麻豆社

On 12th November 2025 in the Rip Off Britain advice clinic, Brenda Smith shared her experience of being locked out of her Microsoft email account after unusual activity was detected on the account. Martyn James shared his top tips on how to amend your security settings and avoid being locked out of your account:

Martyn’s email tips:

• Go to security settings and check your existing password information
• Make sure password reminder prompts and alternative contact details are up to date
• Download the Authenticator app for your email provider using a direct link from the email provider’s website, if there is one.

When Rip Off Britain contacted Microsoft regarding Brenda’s case, it contacted Brenda directly to assist her to regain access to her account. Microsoft also shared the following advice on keeping accounts secure:

• You can use alternative ways to sign into your account without a password, such as biometrics like fingerprints or facial recognition, or the Microsoft Authenticator app -
• Add another way to sign in or verify with additional phone numbers or email addresses.
• When using a public computer, use a private browsing window and sign out when you have finished browsing and close all browser windows, to avoid staying signed in.
• Never reply to an email asking for your password.

For more information from Microsoft visit: