Yahoo users, be aware of fake "Account Closing Notice" email messages like the one below, which claim that your accounts have been marked for immediate shut down due to non-verification. The fake email messages are phishing scams being sent by cybercriminals to steal Yahoo usernames and passwords, by tricking Yahoo users into visiting a phishing website that steals email account credentials.
A "Yahoo Account Closing Notice" Phishing Scam
From: YAHOO! - simplu.olga@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2019 11:40:44 AM PDT
Subject: ACCOUNT CLOSING NOTICE!
Yahoo! Mail
Hello Yahoo user,
This message is sent to inform you about the storage space of your mailbox.
It is running low and needs an update to avoid placing all pending incoming emails.
If you want to continue using this account, update your mailbox now. Ignoring this message will cause the account to close
Update your account now
Note: Update and authenticate your account in 48hrs to avoid canceling your mailbox.
Sincerely,
Account Services,
Yahoo Mail Team
The link in the phishing email message goes to a fake or phishing Yahoo website, which will attempt to trick the potential victims into entering their usernames and passwords on it. If Yahoo users attempt to sign into the phishing website with their Yahoo usernames and passwords, it will be sent to the cybercriminals behind the email scam, who will use the information to hijack their accounts. The hijacked Yahoo accounts will then be used by cybercriminals fraudulently.
Remember, if you receive email messages like these, please go directly to your email account instead of clicking on the links in the email messages. If there is something wrong with your account, it will be shown to you after signing in. And, if you were tricked by one of these phishing scams, please change your password immediately before your Yahoo account is hijacked.
For victims whose accounts have already been hijacked, click here for help.