Microsoft users are asked to delete and not follow the instructions in email messages that claim that their Hotmail, Outlook, or Live accounts will expire or will be cancelled. The email messages (see samples below) are phishing scams that are being sent by cybercriminals to frighten their potential victims into clicking on a link within the same email messages, which go to phishing websites that steal Microsoft account usernames and passwords.
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Microsoft users who have already been tricked by the phishing email messages are asked to change their passwords immediately, before their accounts are hijacked and used fraudulently by cybercriminals. For those users whose accounts have already been hijacked, may click here for instructions on how to recover their accounts.
Samples of the Microsoft Cancellation and Expiration Phishing Emails
From: Customer.Account Team © samianak@hotmail.com
Sent: Friday, November 4, 2016 9:33 AM
To: account.user@hotmail.com
Subject: FINAL WARNING Cancellation of your account is been processed within 24 hours
Dear Outlook User.
As part of our effort to improve your experience across our consumer services, we’re updating the Microsoft Services Agreement and the Microsoft Privacy Statement.
If you do not update your Microsoft account within 24 hours your account will be deactivated and deleted from our server and you will no longer have access to many of the features for improved Conversations, contacts and attachments.
Take a minute to update your account for a faster, safer and full-featured Microsoft Outlook experience and to avoid your account being De-Activated.
Unblock To Update Your Account
Thank you for using Microsoft services.
Microsoft Admin
Microsoft respects your privacy. To learn more, please read our Privacy statement
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98069
From: Outlook
Sent: Friday, November 4, 2016 10:27 AM
Subject: Outlook.com -> mailbox 03611453777240577841
Dear,
Your account will expire in 48 hours,
To avoid this please follow the secure link.
Regards
The Outlook Team
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