FedEx Parcel Scam is a phishing scam that is being spread on the Internet by unknown computer hackers. Our in-depth removal article shows you how to protect your computer against it, as well as remove existing infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | FedEx Parcel Scam |
| Type | Social Engineering Scam/Phishing |
| Short Description | The FedEx parcel scam is a malware attack that uses phishing emails to manipulate the users into interacting with the dangerous content. As a result they can be redirected to hacker-controlled sites or infected with various types of viruses. |
| Symptoms | The users may find that their browser settings are changed. Application failure, abnormal system resources usage and other typical virus infiltration symptoms are expected. |
| Distribution Method | Email messages, malware sites, redirects, web scripts and browser hijackers. |
| Detection Tool |
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FedEx Parcel Scam 2018 Update — Hacked Emails
The 2018 FedEx phishing scam attack uses a slightly different mechanism. The hackers send out fake delivery notifications that are modeled to appear as originating from the courier service. This is made possible by taking legitimate logo, branding, design elements and text style from real emails.
A distinct characteristic of this particular campaign is that the sender emails are actually compromised university accounts. This is in contrast to hacker-made accounts that are made specifically for the case or bought from the hacker underground markets.
The actual body contents of the notifications will coerce the users into clicking on a link to sign their delivery address. If this is done they will be redirected to a fake FedEx login page. It will request their email address, if entered the field will return an error and ask for the user’s password. If it is entered then the account credentials will automatically be transferred to the malicious operators.
FedEx Parcel Scam – Spread
The FedEx Parcel Scam is an active infection that is currently being distributed in a mass email campaign. The criminal operators behind it have hijacked the template used by the company, including the relevant graphics and text in order to spoof them as much as possible. The senders emails may also resemble company ones by using familiar-sounding domain names.
Another tactic would be the use of browser hijackers that represent malware plugins made for the most popular applications. They are usually compatible with Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Opera and Microsoft Edge. They can be uploaded to the software repositories of the relevant browsers by posing as feature additions or enhancements. Once they are installed dangerous changes are made to the browsers, including redirects to hacker-controlled pages. The criminals can also spread the malware via infected software installers. They are frequently made by taking the legitimate setup files from the official vendors. They are modified to include the malware code as soon as the installers are launched. In certain cases the infections can be disallowed by unchecking certain options.
Hacker-controlled sites are one of the usual places where such malware can be contacted. They are usually made using template engines. The researchers have outlined several types:
- Imposter Copies — They are modeled after legitimate services and attempt to fool the users into thinking that they are using the real site.
- Hacker Sites — Specialist sites are being made by the criminals that use original design.
- Web Scripts — Malware copies can also be included in pop-ups, banners and ads.
FedEx Parcel Scam – Overview
The main infection campaign at the moment is being initiated through an email spam campaign. The criminals use standard phishing strategies by taking the original graphics and text from real messages. The criminals have designed the malware campaign by spoofing a delivery notification. The standard message reads the following:
Your package was delivered!
Delivery Information
Your package has been delivered to your home address.
Delivered
Shipping Information
Please find here the shipping invoice and package tracking information
The messages bear the title “Delivery complete” and the sender’s identification is FedEx Parcel. The messages attempt to make the victims click on the malware link. Depending on the individual configuration the interaction can lead to any of the following:
- Malware Downloads — The hyperlink can directly download various files including advanced ransomware and Trojans.
- Spoof Login Pages — The victims can be redirected to counterfeit login pages. If they input their account credentials they automatically are sent to the hackers. Using the provided information the criminals can perform various crimes such as financial loss and identity theft.
- Redirect to Malware Portals — The victims can be redirected to malware-controlled sites. They are often used to institute dangerous tracking cookies and other surveillance technology to the victims. The harvested data is used to generate a complete profile of the victims which is then sold to marketing agencies for profit.
Remember that if such messages reach the internal network of a business or government organizations the security or system administrator should be immediately notified! We recommend that every user scans their systems for malware to make sure that their devices are clean of viruses.
Remove FedEx Parcel Scam Scam
To remove the FedEx Parcel Scam tech support scam and its related files manually from your PC, follow the step-by-step removal instructions provided below. If the manual removal guide does not get rid of the scam and its redirects completely, you should search for and remove any leftover items with an advanced anti-malware tool. Software like that will keep your system secure in the future.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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How to Remove FedEx Parcel Scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for FedEx Parcel Scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall FedEx Parcel Scam and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by FedEx Parcel Scam on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by FedEx Parcel Scam there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for FedEx Parcel Scam (Windows).
Get rid of FedEx Parcel Scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall FedEx Parcel Scam and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to FedEx Parcel Scam. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove FedEx Parcel Scam via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove FedEx Parcel Scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as FedEx Parcel Scam, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for FedEx Parcel Scam (Mac)
Remove FedEx Parcel Scam from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase FedEx Parcel Scam from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall FedEx Parcel Scam from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove FedEx Parcel Scam from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the FedEx Parcel Scam will be removed.
Eliminate FedEx Parcel Scam from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
FedEx Parcel Scam-FAQ
What Is FedEx Parcel Scam?
The FedEx Parcel Scam threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of FedEx Parcel Scam?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like FedEx Parcel Scam?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does FedEx Parcel Scam Work?
Once installed, FedEx Parcel Scam can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
FedEx Parcel Scam can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is FedEx Parcel Scam Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the FedEx Parcel Scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this FedEx Parcel Scam how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on FedEx Parcel Scam?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the FedEx Parcel Scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.