Hackers never take a break. They’re continuously on the watch for new methods to infect your computer with malware or steal your personal information (Phishing). Did you know that hackers are more likely to spoof Microsoft than any other company? When you consider that Windows is installed on over 1.3 billion devices globally, this makes logical sense. This implies that there is a large number of prospective victims. Scam emails from Microsoft are more widespread than you would imagine. This post will guide you how to recognize phony Microsoft emails and report them as soon as possible.
Is it Possible to Get Fake Microsoft Emails?
Hackers and scammers frequently imitate Microsoft by sending out bogus emails requesting that consumers install the latest updates, confirm their account information, or contact customer service. Don’t be caught off guard by these emails. Don’t click any links, and don’t give out any personal information or login credentials.
How Can I Tell If a Microsoft Email Is Genuine?
Microsoft-branded email scams are often so well-crafted that it’s difficult to distinguish between a legitimate email and a phoney message. The sender’s identity and email content may appear to be from Microsoft. Still, closer inspection reveals a slew of warning flags.
Here’s how to recognise fraudulent Microsoft emails quickly:
- Make sure the sender’s address is correct. Fake emails frequently use complex email domains like @account.microsoft.com, @updates.microsoft.com, and @communications.microsoft.com. Someone is attempting to spoof Microsoft by using mismatched email domains.
- Examine the security of web addresses. Make sure it’s safe to visit a certain webpage if you’re urged to do so. Trend Micro Check, Sucuri SiteCheck, and other similar programmes may be used to determine whether a webpage is secure.
- Major red flags include threats or urgent appeals to action. It’s a significant red flag if the communication you received sounds like a threat or says your account will be close unless you do what you’re instructed. For example, cybercriminals frequently urge you to upgrade your Outlook version and threaten to disable incoming emails if you do not do so within 48 hours. If the tone is threatening, it’s almost certainly a scam or phishing effort. A classic scam approach is to create a false feeling of urgency.
- Messages that are general should be avoided. Greetings and messages that are generic are huge red flags. If the email begins with “Dear Sir or Madam,” it’s a red flag that things isn’t quite right.
- Errors in grammar and spelling. Be wary of emails with grammatical and spelling problems. Users would never get such emails from Microsoft.
Do you get emails from Microsoft?
Microsoft does not send you an email requesting additional account information or providing technical help. The business does not start contact. Users must initiate any interactions with Microsoft.
Does Microsoft send out updates-related emails?
Microsoft does not give out updates through email. Do not believe emails from Microsoft urging you to install the newest app updates. These are most certainly phishing attempts. Ignore them, don’t click on anything, and don’t download anything.
How Do I Contact Microsoft About a Suspicious Email?
Pick the message, click Report message, and then select Phishing to report a suspicious email to Microsoft. If you’re using the web performance of Outlook, click Junk, then Phishing, and then tick the boxes next to the relevant email.
You may also create a new email and address it to junk@office365.microsoft.com or phish@office365.microsoft.com. Then, in the new message, drag and drop the questionable email.
To report tech support frauds, use Microsoft’s technical support scam reporting service. Remember to add the sender’s address to your Blocked list as well.
Conclusion
Fake Microsoft emails are frequently sent out by cybercriminals in an attempt to infect your devices with malware or steal your data. These Microsoft email scams frequently carry a feeling of urgency and prompts for action. Always notify Microsoft about questionable emails so that the business can keep its cyber-threat database up to date. Have you ever obtained a phishing email from Microsoft? Did you notify Microsoft about them?
In the comments section below, tell us more about your experience.
