RENEW Password?

Question

Received an E-mail in Junk folder stating that I need to RENEW my account password. Is this a SCAM?

Answer 1

Yes, this is phishing scam. Microsoft never reuqests users to renew password. Reminding you to renew subscription, that can happen, not password.

A legitimate email from Microsoft regarding your account always comes from domains ending in @accountprotection.microsoft.com

Answer 2

Emails that claim an Outlook.com or Microsoft account password must be “renewed” are typically phishing scams.

Key indicators:

• Legitimate Microsoft account or Outlook.com security messages do not ask to “renew” a password via a link in junk mail.
• Phishing messages often appear in the Junk folder, use alarming language (account will be deactivated, high risk, 24–48 hours, etc.), and push to click a link or enter credentials.

Recommended actions in Outlook/Outlook.com:

1. Do not click any links, open attachments, or reply to the message.
2. Leave it in Junk or delete it. If Outlook shows a red safety bar, delete the message immediately.
3. If there is concern about the account, go directly (by typing the address in the browser) to Outlook.com or the Microsoft account page and sign in. Change the password there if needed, not via the email.
4. If anything looks suspicious or the sender is unverified, treat it as phishing and keep the account protected.

Outlook and Outlook.com already use junk email and phishing protections, but suspicious messages like this should still be handled with caution.

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References:

• Help protect your Outlook.com email account
• Security and Privacy in Outlook Web App
• Phishing and suspicious behavior in Outlook