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
    2020-09-03T20:35:59+00:00

    ARQUINT, you're not an idiot; you're just kind and polite. I was convinced by the guy I spoke to to connect remotely to my computer but after the second guy told me to sign into my bank account, I became suspicious and refused to do it. I said I would instead write to Microsoft to raise a complaint about the charge for the Defender Firewall renewal. I've just submitted a report to Microsoft whose link was provided by someone somewhere in this chain.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-09-16T12:01:53+00:00

    OMG! I received an email yesterday and I called and he wanted me to go to my computer and he would walk me through my refund process. I was travelling and did not have time but I am thankful that I check this out because I was going to call them to figure it out.

    What a bunch of crooks.

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  3. 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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