potential scam-email from Microsoft email account deactivation

Roger Gemeinhardt 30 Reputation points
2026-01-21T18:04:30.08+00:00

I have gotten several emails from Microsoft stating that my account will be deactivated permanently due to lack of maintenance. A link is provided to update my account. I am afraid to go to this link thinking it is a scam. What should I do?

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2026-01-21T18:04:36.39+00:00

If you are receiving emails claiming that your Microsoft account will be deactivated and they include a link to update your account, it is important to be cautious. These emails could potentially be phishing scams. Here are steps you can take to verify the legitimacy of the emails:

  1. Check the sender's email address: Microsoft support emails typically come from domains like microsoft.com, microsoftsupport.com, or mail.support.microsoft.com. If the email is from a different domain, it is likely a scam.
  2. Do not click on any links: Avoid clicking on links or providing any personal information in response to the email. Instead, go directly to the official Microsoft website to check your account status.
  3. Contact Microsoft Support directly: If you are unsure about the email's legitimacy, contact Microsoft Support through their official channels to verify whether there is any issue with your account.
  4. Report the phishing attempt: If you determine that the email is indeed a phishing attempt, you can report it to Microsoft.

Always be cautious with unsolicited emails and verify their authenticity before taking any action.

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