Why is Microsoft texting me?
If there is a link in the text message, beware. It could be a phishing attempt as explained in the next section. But if it is numbers or some alphanumeric thing in the text message, it could be a genuine one-time password or something that tries to identify if it is really you trying to log into your Microsoft account. Accounts that have a two-step-verification setup get text messages containing information that will help you complete the login process. Such messages seldom contain any link. If you see a shortened link in the account verification message, it should take you to a knowledge base article or open the Microsoft support page. Just don’t click on the link without knowing where the link leads to. There are URL expanders that help you see where a shortened link (bit.ly, ms.ft, or goo.gl) leads to. Besides OTP (one-time password), Microsoft may text you to: The above could be some reasons why Microsoft is texting you. If you do not wish to receive OTP every time you log in, you may use the Microsoft Authenticator app. Read: Identify & avoid scams that fraudulently use the Microsoft name. Earlier, the hackers had only computers and related peripherals to attack. With smartphones, it has become easier to cheat people. You just received a message from something like XX-MSFT and the message contains a link asking to be clicked. What would you do in case of emails if you are not sure if it is genuine? You will not click the link in the email. You will log into your Microsoft account and navigate to the pages mentioned in the email message. If the pages are not there, you simply delete the email instead of trying to reach Microsoft using the links specified in the email The same applies here, in the case of text messages. The origin of the messages cannot be confirmed as there won’t be a valid number but just a name that says or relates to Microsoft. If there is no way you can validate the number or the contact name, never click any links because the links in smartphones will be shortened links like goo.gl or bit.ly. They cause damage to your device if the link turns out to be a fake one. TIP: Never click any link in any text message from anyone if you don’t know where it leads you.
