Security refund procedure

Sandra Q 0 Reputation points
2026-07-03T02:41:33.7266667+00:00

Security refund was given to ******@bigpond.com bigpond account of $8000 from Microsoft. The Windows security person I was talking to regarding a virus breach advised that a refund would be given of $80 for Defender as Defender was compromised. Ed was then asked to email a Microsoft refund account for are refund payment of $80. Then $8000 was deposited into Eds bank Account that Microsoft have to do annual fees. This money is now Eds bank account. They are now requesting that $7900 to be withdrawn in Cash and deposited into another bank account to be advised. What do we do now? This is urgent! Many thanks - Sandra

Microsoft Security | Microsoft Defender | Other
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  1. Chris Hailes 155 Reputation points MVP
    2026-08-23T08:28:55.7733333+00:00

    What you’ve described does not match a normal Microsoft refund process.

    If someone claims to be Microsoft and sends an unexpected $8,000 payment, then asks for most of it to be withdrawn in cash and transferred elsewhere, treat this as a likely scam or unauthorized transaction.

    What to do immediately

    1. Do not withdraw or transfer any of the money.
      • Do not send cash to any account or person.
      • Do not buy gift cards, crypto, or make “refund reversals.”
    2. Contact the bank right away.
      • Tell them the deposit is suspicious and may be fraudulent.
      • Ask them to review the transaction and place a hold if needed.
    3. Stop contact with the caller/emails.
      • Do not continue the conversation with the person requesting the transfer.
      • Do not click links or open attachments from them.
    4. Report it to Microsoft.
      • Use Microsoft’s official support channels only: Microsoft Support
      • Microsoft does not process refunds by asking customers to move money to another bank account.
    5. If any remote access was granted, secure the device.
      • Disconnect the machine from the internet if needed.
      • Run a full scan from trusted security software.
      • Change passwords from a clean device, especially email and banking passwords.
    6. Keep records.
      • Save emails, phone numbers, bank details, and screenshots.
      • This may help the bank and fraud investigators.

    Important point

    A legitimate refund would not involve:

    • depositing far more money than expected,
    • asking you to withdraw cash,
    • directing you to send money to another account.

    That is a classic scam pattern.

    If you’ve already moved any funds, contact your bank immediately and ask for fraud assistance.

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