If you have received an email claiming that you have renewed your Microsoft Defender protection for a year and asking you to call a customer care number, be careful. This email is not from Microsoft, but from scammers who want to trick you into contacting them and giving them access to your computer or personal information. In this article, we will explain what this scam is, how it works, how to spot it, and what to do if you fall for it.
What is the Microsoft Defender Protection Phishing Email Scam?
The Microsoft Defender Protection phishing email scam is a type of phishing scam that targets users of Microsoft products and services. Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or money from unsuspecting people by impersonating a legitimate entity or person.
In this scam, scammers send out emails that look like they are from Microsoft and claim that recipients have renewed their Microsoft Defender protection for a year. Microsoft Defender is a legitimate antivirus software that protects Windows devices from malware and other threats.
The email provides details about the purchase, such as an invoice ID, product description, quantity, and price. It also includes an attachment that supposedly contains more information about the order. The email urges recipients to review the attachment and warns that the invoice is only valid for 72 hours. It also provides a phone number for customer care that is fake.
Here is how the Microsoft Defender Protection Phishing Email Scam looks:
Subject: Order Confirmation
Microsoft Accounts
Customer ID :
Invoice ID : MS-8547-61263
Email : bob@mailinator.com
Date :Thank you for renewing your Microsoft Defender protection!
We are happy to inform you that your renewal is complete and you will be able to continue using the service for another year.
Product Microsoft Defender Protection
Description 1 Year subscription
Quantity 1
Quantity $399.00
Dear Customer
You can find more information about this purchase in the attachment below. Please note that this invoice is only valid for 72 hours from the date of purchase, so please take a moment to review it now.
If oyu have any questions or concerns about this invoice or your recent purchase, please contact our customer care representative at +1 845.261.0662 They will be happy to help answer any questions you might have.
The goal of the scammers is to trick recipients into calling the fake customer care number or opening the attachment. If recipients call the number, they will be connected to scammers who will try to deceive them and steal their personal information or money. If recipients open the attachment, they may download malware or ransomware that can harm their computer or lock their files.
How Does the Microsoft Defender Protection Phishing Email Scam Work?
The Microsoft Defender Protection phishing email scam works by exploiting the trust and curiosity of recipients. The scammers use social engineering techniques to make the email look convincing and urgent. They use the name and logo of Microsoft, a well-known and reputable company, to make the email seem legitimate. They also use a subject line that implies that recipients have made a purchase or a renewal that they may not be aware of or remember. This may prompt recipients to open the email and check the details of the order.
The scammers also create a sense of urgency by stating that the invoice is only valid for 72 hours and that recipients need to review it as soon as possible. This may pressure recipients to act quickly and call the customer care number or open the attachment without thinking twice.
The scammers also use a fake customer care number that looks like a toll-free number or a local number. This may make recipients think that they are calling a genuine Microsoft support line. However, when they call the number, they will be greeted by scammers who will pretend to be Microsoft representatives or technicians.
The scammers may then use various tactics to deceive callers and obtain their personal information or money. For example, they may:
- Ask callers to verify their identity by providing their name, address, email, phone number, credit card details, or other sensitive information.
- Ask callers to pay for the renewal or cancelation of the Microsoft Defender protection service using gift cards, wire transfers, or other untraceable methods.
- Ask callers to download a remote access tool or visit a website that allows them to access callers’ computers remotely.
- Claim that callers’ computers have been infected with viruses or malware and offer to fix them for a fee.
- Install malware or ransomware on callers’ computers that can steal their data or lock their files until they pay a ransom.
How to Spot the Microsoft Defender Protection Phishing Email Scam?
There are some signs that can help you spot the Microsoft Defender Protection phishing email scam and avoid falling for it. Here are some of them:
- The email is unsolicited and unexpected. You did not order or renew any Microsoft product or service recently.
- The email contains spelling and grammatical errors or uses poor language.
- The email does not address you by your name but uses generic salutations such as “Dear Customer” or “Dear User”.
- The email provides an invoice ID, product description, quantity, and price that do not match your purchase history or records.
- The email includes an attachment that has an unusual file extension or name.
- The email urges you to call a customer care number that is not listed on the official Microsoft website or contact page.
- The email creates a sense of urgency by stating that the invoice is only valid for 72 hours or that you need to act fast.
- The email does not include any other contact information such as an email address or a website link.
What to Do If You Fall for the Microsoft Defender Protection Phishing Email Scam?
If you have received the Microsoft Defender protection phishing email and called the fake customer care number, you may have fallen victim to a scam. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your device:
- Hang up the phone immediately and do not follow any instructions given by the scammers.
- If you have given the scammers remote access to your computer, disconnect it from the internet and scan it with Malwarebyte Anti-Malware (as seen below).
- If you have shared any personal information with the scammers, such as your name, address, email, password, credit card number, or bank account details, you should change them as soon as possible. You should also monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity and report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company.
- If you have paid any money to the scammers, you should contact your bank or credit card company and try to reverse the payment or dispute the charge. You should also report the scam to your local authorities and consumer protection agencies.
- If you have downloaded any attachments or clicked on any links from the phishing email, you should delete them from your device and empty your trash bin. You should also scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware as seen below.
- To prevent falling for similar scams in the future, you should always be wary of unsolicited emails that claim to be from Microsoft or other reputable companies. You should never open attachments or click on links from such emails without verifying their authenticity. You should also never call any phone numbers or visit any websites that are provided in such emails without checking their legitimacy. You can always contact Microsoft directly through their official website or phone number if you have any questions or concerns about your account or subscription.
Check if you’re device is infected with malware
The Microsoft Defender Protection Email Scam can contain malware within the attachments or links that appear in the body of the email. By interacting with the malware — for example, opening or downloading an attachment that contains a malicious payload — the user may unknowingly infect their device or network, enabling attackers to gain access to protected applications and data.
To check your computer or phone for Trojans, browser hijackers, or other malware and remove them for free, you run a scan with Malwarebytes Free.
Malwarebytes runs on Windows, Mac, and Android. Click the tab below for the device you want to scan, then follow the steps to remove any malware it finds.
Scan Your Computer with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan Your Mac with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
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
Malwarebytes for Android scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
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.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a scan.
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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.
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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to identify and avoid the Microsoft Defender protection phishing email scam. Remember to always stay vigilant and protect yourself from online fraudsters. For more tips and advice on how to stay safe online, visit our blog regularly and subscribe to our newsletter.
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