PayPal Email Scam Alert!

Beware of an email phishing scam in which the perpetrators lead you to believe that you are required to update the information in your PayPal account. The email shows a link that looks like a PayPal address but when you click on the link the address bar on your browser shows something different. The following is a copy of the fraudulent email:

----------------------Begin Scam Email

Dear Paypal User,

In accordance with our major database relocation, we are currently having major adjustments and updates of user accounts to verify that the informations you have provided with us during the sign-up process are true and correct. However, we have noticed some discrepancies regarding your account at Paypal. Possible causes are inaccurate contact information and invalid logout process.

We require you to complete an account verification procedure as part of our security measure. You must click the link below to complete the process.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_login-run

Unable to do so may result to abnormal account behavior during transactions.

Thank you for using Paypal

The PayPal Team

--------------------End Scam Email

The address that shows in the address bar when you click on the link is http://217.116.158.245/.secured/cgi-bin/webscr.php, not https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_login-run The scammers hope you won't notice. Also, there are grammatical errors and an inconsistency with the word PayPal. Is it Paypal or PayPal? If the email really is from PayPal, then the name would be spelled correctly throughout the message.

If you are a PayPal customer, keep in mind that PayPal is not having a "major database relocation". There is no reason to give your social security number and bank account for "security purposes".

The following is a statement from PayPal about email scams using their name:

Protect Yourself From Fraudulent Emails

At PayPal, protecting your account's security is our top priority. Recently, PayPal members have reported suspicious-looking emails and fake websites. These emails are not from PayPal and responding to them may put your account at risk. Please protect your PayPal account by paying close attention to the emails you receive and the websites you visit.

Please use the following tips to stay safe with PayPal:

• Safe Log In: To log in to your PayPal account or access the PayPal website, open a new web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer or Netscape) and type in the following: https://www.paypal.com
• Greeting: Emails from PayPal will address you by your first and last name or the business name associated with your PayPal account. Fraudulent emails often include the salutation "Dear PayPal User" or "Dear PayPal Member".
• Email Attachments: PayPal emails will never ask you to download an attachment or a software program. Attachments contained in fraudulent emails often contain viruses that may harm your computer or compromise your PayPal account.
• Request for Personal Information: If we require information from you, we will notify you in an email and request that you enter the information only after you have safely and securely logged in to your PayPal account.
  
  Often, fraudulent emails will request details such as your full name, account password, credit card number, bank account, PIN number, Social Security Number, or mother's maiden name.

If you think that you have received a fraudulent email (or fake website), please forward the email (or URL address) to spoof@paypal.com and then delete the email from your mailbox. Never click any links or attachments in a suspicious email.

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