Microsoft Hotmail and Outlook Cancellation and Expiration Phishing Email Messages

Microsoft Hotmail and Outlook Cancellation and Expiration Phishing Email Messages

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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Comments 5

Mar 4, 2020 at 10:08 AM by
Microsoft Hotmail and Outlook Cancellation and Expiration Phishing Email Messages
an anonymous user from: Phoenix, Arizona, United States

I got a call from microsoft telling me I will be charged 300$ if I do not call them back =but the number given to me was said so fast I did not get telephone number

Delete

Jul 27, 2017 at 2:35 PM by
Microsoft Hotmail and Outlook Cancellation and Expiration Phishing Email Messages
an anonymous user from: Hereford, England, United Kingdom

Similar phishing scam message. Feels convincing when the sender message isn't showing. Don't let messages like this fool you into clicking on them or replying!
"From: Mail Administrator
Sent: 27 July 2017 18:20
To: member_service@live.com
Subject: Account Deactivation

Your Account Will Be Blocked!
Your Account will Expire within 48hours
If you would like to continue using your Email Address,
Upgrade Your Account Now [In Blue Button to Click]
YOU WILL LOSE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU DO NOT UPGRADE
YOUR ACCOUNT.
UPGRADE IS FREE OFF CHARGE.
Thanks.
©2017 All Rights Reserved."

Delete

Nov 24, 2016 at 8:35 PM by
Microsoft Hotmail and Outlook Cancellation and Expiration Phishing Email Messages
info

Here is another scam: "From: Microsoft account team Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2016 2:51 AM To: user@microsoft.com Subject: LAST WARNING: Microsoft Services Agreement Improving the Privacy Statement for consumers Microsoft Verification Alert Your Micro-soft e-mail requires update to continue enjoying unlimited micro-soft e-mail services. Kindly sign in below for upgrade to avoid account suspension. UPGRADE Thank you for using Microsoft services. Thank you for being a Microsoft customer."

Delete

Nov 13, 2016 at 11:21 AM by
Microsoft Hotmail and Outlook Cancellation and Expiration Phishing Email Messages
info

Here is another scam: "From: Outlook.com Team Sent: 13 November 2016 13:55 Subject: Alert Notice -> [51PEn1L4] Dear User, Your account will expire in 48 hours, To avoid this please follow the secure link. https://outlook.office .com/owa/?realm Regards, The Outlook Team"

Delete

Nov 9, 2016 at 10:12 AM by
Microsoft Hotmail and Outlook Cancellation and Expiration Phishing Email Messages
info

Here is another scam: "From: Outlook Sent: Wednesday, 9 November 2016 4:01 AM Subject:!ALERT!-48 hours for confirmation e-mail no:688204 E-mail: [ID:w9c8wt1oant56qt5sl4y] Your email has been accessed in multiple locations. This triggered a security alert and we have to verify your account. Failure to verify will result in permanent suspension. Click below to update your Hotmail/Outlook account: Sign In Best Regards, Customer Support."

Delete

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Microsoft Hotmail and Outlook Cancellation and Expiration Phishing Email Messages