Skip to content
Affordable Computer Repair logoAffordable Computer Repair

Is This Password Reset Email Real or Fake?

A password reset message can be a scam, or it can mean someone tried to enter your account. Here is how to check safely.

Written by The Affordable Computer Repair Bench, Repair TechniciansReviewed by Steven W. Nickerson, Sr.Updated 6 min read

Short answer

Do not use the button in the message. Open the account's official website yourself, check its security activity, and reset the password there only if needed.

What this usually means

Sometimes a criminal starts a password reset to trick you into clicking a fake page. Other times someone simply typed the wrong email address. The message alone does not tell you which one happened.

Safe things to try

  1. 1

    Do not click the email

    Leave the message open but do not use its buttons or phone numbers. A real-looking reset message can still lead to a fake sign-in page.

  2. 2

    Open the service yourself

    Type the address for your bank, email provider, or store into the browser, or use its known app. Check account security or recent activity.

  3. 3

    Change the password if needed

    Use the official site to create a new, unique password. If you did not request the reset, this is still a sensible precaution when activity looks unfamiliar.

  4. 4

    Check recovery details

    Look for unknown phone numbers, recovery addresses, forwarding rules, or devices. Remove anything you did not add.

What not to do

  • Do not call a number printed in the suspicious email.
  • Do not tell anyone a verification code you receive.
  • Do not assume the account is safe just because the email has a familiar logo.

When to get help

If you entered your password on the linked page, change it immediately from the official website and change it anywhere else you reused it. If someone used remote-access software, read what to do after remote access.

Common questions

Why did I get a reset email I did not request?
Someone may have typed your address by mistake, or may be testing whether you will click. Check the account directly instead of responding to the email.
Should I delete the message?
You can report it as phishing or keep it until you finish checking the account. Do not click links in it.

The service that covers this

Virus, Spyware & Adware Removal

Browser popups, fake warnings, malware and hacked computers cleaned out properly — registry, temp files, browsers and hidden leftovers.

Virus, Spyware & Adware Removal in Bellevue →

Related guides

← More email & account help

Free counter consultation

Call NowBook Repair