Windows 10 and Windows 11 users have been placed on high alert and urged to watch out for updates being released by ‘Microsoft’. The latest warning has been issued by the team at Action Fraud, who say more and more PC owners are complaining about receiving fake email messages from the US technology firm.
“Watch out for these FAKE emails purporting to be from Microsoft,” Action Fraud said is a message posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“The emails claim that your device is infected with malware, and encourages you to follow the links in the email.”
Those who are tricked into clicking could end up handing over personal data to cyber crooks, which can then be used to hack accounts, steal money or target other users.
This worrying new attack appears to be growing in popularity with over 250 Windows users reporting they have been targeted over the past few days.
Most of the messages suggest they have come from the Microsoft Defender Security Centre and some even feature a Microsoft Security address in the email.
Once opened, users are then shown recent threats that may have targeted their PCs. Of course, this is simply a scam and is only included in a bid to get people clicking on fake links.
Action Fraud is now advising all Windows users to be careful. “If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly. Don’t use the numbers or address in the message – use the details from the official website.
“Your bank (or any other offical source) will never ask you to supply personal information via email.”
Microsoft also has its own advice on avoiding scams, including telling users that it won’t contact them out of the blue or ask for personal data.
“Microsoft does not send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer. If you didn’t ask us to, we won’t call you to offer support,” the firm said.
“Download software only from official Microsoft partner websites or the Microsoft Store. Be wary of downloading software from third-party sites, as some of them might have been modified without the author’s knowledge to bundle malware and other threats.”
So, the advice is clear, if you get a message from Microsoft saying your PC is in danger – don’t be fooled.