Is "MICROSOFT SUBSCRIPTION" fraud?

The Guide to Understanding Why You Were Charged By “MICROSOFT SUBSCRIPTION” and What To Do About It (code.visualstudio.com)

Published

December 22, 2025

Updated

December 28, 2025

What is "MICROSOFT SUBSCRIPTION"?

Microsoft at code.visualstudio.com offers tools and services for developers to create and manage apps easily. They provide a subscription service called Visual Studio, which helps users access additional features and resources. If you've signed up for it, you might see a billing statement from Microsoft that includes specific details about your subscription.

MICROSOFT: The name of the company providing the service or product.
SUBSCRIPTION: Indicates that this transaction is for a recurring payment to access a service, like software or online content, typically charged on a regular basis.

Verify With Receipt

The best way to tell if this charge is fraudulent is to find the receipt. You may have an electronic copy of the receipt, which Chargeback can help you find by searching your email accounts.

Chargeback helps you identify unwanted subscriptions and charges, and help you fight them to get your money back.

Why do people get charges like this from Microsoft?

Subscriptions: Users may have unintentionally signed up for a subscription service related to Microsoft products, like Visual Studio or Azure services, which can result in recurring charges.
In-app purchases: Some Microsoft services or extensions can require additional purchases beyond the free offerings, leading to unexpected charges.
Trial product conversions: If a user has signed up for a free trial of a service, it may automatically convert to a paid subscription once the trial period ends unless canceled beforehand.
Cloud services: Charges can occur if users utilize Azure or other cloud services, which are billed based on usage and can accumulate quickly.
Third-party integrations: Utilizing third-party extensions or services tied to Microsoft products may lead to charges if those services require payment.
Accidental charges: Users have reported mistakenly clicking on advertisements or offers that lead to purchases they did not intend to make.
Licensing fees: If a user is using a business version of a Microsoft product, licensing fees could apply based on the number of users or features utilized.
Expired payment methods: Sometimes, updates in payment methods can lead to charges being misallocated or continued billing under old or invalid payment information.

If I see this charge, what should I do?

if you see this charge and aren’t expecting it, you have various options.

First, try to contact the code.visualstudio.com via one of the support methods we listed below and inquire about the charge. See if they will refund it and cancel any associated subscriptions you might have.

If the code.visualstudio.com refused to issue a refund or you cannot get in touch with the company, call your bank or financial institution and open a credit card dispute. Record screenshot evidence from your prior conversations with code.visualstudio.com, and use that to open your credit card dispute. Tell your bank or credit card issuer that you do not recognize the charge and do not recall signing up for the service.

If this sounds like too much of a hassle, you can have Chargeback do it for you.

Microsoft Customer Service Info

If you need assistance, here's how you can get in touch with Microsoft's support team.

Disclaimer

Chargeback is an independent consumer resource that provides educational information to help users understand how to cancel, manage, or request refunds for various subscriptions. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the companies mentioned on this site. All trademarks, logos, and brand names are the property of their respective owners.

The information we provide is based on publicly available sources and user reports and may contain inaccuracies or become outdated over time. Our guides are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as official company instructions or legal advice.

Consumers are solely responsible for reviewing their own contracts, terms of service, and refund or cancellation obligations before taking any action. Nothing on this site should be interpreted as legal, financial, or contractual guidance.

Chargeback does not encourage or condone disputing valid charges, misrepresenting transactions, or taking any action that could violate a company’s terms, service agreement, or applicable laws. We promote fair, transparent, and lawful communication between consumers and businesses.

Phone

1-800-642-7676

support@visualstudio.microsoft.com

Site

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/contactus/

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What other ways do charges from Microsoft show up?

MICROSOFT CODE MICROSOFT SECURITY MSFT SUBSCRIPTION MSFT ONLINE MICROSOFT*VISUALSTUDIO MICROSOFT*CODE COM.MICROSOFT.DC MICROSOFT*DEVELOPER MICROSOFT 365 MICROSOFT*ACCOUNT MICROSOFT CODING MSFT DEV MICROSOFT*VS MSFT SOFT MICROSOFT*PAYMENT

The Easiest Way to Cancel Microsoft

If you're frustrated trying to cancel your subscription, membership, or bill from Microsoft—or if you didn't even realize you were being charged—Chargeback can help. Chargeback is a personal subscription manager that automatically detects hidden, recurring charges like Netflix, Hulu, and hundreds of others. With one click, we can cancel unwanted subscriptions, flag suspicious billing, and even initiate refund requests on your behalf. No more waiting on hold or navigating confusing help pages. Just connect your bank or email account, and we'll take care of the rest.