URGENT Advice Regarding Microsoft Excel Team Contact ??

[monirg]

Hello;

Ref.: Formula Contains One or More Invalid References ??
http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2516608#post2516608

1) Earlier today, I received what appears to be a genuine email:

From: (some initials)@microsoft.com
..........Microsoft Support Professional Team
..........Excel Development Group
asking me for a copy of my (classified) "Excel 2003 problem file", which I mentioned in my recent MrExcel thread (above Ref.).

2) The MS email went on to say:

Microsoft values your suggestions for improvements to the design and functionality of our products.

and signed:
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052 USA

Here're some of my concerns:
3) I've no way of knowing if the email is genuinely from Microsoft. No Case #, and no names!
Not long ago, I recall receiving an email from Microsoft congratulating me on winning $ 10.M on a lottery sponsored by MS and based on randomly selecting my email address from millions and millions of internet users addresses.
(I never claimed my prize money!)

4) It is hard to imagine that MS Excel team has the time to browse through the many Excel DGs and Forums (MrExcel Forum maybe the exception!)

5) Let us assume for the sake of discussion that MS email is genuine and they want to investigate further the Excel technical issue at no cost to me!
My XL 2003 problem file is "classified" and Read-Only.
If I replace the data with bogus data and save the file, it wouldn't produce the " ... invalid references ..." error message on File::Exit
(based on my summary conclusion, above Ref. thread link, reply # 41, Items 12* and 14).

What would you do ??

I'm inclined not only to ignore the email, but also to permanently delete it from the system (and sooner than later)!!
Agree ??

Your expert advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[RoryA]

I've never heard of MS doing that, but if you want to forward me the email, I can send it to my MVP lead and she can confirm whether it's genuine?

 

[Peter_SSs]

I'm inclined not only to ignore the email, but also to permanently delete it from the system (and sooner than later)!!

That would get my vote.

 

[monirg]

Hello;

I almost fell into the trap!

According to an IT expert who examined the contents of the email, clicked couple of keys and deciphered the message source code:

The MS email is fake and bogus, and has nothing to do with Microsoft!

She also advised: "The email was originated in Europe from a former Eastern block country."

I've permanently deleted the email from the system.
It is unfortunate that criminals always seem to be one step ahead!

Thanks Rory and Peter for your prompt replies, and sorry for the distraction!

Regards.