IT Support From NSI: "Email will be closed" - Hotmail Phishing Alert

IT Support From NSI:  "Email will be closed".  We recently received an inquiry from a client regarding a Windows Live Hotmail Team phishing scheme and felt it was worth sharing.   

Windows Live Hotmail Team Email

Here is the email our client received: 

From: Microsoft Account Team <chuckmattson@hotmail.com>

Date: May 7, 2014 at 7:27:45 AM EDT
To: Microsoft Account Team <chuckmattson@hotmail.com>
Subject: Email Will Be Closed

Dear Account Owner,

We have recently confirmed that different computers have logged onto your Hotmail account and multiple password errors have been entered; as it has been used for fraudulent purposes.. Now we need you to reconfirm your account information to us. Click your reply tab, fill in the columns below and send it back to us or your email account will be suspended permanently.

Name: ......................................
User Name :..............................
Password: ................................
Date of Birth.............................
Country or Territory...................

Here are some ways to help you manage your account after you reconfirm your account.
Create an archive - Set up a folder on your PC’s hard drive where you can save large attachments. Then just delete them from your inbox. You’ll still have them and your in-box will be that much smaller.
Sincerely,
The Windows Live Hotmail Team

DO NOT reply to this message, or give your personal information to anyone regarding your email.  Legitimate companies do not request this information, especially via email. 

If you received this email message, we recommend changing your password right away.  If you haven't changed your passwords in a while, now is a good time to do so.  NSI offers several resources for creating strong passwords:

Do's and Don'ts of Creating Passwords

User's Guide to Creating a Strong Password  

IT Guide for Small Business Owners

About The Author

President of NSI, Tom has been helping small and medium businesses succeed in Connecticut for over 25 years.