Microsoft warns of new phishing scam aimed at Hotmail Account Holders

Microsoft is warning Windows Live Hotmail users of a recent phishing scam that asks for the person's username, password, date of birth, and country or territory.

E-mails claim to be from the Windows Live Hotmail team, both in the signature and at the start: "This Email is from Hotmail Customer Care and we are sending it to every Hotmail Email User Accounts Owner for safety."

The e-mail typically arrives from an @hotmail.com address and has the following subject: "Hotmail Warning (Verify Your Hotmail Account now To Avoid It being Closed)."

Make sure to warn other who may received these notices and/or have Hotmail accounts. Remember any reputable company will never ask you for your personal information via an e-mail. Don't click on embedded links or dial an 800 number when asked to verify account or personal information.

Example of phishing email scam from Microsoft warning:

Dear Account User

This Email is from Hotmail Customer Care and we are sending it to every Hotmail Email User Accounts Owner for safety. we are having congestions due to the anonymous registration of Hotmail accounts so we are shutting down some Hotmail accounts and your account was among those to be deleted. We are sending you this email to so that you can verify and let us know if you still want to use this account. If you are still interested please confirm your account by filling the space below.Your User name, password, date of birth and your country information would be needed to verify your account.
Due to the congestion in all Hotmail users and removal of all unused Hotmail Accounts, Hotmail would be shutting down all unused Accounts, You will have to confirm your E-mail by filling out your Login Information below after clicking the reply button, or your account will be suspended within 24 hours for security reasons.

* Username: ..............................

* Password: ................................

* Date of Birth: ............................

* Country Or Territory: ................

After following the instructions in the sheet, your account will not be interrupted and will continue as normal. Thanks for your attention to this request. We apologize for any inconveniences.
Warning!!! Account owner that refuses to update his/her account after two weeks of receiving this warning will lose his or her account permanently.

For additional information phishing scams see earlier blogs.