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How to Identify Fake “DocuSign – Signature Requested” Phishing Email Scams
The “DocuSign – Signature Requested” phishing campaign is a sophisticated scam that impersonates the legitimate DocuSign electronic signature service. These fraudulent emails claim that recipients need to review and sign a document urgently, directing victims to click on malicious links that lead to fake login pages designed to steal email credentials. Once compromised, these accounts can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and further phishing attacks. This guide will help you identify these deceptive emails, understand the risks they pose, and take appropriate steps to protect yourself.
Key Facts
- Threat Type: Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
- Fake Claim: Recipients have been sent a document requiring their urgent signature
- Disguised As: DocuSign electronic signature service
- Target: Email credentials, which can lead to identity theft and account compromise
- Distribution Methods: Spam email campaigns with deceptive subject lines
- Common Subject Lines: “Action Required: Complete with DocuSign”, “DocuSign: Document Awaiting Your Signature”
- Potential Damage: Identity theft, unauthorized transactions, compromised accounts
What is the “DocuSign – Signature Requested” Phishing Scam?
The “DocuSign – Signature Requested” scam is a phishing campaign that exploits the trusted reputation of DocuSign, a legitimate electronic signature service used by millions of businesses worldwide. Cybercriminals send fraudulent emails that closely mimic official DocuSign communications, claiming that the recipient has a document waiting for their signature.
These emails typically contain urgent language to pressure recipients into taking immediate action without scrutinizing the message carefully. When victims click on the “Review & Sign” button or link provided in the email, they are redirected to a convincing but fraudulent webpage that mimics an email login portal, rather than the actual DocuSign platform.
The primary goal of this scam is to harvest email login credentials, which can then be exploited for various malicious activities, including accessing sensitive information, conducting financial fraud, and launching additional targeted attacks.
| Threat Type: | Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud |
| Fake Claim: | Recipients must review and sign an important document urgently |
| Disguised As: | DocuSign (legitimate electronic signature service) |
| Common Subject Lines: | “Action Required: Complete with DocuSign”, “DocuSign: Document Awaiting Your Signature”, “You have a document to sign” |
| Targeting: | Business professionals, individuals who might regularly use electronic signature services |
| Distribution Methods: | Mass email campaigns, targeted spear-phishing |
| Potential Damage: | Stolen credentials, identity theft, unauthorized account access, financial losses, compromised business accounts |
How the “DocuSign – Signature Requested” Phishing Scam Works
Understanding the tactics and techniques used in this phishing campaign can help you recognize and avoid falling victim to it. Here’s how the scam typically unfolds:
Source: Microsoft Security, showing typical phishing attack flow
Detailed Breakdown of the Attack Process
- Initial Contact: Victims receive a professional-looking email that appears to be from DocuSign, containing the recognizable DocuSign logo and branding
- Creating Urgency: The email creates a sense of urgency by stating that an important document requires immediate review and signature
- Call to Action: A prominent “Review & Sign” button or link is included to entice the recipient to click
- Redirection: Upon clicking the link, victims are redirected to a convincing but fraudulent web page that mimics an email login page rather than the authentic DocuSign platform
- Credential Theft: When victims enter their email credentials on this fake login page, the information is captured by the attackers
- Account Compromise: With the stolen credentials, cybercriminals can access the victim’s email account, sensitive information, and potentially linked accounts
- Further Exploitation: Compromised accounts may be used to spread additional phishing emails to contacts, access financial accounts, or steal sensitive information
Sample of Fraudulent Email Content
Subject: Action Required: Complete with DocuSignDOCUSIGNSignature RequestedHello -,You've received a new document requiring your signature. Please review and sign at your earliest convenience to ensure timely processing.Document: Contract Agreement - [Unique ID: 2025-027]To view and sign the document, click the button below:Review & SignIf the button doesn't work, copy and paste this link into your browser:[Malicious URL hidden here]This email was sent by DocuSign eSignature. For assistance, contact support@docusign.com.DocuSign, Inc. | 221 Main St, San Francisco, CA 94105Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe |
Technical Indicators of Compromise (IoCs)
| IoC Type | Description | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| Email Sender | Impersonated sender addresses | Look for slight misspellings like “docusign-notification@docu-sign.com” or “docusign@mail-secure.net” instead of legitimate DocuSign domains |
| Email Headers | Mismatched or suspicious header information | Sender address doesn’t match the return path or originated from unexpected servers |
| Email Links | Malicious URLs embedded in the email | Links that don’t point to genuine DocuSign domains (docusign.com, docusign.net) but instead to unfamiliar domains or IP addresses |
| Phishing Landing Pages | Fake login pages | Pages requesting email credentials instead of taking you directly to a document signing interface |
| Document Claims | References to non-existent documents | Documents you don’t recognize or weren’t expecting to receive |
| Language and Urgency | Pressure tactics in messaging | Excessive urgency, threats of negative consequences, or unusual deadlines |
How to Protect Yourself from DocuSign Phishing Scams
Taking proactive measures can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to DocuSign phishing scams. Here are essential steps to protect yourself:
Verify Email Legitimacy
- Check the sender’s email address: Legitimate DocuSign emails come from domains like docusign.com or docusign.net
- Hover over links before clicking: This reveals the actual destination URL, which should only point to legitimate DocuSign domains
- Be suspicious of unexpected requests: If you weren’t expecting a document to sign, verify with the supposed sender through a separate channel
- Look for personalization: Legitimate DocuSign emails typically include your name and information about who sent the document
- Access DocuSign directly: Rather than clicking email links, log in directly to your DocuSign account through the official website or app
Use Security Software
A comprehensive security solution can help detect and block phishing attempts before they reach you. We recommend using a reliable anti-malware tool with phishing protection:
Educational Resources for Better Email Security
| Security Measure | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Email Verification Habits |
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| Link Verification |
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| Multi-Factor Authentication |
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| Password Security |
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Steps to Take If You’ve Been Phished
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a DocuSign phishing scam, take these immediate actions:
- Change passwords immediately: Start with your email account, then any linked accounts
- Enable multi-factor authentication: Add this extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access
- Check account activity: Review your email sent items, account access logs, and financial statements for suspicious activity
- Scan your system: Run a comprehensive malware scan to detect any additional threats that may have been installed
- Report the incident: Notify your IT department if it was a work email, your email provider, and relevant authorities
- Alert your contacts: If your account was compromised, inform your contacts to be vigilant about suspicious messages from you
- Monitor credit reports: Watch for signs of identity theft or unauthorized financial activity
Scan Your System for Threats
To ensure your system is free from any malware that might have been installed during the phishing attack, we recommend performing a thorough system scan with Trojan Killer:
- Download and install Trojan Killer from the official GridinSoft website
- Launch the program and select “Full Scan” to check your entire system
- Review the scan results and remove any detected threats
- Consider enabling real-time protection to prevent future attacks
Similar Phishing Scams to Be Aware Of
DocuSign phishing is just one of many sophisticated email scams currently targeting users. Be vigilant about these similar threats as well:
- Internet Fraudsters Arrested Email Scam — Deceptive emails claiming you’re involved in a fraud investigation
- Server (IMAP) Session Authentication Email Scam — Emails falsely claiming your email account needs verification
- Chase – Transfer Is Processing Email Scam — Phishing emails impersonating Chase Bank to steal banking credentials
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a DocuSign email is legitimate?
Legitimate DocuSign emails come from domains ending in docusign.com or docusign.net, include specific information about the sender and document, and take you directly to the DocuSign platform (not an email login page) when you click links. If you’re unsure, log in directly to your DocuSign account through the official website or app to check for pending documents.
What information can attackers steal through DocuSign phishing?
Initially, attackers target your email login credentials. With access to your email account, they can potentially access sensitive communications, reset passwords for other accounts, discover financial information, steal personal data, and use your account to phish your contacts. This can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and further account compromises.
I clicked a link in a suspicious DocuSign email. What should I do now?
If you clicked a link but didn’t enter any information, you may be safe from credential theft, but your system could still be at risk. Run a malware scan immediately. If you entered your credentials, change your password immediately, enable multi-factor authentication, check for suspicious activity in your account, and monitor linked accounts for unauthorized access.
Can antivirus software protect me from phishing attacks?
Quality security software with anti-phishing capabilities can help detect and block many phishing attempts. Tools like Trojan Killer can scan for malware that might be downloaded through phishing links and block connections to known phishing websites. However, technology should be combined with education and vigilance, as no solution is 100% effective against sophisticated phishing tactics.
How do I report a DocuSign phishing attempt?
Forward the suspicious email to DocuSign at spam@docusign.com, your organization’s IT security team, and report it to anti-phishing authorities like the Anti-Phishing Working Group (reportphishing@apwg.org) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Don’t click any links or download any attachments from the suspicious email.
Conclusion
The “DocuSign – Signature Requested” phishing scam represents a significant threat to both individuals and organizations, exploiting the trusted reputation of a legitimate service to steal sensitive credentials. By understanding how these attacks work, recognizing the warning signs, and implementing proper security measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these deceptive campaigns.
Remember that legitimate companies like DocuSign will never ask you to provide your email password through their service. When in doubt, access the service directly through the official website rather than clicking links in emails. Stay vigilant, keep your security software updated, and educate yourself about the latest phishing techniques to maintain strong digital security.
For comprehensive protection against phishing attempts and other cyber threats, consider using professional security tools like Trojan Killer to safeguard your system and personal information.
