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Microsoft scams
Microsoft scams are among the most common tech support fraud patterns. Fake virus warnings, Windows Security pop-ups, and Office 365 account alerts push users to call scam support numbers or grant remote access to their computers.
Common searches
Watch for
- A pop-up claims your computer is infected and provides a phone number to call.
- Microsoft calls you about a problem — Microsoft does not make unsolicited support calls.
- A support agent asks you to install remote access software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
- An email about your Microsoft 365 account links to a non-Microsoft domain.
Microsoft 365 admin consent scam
A fake Microsoft security or compliance workflow asks a business user or admin to approve an app request that silently grants attacker access.
Review app consent requests directly from the official admin console before approving anything.
IT admins
Global
Microsoft impersonator tech support scam
Scammers impersonate Microsoft support via calls, emails, or popups, claiming your Windows license or account is compromised and demanding payment or remote access.
Microsoft never makes unsolicited tech support calls or sends unsolicited security warnings with phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
fake blue screen of death scam
Malicious websites or software trigger a fake Windows blue screen error with a tech support phone number, tricking victims into calling scammers.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete or force-restart the computer as real blue screens never include phone numbers
Windows users
U.S.
tech support gift card payment scam
A fake tech support agent claims your computer is infected or your account is compromised and demands payment in gift cards to fix the issue.
Legitimate tech companies never demand payment in gift cards — hang up or close the pop-up.
Older adults
U.S.
browser popup virus alert scam
A full-screen browser popup mimics a Windows or macOS system alert, claiming your computer is infected and urging you to call a phone number or download software immediately.
Force-close the browser using Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) or Force Quit (Cmd+Option+Esc) — do not call the number.
Non-technical users
U.S.
fake Windows Defender alert scam
A webpage or popup imitates a Windows Defender notification, warning of detected threats and directing the user to call a support number or download a removal tool.
Close the browser tab or force-quit the browser — real Windows Defender alerts never appear in a browser.
Non-technical users
U.S.
Windows license expired popup scam
A fake browser popup claims your Windows license has expired and you must call a support number or pay immediately to reactivate, leading to tech support fraud.
Close the browser using Task Manager (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) if the popup cannot be dismissed normally.
Windows users
U.S.
Microsoft 365 renewal phishing scam
A phishing email claims your Microsoft 365 subscription is expiring and you must update your payment information, redirecting to a fake Microsoft login page.
Check your subscription status directly at account.microsoft.com, never through email links.
Business professionals
U.S.
Teams meeting invite phishing scam
A fake Microsoft Teams meeting invitation arrives by email, and clicking the join link leads to a credential harvesting page disguised as the Teams login.
Hover over the meeting link before clicking to verify it points to a legitimate Microsoft domain.
Business professionals
U.S.
Outlook account suspended phishing scam
A phishing email warns that your Outlook or Hotmail account has been suspended for violating terms of service, urging you to verify your identity on a fake page.
Sign in to your Outlook account directly at outlook.com to verify its status — if you can log in, it is not suspended.
Email users
U.S.
fake Microsoft support call scam
A caller claiming to be from Microsoft says they have detected a virus or security problem on your computer and requests remote access to fix it for a fee.
Hang up immediately — Microsoft will never call you unsolicited about your computer.
Older adults
U.S.
OneDrive sharing notification phishing scam
A fake OneDrive sharing notification email claims someone shared a document with you, but the link leads to a credential-stealing page.
Verify the sender by contacting them through a separate channel before clicking any shared document link.
Business professionals
U.S.
Xbox account compromise scam
Scammers contact Xbox players claiming their account has been compromised, asking for login details or payment to restore access.
Never share your password or two-factor codes with anyone — Xbox Support will never ask for them.
Gamers
U.S.
Windows Defender alert popup scam
A fake browser popup mimics a Windows Defender alert claiming your computer is infected, urging you to call a fraudulent support number immediately.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and use Task Manager to force-close the browser — do not call the number.
Windows users
U.S.
Azure billing phishing scam
IT administrators receive fake Azure billing alerts claiming unusual charges or failed payments, leading to credential theft through a fake Azure portal login.
Verify billing directly at portal.azure.com — never use links from email notifications.
IT administrators
U.S.
LinkedIn recruiter scam
Fake recruiters on LinkedIn offer dream job opportunities, then request personal information, fees for training, or install malware through fake application documents.
Verify the recruiter by checking their LinkedIn profile history and confirming their identity through the company's official website.
Job seekers
U.S.
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