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A new phishing scam is underway. PayPal users are advised by a supposed SMS from PayPal to verify their account, otherwise, the account remains permanently restricted.
Most of the time, the text message says: "We have
permanently restricted your account, please click the link below to verify
it."
However, if you open the link in the SMS you will get to a
fraudster page, on which you will be asked to enter your personal PayPal login
data.
If you register on this page, the PayPal data will automatically
be forwarded to the fraudsters. The phishing page then usually goes a step
further as it tries to gather more details from you, including your name, date
of birth, address, bank details and and and ...
Another way to keep your PayPal account safe from phishing attacks is to install antivirus software.
How Is
the Information Collected Used?
The information collected is used to
·
Conduct identity theft attacks
·
To get access to your other accounts or
·
Carry out targeted spear-phishing attacks.
What Can
I Do if I Accidentally Entered My Password?
If you have already entered your password on the fraudulent
site, you should change your PayPal password on the original site as soon as
possible. If you use the same password on other websites, you should log
in there as soon as possible and change the password.
How Do I
Recognize an SMS Phishing Message?
A phishing SMS suggests urgent action by the victim. This
means that immediate action is indicated in the text message.
However, you should take your time and follow the following
tips:
1.
Pay attention to grammar and spelling mistakes, as cybercriminals often
operate internationally and use translation tools accordingly, errors can creep
in quickly.
2.
Check the sender's phone number before clicking the link.
3.
Never enter personal banking or financial information on any of your
websites linked in a text message.
4.
Tip: If you are still not sure whether the link in the SMS is genuine,
you can enter any email address password in the registration field. If
you are redirected anyway and asked to enter your bank details, you know that
it is a fraud.
Consumer Advocates Warn of Massive PayPal Phishing Campaigns
Phishing attempts for PayPal accounts have increased in the last few
days. An alleged security notice is sent, which suggests to the user that
PayPal is forced to re-verify customer accounts due to the entry into force of
the Second EU Payment Services Directive (PSD2).
The consumer protection phishing radar regularly
issues warnings of more or less well-crafted phishing e-mails. The PayPal
campaign, which has been increasingly reported since the weekend, is also a
"serious" information email from PayPal at first glance, which apart
from a few small dropouts has no noticeably incorrect spelling and looks very good official PayPal
letter arrives. Also, a real reason is taken to lure users into the
trap. It is about an upcoming change in the law.
Don't Let the Deadline Put You Under Pressure
The consumer advocates are now warning of the
campaign and showing what exactly it looks like. The users will be written
to by name and informed that a change in the law on September 14th will
allegedly make it necessary to verify their account again. Otherwise
PayPal would be forced to freeze the account.
To do this, the e-mail asks you to click the "for verification"
button to register. Those who comply with this request do not end
up with PayPal, but with unknown scammers.
Entering your login data there opens the door for fraudsters to use your data
on PayPal and supposedly on other platforms - if users use password and login combinations multiple times. According to consumer protection, one should
not be put off by the supposedly important deadline and move the e-mail to spam
and delete it.
Download the best antivirus software to protect your PayPal account from phishing attacks.
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