Microsft Outlook users who have received emails like the one below, which claim that a request to terminate their accounts will process, is a phishing scam. The scam has been created by cybercriminals to steal Microsoft Outlook usernames and passwords, by tricking potential victims into visiting a fake Microsoft website.
The "Microsoft Outlook Cancel Request" Phishing Scam
From: Outlook-Staff-Microsoft-ID1827@ship.edu
Date: 3 Nov 2017 10:51
Subject: Deactivation warning To All Employees, Students/Staff ! [Nov.03.2017]
Dear,
Outlook Cancel Request.
Our records indicate that you recently made a request, to terminate your account. We will process your request shortly.
You will lose all emails associated with your account. If you have no knowledge about this request process, kindly cancel the request below.
Cancel Request or confirm click to here
Thank You !
OUTLOOK ITSERVICE DEPARTMENT
Outlook! Member Service ©2017
The link in the email message goes to a fake Microsoft Outlook, 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 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.