They are getting more and more clever with these email scams, which are an attempt to get your login ID for PayPal. Once they have your ID, they'll have access to your checking account and credit card. These scams LOOK real.
My brother received one Saturday, right after bidding on an EBAY item. Somehow it had his real name and email address on it. It was made to look like a legitimate EBAY email, saying that the seller decided to close the auction early and that he was the winner/highest bidder. It prompted for him to click a PAY NOW button, which asked for his PayPal (bank) login name and password. The address of the link even looked real and has paypal.com as part of it (with the true domain hidden as an IP number further in). 90% would have clicked on this and given the info.
A few minutes ago, I received a fake "message from PayPal/Ebay" which was to confirm my payment to buy a pink cell phone (ha!). At the bottom it had a fake dispute link, which asked for my personal paypal/bank login info.
When in doubt, type the bank's web address into your browser directly, and log in - rather than following an email link which may take you elsewhere.
Mike
My brother received one Saturday, right after bidding on an EBAY item. Somehow it had his real name and email address on it. It was made to look like a legitimate EBAY email, saying that the seller decided to close the auction early and that he was the winner/highest bidder. It prompted for him to click a PAY NOW button, which asked for his PayPal (bank) login name and password. The address of the link even looked real and has paypal.com as part of it (with the true domain hidden as an IP number further in). 90% would have clicked on this and given the info.
A few minutes ago, I received a fake "message from PayPal/Ebay" which was to confirm my payment to buy a pink cell phone (ha!). At the bottom it had a fake dispute link, which asked for my personal paypal/bank login info.
I'm just posting this as a reminder that there are a lot of scams out there, and they're getting smarter/more convincing!Dear PayPal Member,
This email confirms that you have paid INPHONIC (sales@inphonic.com) $239.95 USD using PayPal. This credit card transaction will appear on your bill as "PAYPAL INPHONIC*".
PayPal Shopping Cart Contents
Item Name: NEW MOTOROLA V3 PINK RAZR RAZOR QUAD-BAND CELL PHONE
Quantity: 1
Total: $219.95 USD
If you haven't authorized this charge, click the link below to cancel the payment and get a full refund.
Dispute Transaction
When in doubt, type the bank's web address into your browser directly, and log in - rather than following an email link which may take you elsewhere.
Mike