Microsoft scams
Fake Microsoft messages try to make you call a support number or let someone into your computer. Microsoft says its real error and warning messages never include a phone number.
Check a Microsoft linkHow to report a Microsoft scam
- In Outlook: In Outlook or Outlook.com, select the message, then choose Report, then Report phishing.
- Other email apps: attach the phishing email to a new email (do not forward it): [email protected]
- Report a tech support scam (calls, pop-ups, emails): https://www.microsoft.com/reportascam
- Report an unsafe website: https://www.microsoft.com/wdsi/support/report-unsafe-site/
Then get the fake site taken down: report the phishing link.
What Microsoft says
- Microsoft says its error and warning messages never include a phone number. If a pop-up shows a number, do not call it.
- Microsoft says it does not send unsolicited emails or make unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information, or to fix your computer. If you did not ask, it will not call you.
- Microsoft says it will never ask you to pay for support with cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, or with gift cards.
- Microsoft says Microsoft account emails come from the domain @accountprotection.microsoft.com. Its support agents are not allowed to send password reset links.
- Microsoft says reports made with Report phishing in Outlook remove the message from your inbox and improve its filters. Reports on its scam form help its investigations with law enforcement.
Microsoft's own warning page: Protect yourself from phishing
What fake Microsoft messages look like
- Cold calls from someone claiming to be Microsoft tech support
- Fake error pop-ups on websites showing a "support" number to call
- Emails from look-alike addresses such as micros0ft.com or rnicrosoft.com
- Requests to pay for support with gift cards or cryptocurrency
Real Microsoft websites end in
- microsoft.com
- live.com
- outlook.com
- office.com
Other brands scammers copy
Checked against Microsoft's own pages on 2026-10-19 (first published 2026-10-10): 1, 2, 3, 4. Not affiliated with Microsoft.