Most of you will be aware of these email phishing scams, but I feel strongly about this and would hope that if it saves just one of you the heartache then it’s worth 5 minutes posting it.
The scammers send out an email that looks like it is from ebay or paypaland is addressed to ‘Dear Paypal eBay Member’, ‘Community Member’ or to your email address. Genuine emails include your full name. They are using similar ones to tell you your bank has suspended your accounts lately too I’ve noticed.
These emails tell you your account has been suspended or it needs verifying then invites you to click on a link. Clicking on this link takes you to a site that is identical to eBay or paypal and when you sign in the scammers then have your username and passwords to hijack your account, they can now be used for unsavoury purposes while you foot the bill.
What can I do to prevent getting caught out by these scams?
1. Never click on ANY link in an email no mater how much it looks like ebay or paypal.
2. Forward the email to spoof@ebay.co.uk or spoof@paypal.com who will respond and tell you if this is a genuine email.
3. For regular users it may be a good idea to download the eBay toolbar this contains an ‘account guard that will show green if the site you are using is a genuine paypal or ebay site.
Hope this is helpful … keep your hard earned cash for yourself and your family this Christmas and don’t give these thieves easy access to your details.
Anorak hood down, sleeves up … questions invited!
