I receive this alert telling me that they suspect the security of my account has been compromised, and are asking for my cell phone number to verify that I am the owner of the account (so they can send me a text, etc.). But I just created this Hotmail account, and I don't want to give Microsoft my phone number. I just want to send this email. Why must I jump through so many hoops just to accomplish this task?

A few other (related) concerns:

-Does anyone know if Hotmail Plus users typically experience these same issues?

-Also, could the fact that I am presently having my Hotmail service POP for messages on my Gmail account have anything to do with this?

Thanks for any help!!