Is this a scam

chiflado
New Community Member

I received an email with the following statement and was wondering if this is some kind of scam or fraud? 


We've detected that your PayPal account has been accessed fraudulently. If you did not make this transaction, please call us at toll free number [Removed. Phone #s not permitted]to cancel and claim a refund. If this is not the case, you will be charged $400. 00 today. Within the automated deduction of the amount, this transaction will reflect on PayPal activity after 24 hours. Our Service Hours: (07:00 a. m. to 06:00 p. m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday).

 

When I called this number, the call went to an Indian speaking person (can tell by the accent) and he told me that my account information was used to open a Paypal credit account with a limit of $12,500.  He quickly had me install an app called AnyDesk to broadcast everything I did on my phone so their security team could help me identify the hackers and secure my line.  Is this legit?

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kernowlass
Esteemed Advisor
Esteemed Advisor

@chiflado 

 

If its a spoof then NEVER USE ANY LINK OR ANY PHONE NUMBER.

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.

Also if they ask you to call the number in the email then it would be fake paypal agents trying to scam you for money to 'fix' something. 

If there was a problem with your account Paypal would not ask you to click on an unsafe link in an email / download an attachment OR phone them on a number in an email, 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/smarthelp/article/how-do-i-spot-and-report-a-fake%2C-fraudulent%2C-or-phis...
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/security/suspicious-activity

Personally I think you need to get computer advice from an expert to get rid of that app as I think they may be stealing your information.


Advice is voluntary.
Kudos / Solution appreciated.
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