One of my more savvy clients just forwarded this email to me asking me if it was real and safe to respond to.

Today’s version:

microsoft-verification-alert-scam-email

Another version I’ve been ask about:

Microsoft Account

Account Upgrade Notice

Dear [xxxx]@[xxxx].com,

Due to the recent upgrade in our SSL server to serve you better, Your E-mail ([xxxxxx]@hotmail.com) is currently not upgraded and Access to E-mail([xxxxxx]@hotmail.com) is about to expire. We recommend that you upgrade your account immediately for Maximum Performance And Security To Avoid Termination, In 7 Day Time

Please Open, the attached Update Form to Upgrade your Account. OR  kindly click on the upgrade link below.

To upgrade for free kindly:  Sign In

WARNING: ACCOUNT OWNER THAT REFUSES TO UPDATE HIS/HER ACCOUNT AFTER 5 DAYS OF RECEIVING THIS WARNING WILL LOSE HIS OR HER ACCOUNT PERMANENTLY. DO NOT IGNORE THIS NOTICE

All files on your mails including (Inbox, Sent, Junk, Trash, Draft) will be deleted and access to your Email address will be Denied  immediately

Thanks,

The Microsoft account team
This is a scam! Click the Spam button in your email window and delete this email.

The Scam defined:

Once you click on the Sign In button you will be directed to a fake Microsoft page where you enter your login and password into a form that will give the hackers access to your account. Once in anything in your email (passwords, account names, contact records etc) will be at their fingertips making you another Hacker Attack Victim.

These hackers will repeatedly pester you so click the spam button – NOT your delete button to keep there email’s from showing up in your inbox  again. If you are concerned about your email account call your email company direct for reassurances.

For more info read:

Keep those hackers at bay one smart click at a time.

Let me know if I can help.

Compliments of,

Denise Wauters Johnson

Denise (Wauters) Johnson