Account Security Problems

How to Fix Unauthorized Microsoft Charges and Secure Your Account

Huda Qurayshi Oct 8, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is seeking help to stop unauthorized billing charges on their Microsoft account and wants to secure the account after a suspected hacking attempt involving unknown family group members.

How to Fix Unauthorized Microsoft Charges and Secure Your Account

Product: Microsoft Account
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reviewing bank or credit card statements and discovering unexpected charges linked to Microsoft, accompanied by suspicious account activity.
Observed behavior: Multiple unauthorized transactions, such as a '$15 credit to Microsoft account', appear on the user's credit card, and unknown individuals have mysteriously joined and left the user's Microsoft family group.

Before you start

Gather your recent credit card statements, identify the exact dates and amounts of the unauthorized charges, and ensure you have access to the email address associated with your Microsoft account.

Solution 1Recommended

Review Order History and Request a Refund

Check your Microsoft billing history to identify the unauthorized charges and navigate the Microsoft support system to request a refund from an agent.

Unauthorized charges often appear as credits added to the account balance, which hackers then use to purchase digital goods. Contacting Microsoft billing support directly is the most effective way to reverse these charges.

Check Microsoft Order History

Navigate to account.microsoft.com/billing/orders in your web browser and sign in with your Microsoft account to review all recent purchases and account credits.

Access the Contact Us Page

Visit support.microsoft.com/contactus/ and ensure you are still signed in. Select 'Microsoft 365' from the product options.

Initiate Support Request

Click on 'Get Home support'. In the search bar, type 'Request a refund' and press Enter to generate the related support articles.

Connect with a Billing Agent

Scroll down and click 'Contact Support'. Under 'Products and services', select 'Microsoft 365 and Office'. Under 'Category', choose 'Billing and payment updates'. Click 'Confirm' to reveal the option to chat with a live support agent for your refund.

Review Order History and Request a Refund

Hide Personal Information: If the support agent requests screenshots of your bank statements or account history, ensure you redact or hide your full credit card number and other sensitive personal details.

Solution 2

Secure Your Microsoft Account Against Hackers

Update your account security settings to revoke hacker access and prevent future unauthorized transactions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I seeing a '$15 credit to Microsoft account' charge on my credit card?

Hackers sometimes use stolen or compromised credit cards linked to your account to add funds (credits) directly to your Microsoft account balance. They then use these funds to rapidly purchase digital goods, such as Xbox gift cards or games, which can be resold. Contact Microsoft billing support immediately to reverse these charges.

How did unknown people join my Microsoft Family group?

If an attacker compromises your Microsoft account password, they can log in and add their own accounts to your Family group. This allows them to share your active Microsoft 365 subscription benefits or utilize your linked payment methods for unauthorized purchases. You should remove them immediately from the family dashboard.

What should I do if the hacker changed my password and I can't log in?

If you are locked out, you must use the official Microsoft Account Recovery form (account.live.com/acsr). You will need to provide as much detailed information as possible, such as previous passwords you used and the subject lines of recent emails, to verify your identity and regain access.

Microsoft Office Security Issues