What is the Rnicrosoft Scam?
You got an email that looked exactly like a Microsoft password reset notification — same design, same colors, same tone — but something felt slightly off. If you look very carefully at the sender domain, you’ll see it says “rnicrosoft.com” instead of “microsoft.com.” That tiny difference is the entire scam. Read this article right now to understand what just happened and what you need to do, then follow the protection guide at the bottom immediately.
The rnicrosoft.com scam is a textbook typosquatting and homoglyph attack — one of the most visually deceptive phishing techniques documented by cybersecurity researchers. The domain rnicrosoft.com has existed for over a decade — first registered in 2012 by Park HyungJin, a South Korean owner tied to multiple cybersquatting disputes including a 2019 WIPO case. It resurfaces in active attack campaigns every few years and had a major resurgence in October–December 2025, attracting coverage from Fox News, security researchers, and Microsoft’s own Q&A platform. The trick is devastatingly simple: the letters “r” and “n” placed next to each other visually resemble “m” — especially in small fonts on mobile screens. So “rnicrosoft.com” looks identical to “microsoft.com” at a glance, even to experienced users. CISA reports that 70% of phishing email links containing malware are not blocked by network protection systems — and this scam exploits exactly that gap.
Rnicrosoft Scam Short Overview
| Type | Typosquatting phishing campaign using rnicrosoft.com to impersonate Microsoft and steal login credentials via fake password reset emails. |
| Symptoms | Email appearing to be from Microsoft asking you to reset your password or review your account. Sender domain reads rnicrosoft.com instead of microsoft.com. Clicking the link leads to a convincing fake Microsoft login page. Credentials entered on the fake page are immediately stolen. Possible malware or spyware installed if the fake page exploited browser vulnerabilities. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
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How Did This Scam Reach Me?
The rnicrosoft.com campaign is a well-funded, sophisticated operation. Here’s how it reaches victims:
- Typosquatting infrastructure — The entire attack is built on one insight: the visual similarity between “rn” and “m.” The fake domain rnicrosoft.com has been active since 2012 and comes back to life periodically with fresh malspam campaigns. The email design precisely copies Microsoft’s legitimate password reset format — same colors, logos, fonts, and tone — making it nearly indistinguishable from the real thing without careful scrutiny of the sender address.
- Scraped and leaked contact lists — Typosquatting attacks typically begin with leaked or scraped contact details from data breaches. Your email address ended up on the attackers’ list through a previous data exposure — not from anything you did wrong recently.
- Urgency and fear triggers — The email uses Microsoft’s familiar “Someone tried to access your account” or “Your password was reset” language to trigger immediate action before you stop to examine the sender carefully. HowToRemove.Guide security researchers confirm this is the core psychological manipulation — one tiny letter trick, one rushed click, one fake reset page.
- Reply-to field misdirection — Even if the sender display name looks correct, the Reply-To field routes responses to an external inbox entirely unconnected to Microsoft — a strong signal of a scam that most users never check.
What Does the Rnicrosoft Scam Do?
Once you click the link in the scam email, the attack unfolds quickly and silently. Here’s what happens:
- Credential theft via fake login page — The link leads to a fake Microsoft login page that looks pixel-perfect — Microsoft’s real design, logos, and layout, hosted on the rnicrosoft.com domain. Every credential you enter — email address, password, and two-factor authentication code — is captured in real time and transmitted to the attackers. With these credentials, they can access your full Microsoft ecosystem: Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, SharePoint, and any connected services.
- Account takeover and data exfiltration — Once inside your Microsoft account, attackers can read and export all your emails, contacts, and OneDrive files. They can also use your account to send malspam to your contacts — spreading the attack exponentially through your trusted network.
- Session cookie and MFA bypass — Modern phishing kits used in attacks like this don’t just steal passwords — they can also capture session cookies and multi-factor authentication tokens in real time using adversary-in-the-middle proxy techniques, allowing attackers to bypass 2FA protections entirely.
- Malware delivery — In some variants, the fake page attempts to deliver a malicious payload to your device via drive-by download, installing spyware or a credential-stealing Trojan that persists on your system through registry key modifications even after you close the page.
The real Microsoft domain is microsoft.com — all legitimate Microsoft services use subdomains like login.microsoft.com, login.microsoftonline.com, account.microsoft.com, or microsoft.com itself. Any email from rnicrosoft.com, micros0ft.com, or any other variation is a scam. If you’re ever unsure about a Microsoft security email, go directly to account.microsoft.com by typing it in your browser — never via a link in the email.
What Should You Do?
If you received this email and didn’t click anything — delete it and report it to your email provider as phishing. If you clicked the link and entered your Microsoft credentials, change your Microsoft account password immediately from a clean device, revoke all active sessions, and enable multi-factor authentication if you haven’t already. Run a full device scan for any malware. Report the scam to Microsoft at phishing@microsoft.com. Follow the complete protection guide below this article for all remaining steps.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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- Stop Push Pop-ups
How to Remove Rnicrosoft Scam from Windows.
Step 1: Scan for Rnicrosoft Scam with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 2: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode
Step 3: Uninstall Rnicrosoft Scam and related software from Windows
Uninstall Steps for Windows 11
Uninstall Steps for Windows 10 and Older Versions
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 4: Clean Any registries, Created by Rnicrosoft Scam on Your PC.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Rnicrosoft Scam there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Video Removal Guide for Rnicrosoft Scam (Windows).
Get rid of Rnicrosoft Scam from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Rnicrosoft Scam and remove related files and objects
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Rnicrosoft Scam. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Rnicrosoft Scam via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 2: Scan for and remove Rnicrosoft Scam files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Rnicrosoft Scam, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Video Removal Guide for Rnicrosoft Scam (Mac)
Remove Rnicrosoft Scam from Google Chrome.
Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"
Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Erase Rnicrosoft Scam from Mozilla Firefox.
Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window:
Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.
Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"
Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.
Uninstall Rnicrosoft Scam from Microsoft Edge.
Step 1: Start Edge browser.
Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".
Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Remove Rnicrosoft Scam from Safari
Step 1: Start the Safari app.
Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".
Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.
Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.
Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Rnicrosoft Scam will be removed.
Eliminate Rnicrosoft Scam from Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.
Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'
Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.
Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.
Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.
Remove Push Notifications from Your Browsers
Turn Off Push Notifications from Google Chrome
To disable any Push Notices from Google Chrome browser, please follow the steps below:
Step 1: Go to Settings in Chrome.
Step 2: In Settings, select “Advanced Settings”:
Step 3: Click “Content Settings”:
Step 4: Open “Notifications”:
Step 5: Click the three dots and choose Block, Edit or Remove options:
Remove Push Notifications on Firefox
Step 1: Go to Firefox Options.
Step 2: Go to “Settings”, type “notifications” in the search bar and click "Settings":
Step 3: Click “Remove” on any site you wish notifications gone and click “Save Changes”
Stop Push Notifications on Opera
Step 1: In Opera, press ALT+P to go to Settings.
Step 2: In Setting search, type “Content” to go to Content Settings.
Step 3: Open Notifications:
Step 4: Do the same as you did with Google Chrome (explained below):
Eliminate Push Notifications on Safari
Step 1: Open Safari Preferences.
Step 2: Choose the domain from where you like push pop-ups gone and change to "Deny" from "Allow".
Rnicrosoft Scam-FAQ
What Is Rnicrosoft Scam?
The Rnicrosoft Scam threat is adware or browser redirect virus.
It may slow your computer down significantly and display advertisements. The main idea is for your information to likely get stolen or more ads to appear on your device.
The creators of such unwanted apps work with pay-per-click schemes to get your computer to visit risky or different types of websites that may generate them funds. This is why they do not even care what types of websites show up on the ads. This makes their unwanted software indirectly risky for your OS.
What Are the Symptoms of Rnicrosoft Scam?
There are several symptoms to look for when this particular threat and also unwanted apps in general are active:
Symptom #1: Your computer may become slow and have poor performance in general.
Symptom #2: You have toolbars, add-ons or extensions on your web browsers that you don't remember adding.
Symptom #3: You see all types of ads, like ad-supported search results, pop-ups and redirects to randomly appear.
Symptom #4: You see installed apps on your Mac running automatically and you do not remember installing them.
Symptom #5: You see suspicious processes running in your Task Manager.
If you see one or more of those symptoms, then security experts recommend that you check your computer for viruses.
What Types of Unwanted Programs Are There?
According to most malware researchers and cyber-security experts, the threats that can currently affect your device can be rogue antivirus software, adware, browser hijackers, clickers, fake optimizers and any forms of PUPs.
What to Do If I Have a "virus" like Rnicrosoft Scam?
With few simple actions. First and foremost, it is imperative that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a safe computer and connect it to another network, not the one that your Mac was infected in.
Step 2: Change all of your passwords, starting from your email passwords.
Step 3: Enable two-factor authentication for protection of your important accounts.
Step 4: Call your bank to change your credit card details (secret code, etc.) if you have saved your credit card for online shopping or have done online activities with your card.
Step 5: Make sure to call your ISP (Internet provider or carrier) and ask them to change your IP address.
Step 6: Change your Wi-Fi password.
Step 7: (Optional): Make sure to scan all of the devices connected to your network for viruses and repeat these steps for them if they are affected.
Step 8: Install anti-malware software with real-time protection on every device you have.
Step 9: Try not to download software from sites you know nothing about and stay away from low-reputation websites in general.
If you follow these recommendations, your network and all devices will become significantly more secure against any threats or information invasive software and be virus free and protected in the future too.
How Does Rnicrosoft Scam Work?
Once installed, Rnicrosoft Scam can collect data using trackers. This data is about your web browsing habits, such as the websites you visit and the search terms you use. It is then used to target you with ads or to sell your information to third parties.
Rnicrosoft Scam can also download other malicious software onto your computer, such as viruses and spyware, which can be used to steal your personal information and show risky ads, that may redirect to virus sites or scams.
Is Rnicrosoft Scam Malware?
The truth is that PUPs (adware, browser hijackers) are not viruses, but may be just as dangerous since they may show you and redirect you to malware websites and scam pages.
Many security experts classify potentially unwanted programs as malware. This is because of the unwanted effects that PUPs can cause, such as displaying intrusive ads and collecting user data without the user’s knowledge or consent.
About the Rnicrosoft Scam Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Rnicrosoft Scam how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific, adware-related problem, and restore your browser and computer system.
How did we conduct the research on Rnicrosoft Scam?
Please note that our research is based on independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, thanks to which we receive daily updates on the latest malware, adware, and browser hijacker definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Rnicrosoft Scam threat is backed with VirusTotal.
To better understand this online threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.