Microsoft account users are asked to delete email messages which claim that their accounts will be shut down. This is because the email messages are phishing scams that have been created by cyber criminals to steal Microsoft Hotmail/Live/Outlook usernames and passwords. The intention of the cyber criminals is to hijack email accounts and use them fraudulently. So, recipients of the same email messages are not to follow the instructions in them and just delete them.
A Sample of the "Microsoft Account Will Shut Down" Phishing Scam
From: E-mail Account Team <sales_tristar@LIVE.COM>
Date: 2017-09-12 10:37 PM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Account will shut down soon (Final Verification Alert)
E_mail final warning verification alert
This is to inform you for the final time that 16th SEPTEMBER 2017, We will discontinue support on your account and security.
If you choose not to renew your account on or before 16th SEPTEMBER 2017, your email will be blocked and you will not be able to read and send emails from the 16th SEPTEMBER 2017, and you will no longer have access to your email and many of the latest features for improved, conversations, contacts and attachments.
Take a minute to renew your account for a faster, safer and full-featured experience.
Renew Your Account
Thanks for using service
Regards,
Customer Member Service
This is to inform you for the final time that on 12th SEPTEMBER 2017, We will discontinue support on your account and security.
The links in the email messages go to a fake Outlook or Microsoft website, which will attempt to trick the cyber-criminals' potential victims into entering their usernames and passwords on it. If the potential victims enter their Microsoft Outlook, Hotmail, Live usernames and passwords on the fake website, it will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the email scam, who will use the information to hijack their accounts.
If you have received the same email message, please go directly to your email account instead of clicking on the links in the email messages. And, if there is anything wrong with your account, it will be shown to you after signing into it.
Now, if you were tricked by the phishing email, please change your Hotmail/Live/Outlook immediately. If you are unable to, click here to report it to Microsoft.