Caught in the Click: The DocuSign - Secure Document Received Email Scam

An email scam is making the rounds, posing as a legitimate message from DocuSign, a trusted service used widely for signing digital documents. However, the email in question is not associated with DocuSign at all. Its subject line usually mentions a secure document, often labeled something official like "ACH-Wire Authorization for Invoice9876545.pdf." At first glance, it looks convincing. The email includes a logo, formal language, and a clear call to action: "Review and Sign the Document." However, what lies beneath the surface is anything but secure.

A Deceptive Hook

The primary aim of this fraudulent email is to create a sense of urgency and trust. It informs the recipient that they alone have access to the supposed document, encouraging immediate attention. A prominent "View Document" button is the focal point of the message. But instead of taking the user to a legitimate DocuSign portal, it redirects to a look-alike page designed to steal email credentials. This kind of tactic is a hallmark of phishing—a strategy that tricks people into giving up sensitive information.

Here's what the fraudulent message says:

Subject: ACH Enrollment vendor number #00500598 w-9 forms processed

DocuSign
Secure Document Received
ACH-Wire Authorization for Invoice9876545.pdf

VIEW DOCUMENT
Please review and and sign. Document can only be viewed by ******** .

If you are ready to sign please read through the agreement. All the red boxes are required fields, you will not be able to skip them, the grey fields are optional but encouraged.

Sign-in authentication with recipient email is required to review and electronically sign the pending document. There is no requirement for a paper copy to be produced if completed with DocuSign.
Do Not Share This Email
This email contains a secure link to DocuSign. Please do not share this email or link with others.

About DocuSign
Sign documents electronically in just minutes. It's safe, secure, and legally binding. Whether you're in an office, at home, on-the-go, or even across the globe -- DocuSign provides a professional trusted solution for Digital Transaction Management™.

Questions about the Document?
If you need to modify the document or have questions about the details in the document, please reach out to the sender by emailing them directly.

Stop receiving this email
Report this email or read more about Declining to sign and Managing notifications.

If you are having trouble signing the document, please visit the Help with Signing page on our Support Center.

How the Scam Works

Once the recipient clicks the link, they're taken to a fake sign-in page—usually styled to mimic Gmail or another email provider. Here, users are prompted to type in their login credentials, which the scammers then capture. With access to a real email account, attackers can dig through private messages, reset passwords for other accounts, or send further phishing messages to contacts, making the scam spread even further.

Beyond the Inbox

These scams don't always stop at just stealing email credentials. If successful, the scammers may use the same login information to attempt access to other services—social media, banking platforms, or cloud storage accounts. If you reuse passwords across platforms, the risk increases. The result can be anything from loss of sensitive data to unauthorized financial transactions.

What Makes It So Convincing?

One of the reasons this scam works is because it closely mirrors authentic communication from DocuSign. The layout, branding, and tone are carefully constructed to reduce suspicion. Cybercriminals often use real company logos, familiar formatting, and convincing terminology to make the message look trustworthy. To someone busy or not expecting a scam, it's easy to mistake the message for the real thing.

Common Variations of the Scheme

This isn't the only scam of its kind. Similar emails have used names like "Completed Document," "Signature Requested," or even security alerts from banks. While the details may vary, the mechanism remains the same: create urgency, provide a link, and collect credentials or install harmful software. Some messages even include attachments designed to infect the recipient's device once opened.

Malicious Files: Another Angle of Attack

In some versions of these scams, instead of—or in addition to—a phishing link, a file may be attached. These files could be disguised as PDFs, Word documents, or even ZIP archives. In many cases, opening these files alone isn't enough to compromise a system, but once a user enables certain features—like macros in a Word document—the file can begin executing harmful actions in the background. These might include installing spyware or opening a backdoor to the system.

How to Spot and Handle Suspicious Emails

To avoid falling for scams like this, always examine unexpected emails with a critical eye. Ask yourself whether the sender is familiar, whether the message was expected, and whether the request makes sense. Hover over links with your mouse cursor to see where they lead before you click them. If you're unsure, go straight to the official website instead of using a link in the message. It's also a good practice to check with the sender through a verified method if something seems off.

Safe Browsing and Downloading Habits

Beyond email, a cautious online approach can help you stay protected. Only download programs or documents from official websites or reputable platforms. Avoid pop-ups and questionable ads, and never allow unknown sites to send you browser notifications. Taking a moment to verify what you're engaging with can save you from a great deal of trouble later.

Final Thoughts

The "DocuSign - Secure Document Received" scam is a clever example of how phishing tactics evolve to exploit trust and routine behavior. While it doesn't involve any direct harm unless the user interacts with it, the consequences of doing so can be significant. By staying informed and paying close attention to digital communications, users can navigate around these traps with confidence.