Microsoft 365 Message Centre “I Managed To Access Your Device” Scam Explain
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Just when you thought your inbox was safe, scammers have found a new way to slip through the cracks. The latest trick up their sleeve? Hijacking the Microsoft 365 Message Centre to send sextortion emails that are almost impossible to distinguish from the real deal. These emails claim the attacker has accessed your device and captured you in compromising situations. The catch? They demand payment in Bitcoin, or else they’ll share the footage with everyone you know.
But don’t let the fear get the best of you. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how this scam works, what you can do if you’ve fallen victim, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from falling for it in the first place. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get to the bottom of this latest cybercrime trend.
This article contains:
Scam Overview
The Microsoft 365 Message Centre “I Managed To Access Your Device” email scam is a type of sextortion scam that aims to extort money from victims by claiming to have compromising footage of them. The scammer sends an email that appears to come from the legitimate Microsoft 365 Message Centre, bypassing spam filters and landing directly in the victim’s inbox. The email typically includes personal information about the recipient, such as their name and date of birth, to add credibility to the threat.
In the email, the scammer claims to have gained access to the victim’s device and captured webcam footage of them engaging in intimate acts while watching adult content. The scammer threatens to release this alleged footage to the victim’s contacts, family, and colleagues unless a payment of around $2000 in Bitcoin is made within 48 hours.
The email also includes a Bitcoin wallet address where the payment should be sent and instructions on how to purchase Bitcoin if the victim is unfamiliar with the process. The scammer emphasizes the importance of acting quickly to prevent the supposed footage from being released.
Here is how this email scam looks:
The following is a copy of an email that appears to be from Microsoft 365 Message Centre Upcoming changes to email service notification recipients *******l@*****.com shared a Microsoft 365 message with you. Message from sender ← this email is sent from a third-party service for security purposes. → ← ======================================================= → ← hello there ******→ ← I know that your are ******* and this email is yours. → ← ← I know that you were born in 1949-12-05 → ← you may ask how ???? → ← ======================================================= → ← let me get straight to my point, a while ago i managed to access to your device and from there i spread myself across all the devices. → ← during this period i have managed to collect your internet history, and captured webcam footage of you playing with yourself while watching high controversial genre adult movies. → ← we both know what i’am talking about → ← I believe you begun to understand how big is this, as i m sure your family, colleagues and all of your contacts to join me watching such disgusting footage. → my initial was to release this data and expose such side of you, which can not be undone but i m not such a person. → ← Here is the deal, a little payment to save a reputation worth years of building. → ← transfer exactly $2000 USD worth of bit.coins to the wallet below. → ← ======================================================= → WALLET: ********************************* ← ======================================================= → ← make sure you are sending BTC → ← copy and pase instead of writing it → ← ======================================================= → ← the deal is clear, the ball is on your court → ← a little to imagine is how your beloved ones will look at you? i bet never the same again. → ← Once transfer notification is received, I’ll be out and the data will be permanently deleted. you have 48h → ← send the proof to : admin@*******.com → ← you have my word. → ← so, ****** Kindly think twice before you do something. if you think i’m joking your freinds will get something using your phone. → ← if you are new to this payment method, google ‘Bit Pay’, ‘Moon Pay’ , ‘Changelly’, alternative option is to use CASH you can search ‘BTC ATM near me’ → ← At the end i would like to express that it was nice meeting you and looking forward to doing business with you. → ← Always remember do not try to be hero. → ← Best regards, → ← IGNORE THE REST OF DATA , EMAIL WAS SENT USING 3RD PARTY EMAIL REPLYING IS USELESS I WILL NOT BE READING ANYTHING → ←***
How The Scam Bypasses Email Security
One of the most concerning aspects of this scam is its ability to bypass email security measures. The scammers abuse the Microsoft 365 Admin Portal’s “Message Center” feature, which allows administrators to share service advisories, new features, and upcoming changes with other users.
When sharing a message, the admin portal provides a “Share” link that allows the user to enter up to two email addresses and an optional “Personal Message.” However, the user interface limits the personal message to 1,000 characters.
The scammers bypass this restriction by using the browser’s dev tools to modify the maximum length of the “Personal Message” field, allowing them to input the entire sextortion message. As Microsoft does not perform server-side checks for the character length, the full extortion email is sent along with the advisory, appearing to come from the legitimate Microsoft 365 Message Centre email address.
How The Scam Works
The Microsoft 365 Message Centre “I Managed To Access Your Device” email scam operates through the following steps:
1. Gaining Access to the Microsoft 365 Admin Portal
The scammers first gain access to a compromised Microsoft 365 Admin Portal account. This may be achieved through various means, such as phishing, brute-force attacks, or purchasing stolen credentials on the dark web.
2. Composing the Sextortion Email
Using the compromised admin account, the scammers compose the sextortion email. They craft a message that includes personal information about the target, such as their name and date of birth, to make the threat seem more credible. The email claims that the scammer has gained access to the victim’s device and captured intimate webcam footage of them.
3. Abusing the “Message Center” Feature
To send the sextortion email, the scammers abuse the Microsoft 365 Admin Portal’s “Message Center” feature. They create a new message and use the “Share” link to input the victim’s email address.
4. Bypassing the Character Limit
The “Personal Message” field in the “Share” dialog box has a 1,000-character limit. To bypass this restriction, the scammers use the browser’s dev tools to modify the maximum length of the field, allowing them to input the entire sextortion message.
5. Sending the Email
With the character limit bypassed, the scammers send the sextortion email. Because the email originates from the legitimate Microsoft 365 Message Centre email address, it bypasses most spam filters and lands directly in the victim’s inbox.
6. Demanding Payment in Bitcoin
The sextortion email demands a payment of around $2000 in Bitcoin to prevent the alleged intimate footage from being released to the victim’s contacts. The email includes a Bitcoin wallet address and instructions on how to purchase Bitcoin if needed.
7. Exploiting Fear and Urgency
To pressure victims into paying quickly, the scammers emphasize the limited timeframe (usually 48 hours) and the potential consequences of the footage being released, such as damage to the victim’s reputation and relationships.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you have received a sextortion email from the Microsoft 365 Message Centre, it’s essential to remember that the scammers are unlikely to have any compromising footage of you. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
Do not panic: The scammers rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into paying. Remain calm and rational.
Do not reply to the email: Engaging with the scammers may lead to further attempts to extort you.
Do not pay the ransom: There is no guarantee that paying will prevent the scammers from releasing any alleged footage or targeting you again in the future.
Report the email: Forward the email to your IT department or managed service provider. You can also report it to Microsoft and your local law enforcement agency.
Change your passwords: If you suspect your Microsoft 365 account may have been compromised, change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication.
Scan your devices for malware: Run a full scan of your devices using up-to-date antivirus software to ensure no malware is present.
Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your online accounts for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Q1. What is the Microsoft 365 Message Centre “I Managed To Access Your Device” email scam?
A1. The Microsoft 365 Message Centre “I Managed To Access Your Device” email scam is a sextortion scam where cybercriminals send threatening emails claiming to have accessed the recipient’s device and captured sensitive footage. The scammers demand payment in Bitcoin to prevent the alleged footage from being released to the victim’s contacts.
Q2. How do the scammers bypass email security measures?
A2. The scammers abuse the Microsoft 365 Admin Portal’s “Message Center” feature, which allows administrators to share service advisories, new features, and upcoming changes with other users. By modifying the maximum character length of the “Personal Message” field using the browser’s dev tools, the scammers can input the entire sextortion message, bypassing the 1,000-character limit.
Q3. What should I do if I receive a sextortion email from the Microsoft 365 Message Centre?
A3. If you receive a sextortion email from the Microsoft 365 Message Centre, it’s crucial to remain calm and rational. Do not reply to the email or pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the scammers have any compromising footage or that they will not target you again in the future. Instead, report the email to your IT department, Microsoft, and local law enforcement.
Q4. How can I protect my Microsoft 365 account from being compromised?
A4. To protect your Microsoft 365 account from being compromised, use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication. Regularly monitor your account for suspicious activity and be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unsolicited emails.
Q5. What should I do if I suspect my device has been infected with malware?
A5. If you suspect your device has been infected with malware, run a full scan using up-to-date antivirus software. Consider using a reputable anti-malware program to remove any potential threats. Keep your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
Q6. Can the scammers actually access my device and capture intimate footage?
A6. In most cases, the scammers do not have the ability to access your device or capture intimate footage. They rely on fear and manipulation to pressure victims into paying the ransom. However, it’s essential to maintain good cybersecurity practices to minimize the risk of your devices being compromised.
Q7. What should I do if I have already paid the ransom?
A7. If you have already paid the ransom, it’s essential to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Consider contacting your bank or credit card company to discuss potential options for recovering your funds or disputing the transaction.
Q8. How can I spot a sextortion email scam?
A8. Sextortion email scams often have several red flags, such as claiming to have accessed your device, using threatening language, and demanding payment in cryptocurrency. Be cautious of unsolicited emails that contain personal information, as this information may have been obtained from data breaches or social media. Trust your instincts – if an email seems suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.
Q9. What should I do if I’m feeling distressed or anxious about receiving a sextortion email?
A9. Receiving a sextortion email can be a distressing experience. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for support. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you cope with the emotional impact of this experience.
Q10. How can I stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and scams?
A10. To stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and scams, follow reputable cybersecurity news sources and blogs, such as Krebs on Security, BleepingComputer, and The Hacker News. Consider subscribing to newsletters from organizations like the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) or the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to receive timely alerts and advice on emerging threats.
The Bottom Line
The Microsoft 365 Message Centre “I Managed To Access Your Device” email scam is a distressing and manipulative attempt to extort money from unsuspecting victims. By abusing the trust placed in the Microsoft 365 platform, scammers can bypass email security measures and add credibility to their threats.
However, it’s crucial to remember that these scammers are unlikely to have any compromising footage of you. By remaining calm, refraining from engaging with the scammers, and taking appropriate steps to secure your accounts and devices, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam and similar threats in the future.
Stay vigilant, keep your software and security measures up-to-date, and always approach unsolicited emails with caution, even if they appear to come from trusted sources like Microsoft.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Leave a Comment
Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
