What to look out for in ‘account verification’ scam
QI HAVE been a happy user of Outlook email for a few years now. I understand it and it works well for me. There have been no problems.
But recently, I received an email headed “Account Verification!” It asked me to “re-validate” my Outlook via a link provided. If I did not, then it said my account would be “interrupted”.
Why should I do this? Or should I do this at all? Laura G
AMILLIONS of “verify your account” emails are spammed each day in the hope some will respond with personal details including bank accounts and credit card numbers which can be sold to fraudsters.
Rule one is not to reply. Banks, email providers, PayPal and eBay are all used for this scam.
If you are in any doubt, contact the alleged sender in some other way such as phoning or emailing customer service departments.
Your email is full of clues that this is a racket. Firstly, the heading “ID:155 Account Verification! (January 2017)” appears official but it is meaningless.
Then look at the sender. Despite it saying “Outlook Server” and having an Outlook logo it came from a btinternet address – a person who may not be aware their computer has been hijacked for this purpose.
Scam emails address you as “Dear User” or “Dear Subscriber”. Real emails have your real name.
Your email claims it needs to verify your details because there may have been “a recent change in your personal information” such as phone or address.
No one gives their home address when signing up for an email service.
Some ask for phone numbers for security purposes but it is not generally obligatory.
Outlook does not demand this.
It also suggests “illegal use of your account” as a reason for the email. This is harder to verify. Rival gmail has a good idea – it sends a message when your account appears on a new device including your own such as a replacement phone.
The email is “signed” Windows Live Member Services”, a Microsoft brand like Outlook, but separate.
In your case, the scam merchant probably wants your email address and password so they can use your details to send out further spam – as happened to the BT customer whose email was used.