Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

"Microsoft Email Shutting-Down" Phishing Scam
Microsoft Email Shutting-Down Phishing Scam

Microsoft users who have received "Microsoft Email Shutting-Down" emails like the one below, which claim their email accounts will be deactivated or permanently locked if they do not upgrade, are asked to delete the same emails. This is because the emails are fakes or phishing scams being sent by cybercriminals to frighten the recipients into following the instructions in them, by tricking them into believing they will stop receiving emails and their accounts will be locked or disabled.

This why Microsoft Windows Live, Hotmail or Outlook users should never click on a link in an email message to sign into their accounts. They should always go directly to www.outlook.com, www.live.com or www.hotmail.com and sign in from there instead. Once they have signed in, they will be alerted to important notifications or changes, if there are any.

The "Email Shut-Down In Process" Phishing Scam

From: Email Security <outlook_69CEC68B6CC78706@outlook.com> on behalf of Email Security <ellen@greenbyrnechildcare.org>

Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2018 2:01:37 PM

Subject: Email shutting-down on 18/08/2018.

Microsoft warning!

Attention valued user,

This message is being sent to inform that your account will expire on 18/08/2018.

If you wish to continue using this account please upgrade to our service.Ignoring this message will lead to account De-activation.

Update your account

Failure to update will lead to permanent lock of your account.

Note: Please this service is free off-charge

If your security info is already fixed you can cancel this request.

waiting