A particularly perfidious scam is fraudulent PayPal calls, in which criminals try to steal your financial information. In this article, we will not only explain how this scam works, but also show you what you can do to protect yourself from it.

The PayPal scam in detail

Criminals use sophisticated tactics to mislead potential victims. This is how the scam works:

  1. The fake call: Your phone rings and you pick up the receiver. A voice immediately appears on the tape, pretending to be from PayPal. It claims that a large sum of money has just been withdrawn from your account and that you can cancel the process by pressing key 1.
  2. The forwarding: If you comply with the request and press key 1, you will be connected to a supposed PayPal employee. He again claims that there are suspicious transactions on your account and offers to get the amount back.
  3. Accessing your computer: Now things get dangerous. The criminals might ask you to download remote access software like AnyDesk. This gives them access to your computer and allows them to control it remotely, track your actions and even install malware.
  4. Risk of data theft: To access your sensitive data, you may be asked to log into different accounts. This information could be used for fraudulent transactions or identity theft.
  5. Financial manipulation: Some victims report being asked to make wire transfers or purchase gift cards, which were then handed over to the criminals.

What you can do

Follow the steps below to protect yourself from fraudulent PayPal calls:

  • Hang up: First of all, it is important to know that PayPal generally does not make contact by telephone. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.
  • Check your device: If you have already downloaded programs as instructed, you should urgently check your device for malware. It's best to install a trustworthy antivirus software and run a scan.
  • Contact your bank: If you have fallen for the scam and made transfers, you should contact your bank or credit card company immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of getting your money back.
  • Report fraud to the police: It is important to report cases of fraud. File a police report to help authorities track down the perpetrators.

Beware of fraudulent PayPal emails

Fraudulent calls aren't the only threat. Criminals also use fake emails and SMS to gain access to your login details. They claim there has been “unusual account activity” and ask you to click on a link. But be careful: this link leads to a fake login page.

MIMIKAMA

To protect yourself from fraudulent PayPal emails, follow these tips:

  • Check the sender: Take a close look at who the sender of the email is. Fake emails often come from unusual or slightly different addresses.
  • Don't click suspicious links: Never click on a link in an email or text message that you weren't expecting - even if the link appears to come from PayPal.
  • Don't give out your login details: PayPal will never ask you for your login details via email. Enter your details only on the official PayPal website.

Conclusion

PayPal fraudulent calls pose a serious threat to your financial security. By educating yourself about this scam and following the protective measures above, you can protect yourself from possible financial loss and identity theft.

Remember that PayPal never asks for your personal information over the phone. Stay vigilant and protect your financial information from unscrupulous fraudsters.

Finally, we would like to invite you to sign up for the Mimikama newsletter to receive regular updates on the latest scams and security tips. Our media education offerings are an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge of online security and protect yourself even better. Your protection is important to us!

Source:

Watchlist Internet
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The ultimate Mimikama protection: Safely through the digital jungle!
“CLONE NOT HACKED”: Protect your Facebook account


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