ID theft and phishing scams

Your Windows Live ID works with Windows Live sites such as Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, MSN, Office Live, Xbox Live, and more. Here's how to help keep it safe.

Take a moment to make sure you spell that Web address correctly before you click Go to visit the page. A URL with an easy-to-make typo can take you where you don't want to go.

Never respond to an e-mail message from a bank or credit card company that requests your personal information.

Minimize the possible damage that responding to fraudulent e-mail messages might cause.

Watch out for false e-mail messages that promise you big winnings from Microsoft.

Are you easy to trick? Many online scams rely on human nature more than technology.

These e-mail scams might look like they come from your corporate Human Resources group, or someone in a department or group you belong to.

Don't respond or click links in the text, do report the mail to the faked organization.

Don’t be fooled by that easy money e-mail hoax.

Fraudsters use e-mail messages and fake customer services phone numbers to lure unsuspecting targets into revealing personal information.

Recognize and avoid fake e-cards by applying the same caution you would use with any e-mail message you receive.

Microsoft does not need your credit card number to validate your copy of Windows. Find out more about this scam.

Microsoft never attaches software updates to our security communications. Find out about other clues that can help you spot e-mail that claims to be from Microsoft, but isn't.

Even more insidious than phishing, pharming redirects traffic to legitimate sites to fake ones, where scammers can "harvest" your usernames and passwords.

Before you enter any information, verify that the site you're on is secure and certified.

Watch this video about protecting yourself and your family against phishing, identity theft, and online fraud.

Get answers to your questions about identity theft scams and how you can protect yourself with Microsoft Phishing Filter.