microsoft update

You’re not falling for this email, are you?

I have received at least six copies of this bogus email message so far today.

The email message claims to be a Microsoft announcement notifying you of a new update to the Outlook or Outlook Express email programs. Prominent in the message is a link you’re suppose to click on to download the patch from Microsoft.

The link displays as “http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftofficeupdate/KB910737/default.aspx?ln=en-us&[email protected]&id=950469769888131599309836639492603233….7986“. It sure looks like that if you click on the link you’ll be going to Microsoft for a download.

Don’t do it!  The link is a phony!

How do I know?

First, Microsoft doesn’t send emails announcing updates. Their Windows Update program runs and, depending upon your preferences, installs updates or tells you do get them when you have time.

Second, when I read the email and place my cursor over the link, a pop-up tool tip appears showing the real location I’d be taken to. The real location doesn’t end with “microsoft.com”. The real location in the latest email I received ends with “ij1tli.com”. That domain is registered to:
Personal use
3-59-10 Izumi, Suginami-ku
Tokyo, Tokyo 1680063
JP

You could track this domain further, but all we really care about is that it’s not Microsoft!

If you click on the phony link to download the “patch”, you’ll download something. But, it won’t be a patch to your email problem. Instead it will be an evil program. One that maybe tracks your keystrokes when you log into your bank account and then sends your banking username and password to thieves. Or, a program that runs malicious software on your PC that will attack a website or send millions of spam messages.

Don’t fall for this attempt to fake you out. Just delete the emails… and make sure that your anti-virus software is up-to-date!