Microsft users who have received emails like the one below, which claim that instructions to empty all their Inbox and Sent Folders, and to delete or close their account have been received, is a phishing scam. The scam has been created by cybercriminals to steal Microsoft Outlook or Hotmail usernames and passwords, by tricking potential victims into visiting a fake Microsoft website.
The "Microsoft will Delete & Close Your Account" Phishing Scam
From: Microsoft Team <AHMAD.ABDINE@hotmail.com>
Date: November 3, 2017 at 4:28:14 AM CDT
To: Microsoft account <no-reply@microsoft.com>
Subject: REQUEST CONFIRMATION
Security Information
Hello User,
We received your instruction to empty all your Inbox and Sent Folders
We will Delete & Close Your Account Within 2 hours
You need to confirm if you made this request or we will continue with the request.
If you think it is an error, take action immediately to stop this process.
CANCEL & STOP ACTION NOW
Thank You,
Accounts Team
The link in the email message goes to a fake Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft website, which will ask potential victims to sign-in. But, any attempt to sign-in will result in the potential victims' account credentials being sent to the cyber-criminals behind the scam, who will use the information to hijack their accounts and use them maliciously or fraudulently.
Microsoft users should never click on a link to sign into their accounts, they should instead go directly to their email accounts at www.outlook.com, www.live.com, or www.hotmail.com and sign-in from there. After signing in, if there is something wrong with their accounts, it will be shown to them.
Microsoft users who have already been tricked are asked to change their Microsoft Hotmail/Live/Outlook password immediately. If they are unable to do so, they may click here for help regaining access to their accounts.