- by foxnews
- 18 Aug 2025
You're checking your inbox or scrolling through your phone when something catches your attention. It's a message about a password reset, but you never asked for one.
It might have arrived by email, text message or even through an authenticator app. It looks legitimate, and it could be from a service you actually use. Still, something feels off.
Unrequested password reset messages are often an early warning sign that someone may be trying to access your account. In some cases, the alert is real. In others, it's a fake message designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link. Either way, it means your personal information may be at risk, and it's important to act quickly.
There are a few reasons this might happen:
In some cases, the message is legitimate, as seen in the email below, but the request didn't come from you. That is often a sign your login details are already in someone else's hands.
Unsolicited password reset alerts can take several forms, each with signs of potential fraud or hacking:
No matter how the alert appears, the goal is the same. Either someone is trying to trick you into handing over your credentials, or they already have your password and are trying to finish the job.
If you receive a password reset alert you didn't request, treat it as a warning. Whether the message is legitimate or not, acting quickly can help prevent unauthorized access and stop an attack in progress. Here are the steps you should take right away.
1. Don't click on anything in the message: If the alert came through email or text, avoid clicking any links. Instead, go directly to the official site or app to check your account. If the request was real, there will usually be a notification inside your account.
2. Check for suspicious login activity: Most accounts have a way to view your recent logins. Look for suspicious activity like unfamiliar devices, strange locations or logins you don't recognize. A login from a location you have never been to could be a sign of a breach.
You can take a few steps to try to reduce the number of emails you receive requesting a password reset.
1. Double-check your username and password. When accessing your account, you may have a typo in your login information. Should you repeatedly attempt to access your account with this error, the company that holds the account may believe a hacking attempt is occurring, triggering an automatic reset. If your web browser automatically populates your username and password for you, make sure this information is free of typos.
2. Remove unauthorized devices. Some accounts maintain a list of devices authorized to use your account. If a hacker manages to gain some of your personal information, it may be able to add one of his devices to your authorized list, triggering account login errors as he tries to hack your password. Check the list of authorized devices and remove any items you don't recognize.
Microsoft
Gmail:
Yahoo:
AOL:
Remember to regularly check your account settings and authorized devices to ensure the security of your accounts. If you suspect any unauthorized access, it's also a good idea to change your passwords and review your account recovery options.
4. Use a static IP address. Some accounts attempt to recognize your device through your IP address. If you have a dynamic IP address, your IP address changes constantly, meaning the account may not recognize your device, triggering the reset message. This often occurs because you are using a VPN. See if your VPN allows you to use a static IP address.
Even if this was a one-time scare, it is important to tighten your overall security. Here are a few simple habits that go a long way:
2. Consider using a personal data removal service: If you're receiving password reset emails from accounts you don't remember signing up for, or from multiple services, there's a good chance your personal information is exposed on data broker sites. These companies collect and sell your data, including your email, phone number, home address and even login information from old accounts. Using a reputable data removal service can help you automatically identify and request the removal of your personal data from these sites. This reduces your risk of identity theft, credential stuffing, phishing and spam.
5. Review your account settings: Make sure your recovery phone number and email are current. Remove any outdated or unused backup methods.
It's easy to brush off an unexpected password reset message, especially if nothing else seems out of place. But these alerts are often the digital equivalent of a knock at the door when you weren't expecting anyone. Whether it's a hacker probing for a way in or a scammer trying to bait you, the smartest move is to treat every unexpected security message as a wake-up call. Taking just a few minutes to check your login history, secure your accounts and update your passwords can make all the difference. Cybersecurity isn't just for experts anymore. It's an integral part of everyday life. And the more proactive you are now, the less likely you'll be dealing with damage control later.
Follow Kurt on his social channels
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe will take center stage in a comprehensive Buckingham Palace exhibition featuring over 200 items spanning her life from childhood to monarchy.
read more