How to Report a Fraudulent Microsoft Email Account in Your Name
Question details
The user needs to know how to report a malicious actor who has created a Microsoft email address using their name to commit fraud.
- Product
- Microsoft Account
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A third party is impersonating the user by creating a fake Microsoft email address in their name for fraudulent activities or phishing.
- Observed behavior
- The user is unable to access or shut down the fraudulent account directly because they did not create it, and needs official channels to report the impersonation.
Do not attempt to sign in to or recover the fraudulent account, as you cannot bypass the creator's security information. Preserve all original messages, email headers, screenshots, and dates as evidence for reporting.
Report Impersonation and Phishing to Microsoft
Use Microsoft's official abuse channels to report an account that is misusing your personal information.
If you did not create the email account, you will not be able to access or delete it yourself. The most effective action is to report the phishing behavior and impersonation directly to Microsoft so they can investigate and suspend the fraudulent account.
Navigate to the official Microsoft scam reporting page at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/concern/scam and submit a detailed report regarding the impersonation and misuse of your identity.
If you are using Microsoft Outlook and received an email from the fake account, select the suspicious message, go to the top ribbon, and choose 'Report Message', then click 'Phishing'.
Forward the suspicious emails as an attachment to reportphishing@apwg.org (the Anti-Phishing Working Group) to help block the scam globally.
Secure Your Own Microsoft Account
Check your personal account for unauthorized access to ensure your own data has not been breached.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a fake email account created in my name?
No, you cannot directly access, delete, or recover an account you did not create, as you do not have the security verification details. You must report it to the email provider using their official abuse and impersonation channels so they can take it down.
What evidence should I keep when reporting email fraud?
You should preserve the original email messages, full email headers, screenshots of the fraudulent activity, timestamps, and any other relevant communication that proves the account is impersonating you.
Is someone having the same name considered email fraud?
Not necessarily. It is completely possible for someone with the exact same name to legitimately create an email address using that name. However, if they are contacting your friends, family, or business associates pretending to be you to solicit money or information, that constitutes impersonation and fraud.
What should I do if the fraudulent account is asking my contacts for money?
Immediately warn your contacts through your legitimate email, social media, or phone that someone is impersonating you. Then, report the fraudulent account to Microsoft and escalate the issue to your local law enforcement agencies.
