Users of Paypal are warned not to fall for a new email scam attempting to con them of cash.
Action Fraud UK said fraudsters were using phishing emails in an attempt to get their hands on people’s personal details and gain access to their Paypal account.
It can then be used to pay for goods online leaving the victim potentially out of pocket.
The email, which fraud experts said looked very professional, warns the victim of unusual activity on their Paypal account.
After clicking a link the victim is then invited to provide their login details.
Deputy Head of Action Fraud, Steve Proffitt commented : “Fraudsters are increasingly targeting people with very professional looking emails warning that online accounts have been compromised and asking you to click on links to verify your details.
“Action Fraud is now warning people about fake emails that appear to have been sent from PayPal. These emails ask you to log in and review your Paypal account. It is difficult to know if they are fake as they look so professional.
“If you have received one of these fake emails, we are advising people not to follow the links in the email as by logging into your account, you are providing fraudsters with your login details which gives them access to your account.
“Always contact the fraud department of the organisation directly from the contact details you have on your statements or bank card and explain the contents of the email you have received.”
A PayPal spokesperson told the Mirror: “At PayPal we go to great lengths to protect our customers in the UK, but there are still a few, simple precautions we should all take to avoids scams.”
The company said it would never get in touch with a customer via email – instead using its online ‘secure message centre’.
“All communications to account holders regarding an account limitation would be sent to the secure message centre within their PayPal account.
“Should the account holder wish to verify the status of their PayPal account they should log into their account.”
Courtesy Newsrep
