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Scam? - Microsoft account verification email

Hi all, I just received this email and wasn't sure if it was real or not. Address it was sent from is *** Email address is removed for privacy ***. Just thought they would use my name if it was real?



Dear Customer,

This is to inform you that on 17th JUNE,2015 your Microsoft Account will exceed it limit and need to be verified for our new outlook updates if not verified now or before 20th JUNE 2015 we shall suspend your account,
Please click the link below to verify your account.

Verify My Account

Thanks.

Windows Live ID Customer Support. 
Copyright 2015 Inc. 
All rights reserved. Terms of Service

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Answer

Hi Debs

In addition to what my partner said

Confirming it IS indeed a a Phishing scam designed to frighten you into a hasty action...

That link does NOT go to Microsoft.

FYI

Microsoft usually has a green shield on the sender's name.

and you might see a lock in the URL / address line

These indicate that the email is coming from Microsoft /  legit sender.

*** Please always check your email to see if the green shield is there. ***

Phishing: Frequently asked questions
How do I report Spam, Phishing or Abusive messages in Outlook.com?

How to recognise phishing email messages, links, or phone calls

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SCAM

If you mouse over the "verify my account" you can see it does not point to a MS site

Its a scam.  A well known and long running one.  Microsoft will never ask for personal details (they already have them) and will never cold call you or send out anti virus messages.
Microsoft does not do that nor do they have partners who do that
See the following for additional information about this and what to do and how Microsoft operates: http://www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/msname.aspx answers.microsoft.com/en-us/protect/wiki/protect_other-protect_scanning/is-that-call-from-microsoft-a-scam/6718e389-8a00-4e4b-aca1-d07298ea4c19?rtAction=1405643984573


What should you do if you receive a questionable email? DONT CLICK ON LINKS, Dont go to web sites that are suggested, dont give access, or volunteer information (usually if you mouse over links they will not point to Microsoft)


1.       Investigate the information.
Take some time and check up on the information. Often sites like snopes.com can provide information on known chain letters and other scams and untruths.  Do not click on links within the mail, but do go to that company’s website, and contact their customer service reps via phone or online to verify the validity of the email.


2.       Report suspicious activities.
If you think someone has accessed your Outlook.com account, that the Live ID sign-in page looks fraudulent, or you receive an email that tries to confirm a password change you didn’t authorize, change your password immediately by going to: http://account.live.com. Next, help ensure your PC has not been infected with a virus or malware by running a free full-PC scan.


3.       Help the Outlook.com team identify new scams.
Click on the Junk button in Outlook.com and select “Junk” or “Report phishing scam” to report it to the Outlook.com team. Whatever you do, do not reply back to the sender.
If you think you might be a victim of fraud, you can report it.

Cat herder
Windows Insider MVP
MVP-Windows and Devices for IT
http://www.zigzag3143.com/

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Last updated October 10, 2023 Views 6,554 Applies to: