phishing text message and web address

[Ruby2017]

I received a text this morning (UK) from +<removed> advising me my account was frozen and to log in via this hyperlink <removed>   this is not real as my account has not been frozen.  However, I typed the url into my browser and it had all the elements of paypal access page except none of the hyperlinks worked (although I didnt even attempted to login.  If I have put in my username and password I dread to think what would have happened.   I think paypal needs to reconsider how we access our accounts.  For instance my bank only asks for certain characters from my password and two other forms of identifcation.

Post edited by Moderator to comply with Community Guidelines.

[kernowlass]

@Ruby2017 

If its a spoof, NEVER USE ANY LINK IN AN EMAIL.

Firstly if the email/ text addressed you as ''Dear Member'' / ''Customer'' / ''Client'' OR your ''email address'' then that confirms its a spoof as paypal would address you by your full name eg Dear John Smith.

Secondly if there was a link OR attachment in that email link to ''cancel'' any transaction or ''confirm'' any details then again it would be a spoof.

If there was a problem with your account Paypal would not ask you to click on an unsafe link in an email or by downloading an attachment, they would direct you to log in normally and go to the resolution or the message centre for more information.

More info here >>
https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/phishing

https://www.paypal.com/uk/smarthelp/article/how-would-i-spot-fake-emails-faq2340