!!Warning to paypal users!!

[marn913]

I also posted this on the budget board, but I wanted to let EVERYONE know-
I just wanted to let everyone on the board know about my horrible experience today (and hopefully save any of you from going through the same thing). I was updating my checking account ledger today when I was shocked to find a transaction in the amount of $1809.00 electronically debited from Paypal! I called paypal and they said that this happens sometimes because hackers gain access to your password by sending a phony e-mail asking you to "verify" your paypal account. As soon as you enter your e-mail address and password it will tell you the website is not accessible (but by typing your information, you have just given these crooks access to your secure account.)
So, to make a long story short - I did receive one (and maybe more) of these phony e-mails. I don't recall responding, but I may have tried to log on. Anyway, this gave some terrible person access to my account and they sent themselves my entire checking account balance! Luckily I had made a deposit that had not cleared yet, so my ourstanding checks will not bounce.
I have to send paypal a notarized copy of my complaint, fill out an unauthorized electronic withdrawl form with the bank (and I also filed a claim with the FBI's internet fraud division). I am really hoping that they track this person down and I'm not sure of the law (but if I'm lucky) this may be grand theft.
So to all of you- please make sure to be extra extra careful if you use these online payment services! And, if you receive an e-mail from someone you think is paypal or billpoint - go directly to their url to log on - don't click the link in the e-mail!!

 

[nativetxn]

That is really scary. I hope they catch these bad guys. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[glo]

I use them...thank you so much for the info

 

[epcotfan]

This is a trick that is used frequently. I've received one of these emails. Fortunately never used it though. Paypal employees will never ask for passwords.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

OMG... thanks for the info.. I use paypal all the time, I will be on the lookout..

 

[dizneenut]

I use paypal occasionally. Thanks for the heads up. Hope you get your situation worked out.

 

[Rajah]

This is why DH and I won't "verify" on Paypal and allow them access to a checking account.

 

[tstobb]

Make sure to look at the URL as well - PayPal uses secure http so their web site address starts with "https" instead of the usual "http" i it's just an extra way to check that it really is PayPal.

 

[marn913]

Make sure to look at the URL as well - PayPal uses secure http so their web site address starts with "https" instead of the usual "http" i it's just an extra way to check that it really is PayPal.

This is what I missed with the e-mails. At no time did anyone "ask" me for my password - I was just directed to a site which looks EXACTLY like the paypal site! The person from paypal that I spoke with said that this is a COMMON scam! They also told me that the website and address makes it appear that you are at the paypal site - except for the "https" address and the secure website icon in the corner. The site looks identical to the real thing and since paypal has sent e-mails for "verification" of your account using their regular log-in screen I didn't even catch the subtle differences. Hopefully they will be helpful in rectifying the situation!

 

[Snow White]

I recieved an email that said $250 echeck payment has been deposited in your account...and a link to click on..I knew that no one owed me $250, so I forwarded the email to paypal. They informed me it was a hacker and they would take care of it. Luckily I didn't click on the link! Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Tulirose]

YIKES!!!

Thanks for posting this for others. I certainly hope you get your money back.

 

[KimRaye]

Thanks for the info! I use paypal and, just recently got 'verified' so, this is something I need to keep an eye on.

Good luck with your refund!

 

[Bunchkin]

I'm so sorry that this happened to you.
I have been very leary of getting 'verified' with PayPal.
Thanks for the heads up!

 

[catsrule]

That stinks. I have never used paypal.....yay.

 

[tiggerlover]

I just deleted one of those emails 5 minutes ago. I debated for about 30 seconds whether or not I should verify and I am so glad I stuck with my original reaction and trashed it.

Sorry to hear about what happened to you. I certainly hope it gets straightened out quickly.

 

[dianeschlicht]

THanks for the info!

 

[airhead]

I use PayPal everyday! The checking account I have is for PayPal only. So,every couple of days I go to my bank and withdraw all but $10.00. Ther'e never anything in that account on purpose! I wouldn't feel comfortable keeping large amounts of money in this account because I know there are scumbags out there ready to rip me off!!


Airhead

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I received one of those e-mails this morning. I clicked on the link and saw the page it went to -- very official looking, just like the paypal site. But I remembered reading something about this on here, so I went to the Paypal site on my own and logged in there to see if it prompted anything for me.

Then I realized the e-mail came to an address I don't have registered with Paypal.

So I contacted Paypal via e-mail, told them what I received, and asked them if they wanted me to forward the original e-mail to them. At least I caught it before I did anything.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Okay, here's a big question ...

DW heard that merely by clicking on the link will send your information to the hackers. The link did have fields for entering e-mail and password information, but I did not enter anything into the fields.

Can they get my paypal information if I didn't enter it into the fields? I've changed my paypal password through their secured site, so hopefully that will be okay.

 

[Olaf]

I don't believe they can get your password just by clicking on it.

I've limited the amount to be taken out of my account, max $400. Should my account be hacked, that's all they'll get.