This time of year, we might use our paypal accounts to purchase things on line. Well, (Jaws music if you please), they are out "phishing again". Yep, the spammers and spoofers got me this morning.
I have resolved it and didn't lose any money, but boy did it take some time and worry. They wouldn't have stolen much, but when you are not working and selling your things on ebay, $35.67 is a lot!
So, what I learned I am passing onto my TF family!
If you get an email, check the from address. If "PayPall" is spelled with two "L"s, you have to just forward it to "spoof@paypal.com" and they will take it from there.
The headings might say something like "Someone has fraudulently used your account" or "Your funds are not available," or anything to strike fear and urgency into your heart! Then, they will ask you to verify your account. When that happens, you will be giving them everything they need to clean you out. If you get that far, it's already too late.
Also, if you want to use your card, be careful. If someone in a store holds your card long enough while the transaction is going through, they could write it down and your next move will be to get one of these spoofs.
If you get one, look at it carefully. If it ends up in your spam account to begin with, there is your first clue. Paypal's address should be in your address list if you have an account with them, so that legitimate emails get through. When they are not the exact same email address, then they will go to spam. Most start out by saying "Dear Paypal User" or "Dear Paypal Account Holder". Paypal always uses your name and they never, EVER ask for a password.
So, word to the wise dear friends, read it carefully and don't believe it if you know there is nothing wrong. These sharks can smell blood, so don't give them any of your hard earned money. My belief in karma says these people will get theirs. Let's not let them get ours! I hope this helps even one person. They look something like this.
Flag this messageNotification of Limited Account Access RXI-112Sunday, November 7, 2010 8:25 AM
From: "PayPal" <service@paypall.com>Add sender to Contacts
Source: Just happened to me an hour ago!
By Sandi/Poor But Proud from Sweet Home, OR
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I use PayPal whenever possible and for good reason. Just recently, I had questions on treating a sick furbaby. I had gone to a website where you deposit $9 in their paypal account and would get an answer to your question by a qualified person in that topic.
This is a warning to anyone who uses PayPal in conjunction with your bank account. Watch your bank statements closely!
Last week I received what genuinely looked like an email from Paypal stating my account had been violated. It advised me to log on and renew my information to make sure it was current. I smelled a rat...
I am really trying not to use credit cards for spending. I have a PayPal account. So every week I put money into my PayPal account. It can be 2, 3, 10 dollars or more. This way, when I come across something I want to purchase on-line, I can just pay for it from my PayPal account.
