How to avoid E-mail scams

Take a few minutes to read through the latest tips and information on how to keep your inbox more safe and secure. With helpful questions and answers from the Hotmail team about e-mail scams, password protection, and suspicious activities, it may be something you want to file away for the future.

E-mail scams
Q: How can I tell if an e-mail message is fraudulent?
A: Look for clues. Fraudsters often use URLs with typos in them that are easy to overlook, such as"micosoft."
Q: Should I click links in e-mail messages?
A: It's actually safer to copy and paste the URL from your e-mail message to the address bar in your Internet browser.
Q: What should I do if I think an e-mail is a scam?
A: Report it by clicking on the"Report phishing scam" button in Hotmail.
Q: How do I check if an offer is a scam?
A: Scams are often listed on sites like snopes.com. You can go there and search for information on a suspicious offer, such as"fee for Hotmail".
Suspicious activities
Q: What are suspicious activities?
A: Be wary if you think someone accessed your account or if a Windows Live ID sign-in page or e-mail looks fraudulent.
Q: What should I do if I notice suspicious activities?
A: First, immediately change your password. Then, make sure your computer hasn't been infected by running a free full-PC scan to check for and remove viruses, spyware, and other potentially unwanted software.

Password protection
Q: How do I help keep my password secure?
A: While you're thinking of it, go to http://microsoft.msn.com/Key=11695.dSRR.N.C6.H5VLpw to change your password today. Make sure you create a strong password.
Use more than 7 characters
Use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters — such as @, #, and $
Set your password to expire every 72 days
Q: What if I receive an unexpected password reset confirmation message?
A: If you did not request a password change, someone may be trying to obtain access to your account by making the password reset. If you did not make the password reset request, delete that email. Then, log into your account and change your password as soon as possible. If you cannot log into your account and change your password, please contact support immediately at http://microsoft.msn.com/Key=11695.dSRR.D.C6.rh6sL
Q: How do I recognize an authentic Windows Live sign-in page?
A: When logging into your Windows Live™ ID, verify you are actually visiting the site http://microsoft.msn.com/Key=11695.dSRR.P.C6.MBHXTm. If you have chosen to use"enhanced security" when logging in, the site will be http://microsoft.msn.com/Key=11695.dSRR.Q.C6.HKsFMs. If the sign-in page looks suspicious, please report it using Internet Explorer 7 or higher, Windows Live Toolbar or OneCare by clicking"Tools" > "Phishing Filter" > "Report This Website".
Q: What should I do if a suspicious e-mail message asks for my Windows Live ID?
A: Do not provide your Windows Live ID. Do not click any links. Instead of clicking a link, copy and paste it into the address bar of your browser. Confirm its authenticity by navigating from the website's home page. Check to see if the email is a scam on a site like snopes.com.