Does Microsoft call you about computer problems?

No. Microsoft does not make unsolicited phone calls about computer issues. Any call claiming your computer is infected and offering to fix it is a scam.

How do I check if a Microsoft email is real?

Real Microsoft emails come from @microsoft.com or @account.microsoft.com. Log into account.microsoft.com directly to check security alerts. Never click links in suspicious emails.

What is a Microsoft tech support scam?

Scammers display fake pop-up warnings claiming your computer is infected, then ask you to call a number. They request remote access and payment (often via gift cards) to "fix" non-existent problems.

Tech

Is This Microsoft Email a Scam? How to Tell

Microsoft is one of the most impersonated brands in phishing attacks. Scammers send fake security alerts, Office 365 subscription warnings, and Windows license expiration notices. Tech support phone scams claiming to be "Microsoft Support" remain one of the most common fraud schemes.

Reviewed by the Cautellus team · Last updated May 30, 2026

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Common Microsoft Scam Types

"Unusual sign-in activity" email alerts

Office 365/Microsoft 365 subscription expiration

Windows license expiration warnings

Tech support phone scams ("Your computer is infected")

OneDrive/SharePoint phishing links

Fake Microsoft Teams notifications

Example Scam Messages

These are examples of fake messages impersonating Microsoft. Never click links in unsolicited messages.

“Microsoft: Unusual sign-in activity detected on your account from Russia. If this wasn't you, secure your account: microsoft-account-verify.net”

“Your Microsoft 365 subscription has expired. Renew now to avoid losing access to Word, Excel, and Outlook: ms365-renewal.com”

“Windows Alert: Your Windows license will expire today. Renew immediately to continue using your PC: windows-license-renew.net”

Red Flags to Watch For

Emails from non-microsoft.com domains
Pop-up alerts in your browser saying "Your computer is infected — call Microsoft"
Unsolicited phone calls from "Microsoft Support" (Microsoft doesn't make unsolicited calls)
Requests to install remote access software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk)
"Tech support" asking for payment in gift cards

Legitimate Microsoft Contact Info

Visit support.microsoft.com or account.microsoft.com. Use the Microsoft Support app. Microsoft will never ask for gift card payments or unsolicited remote access.

Where to Report a Microsoft Scam

If you received or fell for a fake Microsoft message, report it to the authorities below. Reporting helps investigators track these campaigns.

FTC — reportfraud.ftc.govReport fraud and scams to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
FBI IC3 — ic3.govFile a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Cautellus reporting guide →Step-by-step help on who to contact and how to recover.