Microsoft account dashboard. There are a number of possible explanations for why verification codes don't always arrive. Read through the list of the most common causes, and see if any of them apply to you, or use our troubleshooter to help guide you.

Then you should be able to see if this mysterious order actually appears in their system. Important: Never call the phone number, or click any links, in the email message. Once you're comfortable that the message is fake, report it as spam in your email client or just delete it.

If you can't sign in to your Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account, or you're not sure how to sign in or sign out, here are some solutions.

In the meantime, sign in to your account to see your latest refund request status. Redeem gift cards and codes to make Xbox purchases and extend your Xbox subscriptions. Codes are 25 characters long, include both numbers and letters, and follow a 5x5 format—five blocks of five characters.

For technical support, go to Contact Microsoft Support, enter your problem and select Get Help. If you still need help, select Contact Support to be routed to the best support option. Learn how to manage your Microsoft account security info and troubleshoot verification code issues.

Sign in to SharePoint. SharePoint is a browser-based app that you connect to through your web browser, like so: Go to office.com, and sign in to your work or school account. In the upper left corner of the window, select the app launcher > All apps > SharePoint.

Hotmail is now Outlook.com. Learn how to sign in to access your Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account.

Mobile device or work phone call: Enter your mobile device number and get a phone call for two-step verification or password reset. For step-by-step instructions about how to verify your identity with a phone number, see Set up security info to use phone calls.

Change or reset your Windows password. Accessing the account of someone who has died. Learn how to reset or change your Microsoft account password. Get help with a forgotten Microsoft account password.

Get help and support, whether you're shopping now or need help with a past purchase. Contact Microsoft Support. Find solutions to common problems, or get help from a support agent.