Scammers Abuse Microsoft's Internal Account to Send Spam

Scammers have discovered a loophole in Microsoft's email system that allows them to send spammy emails from an internal Microsoft email address, potentially tricking people into thinking these emails are legitimate. The issue has been ongoing for several months, with the Spamhaus Project, an anti-spam non-profit, first noticing the abuse back in "several months."

Microsoft's Email System Abused for Spam

For months, scammers have been taking advantage of a loophole that allows them to send spammy emails from an internal Microsoft email address typically used for sending legitimate account alerts. It's unclear how the scammers are abusing the system, but they have been able to set up new Microsoft accounts as if they are new customers, and use that access to send out emails purportedly from the tech giant itself.

Microsoft's Response

When contacted by TechCrunch earlier this week, a Microsoft spokesperson acknowledged our inquiry, but has not yet commented or said if the company has stopped the abuse of its account notification email. This lack of response suggests that Microsoft may not yet have a handle on the issue.

Similar Incidents

This is not the first time hackers or scammers have abused company systems to trick unsuspecting customers. Earlier this year, hackers broke into a platform used by fintech firm Betterment to send out fraudulent notifications that purported to triple the value of any crypto users send in. In 2023, hackers similarly abused access to an email account run by Namecheap to send out phishing emails aimed at stealing people's credentials.

Conclusion

The abuse of Microsoft's email system is a concerning trend that highlights the need for companies to take proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Until Microsoft addresses this issue, users should be cautious when receiving emails from Microsoft, especially if they contain links or requests for sensitive information.