When you probe from the galaxy screen and would get an outlaw designation from 'attacking' this person, the game warns you and asks you if you would like to proceed.
However! The game does not warn you if you probe someone from your past espionage messages, i.e. when you want to update on their strength. So you probe someone, find out how strong they are, and then a day or two later you want to update on that information. However, they've gotten stronger in the meantime, and now you'd get an outlaw designation!
Game doesn't tell you that. It just sends the probe, notices you 'attacked' someone stronger, and slaps an outlaw on you. It would be grand if, regardless from where you send an attack, the game would still warn you.
However! The game does not warn you if you probe someone from your past espionage messages, i.e. when you want to update on their strength. So you probe someone, find out how strong they are, and then a day or two later you want to update on that information. However, they've gotten stronger in the meantime, and now you'd get an outlaw designation!
Game doesn't tell you that. It just sends the probe, notices you 'attacked' someone stronger, and slaps an outlaw on you. It would be grand if, regardless from where you send an attack, the game would still warn you.
Also tested it again, the message appears when you press the button. No idea how you managed to do that. 
