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
    2020-08-05T17:56:03+00:00

    Besides blocking the number, you may be able to file local police report. Not saying they would follow up on one individual report, but it could help them on a batch of such calls.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-08-05T17:40:33+00:00

    Oh poor you.  But its OK if they phone you.  Once.  You can block their number after that.

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-08-05T17:26:07+00:00

    I received this letter today and suspected a scam. I made the mistake of calling the number and got transferred to what sounded like a call center. Terrible connection. The man who subsequently harangued me sounded Indian.

    I said I do not use Windows Defender and never ordered it, and received no notice of a renewal coming up.  He demanded my IP number and some form to fill out. I told him he would get no information from me because it sounded like a scam. He shouted and got rude, telling me "blah blah Microsoft policy blah blah" and unless he can access my computer he cannot stop the renewal.

    I regret that I phoned the number in the email before looking into the situation, as the scammers now have my cell #.

    Here is the email I received:

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