Springfield, MO— Scammers like to send emails like they’re coming from PayPal.
Payment request email arrives from PayPal- say $300.
You log into PayPal independently, which is good. You see that payment request right there in PayPal for $300. And PayPal shows that this is probably a fraudulent request.
You don’t know this person or company, so you deny that PayPal payment request.
By denying that payment request, you confirm to the scammer that you indeed have a PayPal account using your email address.
Then, you’ve probably gotten an email at that email address from the scammer that looks legitimate and offers to help. That email contains a phone number you can call (and reach the scammer). They’ll help you resolve the issue and make sure there’s “no trouble.”
I’ll summarize.
1) You receive an email or two from scammer “PayPal” and maybe one from real PayPal.
2) Both emails show a fraudulent request.
3) You confirm that there is indeed a fraudulent request.
4) Chances are you delete the request.
If you call the scammer, it’s possible a person will “help” you out of your money.
Be aware. Scammers are everywhere. If you notice what’s happening here as you investigate, remember to congratulate yourself.
You can let PayPal know about the details if you experience this scam – you can send them the fake email for them to analyze to spoof@paypal.com
Change your PayPal password – make it more secure. Why? Because you’re thinking about it at that moment, and you’re in the PayPal site. That reaction is unrelated to the scam, sure, but you’re conscious about cybersecurity right now. Boosting your security will make you feel better. Review your multifactor authentication settings, too. Make those better, or add multifactor authentication if it’s missing.
Tell your friends the story and the sneaky details.
Consider changing the email address affiliated with the account, or even getting rid of that PayPal.
Consider removing your banking details altogether from PayPal. You get better protection with credit cards.
by Heather Noggle
