Hotmail alert scam reporting

The pesky Hotmail alert scam!

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to report these scams to Microsoft:

What is the Hotmail alert scam?

The Hotmail alert scam is a type of phishing scam where scammers send fake emails claiming to be from Microsoft, stating that your Hotmail account has been compromised or is at risk of being hacked. The email usually asks you to click on a link to verify your account information or update your password.

How to report the scam to Microsoft:

  1. Forward the email to Microsoft: Forward the suspicious email to [email protected]. This will help Microsoft's security team to analyze the email and take action against the scammers.
  2. Report the scam on the Microsoft Support website: Go to the Microsoft Support website (www.support.microsoft.com) and click on "Contact Us" at the top right corner. Fill out the form with as much detail as possible, including the email address and any other relevant information.
  3. Provide additional information: If you have any additional information about the scam, such as the sender's email address or any suspicious links or attachments, please provide it to Microsoft.

What to do if you've already clicked on the link or entered your credentials:

If you've already clicked on the link or entered your credentials, it's essential to take immediate action to secure your account:

  1. Change your password: Go to your Hotmail account settings and change your password immediately.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security to your account.
  3. Monitor your account activity: Keep a close eye on your account activity and report any suspicious behavior to Microsoft.

Prevention is the best defense:

To avoid falling victim to these scams, always be cautious when receiving emails from unknown senders, especially those claiming to be from Microsoft. Here are some general tips:

  1. Verify the sender's email address: Make sure the sender's email address is legitimate and not spoofed.
  2. Be wary of urgent requests: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to prompt you into taking action.
  3. Don't click on suspicious links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders, as they may lead to phishing websites or malware downloads.
  4. Keep your software up to date: Ensure your operating system, browser, and antivirus software are updated with the latest security patches.

By reporting these scams to Microsoft and taking steps to protect yourself, you can help prevent these scammers from targeting others.