Watch Out for Fake “Your Messages Couldn’t Be Delivered” Emails
Written by: Stelian
Published on:
The “Your Messages Couldn’t Be Delivered” phishing scam aims to steal email account credentials by tricking users into logging into a fake website. This fraudulent email informs recipients that their recent outgoing messages failed delivery due to an expired mailbox password or lack of account updates.
Overview of the Scam
This phishing campaign uses social engineering techniques to manipulate unsuspecting email users. The scam email appears legitimate and conveys a sense of urgency to initiate action.
The message states that outgoing emails could not be delivered recently. This supposed undelivered mail is blamed on the recipient’s account being outdated or having an expired password.
To allegedly resolve the delivery failure issues, the recipient is instructed to click on a link that redirects to a phishing site masquerading as a password reset page. However, this malicious website is designed to steal login credentials and other sensitive information.
Once the victim enters their email address and password into the fake portal, the scammers gain full access to the compromised account. They can then leverage this access for various cybercrimes.
Sender Details Appear Genuine
The “Your Messages Couldn’t Be Delivered” scam email is crafted to seem authentic. The sender name, email address, and subject line are formulated to look like official correspondence from a legitimate service provider.
Common sender identities include well-known tech companies, email providers, social media platforms, and financial institutions. For example:
support@account.gmail.com
maildelivery@outlook.com
Facebook Notification Center
Apple Support
Even the email subject line is deceptive. Some examples are:
Your account has been limited
Important Notice: Delivery Failure Detected
Urgent: Mailbox Password Expired
By making the scam appear to come from an authoritative source, victims are more inclined to trust the content and urgently take action.
Convincing Content Included
The scam email body contains convincing text about undelivered messages and expired account passwords. This content preys on reader’s concerns over potential account security issues.
In most variations, the phishing email claims that recent outgoing messages could not be sent successfully. This lack of delivery is blamed on the recipient’s mailbox password expiring or account details being outdated.
The text creates a sense of urgency and need for the recipient to update their login credentials immediately. If not, additional emails risk non-delivery.
A “Click Here” hyperlinked button is prominently displayed. This links to the phishing site where victims enter the requested login and personal details.
Phishing Link Leads to Fake Login Page
The hyperlinked button or text redirects to a cleverly designed phishing portal mimicking a real password reset page. This fake login portal is hosted on a compromised website or domain registered by the scammers.
All reputable email providers and online platforms have security measures in place on their official websites. However, the scam version lacks the normal security features.
When victims enter their email address, current password, and other personal details into the fake portal, all this sensitive information is harvested directly by the scammers.
With the stolen login credentials, cybercriminals can access and take over the victim’s email account. They can also leverage this account access for further criminal activity.
How the Scam Works
The “Your Messages Couldn’t Be Delivered” phishing scam is orchestrated using the following process:
1. Victims Receive the Fraudulent Email
The scam begins with victims receiving an unsolicited email supposedly from a legitimate company. The sender name, email address, and subject line are designed to appear authentic.
Common versions mimic major tech brands, email providers, social networks, online retailers, and financial institutions.
2. Recipients Open the Deceptive Email
When recipients open their inbox, the scam message blends in seamlessly. The sender name seems official, and subject line grabs attention.
Curious readers open the email, not realizing it is a scam aimed at stealing personal information.
3. Scam Email Content Arouses Concern
The email body contains well-crafted text about undelivered messages and expired passwords. This content stirs up worries over potential account security issues.
A sense of urgency is conveyed emphasizing the need to update account details immediately before more emails fail to send.
4. Phishing Link Clicked to Fake Login Page
A prominent “Click Here” hyperlinked button in the email body redirects to a fake password reset portal. This mimics a real login page from the company the scam is impersonating.
Victims click the link anxious to resolve the supposed delivery issues impacting their email account. But instead, they are led straight into the phishers trap.
5. Login Credentials and Personal Details Entered
Without realizing the page is a scam, victims enter their email address, current password, and other requested personal details into the fraudulent login portal.
Since the site looks legitimate, users complacently provide the data thinking it is needed to update their account.
6. Sensitive Information Harvested by Scammers
With the victim’s login credentials and personal information now stolen, the scammers have full access to the compromised email account.
The phishing site was designed to collect and transmit all submitted data directly to the cybercriminals. Their attack has succeeded.
7. Account Takeover and Further Criminal Misuse
In their new role as the account owner, the scammers can access the inbox, sent items, contact lists, and more.
They commonly change account passwords and security settings to maintain control. Further criminal misuse of the compromised account is also likely.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim
If you entered your details into a fake login portal linked from the “Your Messages Couldn’t Be Delivered” scam email, promptly take these steps:
Change Passwords Immediately
Quickly go to the real website of the compromised account and create a new, strong password. Make sure it is at least 12 characters mixing numbers, symbols, uppercase and lowercase letters.
Enabling two-factor authentication is also recommended as an added security layer. This requires users enter a randomly generated code from their phone when logging in.
Contact Support Teams
Notify the customer service teams for all accounts possibly compromised by the phishing attack. Ask them to flag your account as hacked so they can monitor for suspicious activity.
Provide details of how, when, and what phishing email led you to divulge your login information. The more info they have, the better they can respond to the security breach.
Scan Devices for Malware
Hackers sometimes embed malware into phishing sites to infect the devices of users who visit. Scan your computer, phone, and any other web-enabled devices with a quality antivirus program to detect potential threats.
Delete anything deemed suspicious that could be tied to the scam website domain. Phishers may leverage malware payloads for data theft, crypto mining, distributing spam, and other motives.
Monitor Accounts Closely
Carefully scrutinize all the accounts that may have been compromised moving forward. Watch for any messages, posts, or transactions you didn’t authorize.
Also be alert for signs of identity theft, such as suspicious charges or inquiries on your credit reports. Promptly report any concerning activity to the appropriate institutions.
Learn From This Experience
Use this phishing encounter as motivation to be more vigilant against such scams going forward. Learn to identify subtle warning signs like poor spelling and grammar, threatening demands, and unfamiliar sender addresses.
When contacted unexpectedly about account issues, don’t click links. Instead, log into the official website directly or contact customer support for confirmation.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser 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.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or 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.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
What is the “Your Messages Couldn’t Be Delivered” scam?
This is a phishing scam where victims receive an email claiming your outgoing messages failed delivery due to an expired password or outdated account details. It tricks users into clicking a link to a fake login page to harvest their credentials.
How does the phishing email look legitimate?
The sender name, email address, and subject line are designed to mimic correspondence from a real company. The content convinces readers that urgent action is needed to avoid more failed email deliveries.
What happens when you click the link?
The link goes to a spoofed login page that collects any email address, password, or other details entered. The scammers then use this information to access and take over your account.
What should I do if I entered details into the phishing page?
Immediately change the password for that account and any other accounts that may be compromised. Contact customer support about the incident. Scan devices for potential malware from the scam site.
How can I identify phishing emails in the future?
Look for poor grammar, threats demanding quick action, sender email addresses from mismatched domains. Verify urgently with companies directly instead of clicking links.
Are there any other signs an email is a phishing scam?
Additional red flags include generic greetings, suspicious links, requests for sensitive data, spelling mistakes, threats of account suspension, and unexpected password reset notices.
How can I protect myself from phishing scams?
Be wary of unsolicited messages and avoid clicking links or attachments. Check web URLs carefully. Use strong anti-phishing and antivirus software. Enable multi-factor authentication when available.
What should I do if I’m unsure about a suspicious email?
When in doubt, contact the company directly through their official website or customer service line to verify legitimacy. Report phishing attempts to your email provider.
Can I recover stolen information or money lost in phishing scams?
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to recover compromised data or lost money. This is why education on identifying and avoiding scams is so important.
The Bottom Line
The phishing scam labeled “Your Messages Couldn’t Be Delivered” aims to hijack email accounts and identities by tricking users into visiting fake login pages.
Always scrutinize unsolicited messages claiming to be from companies regarding account issues. Instead of clicking any links, reach out directly to the institution’s official customer service for help.
Carefully check that web addresses begin with ‘https’ and look legitimate before entering any sensitive information online. Avoid complying with urgent requests in messages from unverified senders.
With fraudsters constantly updating their tactics, ongoing awareness against phishing threats is key. Be proactive in safeguarding your email accounts, online identities, and other sensitive information.
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.
About Stelian
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
