Locked Out Of Microsoft Account

[ClaireStan]

I am unable to access my Microsoft Account. I am using the correct password, but it is now stated account is locked due to suspicious activity. Several times I have completed the account recovery form, but as I dont use my microsoft account for emails, I cannot answer the questions on emails sent to/from this account or subject headings. The phone number on this account is no longer available, so I cannot receive a verification code either. I need access back to my Microsoft Account as I have several important documents saved on my One Drive. This is so frustrating as I know I'm using the correct password. Any help appreciated

[Buenchico]

A verification code can be sent to any mobile phone. It doesn't need to be one associated with the account:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/account-has-been-locked-805e8b0d-4141-29b2-7b65-df6ff6c9ce27

[THECORBYLOON]

Does that not mean fraudsters could use their own 'phone number to get the account unblocked?

[Buenchico]

^^^ As I understand ClaireStan's post, TCL, his/her username and password actually work but, having recognised a valid log-in, Microsoft is now saying "Tough luck, mate. We can see who you are but you're not going any further because this account is now locked".

It's at that point that he/she is invited to provide a mobile number, so the text can only be sent to someone who has successfully completed the log-in process. (i.e. it's not the same as when someone has forgotten their password where, clearly, a text couldn't be sent out to just anyone who tried to log in without it).

[THECORBYLOON]

"Microsoft accounts are usually locked if the account holder has violated our Microsoft Services Agreement."

It was the "usually" that caught my eye, suggesting it need not always be the actions of the account holder causing the problems.

[THECORBYLOON]

Mind you, reading it again, the "usually" might mean they don't always suspend accounts if the Service Agreement has been broken.

[Buenchico]

The reasons for people getting locked out of accounts rarely make any sense, TCL. Nearly a couple of decades ago, I gave up on using Yahoo email account because I got locked out of three of them over the space of a few years. I'd never sent spam through them and I'd never used them for anything remotely 'naughty' (such as sending or receiving porn) but I still got locked out without any obvious reason.

I've been locked out of email accounts with other providers (such as Hotmail) too, again with no obvious reason.

Roughly a couple of years ago, I was invited by a friend to view her pictures on Facebook, which I wasn't a member of at that time. I'd been browsing through them for a short while when I got a message telling me that I'd have to join Facebook if I wanted to continue viewing her albums. So, somewhat reluctantly (since I'd no real interest in Facebook), I signed up and carried on browsing. (My friend had thousands of photos on there). After a short while, I received another message telling me that I'd been locked out of my Facebook account for 'suspicious activity'. (I'd never even contacted anyone through it!). I spent months sending Facebook various forms of ID but I never got a response to any of my messages and I'm still locked out of my (unused) Facebook account!

So expecting there to be any logic behind people getting locked out of online accounts through 'suspicious activity' seems to be a non-starter to me!

[zebo]

Oddly enough it did the lockout to me tonight and as I couldn't remember passwords I closed down and it reopened with no problem!

[ClaireStan]

Thanks for the replies. Still remain locked out. I don't get the option to add any mobile phone no for the verification code. It just shows a phone no I no longer have. I know my user name and password are correct. Am at a loss on how I. Can recover my one drive files

[Buenchico]

Have you tried clicking in the field where your (old) phone number is shown (or highlighting it by running your cursor over it), to see if it's possible to type in a new number?