How to Verify Legitimate Microsoft Single-Use Code Emails

Microsoft sends single-use security codes to verify your identity during login, password reset, or security changes. However, scammers frequently impersonate these emails to steal your credentials. This guide helps you distinguish real Microsoft codes from phishing attempts.

The Golden Rule: Context Matters Most

The most important factor in verifying a security code email is context:

Scenario	Likely Status
You just clicked "Send code" and the email arrives immediately	Legitimate
You received a code while not actively using Microsoft services	Suspicious

If you didn't request a code, don't use it - regardless of how legitimate the email looks.

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Legitimate Microsoft Email Addresses

Microsoft sends security codes from:

• [email protected]
• @accountprotection.microsoft.com domain

Warning: Scammers can spoof (fake) email addresses. A correct sender address is a positive sign but not a guarantee. Always trust your own recent activity over the email address.

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Red Flags That Indicate a Scam

1. Urgency and Threats

Fake emails create panic:

• "Your account will be suspended"
• "Unauthorized login detected"
• "Action required immediately"

Real emails: Standard, functional, and don't threaten you.

2. Links and Buttons

Real single-use code emails provide a code to type - they don't need you to click anything.

• Suspicious: "Verify Now" or "Confirm Your Account" buttons
• Legitimate: Just the 6-digit code with no action required

3. Generic Greetings

• Suspicious: "Dear User" or "Dear Customer"
• Legitimate: Uses your actual name or email address

4. Spelling and Formatting Errors

• Misspelled words ("Microsft", "securty")
• Unusual fonts or formatting
• Poor grammar

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How to Verify a Security Code Email

1. Stop - Don't click anything in the email
2. Check the sender - Is it exactly @accountprotection.microsoft.com?
3. Ask yourself - "Did I request this code in the last few minutes?"
   • Yes: Safe to use on the site you're already on
   • No: Delete the email and ignore the code
4. Verify directly - If concerned, manually go to account.microsoft.com (don't use email links)

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Why You Might Receive Unsolicited Codes

If the email looks legitimate but you didn't request it:

Someone Typed Your Email By Mistake

Another user accidentally entered your email address trying to access their own account. This is harmless - just delete the email.

Someone Is Trying to Access Your Account

A hacker has your email and is trying to log in. They triggered the code because two-factor authentication stopped them.

What to do:

• Don't use or share the code
• Don't approve Authenticator prompts you didn't initiate
• Check your activity at account.live.com/Activity
• Consider changing your password

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What Legitimate Microsoft Codes Are Used For

• Signing in to your Microsoft account from a new device
• Resetting your password when you've forgotten it
• Adding a new email or phone number to your account
• Making security changes to your account settings
• Verifying your identity for sensitive actions

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If You Fell for a Scam

If you entered your password on a fake site:

1. Change your password immediately:
   • Go directly to account.microsoft.com
   • Navigate to Security > Change password
2. Enable two-factor authentication if not already active
3. Check Recent Activity for unauthorized access
4. Review security settings for any changes you didn't make
5. Check connected apps and remove any suspicious ones

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Related Articles

• How to Identify Microsoft Security Alert Scams
• How to Recover a Microsoft Account