This supposed “Server Message” claims that you recently made a request to deactivate your email account. It notes that your deactivation request will be processed shortly.
But, claims the message, if you have no knowledge of such a request, you can click a link to cancel the account deactivation.
However, the message is not from any legitimate “Email Administrator” and the claim that your account is about to be deactivated is a lie. Instead, the email is a phishing scam designed to steal your account login credentials.
If you click the link in the hope of saving your account from deactivation, you will be taken to a fraudulent website that asks you to enter your email address and email account password. After submitting your login details, you may then see a browser message stating that you have successfully cancelled the pending deactivation.
At this point, you may think that you’ve now dealt with the issue and get on with your day.
But, meanwhile, criminals can use the information you provided to hijack your email account. Once they have gained access, the criminals can use your account to send spam, scam, and malware emails in your name.
If the same login credentials provide access to linked services such as online storage or app stores, the scammers may also be able to steal personal documents and make purchases via your account. In fact, if they manage to collect enough of your personal and financial information, the crooks may be able to steal your identity as well.
Your email service provider will never send you a generic message that demands that you click a link to rectify a supposed account problem. Be wary of any such emails that you receive.
Scams like this are very common and have been around in various forms for many years. It is always safest to access all of your online accounts by entering the address into your browser’s address bar.
An Example of the Scam Email:
Transcript:
Subject: SECURITY ALERT ! Your De-activation Request From [Email Address Removed] is been processed
Server Message
Dear [email address removed]
Our record indicates that you recently made a request to deactivate email And this request will be processed shortly.
If this request was made accidentally and you have no knowledge of it, you are advised to cancel the request now
Cancel De-activation
However, if you do not cancel this request, then your account will be de-activated shortly
and all your email data will be lost permanently.Regards.
Email Administrator
This message is auto-generated from E-mail security server, and replies sent to this email can not be delivered.
This email is meant for: [Email Address Removed]
Original Source : https://www.hoax-slayer.net/de-activation-request-phishing-scam-email/