Introduction: Why Reporting Phishing Emails in Outlook Matters

Imagine this: You’re sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through your inbox, when you see an email from “Microsoft Support” urging you to reset your password. It looks legitimate—until you hover over the link and realize it leads to a suspicious URL. This is a classic phishing attack, and if you don’t act fast, you or your organization could be at risk.

Phishing emails are one of the most common cybersecurity threats, tricking users into revealing sensitive information like login credentials, credit card details, or company data. Microsoft Outlook, one of the most widely used email platforms, offers built-in tools to report phishing attempts effectively.

But do you know how to report a phishing email in Outlook the right way? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step and explain why reporting phishing attempts is critical for both personal and organizational cybersecurity.

What is a Phishing Email?

A phishing email is a fraudulent message designed to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information or downloading malware. These emails often appear to come from trusted sources like banks, IT support, or even your colleagues.

Common signs of a phishing email include:
✅ Urgent language: "Your account will be suspended if you don’t act now!"
✅ Suspicious links: Hover over links without clicking—if the URL doesn’t match the sender, it’s a red flag.
✅ Unusual sender addresses: A legitimate email from PayPal should come from “@paypal.com,” not “@secure-paypal-login123.com.”
✅ Unexpected attachments: Malware can be hidden in PDFs, Word docs, or ZIP files.

Recognizing phishing emails is the first step. The next step? Reporting them properly in Outlook.

How to Report a Phishing Email in Outlook (Step-by-Step Guide)

Microsoft Outlook provides multiple ways to report phishing emails. Here’s how you can do it based on the version you’re using.

1. Reporting Phishing in Outlook (Desktop App)

If you're using the desktop version of Outlook, follow these steps:

1. Open the phishing email (DO NOT click on any links or download attachments).

2. Click on the “Report Message” button in the toolbar.

3. Select “Phishing” from the dropdown menu.

4. The email will be reported to Microsoft, and it will be moved to your junk folder automatically.

Pro Tip: If you don’t see the “Report Message” button, install the Microsoft Report Phishing Add-in.

2. Reporting Phishing in Outlook on the Web (Outlook.com & Office 365)

For those using Outlook in a web browser, here’s how to report phishing emails:

1. Open the phishing email.

2. Click on the three-dot menu (⋮) at the top-right of the email.

3. Select “Report” → “Report Phishing” from the menu.

4. The email will be flagged, and Microsoft’s security team will analyze it.

3. Reporting Phishing in Outlook Mobile (iOS & Android)

If you receive a phishing email on your mobile device, don’t ignore it! Reporting it is just as simple:

1. Open the email in the Outlook mobile app.

2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the upper-right corner.

3. Select “Report Junk” → “Phishing”.

4. The email will be moved to junk, and Microsoft will review it.

Why Reporting Phishing Emails is Crucial

Many users simply delete phishing emails, thinking that’s enough. But here’s why reporting them is better:

🔹 Helps Microsoft improve spam filters: The more phishing emails are reported, the better Microsoft’s AI gets at blocking them.

🔹 Protects others in your organization: If an attacker targets you, they may also target your colleagues. Reporting helps IT security teams take proactive measures.

🔹 Contributes to global cybersecurity efforts: Cybercriminals often reuse phishing tactics. Your report could help stop similar attacks on a larger scale.

Real-Life Example: How One Company Avoided a Phishing Disaster

A finance manager at a mid-sized company received an email that appeared to come from the CEO, asking for an urgent wire transfer. It was well-crafted—no typos, and even the signature looked authentic. But before taking action, she followed company protocol and reported the email as phishing in Outlook.

The IT team quickly investigated and found that multiple employees had received the same email. Had she not reported it, someone might have fallen for the scam, costing the company thousands of dollars.

This story is a reminder that one click can make all the difference in preventing cyber threats.

Additional Email Security Tips to Stay Safe from Phishing

✅ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Even if a hacker steals your password, MFA requires an extra verification step—like a one-time code—making it much harder for them to access your account.

✅ Train Employees on Phishing Awareness

Regular security awareness training can help employees spot phishing attempts before they become a problem.

✅ Never Click Suspicious Links

Always hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. If in doubt, go directly to the official website instead of using email links.

✅ Keep Your Software Updated

Microsoft frequently updates Outlook’s security features. Ensure your email client is up to date to get the latest phishing protections.

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant and Report Phishing Emails

Phishing attacks are only getting more sophisticated, but knowing how to report phishing emails in Outlook is a simple yet powerful way to protect yourself and your organization.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can:
✔️ Prevent hackers from stealing sensitive information.
✔️ Help Microsoft improve phishing detection.
✔️ Strengthen your company’s overall cybersecurity posture.