Text Scams

[AmyU1996]

Hello,

I received a text message claiming to be from Paypal today from the number[Removed. Phone #s not permitted] 12:12 PM MST 

It read just like this:

due security reason we have blocked permanent your paypal account directly. follow this link to get back your paypal account <removed>

I do not follow links like this, instead I log into my accounts or call them directly. I was curious if anyone else received scam texts like this from the above number with the above link.

Thank you,

AmyU1996

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@AmyU1996 

If its a spoof then NEVER USE ANY LINK.

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/text 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/us/selfhelp/article/how-to-spot-fake-emails-faq2340/2
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/security/suspicious-activity