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 This supposed undelivered mail is blamed on the recipient’s account being outdated or having an expired password.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 This lack of delivery is blamed on the recipient’s mailbox password expiring or account details being outdated.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. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
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 scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
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 your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. 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.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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