How to remove FedEx tracking email virus

FedEx tracking virus is a malspam campaign that infects users' computers with the dangerous data-stealer Hancitor trojan

FedEx tracking email virus is a phishing email strain that is delivered to random computer users all over the world. The deceptive message pretends to be coming from FedEx delivery service and warns users about the alleged package. The attached document, which often comes as MS Word .doc file, is an obfuscated payload of data-stealing malware called Hancitor.^[1] The virus is capable of recording keystrokes, harvesting personal information and installing additional payloads. FedEx (just as UPS and DHL^[2]) is one of the biggest delivery services in the world and is often targeted by numerous scammers and hackers; some hoaxes being exceptionally believable, while others are poorly executed. However, users should be aware of FedEx tracking virus and not fall into a cleverly executed trap arranged by cybercriminals.

Users typically receive FedEx tracking email scam message which claims that the important information about the alleged package delivery is enclosed in the attached document. Because the email is sent to random users, it will reach those who are not expecting anything from FedEx, instantaneously raising suspicions. 

However, because FedEx is such a widely used service around the world, among targeted victims there will always be those who are expecting a parcel, prompting people to believe in FedEx tracking virus scam. 

Typically, users are asked to open an attachment which is a malicious document, .pdf, .html, .txt or other files. Cybercriminals are often employing social engineering tricks to make sure users open the attachment – they create a sense of urgency by using scare tactics. For example, “print this document, or your parcel will be returned to the sender.”

Here are several examples of malicious email messages:

This tracking update has been requested and attached to this email.
Reference information includes: Invoice number, Reference, Special handling/Services, Residential Delivery. Reference information is attached to this email.
Tracking number: 625976022895

To track the latest status of your shipment, click on the tracking number above, or visit us at fedex.com

To find the latest state of your shipment, click the tracking # above.
The tracking update have been sent to you by FedEx.
Thank you for your business.
2018 FedEx. the written contact of this notification is safeguarded by copyright and trademark laws and regulations under United States andInternational laws. See our privacy policy. All right reserved.

Note that the sender's address is usually made to look legitimate. However, the trick is simple: hackers register domain addresses that look akin well-known companies like parcel delivery service FedEx or governmental institutions like Tax Office.^[3] While in most cases deception can be spotted after looking closely at the delivery address, some crooks go an extra mile to make users see the real address of the impersonated company or institution.

As soon as users open the document attached to FedEx tracking email virus, the malicious macros ensure Hancitor is downloaded and installed into the machine. Unfortunately, victims might not even notice anything out of the ordinary, as no system changes are visible on the screen. After the infiltration, the only way to remove FedEx tracking virus is to use anti-virus software, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

FedEx tracking virus performs a series of changes on the system which allows hackers to:

• Start or stop processes
• Schedule tasks
• Install additional applications
• Take screenshots
• Collect personal data and send it to a remote server, etc.

Additionally, FedEx tracking email virus serves as a botnet, resulting in the malware spreading fast and infecting more machines over time. Trojans are also often used as backdoors^[4] for ransomware, so file loss is also likely.

To conclude, if you clicked on a malicious attachment, you are infected with a dangerous trojan, and you should take care of FedEx tracking virus removal immediately.

Never underestimate cybercriminals – they are capable of constructing a high quality phishing email

There is no surprise that spam emails are one of the most successful malware distribution methods out there. Sure, hackers also use such means as exploit kits, hacked websites, misconfigured RDP, and similar, but phishing emails were always their favorite, as automated botnets do the job quickly and efficiently. This ensures the stable infection rate all over the world.

Therefore, users should treat every email with suspicion, even if it looks legitimate. Watch out for these phishing email signs:

• The “From” address usually resembles the original company's one, although sometimes it can be completely random. Closely pay attention to this crucial element, you can almost always see the deception there;
• The subject field typically presents allegedly important information, such as “Delivery attempt,” “Shipping information,” “FedEx shipping,” “Your Invoice,” and similar;
• Phishers refer to victims as “Dear User,” “Dear Customer,” and similar. Large corporations know your name if you are using their service, and they will use it;
• The content of the email usually reports about some sort of problem, for example, wrong delivery address, insufficient information, account registration issue, etc. Immediately after that users are prompted to do something or face a consequence;
• After crooks present the problem, they ask users to click on hyperlinks embedded in the email or download the attachment. Put your cursor on top of the hyperlink and you will see the real URL it will bring you to. Before opening any attachments, scan them using security software or tools like Virus Total;
• And finally, watch out for grammar and spelling mistakes.

Get rid of FedEx tracking email virus using security software

Trojans are not that easy to detect, as they barely emit any symptoms. Nevertheless, FedEx tracking virus removal can be achieved with the help of security software. Experts suggest using FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, although any other reputable tool will do.

Trojans are nasty infections, and sometimes might be hard to get rid of. Therefore, to remove FedEx tracking email virus fully, users should enter Safe Mode with Networking, as explained below. This way, only the necessary elements will be loaded, and trojan's functionality will be temporarily disabled.