Stay Alert! Warning to Paypal Users

A new phishing scam is targeting PayPal users. Remember that "phishing" is what scammers do when they're "fishing" for personal information that could enable them to steal your identity. This particular phishing expedition starts with an email that looks surprisingly genuine. It includes the PayPal logo and comes from the email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. It informs you that PayPal is unable to verify a

transaction, and includes a reference number and link to a phony site which asks for information that could be used against you such as your name, birthdate, address, mother's maiden name, and credit card number.

The request for all this information is a red flag, as is the fact that the phony website includes no help or settings icons and doesn't require you to log in. Despite the authors' best efforts to make it look

legitimate, the email itself may contain grammar errors or other elements that seem "off."

You can avoid becoming a victim by remembering these rules:

~ Never click a link from an email if you're at all uncertain about its origin or intention.

~ Instead of clicking an emailed link, visit the site in question using your own bookmark or by typing in the URL you already know. If you're receiving a legitimate email, the information will also be listed in your real account. If it's not, contact customer service to verify that the emailed request is valid.

~ If you do think an emailed link is legitimate and decide to click, check the URL where you land to make sure it's the real deal.

~ Never provide private information requested from a site you arrived at by clicking an emailed link.

~ Check your credit reports regularly to catch fraudulent activity.

When scammers want to go phishing, don't take the bait!

©2018 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc