Any Known List of Legitimate Microsoft Email Addresses (From Microsoft)

Question

Hi All.

Today I noticed in my Junk folder, and email purportedly from Microsoft.  In the Sender column it said "Microsoft Security," and when hovering over the sender it showed as "Admin.UGQIUUX@microsoft.com.  Without opening the email - just looking at the subject preview, it stated "Someone just used your password to try to sign in to your account via mobile device."  The rest I could not see.

My gut tells me this is purely Spam but, recently in either this community, or uservoice, or somewhere where people were posting problems and criticism regarding Outlook issues,  a few folks pointed out the "stupidity" (their word, not mine) in how known legitimate emails from Microsoft end up in their Junk folders.  I noted this because I agree.  I have had many times where email notifications that I may have subscribed to in the community, or perhaps support replies (I think Microsoft Rewards at one point,) would go straight to Junk, until I found them, and added to "Safe Sender" list.   I think a few people had some strongly worded comments about this topic.

I also know that Outlook support urges everyone to not delete the Spam & Phishing emails from their box, and the whole 30 day explanation.  Still, if something is blatantly bad, I prefer to delete so as not to accidentally open - perhaps I am a little to overly cautious.    So, my basic question would be, other than going with a "gut feeling" or perhaps on chance that this is a legit "Security" notification, does anyone know how to easily verify the addresses that are legit from Microsoft, when they would be contacting users???

Answer 1

Hi Maiden,

You can always check the Where the email comes from by Viewing the source informtion. When you click on the email and it is viewed in the reader top there is a series of Icons click on the ... and View Source.

A legitimate email message should originate from the Microsoft account team at ******@accountprotection.microsoft.com.

Micorsoft emails will allso look like the addressing in the screenshot below

You can also log into your Microsoft account to View Recent activity if your concerned

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ca/help/13782/...

Never click on links on questionable emails always log into your account via a browers to check. Better be over cautious than fall for a scam or phishing attempt!

Hope this helps clarify for you. Feel free to ask any questions!

Regards,

Sam

Answer 2

Thanks Sam.

I hit myself upside the head when I read your suggestion of "View Recent activity."  Did not think of that, and should've.  There was nothing abnormal in recent activity.

Regarding the source information, I still have mixed feelings on opening the email.  I, like others felt more comfortable with the old way of right-clicking on the email (without opening,) and getting the option to view the source information.  As recent as last year, I worked with someone from Outlook support in filing a report with this info, due to a large uptick in spoofing my address.   When the new version of Outlook was rolled out, and this feature was no longer available, I was a bit disappointed and gave my feedback.  What I found surprising was that I was far from the only person, who is not comfortable with actually opening the email.   As I viewed postings, I gathered some of these contributors had a lot more of a tech background than I do, and their objections to this 'new' option being offered to obtain source info, were stronger than mine.  I have looked around a bit more and there just seems to be a divide of whether it is or is not, a good idea to open a questionable email.  Perhaps there is no definitive answer - just a matter of preference. 

At any rate, thank you for pointing out that the option to view the source is within the email "more options," just in case I do opt to use it, and thanks for the reminder of the Account activity!  

Maiden

Answer 3

Your welcome your best viewing anything in your account not from links sent if not sure.

Kindest regards,

Sam

Answer 4

Hi Maiden.c.s

Your Posting of Jan. 30, 2019

You may wish to read some of my Postings in Communty.

Happy Ground Hog Day.

Lostintrama