PHISHING

Email messages that inform you that your Paypal account has been suspended, or with an attached receipt for buying something you never ordered, or claiming you are due a tax refund, are commonly known as ‘phishing’ scams. The scare tactics of having been charged for something you haven’t ordered, your account being suspended or the lure of a tax refund aims to make you react quickly. Often there will be an attachment containing a virus or a link within the email to click on, which will allow you to log in to the supposed account. However, this will open a bogus website that will capture whatever login information you enter. Should this be your Paypal account, for example, by entering your username and password, the fraudsters behind the bogus website can then change your account details (eg, post a new delivery address) and spend your money.

The golden rule with any such emails is to read them, but never click on any links or open any attachments. Even if you think the email is legitimate, never click on a link inside the message. We received this email that’s supposedly from Paypal, but contains numerous spelling and grammar errors. Even if you suspect it is legitimate, never click on any links within the message.