I WAS ALMOST CONNED

I did not expect to receive TWO emails that are so convincing and genuine to find out later that they were phishing emails. Thanks to PayPal’s efficient team who responded to my suspicion in less than 3 minutes upon sending my email. If you find any suspicious emails regarding PayPal, you can email those fraudulent cases to spoof@paypal.com

DON’T YOU THINK THIS LOOKED GENUINE?

WHAT ABOUT THIS ONE WHICH CAME IN FEW HOURS LATER?

In fact, both the above are fakes. What is a phishing email? Phishing emails attempt to steal your identity and will often ask you to reveal your password or other personal or financial information. PayPal will never ask for your password over the phone or in an email and will always address you by your first and last name. (In fact, those emails also did state this information)

HERE IS THE ACCOUNT UPDATE REQUEST

IMPORTANT THINGS TO TAKE NOTE (LOOK AT THOSE IN RED SQUARE)

1. The URL is not from PayPal but from a redirection. (It should be http://www.paypal.com/????? and not from a third party website)

2. Why would they want my mother’s maiden name as well as social security number? (You must not simply provide any information online until you are sure that Item 1 is a secured and authorized site)

3. Why do they want my credit card number, card verification number, card signature/pin number? (You have given your credit card number and verification numbers when you have verified with PayPal. You do not need to do that again. As for the card signature/pin number, it is a personal number and SHOULD NEVER be disclosed to any party)

4. You SHOULD ALWAYS open up a new browser when you want to do any online transactions. Make sure that the website is from the EXACT URL you wanted.

Nowadays, people will do anything just to get hold of your personal information, especially your financial information. If they are smart in conning you, you have to be smarter than them. PayPal has come out with a test. Take up their Fight Phishing Challenge at https://www.paypal.com/fightphishing to learn 5 things you should know about phishing. It will surely help you in ensuring your money is securely where they should be.