PayPal email scam tricks YOU into handing over your password – how to protect yourself
The emails look legit but they trick you into handing over you password, giving scammers the key to your personal information
SCAMMERS have been targeting Paypal users with a fake email that that tricks you into handing over your password.
The official-looking email say that your account has been tampered with from a “suspicious location”.
It urges you to log in, but instead of taking you to the real PayPal site it captures your information and allows fraudsters into your account.
It says: "We're concerned that someone is using your PayPal account without your knowledge."
However, the dodgy email can be spotted by checking the address of the sender - as this is usually a Hotmail or Gmail address, rather than from a PayPal source.
A spokesperson from PayPal told the Sun Online: “PayPal can be targeted by criminals who use fraudulent emails to deceive users.
“We go to great lengths to protect our customers, but there are also a few, simple precautions we should all take online.”
Yesterday's the Sun Online reported how a new scam promising £100 Sainsbury's or Topshop vouchers is being spread via WhatsApp.
Other recent scams include £250 Next voucher giveaway and a £85 bogus Aldi voucher.
How to spot a fraudulent email
They might seem legit but there are ways to check if an email is genuine or not.
1. Spelling mistakes are a common tell-tale sign of a fraudulent email
2. Be aware of any emails and pop-up windows asking you to click on a link or provide personal information directly in response
3. A genuine PayPal email will only ever address you by your full name at the beginning – anything that starts ‘Dear customer’ should immediately raise your suspicions
How to report a dodgy PayPal email
If you have any doubts about an email claiming to be from PayPal, don’t click any links in it. Instead, open your web browser, go to PayPal.com and log into your account normally.
You will have a secure message waiting if PayPal does need you to take any action.
If any readers have concerns regarding an email they have received, they should contact our customer service team who will confirm its legitimacy or forward it to spoof@paypal.com
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