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SeanD
Community Manager - Retired
3,862 Views
Message 1 of 2

PayPal scam alert

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share some information about a nasty phishing scam currently doing the rounds in which the scammer pretends to be from PayPal.

If you receive an email, from what looks to be from PayPal with the subject title 'Your access has been limited' please be careful.  This email will encourage you to click on a link to confirm your account.  If you click on this link and enter your PayPal details, the scammer behind this will steal your login details.

Below is an example of this email scam,

Paypal scam.png

 

  • If you want to check if PayPal have sent a message – then log into your account, the normal way, NEVER through a link, and look in the Secure Message Centre within your account, all PayPal messages are sent here
  • Dear who? – A real PayPal email will always have your full name at the beginning, any non-personalised greeting should be ignored
  • Secure your account – Turn on 2-factor authentication on your account, this means you will be sent a text message or an email with a code to use whenever you log in to your account. To do this Login to PayPal > Click on Settings Logo (top right) > click SECURITY > click 2 -step verification
  • Personal means private! – Do not divulge personal details unless you are certain who you are communicating with
  • Report it – to PayPal by emailing spoof@paypal.com
  • Contact – your bank or credit card company if you have already given out financial details
1 REPLY 1
SeanD
Community Manager - Retired
3,463 Views
Message 2 of 2

Re: PayPal scam alert

Hi Everyone,

Action Fraud has reported an increase in scams being reported in which scammers seek your PayPal details.

Reports state that the victim receives a message through Facebook messenger which purports to come from a friend or family member.  The message requests your PayPal details so that they can receive funds for a recently sold item on eBay.

The request is that the message recipient receives the funds into their own Pay Pal account, then, after transferring it into their own bank account, they forward it onto an account controlled by the fraudster.

If the victim agrees the payment is transferred into their Pay Pal account but, after the money is transferred out, the initial transaction is reversed leaving the account in a negative balance.

 

  • Always verify financial requests, even if the request comes from a trusted source.  If you receive a message requesting financial details or support of any kind, contact the person who made the request by phone or face to face to make sure they actually sent the request.

 

  • Secure your accounts: You can protect your important online accounts by using a strong separate password and, where available, turn on two- factor authentication (2FA).

 

  • If you have made a payment: Inform your bank, or payment service provider, such as PayPal, as soon as possible. They can help you prevent any further losses. You should also monitor your bank statements regularly for any unusual activity. 

 

Stay safe

Cheers

Sean

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