Back to Situations

Forgotten Password and Locked Out

The user has forgotten their password and multiple unsuccessful attempts have led to their account being temporarily locked, requiring assistance from customer support.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hi, I need some help with my account. I seem to be locked out.
2
Michael (Male)
Hello, Sarah. I can certainly assist you with that. Can you please confirm the username or email address associated with the account?
3
Sarah (Female)
It's [email protected]. I completely spaced on my password and after a few tries, it got locked.
4
Michael (Male)
Understood. It sounds like your account protection system activated after multiple failed login attempts. We see that happen quite a lot.
5
Sarah (Female)
Yeah, exactly. Is there a way to reset it and unlock my account at the same time?
6
Michael (Male)
Yes, we can definitely do that. I'll send a password reset link to the email address on file. Once you reset your password, your account should automatically be unlocked.
7
Sarah (Female)
Perfect! That would be a huge help. Should I expect the email immediately?
8
Michael (Male)
It should arrive within a few minutes. Please check your spam folder just in case. Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
9
Sarah (Female)
No, that's all for now. Thanks so much for your help!
10
Michael (Male)
You're welcome, Sarah! Have a great day.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

locked out

This means you cannot access your account because it has been temporarily blocked, often after too many wrong password tries. Use it when talking about account security issues.

username

The name you choose to identify yourself on a website or app. It's like a nickname for logging in.

email address

The full email like [email protected] used to sign up for accounts. It's important for verification.

password

A secret word or code you use to log in to your account. Keep it safe and don't forget it.

spaced on

An informal way to say 'forgot completely.' Use it casually when you blank on something like a password.

failed login attempts

When you try to log in but enter the wrong information multiple times. This can trigger account locks for security.

reset

To change or set a new password when you forget the old one. Common in tech support conversations.

spam folder

The place in your email where unwanted messages go. Check it if you don't see an important email.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Hi, I need some help with my account. I seem to be locked out.

This is a polite way to start asking for customer support. 'Seem to be' softens the statement, showing uncertainty. Useful for beginning tech help requests.

Can you please confirm the username or email address associated with the account?

A professional question to verify identity. 'Associated with' means connected to. Use this in support roles to ensure security.

I completely spaced on my password and after a few tries, it got locked.

Informal explanation of forgetting and the result. 'After a few tries' shows sequence. Great for describing personal problems casually.

It sounds like your account protection system activated after multiple failed login attempts.

Explains a situation empathetically. 'Sounds like' means 'it appears that.' Useful for customer service to show understanding.

Is there a way to reset it and unlock my account at the same time?

Asks for a solution combining actions. 'At the same time' means simultaneously. Practical for seeking efficient help.

I'll send a password reset link to the email address on file.

Promises action with details. 'On file' means stored in records. Common in support dialogues to guide the user.

Please check your spam folder just in case.

Gives advice with caution. 'Just in case' means to be safe. Helpful reminder in email-related instructions.

No, that's all for now. Thanks so much for your help!

Polite way to end a conversation. 'That's all' means nothing more. Shows gratitude, essential for positive interactions.