Excel Online Manager Scam

Staying alert while managing digital correspondence is critical in today’s threat landscape, where email remains one of the most exploited attack vectors. A recent phishing campaign known as the Excel Online Manager Scam highlights how cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics to deceive unsuspecting users. These fraudulent emails masquerade as legitimate business communications, attempting to steal sensitive credentials under the guise of a request for quotation (RFQ).

A Closer Look at the Deceptive Email

Cybersecurity researchers uncovered the 'Excel Online Manager' scam after analyzing suspicious emails containing a fake RFQ and a link to a phishing page. The message claims the recipient has received a 'secured business file' from a sender named Amanda McNight (USA). It references a file titled 'PO-#278354894.xls', a receiver ID, and a timestamp to appear authentic.

Recipients are told that a new order for November 2025 is being processed and are urged to provide a quote for the listed items. The email insists that the attached file can only be accessed securely by entering one’s email credentials via a 'Get File' button. However, clicking this link redirects users to a fake Excel Online webpage, where they are prompted to enter their email address and password.

No document exists — once entered, the credentials are transmitted directly to cybercriminals, giving them unauthorized access to victims’ online accounts.

The Hidden Dangers Behind the Scam

Once scammers obtain login credentials, they may exploit them in several ways. Compromised accounts are often used for:

Identity theft and financial fraud – Accessing banking, e-commerce, or email accounts to make unauthorized purchases or transactions.

Credential reuse – Trying the same login details across multiple platforms to breach additional accounts.

Spreading further scams – Sending phishing emails or malware-laced attachments to contacts from the victim’s account, increasing the campaign’s reach.

The fake Excel Online page is part of a broader phishing strategy designed to trick recipients into believing they are using a legitimate Microsoft service. These emails are not associated with any genuine company, organization, or service provider, despite appearing professional and trustworthy.

Phishing Tactics and Common Distribution Methods

Attackers often rely on social engineering to make their messages convincing. They frequently disguise phishing attempts as business correspondence, bank alerts, shipping notifications, or even job offers. Their goal is to induce urgency or curiosity so that recipients act without verifying the source.

Typical tactics used in these scams include:

• Embedding links that redirect to fake login portals resembling well-known platforms.
• Attaching malicious files such as executables, Office documents, PDFs, scripts, or compressed archives (ZIP/RAR).
• Encouraging users to enable macros or other features that execute malware.
• Hosting the phishing pages on compromised or newly registered domains.

Infections usually occur only if the victim interacts with the content — either by clicking links, downloading attachments, or entering sensitive data. Once a device is compromised, attackers may install information-stealing malware, ransomware, or remote access tools to extend control over the system.

Protecting Yourself from the Excel Online Manager Scam

The Excel Online Manager phishing campaign demonstrates how even experienced professionals can be deceived by emails that mimic legitimate business requests. To avoid becoming a victim:

• Treat unsolicited messages containing file links or attachment requests with suspicion.
• Verify the sender’s identity through an alternative communication channel before engaging.
• Never enter credentials on external pages unless the domain is verified as legitimate.
• Keep email filtering and endpoint security solutions active and updated.

By remaining cautious and verifying all unexpected business communications, users can effectively protect themselves from phishing attempts and the severe consequences of stolen credentials.