Email scams are a common way for cybercriminals to trick unsuspecting users into giving up their personal information, such as passwords, bank details, or credit card numbers. One of the latest email scams that has been circulating is the “Microsoft Outlook Account Will Be Disconnected” email scam, which targets Microsoft Outlook users and tries to steal their email credentials. In this blog post, we will explain what this email scam is, how it works, and what you can do if you have fallen victim to it.
What is the Microsoft Outlook Account Will Be Disconnected Email Scam?
The “Microsoft Outlook Account Will Be Disconnected” email scam is a phishing email that pretends to be from Microsoft Outlook security team. The email claims that the recipient’s account will be disconnected from sending or receiving emails from other users due to unresolved issues or errors on their mail. The email urges the recipient to click on a link that says “RESOLVE ISSUE NOW” to fix the problem and avoid account deactivation. However, the link leads to a fake login page that asks for the user’s email address and password. If the user enters their credentials, they will be sent to the cybercriminals who can use them to access their email account and other online accounts that use the same password.
Here is how the “Microsoft Outlook Account Will Be Disconnected” spam email looks:
Subject: Security alert -MailRef#2927374302#-
Microsoft Outlook
Good day
Your account – will be disconnected from sending or receiving mails from other users. because you Continually neglect to resolve or Install My – App On Android & iPhone errors on your mail.
You need to resolve the errors or your account will be disconnected today.
Follow the instruction below to resolve now.
RESOLVE ISSUE NOW
Regards.
©- Security Team.
How does the Microsoft Outlook Account Will Be Disconnected Email Scam work?
The “Microsoft Outlook Account Will Be Disconnected” email scam works by exploiting the fear and urgency of losing access to one’s email account. The email uses a convincing sender name, subject line, and logo to make it look like an official communication from Microsoft Outlook. The email also uses vague and generic language to avoid raising suspicion or triggering spam filters. The email does not address the recipient by name, nor does it specify what kind of issues or errors are affecting their mail. The email simply states that the recipient needs to resolve the issue immediately or face account disconnection.
The link in the email does not point to a legitimate Microsoft website, but to a phishing website that mimics the appearance of a Microsoft login page. The phishing website may have a similar domain name, such as outlook.com-resolveissue.com, or use a URL shortener service, such as bit.ly or tinyurl.com, to hide the real destination of the link. The phishing website may also have a padlock icon or a green address bar to make it look secure and trustworthy. However, these are only superficial indicators that can be easily faked by cybercriminals.
The phishing website asks for the user’s email address and password, claiming that this is necessary to verify their identity and resolve the issue. However, once the user enters their credentials, they will be sent to the cybercriminals who can use them to access their email account and other online accounts that use the same password. The cybercriminals can then use the compromised email account to send more phishing emails to the user’s contacts, steal sensitive information from their emails, or impersonate them for fraudulent purposes.
What to do if you have fallen victim?
If you have received the “Microsoft Outlook Account Will Be Disconnected” email scam and clicked on the link, you should take immediate action to protect your online security and privacy. Here are some steps you can take if you have fallen victim:
- Change your password for your email account and any other online accounts that use the same password. Use a strong and unique password for each account and enable two-factor authentication if possible.
- Scan your computer for malware using a reputable antivirus software. Malware can be installed on your computer when you visit phishing websites or click on malicious links or attachments.
- Report the phishing email to Microsoft by forwarding it to reportphishing@apwg.org or phish@office365.microsoft.com. You can also report it to your local authorities or consumer protection agencies.
- Check your email settings and activity for any unauthorized changes or suspicious activity. For example, check if there are any new rules, filters, forwarding addresses, or signatures that you did not set up. Also check if there are any unusual login attempts or devices accessing your account.
- Be alert and cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or clicking on links or attachments in emails. Always verify the sender’s identity and the legitimacy of the message before taking any action. Do not trust emails that ask for your personal information, passwords, or payment details.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
- Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
- Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
- Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
- Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
Run a Malware Scan 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.
Run a Malware Scan 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.
Run a Malware Scan 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.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
Conclusion
The “Microsoft Outlook Account Will Be Disconnected” email scam is a phishing email that tries to steal your email credentials by pretending to be from Microsoft Outlook security team. The email claims that your account will be disconnected due to unresolved issues or errors on your mail and urges you to click on a link that leads to a fake login page. If you enter your credentials, they will be sent to the cybercriminals who can use them to access your email account and other online accounts that use the same password.
To avoid falling victim to this email scam, you should always check the sender’s name, email address, and domain name carefully. You should also look for spelling and grammar errors, vague and generic language, and unrealistic or urgent requests in the email. You should never click on links or attachments in emails that you are not expecting or that you do not trust. You should also keep your antivirus software updated and report any phishing emails to Microsoft or your local authorities.
If you have fallen victim to this email scam, you should change your password for your email account and any other online accounts that use the same password. You should also scan your computer for malware, report the phishing email, check your email settings and activity, and be alert and cautious when opening emails from unknown senders or clicking on links or attachments in emails.
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