There is no "Microsoft Final Update 2018" like the one below. Therefore, Microsoft users who have received the email message below, which claims that their email accounts have expired and need to be upgraded, are asked to delete it. This is because the email message is a phishing scam being sent by cybercriminals to steal Microsoft Hotmail, Live or Outlook usernames and passwords. The fake email message tricks the recipients into visiting a phishing website where they will be asked to sign into their accounts, but any attempt to sign-in to the phishing website will result in their account credentials being sent to the cybercriminals behind the phishing email message.
A Sample of the "Microsoft Final Update 2018" Phishing Email
From: USER SERVER <micro--soft23@outlook.com>
Date: 25 April 2018 at 2:35:26 AM NZST
Subject: LAST WARNING: Closing of your mailbox is being processed
FINAL 2018 UPDATE
Attention User,
This message is being sent to you to inform you that your account will expire on25/04/2018.
If you wish to continue using this account please upgrade to our services. Ignoring this message will cause the account to be closed
Update your account
Note: This upgrade is required immediately after receiving this message
Thank you
Security account team
The link in the email message goes to a fake Microsoft Hotmail website, which will attempt to trick the 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, the information will be sent to the cyber-criminals behind the email scam, who will use the information to hijack the victims' accounts.
If you receive email messages like these, please go directly to your email account instead of clicking on the links in the email messages. If there is anything wrong with your account or something needs to be done to it, it will be shown to you after you have signed into your account. If you were tricked by one of these malicious phishing scams, please change your Hotmail, Live or Outlook immediately. If you are unable to, click here to report it to Microsoft.