How to Block the Microsoft Security Alert Scam – A Complete Guide for 2025

The Microsoft security alert scam is a fraud tactic that cybercriminals use to trick users into compromising their devices. These messages look like legitimate alerts from Microsoft, letting you know that your device is infected and your personal information has been compromised, prompting you to take swift action. Recognizing these fake notifications can help protect you from malware, ransomware, identity theft, and financial losses.

In this guide, I’ll provide all the information you need about these Windows security alert scam messages so you don’t fall prey to them. I’ll explain how the scam works, how to recognize it, and how you can protect yourself and remove malware.

An important first step, of course, is to have the best antivirus software on your device to stop your system from being breached and to remove infections. Based on my testing, there are numerous products that are superior to Windows Security.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Best Antiviruses to Prevent Microsoft Security Alert Scam
2. What is the Microsoft Security Alert Scam?
3. How the Microsoft Security Alert Scam Works
4. How to Remove a Fake Microsoft Security Warning
5. How to Remove a Fake Microsoft Account Security Alert on Chrome
6. How to Remove a Windows Defender Scam Alert on Edge
7. How to Identify a Fake Microsoft Account Team Email Scam
8. How to Avoid Fake Microsoft Defender Scams
9. How Can You Protect Yourself From Microsoft Scams on Computer?
10. Conclusion – How to Block a Microsoft Scam Alert or Microsoft Defender Scam?
11. FAQs
12. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Best Antiviruses to Prevent Microsoft Security Alert Scam
2. What is the Microsoft Security Alert Scam?
3. How the Microsoft Security Alert Scam Works
Show Full Guide
4. How to Remove a Fake Microsoft Security Warning
5. How to Remove a Fake Microsoft Account Security Alert on Chrome
6. How to Remove a Windows Defender Scam Alert on Edge
7. How to Identify a Fake Microsoft Account Team Email Scam
8. How to Avoid Fake Microsoft Defender Scams
9. How Can You Protect Yourself From Microsoft Scams on Computer?
10. Conclusion – How to Block a Microsoft Scam Alert or Microsoft Defender Scam?
11. FAQs
12. References

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What is the Microsoft Security Alert Scam?

The security alert scam uses scare tactics to instill urgency and fear and push users to engage with fraudsters or click on links or attachments.

How the Microsoft Security Alert Scam Works

Messages will often claim your personal information, such as banking passwords, email details, and social media logins, have been compromised. The alert will generally push you to take action by clicking a link, downloading a file, or calling a specific support number.

If you call the scammers’ support number, they’ll often request remote control of your device so they can supposedly fix the issue. Instead, they’ll install malware or ransomware or otherwise steal information stored on your device. Similarly, clicking on a link or attachment will generally result in downloading malware or being sent to a phishing page used to capture personal information.

A Microsoft account team fake email or fraudulent Windows security pop-up generally can’t infect your device unless you interact with it. Keeping this in mind can provide reassurance when facing false alerts.

What Do Genuine Microsoft Security Alerts Look Like?

Here are some points to identify what genuine Microsoft security alerts look like and how they’re different from fraudulent security alerts:

• Source – Genuine security alerts won’t appear as pop-ups in browsers or third-party apps. They’ll appear in your device’s official notifications or via the Windows Security app.
• Non-Aggressive Language and Tone – Official notifications and messages from Microsoft won’t use fear or urgency-inducing language, and they’ll be non-aggressive and non-intrusive. They also won’t have grammatical errors or misspellings. You’re very unlikely to see a Windows Defender security warning that your computer’s locked, for example.
• Not Insisting on Action – Authentic alerts and error messages won’t ask you to call Microsoft or demand you enter your details or login information in forms. They also won’t suggest downloading third-party software.
• Payment – Microsoft won’t demand payment to address issues and will never ask for cryptocurrency or gift cards for technical support.

How to Turn Off Microsoft Security Warnings

To stop Windows Security alerts, follow these steps to turn off notifications from Windows Security. Of course, you should pay attention to security warnings and only ignore messages if you’re confident your device is secure or have another security solution in place.

How to Remove a Fake Microsoft Account Security Alert on Chrome

If you see fake Microsoft account security alerts on Chrome, it may be due to a malicious extension or a website with permission to send you notifications. Follow these steps to fix the issue. For more details, read our guide on how to remove malware from Chrome.

How to Remove a Windows Defender Scam Alert on Edge

Scam alerts masquerading as authentic Windows Defender notifications can also stem from malicious extensions on your Microsoft Edge browser. Follow these steps to block the scam pop-ups:

How to Identify a Fake Microsoft Account Team Email Scam

Fraud phishing emails pretending to be from the Microsoft Account Team can be difficult to spot, but here are a few signs to identify these scams:

• Incorrect Domain – Emails from Microsoft’s official email accounts always use domains like microsoft.com, microsoftsupport.com, and mail.support.microsoft.com. If the domain is something like micros0ft.com, microsoft-security-alert.com, or [email protected], it’s a scam.
• Typos and Grammar – Official emails from Microsoft won’t have typos or grammatical errors. If the mail you’ve received contains suspicious language, it may be a Microsoft alert scam.
• Urgent Language – Phishing emails often try to induce urgency by claiming your personal data has been compromised, or your email account will terminate by a specific date. Microsoft won’t attempt to panic you into action.
• Action – Fraud messages frequently push you to click phishing links, call a number, or download third-party software. These are red flags of Windows Defender scams.
• Payment – Phishing emails may request payment for assistance or ask for money in unusual forms like gift cards, cryptocurrency payments, or wire transfers.

When Will You Receive Genuine Email Alerts From Microsoft?

Microsoft’s genuine emails usually relate to your account and their products and services. These include:

How to Avoid Fake Microsoft Defender Scams

Microsoft Defender scams look like legitimate alerts, but they can be avoided. Remember these tips to stay safe:

• Avoid Shady Websites – Shady websites can host malicious code that creates fake Windows alert pop-ups. Don’t engage with ads or pop-ups on shady sites, and be wary of downloading files.
• Only Download Apps from Official Sites – You should only download apps from trusted sources like official app stores and trustworthy vendors. If you’re unsure about an app or file, scan it with an antivirus like TotalAV. If you think you may have a fake antivirus on your system, read our guide to how to spot and remove fake antivirus software.
• Enable Phishing Protection – Ensure you have active phishing protection in place. Leading providers like TotalAV can flag suspicious links, emails, and download files to protect you.
• Don’t Click Unknown Links or Attachments – Don’t click on links or attachments in emails from unknown parties or on suspicious websites, especially if there’s a message urging you to take immediate action.

For further information on fake antivirus alerts, see our guide to How to Recognize and Avoid the Norton LifeLock Scam and How to Get Rid of Fake McAfee Pop-Ups.

How Can You Protect Yourself From Microsoft Scams on Computer?

The best way to protect yourself from Microsoft Defender scams is with robust security software. Here are some steps to secure your computer:

• Install a Reliable Antivirus – A first-class antivirus can go a long way to ensuring all-around security for your device. The best antivirus tools can perform comprehensive system scans to detect, quarantine, and remove malware and extend protection to your browser and network.
• Use a VPN – A VPN encrypts your internet connection to defend against surveillance and hackers and ensure your online activity remains anonymous. The best VPN providers also offer malware, email, and browser protection features that can block fake Windows Defender pop-ups.
• Enable Firewall Protection – A firewall monitors your network traffic to prevent unauthorized access to your computer, promising greater online safety. Most top antiviruses include a firewall.
• Use Anti-Phishing Tools – Enable computer and browser settings to block phishing attempts. Most antivirus software and VPNs today have anti-phishing tools to flag suspicious links and files.
• Regular Software Updates – Update your operating system whenever software updates are available to promptly fix security vulnerabilities.

Conclusion – How to Block a Microsoft Scam Alert or Microsoft Defender Scam?

Fake Microsoft Defender scam alerts may look like authentic communications from Microsoft, but they pose serious security risks, ranging from malware and ransomware to outright identity theft, as I’ve covered in this guide to how to get rid of fake Microsoft Security warning messages.

It’s important to be wary of Microsoft warning scam and phishing messages, but the best protection against these scams is having reliable antivirus software. Security tools like TotalAV can provide comprehensive, real-time protection against malware, ransomware, phishing, and viruses and help you protect your whole network.

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