do if you fall prey to this scam, and key takeaways to avoid becoming a victim.
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Scam Overview
The “Important: The mailbox password for – has expired” is a classic phishing scam where cybercriminals attempt to trick email users into revealing login credentials and sensitive information by impersonating a legitimate service.
This scam starts with an email that claims the recipient’s mailbox password has expired and that recent outgoing messages could not be delivered as a result. The email is made to look like an official notification from an email service provider.
It will include the victim’s partial email address in the subject line and body to seem more convincing. The content aims to create a sense of urgency to take action by clicking on the provided link to supposedly fix the issue and regain access immediately.
However, the link actually directs to a fake phishing website instead of the real email login page. The website is carefully designed to mimic the actual login page in order to steal account credentials, personal information, financial details and more when entered.
Sometimes, the scam email also includes an attachment that when clicked will download malware onto the victim’s device to steal data and credentials without their knowledge.
The criminals behind this scam utilize botnets with thousands of infected devices to distribute these phishing emails at a mass scale. The emails are sent out randomly in an attempt to lure as many victims as possible.
Once the victim enters their information, the scammers can gain full access to email accounts and online identities. They leverage this to send more phishing emails to contacts found in compromised accounts to target more victims.
This expands the scam’s reach, and also tricks people into trusting the phishing emails more since they are coming from what appears to be a known contact. This allows cybercriminals to steal immense amounts of personal data for financial fraud or identity theft.
How the Scam Works
The “Important: The mailbox password for – has expired” phishing scam is carefully orchestrated to manipulate victims into giving up crucial login credentials and personal data. Here is a step-by-step look at how this scam works:
1. Scam Email is Sent Out
The first step of this phishing scam involves sending out emails en masse that claim the recipient’s mailbox password has expired.
The scam emails are distributed using large botnets of thousands of infected devices rather than a single device to maximize the number of potential victims reached.
The subject line of the email states that the password has expired, such as “Important: The mailbox password for name@email.com has expired.”
The victim’s partial email address is included to add legitimacy since this personal detail makes it seem more convincing.
2. Deceptive Content Creates Urgency
The content of the phishing email aims to trick the recipient into taking urgent action to regain access to their supposedly expired account.
The email states that recent outgoing messages could not be delivered due to the expired password, making it seem time sensitive to resolve the claimed issue.
A line may be included stating something like “To auto initiate delivery: Click Here to Retrieve and Initiate Delivery.” This gives the illusion that clicking the provided link will instantly fix the problem.
Some versions of the scam email also include a list of emails that supposedly failed delivery due to the expired password. This adds to the deception that the issue prevents the account from working normally.
3. Malicious Link Leads to Fake Login Page
The phishing email includes a link stating something like “Click Here to Retrieve and Initiate Delivery.” However, this malicious link does not lead to any account recovery page.
Instead, it redirects to a fake website impersonating the real email login page. The site looks nearly identical to trick victims into entering their credentials.
In some cases, the link may redirect to a realistic impersonation of an account maintenance or password reset page.
Either way, any information entered will go to the cybercriminals rather than the real email provider.
4. Victims Tricked Into Entering Credentials
Once on the fake phishing site, victims are led to believe it is the legitimate login page to enter their current email account credentials.
Some fake pages even claim that additional verification is needed before restoring account access due to the supposed expired password issue mentioned in the email.
If two-factor authentication is enabled, the fake page may additionally ask for the code generated, further deceiving victims that it is the real login process.
Once victims enter their username, password, and any other details into the fake pages, all this sensitive information is harvested by the scammers.
5. Account Access and Data Compromised
With the victim’s login credentials, cybercriminals can now easily access the compromised email account and any other linked accounts.
They can browse through emails to gather additional personal information, contacts, and account details of other services to target. Online banking accounts linked to the email are especially at risk.
The scammers may change account details such as the password and recovery email to lock out the victim. This maintains access for themselves to continue using or monitoring the account.
Additionally, any malware attachment on the phishing email could also compromise device security and give deeper access beyond just the initial email account.
Ultimately, victims of this scam have their sensitive data, online identities, accounts, and devices put at serious risk through this deceptive phishing technique.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim
If you suspect you have fallen prey to the “Important: The mailbox password for – has expired” phishing scam, immediate action is required to secure your accounts and identity. Here are the key steps to take:
1. Change Account Passwords
The first step is to swiftly change the password for the compromised email account if still able to access it. Enable 2-factor authentication if available but not already turned on.
Also change the passwords on any other online accounts that may have been accessed, especially financial accounts and accounts with similar login credentials used.
Enable enhanced security options like multi-factor authentication wherever possible on accounts to add more protection.
2. Contact Email Provider
Get in touch with the email provider, such as Google for Gmail or Microsoft for Outlook, to report the compromised account. Ask for a password reset if locked out.
Let them know your account was likely accessed by a phishing scam and ask for assistance regaining control of the account. Additional security options can also be enabled through their support team.
3. Scan for Malware
If the phishing email contained a malware attachment, scan devices that accessed the email to check for infections. Reboot devices into Safe Mode then run a thorough antivirus scan.
Delete anything deemed suspicious or malicious. Change passwords again from another clean device if malware is detected.
4. Monitor Accounts and Credit
Carefully monitor online accounts and bank statements for any unauthorized access or suspicious activity. Report any unknown charges or password changes.
Additionally monitor credit reports with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion for signs of fraud like accounts opened without permission. Consider freezing credit to block access.
5. Reset Passwords and Security Questions
To prevent future access, reset all security questions and backup email addresses on online accounts. Avoid using questions with easily searchable answers.
Use random password generator to create complex unique passwords for each account. Using a password manager can help track unique passwords.
6. Watch for Further Phishing Attempts
Scrutinize emails moving forward for other phishing attempts, especially from any contacts whose accounts may have also been compromised to spread more scam emails.
Hover over links to check destinations and be cautious of any unusual requests. Enable enhanced filters that flag suspected phishing emails.
Being proactive in securing accounts, changing credentials, and monitoring activity is key to minimizing the potential damage from handed over details to phishing scams. But prevention by recognizing scams right away remains the best protection.
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.
What is the “Important: The mailbox password has expired” email scam?
This is a phishing scam where victims receive an email claiming their email account password has expired and messages could not be delivered. It includes a fake password reset link that actually steals login credentials and personal information.
How do I recognize this scam email?
Warning signs include an urgent request to reset your password, threats that messages could not be delivered, instructions to click on a link to fix the issue, and a partial email address in the subject line to look legitimate.
What happens if I click the link in the email?
The link goes to a fake website impersonating a real password reset page. Any information entered is harvested by scammers who can then access your account and other linked accounts.
What should I do if I entered my details into the fake page?
Immediately change the password for that account and any other account that uses the same credentials. Check for unauthorized activity and report the scam to the email provider. Scan devices for malware infections.
How can I protect myself from this scam?
Carefully inspect any password reset emails for signs of phishing. Never click links or attachments. Instead, manually navigate to the official website. Enable two-factor authentication when available.
How do I regain access to a compromised account?
Contact the email provider to report unauthorized access and request a password reset. Strengthen the account with new security measures once you regain access.
What steps should I take if other accounts were compromised?
Swiftly change the passwords on every breached account. Monitor account activity and credit reports for signs of misuse of your information. Enable enhanced security options wherever possible.
How can I avoid becoming victim to phishing in the future?
Be wary of unsolicited emails asking you to click links or reset passwords. Check that email addresses match the company’s domain. Use security tools that identify suspicious emails.
The Bottom Line
The “Important: The mailbox password for – has expired” phishing scam is one of the many ways cybercriminals will try to trick email users into compromising sensitive information through fear and deception.
Recognizing the signs of phishing attempts like urgent requests, password reset notifications, and fake login pages is critical to avoid being a victim. Any links or attachments in unexpected emails should be treated with immense skepticism no matter how legitimate they appear.
While email providers have advanced protections in place, users still need to be vigilant against potential scams. Never enter login credentials or personal information except on the official website after independently navigating there.
Enabling two-factor authentication and other security options adds crucial extra protection as well. But remaining cautious and informed remains the first line of defense against losing account access and having your identity or finances put at risk from deceptive phishing campaigns.
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 Stelian Pilici
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.
