More information on Internet scams

[The following is some more infromation we've received from the Oshkosh Police Department concerning Internet scams. We are happy to publish it on their behalf.]

If you receive a message similar to the one depicted below (in italics), beware that it is NOT legitimate. Neither Windows Live, nor any other online service, will EVER ask you for your username and password via e-mail. These type of e-mails are an attempt to illegally access your account, to pose as you. Once they have accessed your account the individual will use your identity to fraudulently scam anyone in your contacts/friends list/etc....

This is becoming a growing problem with Windows Live and Facebook. Never give out your password to anyone, as this will prevent you from becoming a victim.

Pass this information on, as education will help prevent and deter future fraudulent activity.

Dear Account User,

We encountered a problem with our database and a lot of records were lost, we are restoring our database to enable us serve you better. Your Windows Live! Account details are required so as to store in our database to keep your account active. Failure to do this will lose his or her account permanently.

To update and enable us restore your account details in our data base to keep your account active, you are required to provide us the details below urgently. Click the reply button to enter details below.

Name: ……………………..

Username: ……………………..

Password: …………………….

Date of Birth: …………………

Country or Territory: …………

Sincerely,

Windows Live Alert Team
Microsoft Corporation