Microsoft Scams: Identify & avoid scams that fraudulently use the Microsoft name

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Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently
Recognizing a scam
You can learn to recognize a scam by acquainting yourself with some of the telltale signs.

1. Misspellings or bad grammar
2. Threats of account closures
3. Deals that appear to be good and true and not fraudulent – and lastly,
4. Requests to make donations

Legitimate security communications from Microsoft

• Legitimate communications do not include software updates as attachments. We never attach software updates to our security communications. Rather, we refer customers to our Web site for complete information about the software update or security incident.
• Legitimate communications are also on our Web sites. If we provide any information about a security update, you can also find that information on our Web sites.

Hang up if someone from “Microsoft Tech Support” calls to fix your computer

Microsoft does not make any phone calls to fix your computer. If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft Tech support, asking you to send personal information or click links, hang up. That’s because cybercriminals either use disposable cellular phones, or stolen cellular phone numbers. So, it’s better to avoid being fooled rather than try to fix the things later. Take this test to find out how scam-savvy you are.


Also read: Avoid Online Tech Support Scams and PC Cleanup Solutions.

Do not respond to ‘Microsoft requires credit card information to validate your copy of Windows’ message

Bear in mind that Microsoft does not request credit card information to validate your copy of Windows. It only requires that your copy of Windows is legitimate at the time of purchase, so that you can obtain programs from the Microsoft Download Center or receive software updates from Microsoft Update and not from any other unauthorized source. The Microsoft online process that performs this validation is called the Genuine Advantage Program.

Also, remember – Microsoft will never send unsolicited email messages with security updates attached. If you received such email claiming to be from Microsoft, simply delete it.