Falkirk residents warned not to fall victim to Microsoft account scam
A scam has reared its ugly head recently where e-mails – supposedly from Microsoft – tell people their account will be shut down due to inactivity.
The e-mail states all your data will be lost unless immediate action is taken.
The message includes a link to “keep your account open”.
Trading Standards Scotland said: “In some cases the message says your e-mail account is due to be replaced by a 'new version' and asks you to click on a link to
update your account, warning you if you do not do this within 24 hours your account will be shut down.
"Other users have received e-mails which say that unusual or suspicious activity has been detected on their account and the account will be shut down within 24
hours unless they click a link to verify their identity.
"Clicking on links in these messages leads to a scam website with Microsoft branding where you will be asked to confirm your e-mail address and password.”
Trading Standards advise people not to click on any such links in unexpected e-mails.
If they do click on a link, do not provide bank or security details and never download software onto your device.
“Scam e-mails often ask you to act urgently to avoid action being taken, so be suspicious of any message which appears to be from an official organisation and tells you to provide your details or a payment within a certain time frame. "If in doubt about the legitimacy of an email from Microsoft, log into your account via the official website or app to check it rather than clicking on a link in an unexpected message.”