Paypal Scam: A specific email should set off your alarm bells

Created: 06/27/2022, 14:03

By: Lea-Sophie Mollus

Blocked Paypal account: Fraudsters want to get the confidential data of the users via e-mail.

You should know this in order not to fall for it.

Kassel - When it comes to paying online, Paypal is one of the most used providers: fast, easy and secure - really?

The security of the payment service provider is currently being put to the test because fraudsters are currently taking advantage of its popularity.

A new scam is increasingly appearing with which scammers want to get valuable user data.

“Your data needs your help.

According to the consumer advice center, "Aktenzeichen" is the subject of the dubious e-mail, which, much to the chagrin of the users, comes across as quite authentic.

Provided with the Paypal logo, it refers to an alleged unusual activity in the Paypal account of the respective user: 695.72 euros are said to have been paid to the electronics retailer "Alternate", a post box in Kazakhstan is given as the delivery address.

An account suspension was initiated for security reasons.

Fraudsters are using a new scam on Paypal.

Be careful with emails.

© Lukas Schulze/dpa

Beware of PayPal fraud: Do not blindly click on links in emails

In order to unlock the allegedly blocked Paypal account again, the "Delete transaction" button must be clicked - that's what the email from the scammers says, also known as a phishing email.

One click takes you to a fake Paypal page where sensitive data such as passwords are requested.

However, this neither cancels the alleged payment nor unlocks the allegedly blocked account.

Instead, the data ends up directly with the scammers.

Paypal: These dots indicate that the email came from scammers

• common spelling mistakes (comma placement in this case)

• Sender address with cryptic combinations of numbers and letters

• Link leads to strange internet address

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In general, the following applies: In the case of e-mails with alleged account blocks or strange transactions, always log into the PayPal account in the usual way and see if anything is suspicious there.

Anyone who has already fallen for the scammers should change their password as soon as possible and monitor future account bookings.

Be careful not only when paying, but also when shopping on the Internet, because there are numerous fake shops that lure you with cheap prices.

In addition to Paypal, the Sparkasse is also currently affected by phishing emails - there are a few tips to protect yourself from them.

Fraudsters are also up to mischief in other ways on the Internet, for example with love scamming or the grandchild trick.

(Lea-Sophie Mollus)