Instead of tricking PayPal users into visiting phishing websites that steal usernames and passwords, cybercriminals are now creating PayPal Money Requests, like the one below, which trick PayPal users into sending them money, by falsely requesting payments for goods or services that were not sent or rendered. And, since the Money Requests were created in PayPal, users would quickly believe that they are legitimate and make the payments, especially PayPal users who pay for goods daily using this method.
Samples of the "You've Got a Money Request" PayPal Scam
Subject: You've got a money request
Hello Online Threat Alerts,
Хадикова Фатима would like to be paid through PayPal.
Details
Requested Amount: $300.00 USD
Your Email Address: info@onlinethreatalerts.com
Click the button below to send Хадикова Фатима your payment and see the details of this money request.
Pay now!
PayPal users are asked to verify all money requests to ensure that they are legitimate before they carry them out, or make payments. And, any money request that cannot be verified as legitimate should be canceled.
For PayPal users who have already fallen victim to the “You've got a Money Request" scam, are asked to contact PayPal immediately for help.