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
    2020-11-17T04:24:23+00:00

    HandyHankster,

    Scammers are very good at their "craft" and make a very good living from it by deceiving unsuspecting victims who can't see the signs, especially in unsolicited emails (which is the first sign).

    There is little MS can do or any reputable company for that matter. What information can you garner from the email above? The Gmail address was more than likely set up with false information and the phone number would probably be a throw away, very unlikely to track down anything helpful let alone to "go after". The IP address wouldn't give you anything as they are more than likely using a VPN and on and on it goes. Many scammers are in third world countries and unless you have direct contact with that countries authorities nothing much will happen, as many of these countries suffer from corruption themselves. 

    The only way to try and combat them is to be aware, use your own best judgement and read between the lines or ask a question here if unsure (if it's to do with a MS product).

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-11-11T16:43:51+00:00

    I got the same email. Not sure how they can charge me anything when I havent given anyone credit card info. I called the number and the guy hung up on me?? Must be a scam

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-10-29T16:13:22+00:00

    Received this today!! $500 for defender? What are they goofy???

    Came from "Premium Manager" when clicking on the contact it is coming from ******@gmail.com.

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