Have you received an email that looks like it’s from DocuSign, saying you need to sign an important “Internal Audit” document? The email asks you to click a link to review and sign a contract, mentioning details like a reference number and sender’s contact information.
Question: Is this email a real request from DocuSign, or is it a scam trying to steal your personal information or infect your device?
Investigation Findings: This type of email is a fake message pretending to be from DocuSign. Scammers use it to trick you into clicking on harmful links or giving away sensitive information. Even though it includes official-sounding language and details, the email is designed to look trustworthy but is actually dangerous.
Answer: Emails like this are a fraudulent phishing scam. 💡 To protect yourself from scams like this, always check the sender’s email address carefully and do not click on links in unexpected emails. Instead, go directly to the official DocuSign website by typing the address yourself to see if any documents need your signature. Additionally, keep your antivirus software updated and be cautious with any emails asking for personal or financial information.
A typical “DocuSign – Signature Needed Email” scam email reads as follows:
Subject: Internal Audit Document Pending
[docusign image]
Signature Needed: “Internal Audit” Document
Document Icon Review and Sign DocumentHello XXXXXXX
You’ve been requested to review and sign the following document: Contract Agreement with XXXXXXX for Q2 2025.
Document Details:
Reference #: 5817173308
Sender: ********
Contact Email: XXXXXXXAll other parties have completed their signatures. Your action is now required to finalize this document.
If you have any questions, please contact the sender at: XXXXXXX
DATE: June 7, 2025 at 0:12 PM
Important Security Notice:
This email contains a secure link to your document. Do not share this email or the access link with others.About DocuSign:
DocuSign is the global standard for electronic signatures and digital transaction management. All DocuSign transactions are legally binding and secure.© 2025 DocuSign, Inc. All rights reserved.
This message was sent to XXXXXXX
🚨 Beware of DocuSign Signature Needed Email Scam
Scammers are sending fake emails impersonating DocuSign to trick recipients into clicking malicious links under the guise of signing important documents like “Internal Audit” contracts. These emails use believable details to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy, aiming to steal sensitive information or install malware.
Key Red Flags:
- 📧 Suspicious Sender Details: The email may appear to come from DocuSign but often originates from unofficial or spoofed addresses not associated with the real company.
- ⚠️ Urgent Call to Action: The message pressures you to review and sign a document immediately, claiming all other parties have completed their signatures to hurry your response.
- 🔗 Malicious Links Disguised as Secure Document Access: Links supposedly leading to your document may redirect to fraudulent websites designed to steal login credentials or spread malware.
- 📝 Generic or Missing Personalization: The email often uses placeholders instead of real names or company details, indicating mass phishing attempts.
- 🔍 Inconsistent or Unverifiable Contact Info: Contact emails or sender details may be vague or mismatched, making it impossible to confirm their authenticity.
- ⚠️ Security Notices Misused to Instill False Trust: The message includes official-sounding disclaimers to falsely assure recipients the link is secure and confidential.
In summary, these fraudulent DocuSign emails are a common phishing scam designed to steal your information or compromise your device. Do not click on any links or download attachments from suspicious messages. Always verify document requests directly with the sender via known contact methods and access DocuSign documents only through the official website. Stay vigilant to protect yourself from such scams.
📧 What to Do When You Receive the “DocuSign – Signature Needed Email” Scam Email
We advise everyone who receives this email to follow the simple steps below to protect yourself from potential scams:
- ❌ Do not believe this email.
- 🔒 NEVER share your personal information and login credentials.
- 📎 Do not open unverified email attachments.
- 🚫 If there’s a link in the scam email, do not click it.
- 🔍 Do not enter your login credentials before examining the URL.
- 📣 Report the scam email to the FTC at www.ftc.gov.
If you accidentally click a phishing link or button in the “DocuSign – Signature Needed Email” Email, suspect that your computer is infected with malware, or simply want to scan your computer for threats, use one of the free malware removal tools. Additionally, consider taking the following steps:
- 🔑 Change your passwords: Update passwords for your email, banking, and other important accounts.
- 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- 📞 Contact your financial institutions: Inform them of any suspicious activity.
- 🔄 Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any unusual activity.
🔍 How to Spot a Phishing Email
Phishing emails often share common characteristics; they are designed to trick victims into clicking on a phishing link or opening a malicious attachment. By recognizing these signs, you can detect phishing emails and prevent identity theft:
💡 Here Are Some Ways to Recognize a Phishing Email
- ✉️ Inconsistencies in Email Addresses: The most obvious way to spot a scam email is by finding inconsistencies in email addresses and domain names. If the email claims to be from a reputable company, like Amazon or PayPal, but is sent from a public email domain such as “gmail.com”, it’s probably a scam.
- 🔠 Misspelled Domain Names: Look carefully for any subtle misspellings in the domain name, such as “arnazon.com” where the “m” is replaced by “rn,” or “paypa1.com,” where the “l” is replaced by “1.” These are common tricks used by scammers.
- 👋 Generic Greetings: If the email starts with a generic “Dear Customer”, “Dear Sir”, or “Dear Madam”, it may not be from your actual shopping site or bank.
- 🔗 Suspicious Links: If you suspect an email may be a scam, do not click on any links. Instead, hover over the link without clicking to see the actual URL in a small popup. This works for both image links and text links.
- 📎 Unexpected Attachments: Email attachments should always be verified before opening. Scan any attachments for viruses, especially if they have unfamiliar extensions or are commonly associated with malware (e.g., .zip, .exe, .scr).
- ⏰ Sense of Urgency: Creating a false sense of urgency is a common tactic in phishing emails. Be wary of emails that claim you must act immediately by calling, opening an attachment, or clicking a link.
- 📝 Spelling and Grammar Errors: Many phishing emails contain spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Professional companies usually proofread their communications carefully.
- 🔒 Requests for Sensitive Information: Legitimate organizations typically do not ask for sensitive information (like passwords or Social Security numbers) via email.
Conclusion
The DocuSign – Signature Needed Email Scam is a deceptive phishing attempt using fake emails that mimic legitimate DocuSign notifications to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or divulging sensitive information. Scammers send emails posing as urgent internal audit or contract documents requiring your immediate signature to create a false sense of legitimacy and urgency.
These fraudulent messages often contain seemingly authentic details—such as document references, sender names, timestamps, and warnings about security—to lull you into a false sense of trust. However, the links lead to counterfeit websites designed to steal your private information or install malware.
Bottom Line: Always verify the authenticity of DocuSign emails by checking the sender’s email domain, confirming with the supposed sender through separate communication channels, and avoiding clicking on links in unsolicited or unexpected messages. Stay skeptical if an email pressures you to act quickly or requests sensitive data. Protect yourself by reporting suspicious emails and never sharing access links with others. Remember, if it seems too urgent or unusual, it’s most likely a scam.
