Microsoft De-Activation In Progress Scam
The "De-Activation In Progress" email below, which claims that a closure request will be processed shortly to remove all data from the recipients' email accounts, is a phishing scam created to steal Microsoft Outlook or Hotmail usernames and passwords. The email message was not sent by Microsoft, but by cyber-criminals, whose intentions are to hijack email accounts and use them for malicious purposes. So, recipients of the same email message are advised to delete it, and not follow the instructions in it.
The "Microsoft De-Activation In Progress" Scam
Re: De-Activation In Progress
"Microsoft.com Team" - mkh474@hotmail.com
Microsoft
Dear Account User,
User ID 84402
We received your request on 18/01/18 12:05 AM (EET) to terminate your account. Please confirm this request to complete the deletion process.
Failure to comply will lead to automatic De-activation.
Yes, I would like to deactivate
No, I didn't make this request
To opt out or change where you receive security notifications, click here.
Thanks.
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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 cyber-criminals 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 signing in. 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.
This scam is similar to the following:
- Beware of "Email Deactivation - Verify Your Email Address" Microsoft Phishing Scam
- Outlook Phishing Scam: "Final Warning (Account Will Be Closed) "
- Microsoft Outlook Phishing Scam: Immediate Attention Required
- Hotmail Reset Confirmation 2014 - Phishing Email Scam
- Hotmail Account Reset Alert Confirmation 2013
- Phishing or Fake Emails: Account Close Alert
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Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.