Microsoft account users who have received emails like the one below, which claim their Outlook email accounts are in the process of being terminated and they must click the link within the same emails to cancel the termination process or have their Microsoft accounts terminated, are asked to delete them. This is because the emails are fakes and are phishing scams was created and sent by cybercriminals to steal Microsoft Outlook or Hotmail usernames and passwords, with the intention of hijacking the email accounts and using them maliciously or fraudulently. Therefore, recipients of the same email message are advised to delete it, and not follow the instructions in it.
The "Outlook Account Deactivation is Been Processed" Phishing Scam
From: Account Update <mcleanoz@hotmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 15 November 2017 1:51:19 p.m.
Subject: Action Required
Microsoft account
Account Deactivation On Your Outlook Account Is Been Processed
This confirms that your outlook account is being terminated due to violation on your outlook account. According to our terms and condition we are deactivating your outlook account and access to your outlook account would be denied. If you wish to continue using your outlook account you are required to resolve violation on your outlook account.
To resolve Violation on your outlook account please view the attached instruction on how to resolve your account.
Failure to do this at this time would result to permanent loss of your outlook account
Thanks, The Microsoft account team
The link in the email message goes to a fake Outlook or Microsoft website, which will attempt to trick the cyber-criminals' potential victims into entering their usernames and passwords on it. If the potential victims enter their Microsoft Outlook, Hotmail, Live usernames and passwords on the fake website, it will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the email scam, who will use the information to hijack their accounts.
If you have received the same email message, please go directly to your email account instead of clicking on the links in the email message. And, if there is anything wrong with your account, it will be shown to you after you have signed into it. If you were tricked by the phishing email, please change your Microsoft Hotmail/Live/Outlook immediately. If you are unable to, click here to report it to Microsoft.