Fake account and identity fraud

Question

Fake account and identity fraud

Jim Wibskov 25

My wife and I have recently found out we have both been identity frauded with fake outlook accounts set up in our names, to acquire fraudulently lodged tax refunds.

We/I would love assistance with blocking and deleting these fake accounts, whilst reporting further to Aust. Fed Police.

thank you

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Answer accepted by question author

Thomas4-N 22,035 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello Jim Wibskov,

Since these are fake Outlook accounts created in your names rather than your own accounts being compromised, I would report the fraudulent accounts directly to Microsoft through the Microsoft Security abuse reporting portal.

Because the accounts have reportedly been used for fraudulent Australian tax refunds, I would also report the identity misuse to the Australian Taxation Office and through the Australian Government’s ReportCyber service.

The FTC, IRS and IRS Form 14039 mentioned in the AI answer are US-specific and would not be the appropriate routes for an Australian tax-refund case.

Keep copies of any fraudulent account addresses, tax correspondence and other evidence for the reports.

Jim Wibskov 25 Reputation points

2026-09-18T08:02:59.77+00:00

Thank you Thomas. We have reported to the AFP and to ATO via our accountant.

blocks have been placed via Equifax and direct contact with bank used.

Will contact Microsoft as above. Much appreciated thank you 🙏🏼

1 additional answer

Your answer

Jim Wibskov 25 Reputation points

2026-09-18T08:02:59.77+00:00

Thank you Thomas. We have reported to the AFP and to ATO via our accountant.

blocks have been placed via Equifax and direct contact with bank used.

Will contact Microsoft as above. Much appreciated thank you 🙏🏼

Answer 1

Recover and secure any Microsoft or Outlook.com accounts that were affected:
- Run a full malware scan first in Windows Security: Virus and threat protection > Scan options > Full scan > Scan now.
- Then change or reset the password for each affected Microsoft account.
- Review account settings for unauthorized changes, especially connected accounts, forwarding, and automatic replies.
- Turn on multifactor authentication for every affected account.
Report the fraudulent Outlook/Hotmail accounts to Microsoft using the public fraud and abuse reporting channels:
- Use Microsoft’s scam reporting page: Microsoft-Report a technical support scam.
- A Microsoft Q&A accepted answer also points to the Outlook abuse reporting steps at: https://sendersupport.olc.protection.outlook.com/pm/policies
- Another accepted answer recommends: https://msrc.microsoft.com/report/
- A moderator-recommended answer also points to: https://reportfraud.microsoft.com/en-us
Treat this as identity theft and document everything:
- Keep copies of emails and letters.
- Keep detailed notes of phone calls.
- Write down any usernames, account numbers, passwords shared, and where the attack happened.
If tax-refund fraud or other identity theft has already occurred, take the identity-theft steps immediately:
- File a police report and get a copy.
- Put a fraud alert on credit reports.
- If fraudulent accounts appear on a credit report, escalate that fraud alert to a credit freeze.
- Report the identity theft to the FTC at https://IdentityTheft.gov or https://ftc.gov/idtheft.
- Contact any companies tied to fraudulent accounts and ask when and how the accounts were opened and used.
For stolen tax refund risk, notify the IRS:
- File Form 14039 through the IRS identity theft victim assistance process: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-irs-id-theft-victim-assistance-works
If identity theft monitoring is set up in Microsoft Defender, call the restoration support number shown in the app. Experian restoration experts can guide identity recovery, fraudulent account closure, and reporting fraudulent transactions.

References: