Suspiscious Text

[Devans1]

Hi,

I received a text today from a number claiming to be PayPal, basically saying that my account was restricted and I needed to confirm my identity. I followed the link that was in the text and had a look at the form that it was wanting me to fill out, and it was asking for info like name, date of birth and bank details.

My suspicious mind immediatly began working, and I logged onto my PayPal account and saw nothing wrong, then checked my email and haven't received any email and there was nothing from PayPal other than the usual day to day stuff I get, so I obviously didn't fill the form out.

My question is - was this a genuine PayPal text or was it a hoax?

Thanks!

[kernowlass]

@Devans1

If its a spoof, DO NOT USE ANY LINK.

Firstly if the email 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 to ''cancel'' the 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 text or telling you to download 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