Spam being sent from my address?

[Dan2nd]

I logged into my e-mails today to find millions of undeliverable messages and in my sent items there are loads and loads of those annoying 'Click on this link to buy cheap shoes ZOMGZ' spam e-mails that have been sent from my account..

I was wondering if anyone would know what acould of caused this.. as far as I know I haven't downloaded anything and I haven't click on any random links in or outside of my e-mails. So far I have run a virus scan which showed my laptop as clear and have changed my e-mail password. My only concern is this is my private e-mail address that only my family know, I use it for internet banking, whenever I make online purchases and for sending CV's off.

I'm not to bothered about the e-mails being sent as I can always send an e-mail out apologising to my contacts but would just like someone to assure me that things like my internet bank account are safe :)

It sounds sort of silly but I feel really pissed off about this because I have had this e-mail address for about 10 years now and have never had any thing like this happen to it. :'(

Anyone who can advise me of what to do next or who can put my mind at rest will get + rep

[Samantha]

I remember I used to get loads of spam e-mails, I know it's the opposite way round for you, but it really annoyed me.
But I noticed that they just stopped after a while, so you could see if they will stop after a while? or see when the first one was sent, it could just be your e-mail providor sending them out, but if they are actually carrying viruses or soemthing, I'm sure contacting the e-mail provider would work?

[AgnesIO]

I think it will be a virus.

What av are you using?

Try using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware if you use AVG or similar.

[Agnostic Bear]

Anyone who can advise me of what to do next or who can put my mind at rest will get + rep

Backup. Format. Reinstall. Done.