Cyber-criminal are sending out the email message below, which claims that Windows Outlook, Live or Hotmail is currently upgrading their database servers to delete all unused Microsoft Hotmail, Live or Outlook accounts to create more space for new accounts. And, the recipients need to authenticate their accounts in order to prove that they are humans in order to prevent permanent closure, is a phishing scam. The fake email message was sent by cybercriminal to frighten and trick the recipients to click the link within it, which goes to a phishing website (a fake Windows Live, Hotmail or Outlook website) that steals usernames and passwords. Once the cybercriminals get hold of their potential victims’ email account user names and passwords, they will hijack their email accounts and use them fraudulently. Legitimate companies will never ask their users to send them their passwords via email message. Therefore, if an email message requests such information, it was sent by a cybercriminal.
Recipients of the fake email message, who were already tricked by it into sending the cybercrimes their email account user names and passwords, should change their email account passwords immediately before their accouts are hijacked.
The Fake “Windows Live Hotmail Account Authentication Database Server Upgrade” Email Message
From: Outlook Team BearlyReadBooks@hotmail.com
Sent: Saturday, September 3, 2016 11:28 PM
To: Outlook Team
Subject: Email Alert
Windows Live Hotmail - click on ''Show content'' above if you wish to get a better html view
Welcome to Hotmail
The efficient way to do email
Windows Live Account Authentication:
Dear Hotmail Account User,
This message is from Hotmail Customer care messaging center, to all Hotmail account owners. We are currently upgrading our data base servers, and e-mail account center.
We are deleting all unused Hotmail accounts to create more space for new accounts. You will have to Authenticate your Hotmail Account below to show you are human and to prevent a permanent closure of this email address.
Do not click on external links, authentication should be done using the authenticate button below. Successfully authenticated addresses will be automatically notified via inbox.
Click here to Authenticate
Warning!
Account owners who do not authenticate their account after a month of receiving this update will have his or her account terminated.
Hotmail is committed to protecting your privacy. Your sensitive details will not be shared with any third party.
Microsoft respects your privacy. To learn more, please read our online Privacy Statement.
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