Bogus ‘Amazon Order Dispatched’ Emails Contain Malware

The emails are not from Amazon. The attachments contain malicious macros or JavaScript files that can download and install ransomware or other types of malware.

Inboxes are currently being hit by a series of emails that claim, via their subject lines, that your Amazon order has been dispatched. The bodies of the emails are blank, but they include attached files that some recipients may believe contain further information about the supposed Amazon order. Some versions claim that the order is coming from Amazon.co.uk while others claim to be from Amazon.com. In some cases, the attachment is a.zip file, while in others it is a Microsoft Word (.docm) file. Other details, such as the supposed reference number in the subject line and attachment name may also vary.

The emails have no connection to Amazon and the claim that your order has been dispatched is untrue. The attachments contain malware.

The.zip versions harbour malicious JavaScript (.js) files that, if opened, can download and install the malware on your computer.

The Microsoft Word (.docm) versions try to trick you into enabling macros, ostensibly so that the content can be correctly displayed. If you comply, a malicious macro can then proceed to download and install malware.

The exact nature of the malware payload in these emails may vary. Some may download Locky ransomware. Once installed, Locky can lock up all of your computer files and then demand a fee to receive a key to unlock them.

Other versions may install malware that can steal sensitive information such as banking usernames and passwords.

If you receive one of these emails, do not open any attachments that it contains. Amazon will never send you a blank email like the ones shown above.