“Looking To Forge New Partnerships” Spam Email – A Dangerous Phishing Scam

Cybercriminals are continuously refining their tactics to exploit unsuspecting victims, and the “Looking To Forge New Partnerships” email scam is one such deceptive ploy. Masquerading as a business offer from Etihad Airways, this phishing email is designed to steal sensitive information, spread malware, or extort money from victims.

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Threat Summary Table

Attribute	Details
Name	“Looking To Forge New Partnerships” Spam Email
Threat Type	Phishing, Scam, Social Engineering, Fraud
Disguise	Partnership offer from Etihad Airways
Associated Email Addresses	Varies; cybercriminals often use different fake accounts
Detection Names	Generic Phishing Scam, Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Symptoms of Infection	Unauthorized online purchases, changed passwords, identity theft, malware infection
Damage	Loss of private data, financial theft, identity fraud, corporate espionage
Distribution Methods	Deceptive emails, phishing websites, rogue pop-up ads, misspelled domains
Danger Level	High – potential for financial loss, malware infection, and identity theft

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About the “Looking To Forge New Partnerships” Scam Email

This phishing campaign attempts to trick recipients into believing they have been offered a legitimate partnership with Etihad Airways. The scam email is carefully crafted to appear as a business invitation, urging recipients to respond with interest to receive an Expression of Interest (EOI) or an Invitation To Tender (ITT).

Why This Email Is Dangerous?

1. Steals Sensitive Data – If recipients respond, scammers may request confidential business or financial information under the guise of partnership paperwork.
2. Delivers Malware – Cybercriminals may send malicious attachments or links disguised as partnership documents.
3. Phishing Attempt – Victims may be redirected to fake login pages designed to steal credentials.
4. Financial Fraud – Some variants of this scam may demand upfront payments for “processing fees” or “registration costs”.

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Text of the Scam Email:

Subject: Invitation to Partner

Dear Team,

At Etihad Airways PJSC, excellence is at the heart of everything we do.

In our pursuit to maintain and elevate the standards of our services, we are looking to forge new partnerships with industry experts whose activities resonate with our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

Having reviewed your company's array of products and services, we are impressed by the potential synergy between our goals and what you offer. It is with this in mind that we extend a cordial invitation to your esteemed company to explore possible collaboration avenues with us.

Should this opportunity interest you, upon receipt of your affirmation, we will immediately issue the Expression of Interest (EOI) registration forms along with any other necessary
documentation to advance to the next stages of partnership discussion.

We are enthusiastic about the potential of working together and are keen to see how our collaboration can bring about mutual benefits and contribute to delivering exceptional experiences to our customers. Thank you for considering this invitation.

**Mohammed Mansour**  
Procurement Executive.

Red Flags in the Email:

• The sender’s email address is likely a spoofed or random domain, unrelated to Etihad Airways.
• The generic greeting (“Dear Team”) is impersonal, typical of scam emails.
• The message pressures the recipient to respond quickly.
• The offer is unsolicited and too good to be true.
• No contact verification details (legitimate companies always provide verifiable contact information).

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How To Remove the “Looking To Forge New Partnerships” Spam Infection

If you have clicked a link, downloaded an attachment, or entered your information anywhere related to this scam, act immediately to remove any potential malware and secure your data.

Step 1: Scan Your Device for Malware with SpyHunter

1. Download and Install SpyHunter.
2. Launch SpyHunter and run a full system scan.
3. If SpyHunter detects any trojans, keyloggers, or other malware, click “Remove Threats”.
4. Restart your device after the cleanup.

Step 2: Secure Your Email and Online Accounts

• Change all passwords, especially for business accounts and emails.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
• Check for unauthorized logins in your email and other online services.

Step 3: Remove Malicious Extensions

If you clicked any links, check your browser for unknown extensions:

• Google Chrome → Settings > Extensions
• Firefox → Add-ons > Extensions
• Edge → Settings > Extensions
• Safari → Preferences > Extensions
• Remove any suspicious add-ons.

Step 4: Report the Scam

• Mark the email as spam in your email provider.
• Report phishing emails to Google Safe Browsing
• Report fraud to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) if you’re in the U.S.

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How to Prevent Future Phishing Attacks

• Verify Emails Before Responding – Look for grammatical errors, vague addresses, and strange formatting.
• Never Click Suspicious Links – Hover over links before clicking. If unsure, visit the official company website manually.
• Use Advanced Email Filters – Enable spam protection in Gmail, Outlook, and other email services.
• Install Security Software – Always keep SpyHunter and anti-phishing tools updated.
• Train Employees – If you’re part of a business, ensure that staff members recognize phishing emails.

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Final Thoughts

The “Looking To Forge New Partnerships” scam is a serious cyber threat aimed at tricking businesses and individuals into disclosing sensitive information. By recognizing phishing attempts, removing threats with SpyHunter, and following strict cybersecurity measures, users can protect their data and prevent financial losses.