Is this Mail from Paypal

[vickster1212]

I have looked in my spam folder and found an E mail from paypal saying that on 23/10/10 my account was found to have unusual activity and so my account has been limited (Whatever that means).......... I have only recently set up the account and did order 4 products on E bay on 22/10/10. Paypal have asked me for more details including card details address mothers middle name the lot!!! How do I find out if this mail is really from Paypal and not someone trying to get all my details or is this the normal Paypal procedure........ I ordered further stuff from E Bay (Before I found this E mail) and the paypal payments have gone through fine so doesn't seem to me that the account is limited.

Anyone got any advice please - This is all new to me and don't want to be had 

[PayPal_barry · Accepted solution]

Hi, it sounds like you may have got a spoof or phishing e-mail there.  Spoof and phishing are illegal methods to collect personal and financial information by using fake emails, websites, and phone calls.  Phishing emails attempt to steal your identity by tricking you into revealing your password or other personal or financial information. These emails often link to websites that try to get you to enter credit card numbers, social security numbers, or account passwords.

Here are some tips for confirming whether an e-mail from PayPal. Check the greeting. We always address you by your first and last name, or the business name on your PayPal account.

See if the email asks for personal information. A PayPal email will never ask you for any of the following:

• Bank account numbers

• Debit and credit card numbers

• Driver's license number

• Email addresses

• Your full name

• Your password, or answers to your PayPal account security questions

Check for attachments. We will never send an attachment or software updates to install on your computer.

If you think you've received a fraudulent email, forward the email to spoof@paypal.com and then delete it from your mailbox.

Take our 'Fight Phishing Challenge' to learn 5 things you should know about phishing. You'll also see what we're doing to help fight fraud every day.

1. Log in to your PayPal account at www.paypal.co.uk

2. Click 'Safety Advice' at the top of the page.

3. Click 'Learn more' under 'Safety Tools' near the bottom of page.

4. Click 'Learn more' under 'Fighting Fraud' in the middle of the page.

5. Click the 'Take the quiz' link under 'Fighting Fraud' on the left hand side of the page.

Every email counts. By forwarding a suspicious-looking email to spoof@paypal.com , you can help keep yourself and others safe from identity theft.

[vickster1212]

Thanks - It def was a dodgy mail from what you have said and have forwarded on now.

[dondonuk]

Hi there, I am also new to this and have received a simiar e-mail and have noticed that the e-mail address for it was sent from paypall!!  I went to the paypal site not by the link and there is nothing showing on my account as being a problem.

[dondonuk]

Spoiler

sorry also how do i send the email to paypal i cant find anything to foreward it thanks in advance

[latinH]

I am really worried.  I got one of the phishing emails but I didn't realise, I filled in ALL the boxes until it came to the request for a card pin number at which point I smelt a rat.  I deleted all the information and I didn't hit send but would they be able to view the personal info that I did type in?

Very worried in St Albans

[PayPal_lucy]

Hey there latinH,

It really depends on the email. If there was any kind of key loggers or viruses, it may be possible. But generally they would need the information sent.

I would change the password and security questions on your account just in case. Keep an eye on your card/bank statement over the next while as well.

[1471]

Emails from PayPal will never ask for any information from you....fraudulent emails supposedly from PayPal ask all kinds of questions and also tell you that you account is on hold for some reason or other.  Do not respond to these types of email AS THEY ARE NOT FROM PAYPAL!!!  When you receive another forward it directly to PayPal's Customer Service Division and they will take care of it. 

REMEMBER!! DO NOT PROVIDE ANY INFORATION FROM AN EMAIL THAT APPEARS TO ACTUALLY BE PAYPAL...BUT ARE NOT!!  THESE ARE FRAUDULENT EMAILS AND IF YOU PROVIDE THE INFORMATION THEY ARE ASKING FOR THEY WILL CLEAN YOUR CLOCK....KEEP THIS IN MIND PLEASE!! 

[PayPal_david]

Hi there Dondonuk,

If you have received an email and you feel it was not sent by PayPal, you should click the 'Forward' option when you are looking at the email. It is usually beside the button for 'Reply' but it may change depending on your email service provider. Once you have pressed forward, you can send the email to spoof@paypal.com and then delete the email from your email inbox.

We will then review the email and try to prevent it from being sent in the future and contact you with an update.

I hope this helps,

David.

[saffy]

I have received an email today which I think is fraudulent. I was going to forward it to you like at the spoof@paypal.com

address, but when I went to press forward it said in a warning box, that my details might go to the fraudulent sender, and they might send me more emails.

 So what do I do? At the moment the email is in my deleted files, but I want to send it on to spoof@paypal.com.

Hope you can help.

Saffy