pay-pal scam warning

[poppa smurf]

I just got a very realistic looking email that looked for all the world to be from pay-pal.

the email stated that my account had been limited through the discovery of an outside attack and that I should follow the links to "prove" my identity to verify my account.

after doing some research on the subject I found this was a scam, (I'm a suspicious old coot) a very well executed and authentic looking scam.

just be aware folks, the bad guys are at the door.

[blueoval]

I think the key here is, do not click on the link provided in the email. Manually log into your paypal account instead.

[XP6]

Yep me too, copy the link and paste it into google to find out where it goes.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by poppa smurf

just be aware folks, the bad guys are at the door.

Yeah man they keep trying to get me to change our power company

[JC]

I didn't get it. Do you think I should sue for discrimination?

[99AUXR]

Only if your a minority race

[GasoLane]

I don't know about other Email programs, but with Thunderbird if you hover the mouse pointer over the link they give the URL address will show up.

[Spurious]

Off Topic...

I got an email from Centrelink last month. Same thing, wanted me to click on a link.

mmm I thought, smells fishy, deleted as spam.

My payment got suspended this week D'OH

The email was a notification that I had an online letter regarding an appointment. Double D'OH!!!

My rule of thumb is NEVER follow emailed links!

[raised by monkeys]

Similar topic around Paypal, Ive been using it lately to receive money. I noticed that every time I receive money Paypal take a fee and it's a different price each time. For example, I received $110 and there was a $2.something fee, then I received $150 and there was a $3.something fee. Back to bank transfers I think. I like the tracking and ease of Paypal, but is it more secure than bank transfers??

[naddis01]

They take a percentage.

[poppa smurf]

a lot of "funny" emails going around lately, my system simply won't accept them, but it did allow this one through, which bothered me.......I'm savvy enough to be wary of such things but many of us aren't.

I spoke to a few friends, some had received it and followed the link.......thankfully, being mac's, the "phishing site" was quickly discovered.

I just thought a similar thing may have happened to forum members.........to be aware is to be alert.

if it saves one of us from an empty bank account, then I'm happy.

Pay- Pal has been successfully attacked recently.......so if you haven't already done so, please change your Password.

[MarkAW]

PayPal ask that you send (forward) them what you believe to be a scam so they can investigate and possibly prosecute.
see here https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/websc...stion4-outside

[Buttnekid]

is it safe to click on that link

[commonrails]

The best paypal scam that can catch any seller/receiver of funds is that the buyer opens a bs claim and nine times out of ten paypal will decide in favour of the buyer, then failing that they can still claim an unlawful/unauthorised transaction if they paid with a credit card. Paypal is rubbish imo.

[Kil4Collingwood]

I get heaps of scam paypal emails, always the same sent from a bigpond email and the payment "receipt" for the money I've allegedly paid in an attachment.
And of course a log in link to dispute the payment, bottom line is never reply to an email from a financial institution etc, contact them directly.

[zoesgift]

yep can vouch for this first hand! paypal will always "judge" in favour of the buyer if paypal is used. I have just had my rating lowered as a supposedly honest buyer purchased an genuine nos item only to claim to paypal, not me, that the item was not nos, used and broken. no more selling nos on ebay for me unless cash deposit......no matter how many times paypal were asked to justify or explain the decision they give you the garbage, generic reply ffs without answering the question

[poppa smurf]

I've only had one dispute with pay-pal......a feller had a coleman hot water heater for sale stating he would post at buyers expense, I've bought many things this way and I was quite happy with it.

sale went through and i paid, only to be told by him that he would not post, the dispute was reported to pay-pal who treated the whole matter as well as a damp sponge.

I got my money back from this fellow 3 weeks later and he received a "warning" which was not displayed anywhere on his "sales record".

bad result I feel.

[DJR MAN]

Thanks to this forum of good people sharing information, I was prepared when only tonight the scammers sent me an email about my paypal account. Cheers!

[poppa smurf]

the other one I notice catching a couple of our unaware, trusting elderly that may be testing the water in the world of computers is "Microsoft" technicians calling because you have a fault in your computer.

the scam is that the "Microsoft tech" phones you and states that you have a "bug" in your computer and you should go to your computer and turn over operations to him so he can "fix" the problem or he simply asks for your details which enables him to gain access to your bank accounts or take over your identity.

now I know I'm stating the bleeding obvious but DONT DO IT......tell him to get stuffed.

let any "at risk" folks know of the scam.....I know of two of Nanna Smurf's clients who have been duped into providing details.....I got them to change all their codes, passwords, accounts and to notify the banks to change the cards, so hopefully it was in time.

Microsoft NEVER cold call for any reason........please spread the word.

[ford71V8]

Originally Posted by poppa smurf

......
now I know I'm stating the bleeding obvious but DONT DO IT......

You would think its "bleeding obvious" wouldn't you.
But seems not everyone thinks the same. In fact some don't think at all.
Like an uncle I have.
He got the call, agreed Yeah my computa is slowish and gave them access.
Then they wanted payment.
What? You didn't tell me I would be charged for the 'help'. I don't have that much, I only have this much, will that do?
Some people are beyond help. Trust me, I've tried plenty of times.

[EA2BA]

with my family they know if in doubt say no, hit no, or just shut the computer down, then call me with details.

I also keep reminding them of how all the scams work and what to look out for.

[XD 351 Ute]

I just received another one today, so have forwarded on to Paypal to let them deal with it.
Keep your eyes open, and keep reminding those in your family that are click'aholics to be careful what they open!

Ed

[XD 351 Ute]

I just posted this in Advice Central; under the Apple Update thread, but thought it relevant to post here as well. Looks like I am doomed...

I have I-Tunes on my 'puter thanks to my old I-pod Classic.
I've just received a dodgy e-mail supposedly from Apple suspending my account until I click on a convenient 'link' to update my details.
Needless to say it it being forwarded to Apple for investigation....
Keep your eyes open people!

Ed