Windows Defender Scam

Anonymous
2020-03-10T17:23:36+00:00

I received an email stating I am being charged $199.00 for windows defender can this be true or is it a scam?

[Original Title: window defender]

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Security and privacy

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Virginia M 42,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2020-03-10T17:27:37+00:00

100% scam.

Windows defender comes free with Windows 10.

If you hover your mouse over any links you can then check them to see where they truly link too; I bet it isn’t Microsoft.

Have you received any strange phone calls purporting to be Microsoft/Windows techs stating you have a problem with Windows?

Just in case I would check with your bank or creating card provider to ensure this charge hasn’t been applied.

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JuliaMarvin 22,810 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2020-03-10T17:28:17+00:00

That's definitely a phishing email, a scam.

Mark it as spam and delete it.

You might want to read: Protect yourself from phishing - Windows Help

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64 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-10-05T21:13:15+00:00

    IT'S A SCAM! Ignore the email, report it to your email service as spam, and even local authorities. Microsoft won't do anything about it from my viewpoint.

    Thank you for the update.  My email quoted the amount as $299.  

    Pelvia Woods

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-09-02T02:44:55+00:00

    Thank you for your detailed explanation.  I got the $399 email today, and in reading your story have been saved the frustration of calling the number and starting that ball rolling.  On one of the earlier posts there was mention of a reporting page so i think I'll look into that.  Just wanted to say thanks for saving me from such a headache.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-08-20T20:14:40+00:00

    This email and the group behind it is definitely a scam.

    Unfortunately, one of my team members received this email on her business email, so I called the number.  He said he could "cancel" my fee if I allowed him access to my computer remotely.

    That was a pretty big tip off.  When I refused and asked why he needed access to my computer, he immediately hung up.  He was of foreign descent and his accent was strong.

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