OneDrive Invoice Scam Uses Repeated Prompts to Harvest Credentials

MailGuard’s AI-powered threat intelligence network has intercepted a new phishing email campaign that impersonates a legitimate OneDrive file share to trick recipients into handing over their Microsoft credentials. The scam uses social engineering tactics and multiple failed login attempts to build credibility before redirecting victims to a real OneDrive page. 

What's the scam?

The attack begins with a seemingly routine invoice email, sent from the display name “Kylian Arburn” using the spoofed address cfo(at)industrials-auctions(dot)com. The subject line references a purchase order and prompts the recipient to “view attached invoice” via a link to what appears to be a shared OneDrive folder.

Here’s what the email looks like:

In a twist, clicking the 'View in OneDrive' or 'Document Invoice' links takes users to a OneDrive themed phishing page, and the first two login attempts are deliberately set to fail. A counter appears beneath the input fields ("Attempt 1 of 3", "Attempt 2 of 3"), giving the illusion of a secure authentication process.

Here's what it looks like:

And, on second attempt:

On the third attempt, the phishing page redirects users to the actual OneDrive login screen, completing the illusion and minimising suspicion.

What makes this scam effective?

This scam is a clear example of how attackers are refining their phishing techniques with behavioural mimicry and trusted infrastructure. Here’s why it’s dangerous:

• Trusted Branding: Mimics Microsoft OneDrive user experience convincingly
• Credential Harvesting: Steals login details without malware
• False Legitimacy: Uses multiple failed attempts before redirecting to a real Microsoft page
• No Obvious Red Flags: Link leads to a functional file directory, no typos or poor formatting

These characteristics make the email and the phishing site look and feel familiar — which is exactly why they work.

Stay Safe - Know the Signs

MailGuard advises all recipients of these emails to delete them immediately without clicking on any links. Responding or providing personal details can lead to identity theft, data breaches, and financial losses.

Avoid emails that:

• Aren’t addressed to you personally.
• Are unexpected and urge immediate action.
• Contain poor grammar or miss crucial identifying details.
• Direct you to a suspicious URL that isn’t associated with the genuine company.

Many businesses turn to MailGuard after a near miss or incident. Don't wait until it's too late.

Reach out to our team for a confidential discussion by emailing expert@mailguard.com.au or calling 1300 30 44 30.

One Email Is All That It Takes   

All that it takes to devastate your business is a cleverly worded email message that can steal sensitive user credentials or disrupt your business operations. If scammers can trick one person in your company into clicking on a malicious link or attachment, they can gain access to your data or inflict damage on your business.     

For a few dollars per staff member per month, you can protect your business with MailGuard's specialist, 'zero zero-day' email security. Special Ops for when speed matters!  Our real-time 'zero-zero-day', email threat detection amplifies our client’s intelligence, knowledge, security and defence. Talk to a solution consultant at MailGuard today about securing your company's inboxes.  

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