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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  1. Anonymous
    2020-10-03T14:20:58+00:00

    the phone number in my email does not answer it just rings and rings and rings and rings

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-09-29T03:13:22+00:00

    Yes i had the same thing happen. Long story short. I received an email from "microsoft upgrades" with an itemized list of charges totalling $600, including $160 'annual renewal' fee. I called the number and they said it is for Windows Defender antiviral software. I said I didn't purchase a subscription and I've never been charged for the existing software. Then they made me get out my laptop and go to some sketchy website. Wanted me to download a .exe file, which i refused to and ended the call.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-09-03T19:25:56+00:00

    I wish I read these e-mails earlier. I spoke to two foreign-sounding individuals, one was the first person I spoke to and the second one was presumably from the Billing department. These people are smooth talkers and operators.  I have allowed the first person to get into my computer remotely which was a mistake. The first person was able to uninstall my Defender Firewall. He then referred me to the Billing department person who called my number back. When this second person was adamant on my signing into my bank account that he said will be used to deposit the $199.99 refund, I grew suspicious and told him I would not sign into my bank account. He got mad; he said that I would not get my refund. I told him I would write a letter to Microsoft and complain about the charge without my authorization. I hang up and manually switched off my computer. At this point I do not know what damage has been done to my computer programs, files and accessibility.

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