New scam?

[jeepster2007]

I received this today. Probbly a scam - yes?

Subject: Robert, action recommended: update your browser today
To: *********************************
Date: Monday, June 6, 2011, 10:27 AM

Update your browser today to help keep your PayPal account secure. Having trouble viewing this email? View online or text version

		Hello <name removed>, It looks like you may be using an outdated browser with known security issues.  Help keep your computer and your PayPal account protected by updating your browser today.

	© 2011 PayPal Inc. All rights reserved. PayPal is located at 2211 N. First St., San Jose, CA 95131.

[WillOaksCamp]

I thought this was a scam too because my browsers are all up to date. Maybe PayPal could have sent needed info in an email, directing us to visit our account page (secure) for more info & links? I'm always suspicious of PayPal emails with hot links.

[Candycanessss]

Why is IE 8 considered an out of date browser? I don't like IE 9 - they changed things around and I like them where they are. What is so wrong with IE 8? If you have security on your PC set up, surely you don't HAVE to have IE 9?

[Nicsplace]

Hard to believe this is a REAL email.  If you search the link it takes you to a Japanese porn site.  I searched the link in the email.  Maybe your info on updating your browser has been stolen.  I have the most recent browser so why send it to  me?

I just got mine today.

Curious what your actual link is versus what is in my email.

[PayPal_Olivia]

To everyone,

Thank you for your feedback. It's clear that there was confusion in this situation. I will definitely be bringing the feedback you've all given on this issue to the attention of the folks here who create and send out these types of bulletins. We're always finding new and better ways to do things, and with the feedback you've provided, we can only get better.

Regarding the responses from spoof@paypal.com, I apologize if anyone was given the wrong answer regarding this email. The responder is there to let you know that the email has been received and will help us in our review of potential phishing schemes. Typically, it's pretty on the mark. If  mistake happens, it is far preferable to have it warn that the email is NOT legitimate than to be wrong in the other direction.

That said, I want to thank techdragon for making a really good point - it's always possible that there may be a look-alike email being sent by scammers. The post from Nicsplace also makes it seem like that's a possibility. It is always wise to err on the side of caution in any email received, using the link as a point of reference only and using a fresh browser window to log in and check the site for information. I really want to apologize again that there was not a clearer path for doing so with this email. I can confirm that the URL https://www.paypal.com/safebrowser is a legitimate portal for obtaining the information you need.

Thank you all for exercising caution with your accounts, and for letting us know about your experience with this communication.

Olivia
 

[rtryon]

Not a new scam and it looked to be very authentic. But, that is the problem today. The bad guys are getting more and more sophisticated. One day they will write and confirm that they are checking your heart rate as you read and it agrees! No, your message only needed to warn that if you are using an old browser not kept currently up to date, you should go find out if such is the case. Not look like check here and we will download and install whatever we or whomever wants.

[lithophya1]

So it's not a scam.  It still begs some questions. 

How does paypal know what browser we are using? 

Why do they care what browser we are using? 

If we are already using IE 9, why are we receiving this message?  What are we supposed to upgrade to?

Why are they sending a link in an e-mail, which they have stated they will not do?

[kashmier]

In the email you could have said. Log into your account and you will find a link there.

Just a thought.

---

@PayPal_Andy wrote:

Hey all (as I'm sure there will be far more than just two of you on this post eventually :)).

So....funny story.  This actually is a legitimate PayPal email.  As many people are aware, older browsers are more susceptible to security issues that may compromise your PayPal access, and this is being sent out to customers with older browsers to remind them to update. 

And before it begins (although this won't stop it), I know that we say that we'll never include links in our emails.  I even said the exact same thing when I found out about this.  But really, what could we have directed you too?  "Surf the internet and find out how to update your browser!".  That actually sounds worse. 

I suppose we could've had a colored bar in your account telling you to "click here to find out how to update your browser"...honestly I'm not sure that would be any better.  I think it would at least cause the same amount of confusion.  And would probably have taken 10 times longer to implement.

Please keep in mind that this is being provided with the best of intentions and your security in mind, so I sincerely apologize for the confusion this is (and will) cause.

Finally, if you don't want to click on the link to find out how to update your browser...well...."Surf the internet and find out how to update your browser!" 😄

Andy

---

[ohsomthin]

How sad is this It mentions my name and several links , Bad deal  hope in the future you stop these things from happening please.

[up-todate-marc]

I received the email also How ever I
have the most recent internet explorer and the latest security update

So pay pal Andy
I’m wondering if you’re legitimate The email is a demand not a suggestion, which is how I rule out authenticity. Who ever came up with the wording just go work on a far left politico campaign in California

[TB84]

Respectfully sir, it is disengenious in your email to me to write:

It looks like you may be using an outdated browser with known security issues.

If Paypal is going to advise me on my software, then please use absolutes.  Either I am using an outdated browser or I am not.

The "looks like" comment is incredibly suspicous even though it might be an attempt by Paypal to be courteous.  I can understand Paypal's interest in courtesy and respect, but emails from financial instituions recommending software updates only causes confusion.

Needless to say, my browser is up to date.  Perhaps you're message should have been themed more along the lines of "it's good practice to ensure your browser is up to date and Paypal kindly reminds you to do so."

Cordially,

Todd