Outlook and Outlook Express Download Hoax Set to Trap the Unwary

A new hoax, that seeks to catch the unwary Outlook and Outlook Express user looks official. Because the message is sent as HTML, the given URL looks like a microsoft URL, but under the covers, it is a server in Hungary, connected to the internet by a DSL connection.

If you receive that message, you should delete it immediately.

The only visible tell-tale sign is that cursoring over the microsoft download URL, you can see the real URL below, the domain lj1tli.net, registered through TUCOWS.COM yesterday.

The other thing to note is that Microsoft will never send you an update email like this, because they use their automated online update service.

To make the message seem real, it uses standard colors and real microsoft links at the end. The only fake item is the link URL.

I didn’t test the download, but it is sure to lead to a bad experience. If they actually replaced your Outlook or Outlook express, they would have control of your messages and any bank account or password details. This is not a good thing, so always double check everything, any time you consider clicking a link in a message.

Here is the Hoax message, that you should delete

Critical Update

Update for Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express (KB910721)

Brief Description

Microsoft has released an update for Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express. This update is critical and provides you with the latest version of the Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express and offers the highest level of security and stability.

Instructions

  • To install Update for Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express (KB910721) please visit Microsoft Update Center:

The official-looking, but fake URL was here

Quick Details

  • File Name: officexp-KB910721-FullFile-ENU.exe
  • Version: 1.5
  • Date Published: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:28:33 +0100
  • Language: English
  • File Size: 100 KB

System Requirements

  • Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000; Windows 98; Windows ME; Windows NT; Windows Server 2003; Windows XP; Windows Vista
  • This update applies to the following product: Microsoft Outlook / Outlook Express

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Alan Gray
Alan Gray is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of NewsBlaze Daily News and other online newspapers. He prefers to edit, rather than write, but sometimes an issue rears it's head and makes him start hammering away on the keyboard.

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Alan is also a techie. His father was a British soldier in the 4th Indian Division in WWII, with Sikhs and Gurkhas. He was a sergeant in signals and after that, he was a printer who typeset magazines and books on his linotype machine. Those skills were passed on to Alan and his brothers, who all worked for Telecom Australia, on more advanced signals (communications). After studying electronics, communications, and computing at college, and building and repairing all kinds of electronics, Alan switched to programming and team building and management.He has a fascination with shooting video footage and video editing, so watch out if he points his Canon 7d in your direction.