Why am I getting emails to click on a link to "Accept The Terms of Service Now"?

Question

I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL EMAILS OVER THE PAST WEEK THAT I THOUGHT WERE PHISHING EMAILS. I'M PASTING A COPY OF THE LATEST ONE HERE:

E-mail Service******@aol.com

​******@outlook.com​

Microsoft

Dear user,

You’re receiving this email because we are revising the E-mail Services Agreement, which applies to one or more products or services you use. We’re making these revisions to clarify our conditions and ensure that they stay transparent for you, as well as to include new products, services and features.

Kindly use the link below to resign in and get your account secured, for new features

Accept The Terms Of Service Now

PLEASE NOTE: To avoid being permanently locked out of your account, do not disregard this warning.

We appreciate you selecting us, and we hope you have fun using our internet service.

Sincerely,

Thank you!

I HAVE REPORTED SEVERAL AS PHISHING BUT THE LATEST ONE WAS NOT BLOCKED. I DO NOT WANT TO LOSE MY EMAIL SERVICE FROM OUTLOOK. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE TERMS OF SERVICE SAY IN THE PHISHING EMAILS BECAUSE I HAVEN'T CLICKED ON THE LINKS. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD BE GETTING AN EMAIL FROM MICROSOFT THAT SHOWS AN AOL DOT COM ADDRESS. WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

Answer 1

Hello,

Bottom line is - this email is fake, it is spam and scam. And your account is not in any sort of danger. So there's no need to step 3 other than common sense security practice.

A leigitimate email from Microsoft regarding your account always comes from domains ending in @accountprotection.microsoft.com. If there's any update you need to know about your account, you don't need to go look for it else where, it will be communicated with you via the legitimate Microsoft email address.

For step 2, you did the right thing, but it doesn't mean they will stop coming in. This round of scam is all using aol.com address as it appears, and they can come in different aol.com address, if you block one, doesn't mean it will block another email address if the username is different. As for the content, it will take time for Microsoft to learn over time via reports.

Answer 2

It appears that you are receiving phishing emails that are disguised as legitimate communications from Microsoft. Emails claiming to be from Microsoft should originate from official domains like microsoft.com or similar, and any email from an AOL address is likely not genuine.

Here are some recommended actions you can take:

1. Avoid Clicking on Links: Since you have not clicked on any links in these emails, continue to exercise caution and do not engage with them.
2. Report the Phishing Emails: You can report these phishing attempts to Microsoft. They have resources available to help users report suspicious emails, which aids in combating these scams.
3. Secure Your Account: If you have concerns about your account's security, consider changing your password and enabling two-factor authentication for added protection.
4. Stay Updated on Official Communications: Regularly check Microsoft’s official website or support pages for any updates regarding their Terms of Service or other important information to ensure you are informed about legitimate changes.

If these phishing emails persist, you might want to adjust your spam filter settings or reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance regarding your Outlook account.

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References:

• Microsoft account security alert email

Answer 3

I agree with the answer. I think I know how to do step 1. I am not sure I precisely know how to do steps 2, 3, and 4. How can I do step 2 other than just clicking on the Report button and selecting Phishing. How do I do step 3 to change my password and to enable two-factor authentication? How do I do step 4 to Stay Updated on Official communications? What is Microsoft's official website and what support pages should I focus on for updates and to view their Terms of Service?