Someone gained access to my email account and now all messages just show the same message from the hacker before auto deleting

Question

Have had someone breach my outlook account and now all messages that come through just show the same message from the hacker. It has my old password shown and just says that I need to pay an amount to get it sorted. It is my main email account that is linked to my Xbox and all other accounts but so far I don’t seem to have any troubles with the other linked accounts.

Answer 1

Hi LURCH James Sexton

Thanks for your post. From your description, someone got into your Outlook.com account, and now incoming messages are showing the hacker’s message and then automatically deleted.

Here are some steps that you could try:

1, Check Inbox rules/forwarding 

Sign in to Outlook on the webthen go to:

• Settings > Mail > Rules/ Sweep: delete any suspicious rules you did not create (especially rules that moves/deletes mail)
• Settings > Mail > Forwarding: make sure forwarding is Off

2, Check Junk email settings

• Still in Outlook on the web, go to Settings > Mail > Junk email
• Under Blocked senders and domains, remove anything that shouldn’t be blocked.
• Add trusted sender’s addresses/domains under Safe senders and domains
• Select Save

3, Secure the account if you haven’t already:

• Go to: https://account.microsoft.com/security > Manage how I sign in
• Remove any unfamiliar sign‑in methods you don’t recognize 
• Check the list of devices associated with your account
• If you notice anything unusual, change to a strong password and Sign out everywhere
• Turn on Two-step verification: How to use two-step verification with your Microsoft account - Microsoft Support
• Check Recent activity: https://account.microsoft.com/activity and choose This wasn’t me/ Secure your account for anything you don’t recognize.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes so I can guide you further. I truly appreciate your time and understanding.

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