Avoid scams that use the Microsoft name fraudulently

In recent months there has been an increasing volume of fraudulent activity, involving Microsoft’s name, being reported in the Irish market. Cybercriminals often include the names of well-known companies, like ours, in their scams. They think it will convince you to give them money or your personal information. While they usually use e-mail to trick you, they sometimes use the telephone, instead.

Common scams that use the Microsoft name

• "You have won the Microsoft Lottery"
• Microsoft "requires credit card information to validate your copy of Windows"
• Microsoft sends unsolicited e-mail messages with attached security updates
• Someone from "Microsoft Tech Support" calls to fix your computer

Avoid these dangerous hoaxes

We do not send unsolicited e-mail or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information or fix your computer.

If you receive an unsolicited e-mail message or phone call that purports to be from Microsoft and requests that you send personal information or click links, delete the e-mail or hang up the phone.

We have more information on fraud on our web-site linking from the home page http://www.microsoft.com/protect/fraud/phishing/Msname.aspx. Please warn your friends and family about these scams, as the fraudsters can be very persuasive.