PayPal is often a target for scammers looking for quick access to your money. Here are two phishing emails from earlier this year so you know how to spot them.
PayPal phishing emails are nearly always after the same thing; access to your account and personal information.
Here are two examples we’ve seen from earlier this year that can help show you what to look out for. We’ll also explain why they can be so effective.
On first glance, both emails appear to be from PayPal, using the company’s branding and its typical email layout.
They were also sent from email addresses that contain ‘PayPal’ in the domain, which helps make them seem more legitimate.
However, there are a couple of giveaways that all is not what it seems.
Hallmarks of a scam
PayPal usually addresses customers by name when it contacts you. A generic greeting in an email, such as the ‘Hello Customers’ is a cause for suspicion.
Other classic hallmarks of a scam we spotted include spelling and grammatical errors, including missing punctuation.
Guide: how to spot a scam email
It’s also very rare for a company to email you threatening to close your account if you don’t take immediate action.
Scammers use this tactic to worry people into doing something, which unfortunately often successfully prompts the response they’re looking for.
PayPal has confirmed these emails are both fakes.
What if you’ve clicked through?
It’s unlikely there’s anything to worry about if you’ve only opened the email or clicked the link, but if you’ve entered any of your account details, such as your password, or given out your payment details, you must take precautions to protect yourself as soon as possible.
Guide: I think I may have given a fraudster my bank details
First, report what’s happened to both PayPal and the bank your account may be linked to.
If you do have credit or debit cards linked to your PayPal account, your bank will be able to make sure your money is protected.
PayPal should be able to secure your account, and its payment policy promises to protect its users from fraud.
If any money has been taken from your account because of these phishing emails, you should be reimbursed.
Have you received a PayPal phishing email in the past? How regularly do you see them?
Let us know, and help warn others in the comments.
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