Microsoft has acknowledged that scammers have refined their methods to convincingly imitate legitimate office software. In recent campaigns, criminals distribute counterfeit boxes that appear to contain genuine Microsoft Office products. The packaging is designed to look and feel authentic, right down to the labeling and materials used, making it easy for unsuspecting buyers to mistake the counterfeit for the real thing.
Inside these fake packages, the contents mirror what a legitimate consumer might expect, including a USB drive and a product key that seems valid at first glance. The drive, however, does not install Microsoft Office. When plugged into a computer, it automatically launches a covert malware payload rather than the expected software suite. The attackers’ objective is to coax victims into calling a pretextual support line and then grant remote access to their machine, enabling the criminals to harvest data, disable security settings, or install additional malicious tools.
Microsoft has stated that it has opened an internal inquiry into the matter. A company spokesperson confirmed that counterfeit packaging is circulating in the wild and that such scams are not common, though they are not unheard of. More frequently, the firm notes that criminals attempt similar intrusions by sending fraudulent product keys via email, asking recipients to download or install software from dubious sources, which can also lead to data exfiltration or system compromise. The company emphasizes the importance of treating unsolicited offers with caution and verifying the legitimacy of any software or support requests through official channels.
In a notable but unusual aside, there was a report about a boxed C/C++ compiler bundle with the Windows Software Development Kit being described as weighing a substantial mass. This description underscores how counterfeit items sometimes present themselves with exaggerated or misleading specifications to gain credibility among professionals who rely on authenticity and verified hardware. The broader lesson remains clear: always scrutinize unexpected hardware, keys, or software prompts and resist engaging with anyone who asks for remote access without solid, verifiable contact through official Microsoft support or authenticated partners. Attribution: Microsoft and security researchers have documented these patterns as part of ongoing anti-fraud efforts.