PayPal users, be aware of fake PayPal emails claiming that you have received an instant payment. The fake or phishing email messages are being sent by cybercriminals to trick PayPal users into clicking on a link within them that goes to a fake or phishing PayPal web page. The fake webpage will then attempt to steal PayPal credentials and credit card information. So, it is important that PayPal users remember never to click on a link to sign into their PayPal accounts. They should instead, always go directly to www.paypal.com.
A Sample of the "PayPal You've Received an Instant Payment" Scam
Subject: Instant payment received from Smith Lucas
Date: 2018-04-09 10:01
From: "Member@PayPal.com®" <pay_palservicehelpcenter@dcemail.com>
PayPal
You've received an instant payment
Hello,
This e-mail confirms that you have received an Instant payment of 330.00 EUR from Smith Lucas via PayPal MERCHANDISE Payment Service.
Note from Smith Lucas:
I have made the payment as required . Cheers.
View the details of this pending transaction below
Transaction Summary
Sent From Smith Lucas
smith7772017@gmail.com
Sent to
Transaction ID BHB7062128884391G
Merchandise Amount
125.00 EUR
Transport Charges
Total Amount
Description
205.00 EUR
330.00 EUR
Goods purchased
Once the money's in your account, you can:
Spend the money online at thousands of shops that accept PayPal.
Withdraw it from your bank account.
Transfer the money to a credit card.
The above sum that was transferred to you by Smith Lucas has been fully deducted from the payee's account which includes the Transport/Delivery Charges and is ready to be transferred into your your own account, but before the transaction can be finalized you would have to pay the Transport Charges to the Transport Company. Due to the sum of money involved, we have to take an extra step to protect the account holder(s).
Payment On Pending.
Transfer Current Percentage Done: 99%Transfer On Pending... Western Union money Transfer details Needed to Credit your PayPal Account.
In order complete this transaction and get the full funds credited into your account, you need to proceed to any western union office around you and transfer the excess sum of 205.00 EUR to the Transport Agent and send us a Scanned Copy/Photograph of your Western Union Transaction Receipt.
Below is a step by step guide on how to make the transfer:
1. Visit your nearest western union office/ Outlet and request a western union sending form.
2. Choose their Money in Minutes service.
3. Enter the receiver's name and address provided below.
4. Pay with your Credit Card or Cash.
5. You'll get a receipt. Attach and email a scanned copy of the receipt to us/type out the details on the receipt such as : Sender's Name; Sender's Address & MTCN Number.
Name: TERESA SHARPTON
ADDRESS: 4311 Gaydon Rd
City : POWDER SPRINGS
State; GEORGIA
Country: U.S.A
Postal Code : 30190
Yours sincerely,
PayPal.
Note: the cybercriminals may change the payment number, so look out for similar emails with different numbers.
The link in the fake email message goes to a fake PayPal web page on a compromised website that was designed by cybercriminals to trick their potential victims into entering their PayPal username, password and credit card information.
If the requested information is submitted by the potential victims, it will be sent to the cybercriminals, who will use it to steal their money and use their accounts fraudulently.
If you are tricked into submitting your PayPal credentials and credit card information on the fake web page, please change your PayPal password and contact them for help immediately. Also, contact your bank and let them know that you have submitted your credit card information on a phishing website.
Remember, never click on a link to sign into your PayPal account, always go directly to www.paypal.com and login from there.