If you receive a suspicious email that claims to be from PayPal, follow these steps to report it:
1. Identify a Suspicious Email
- Sender’s Email Address: Legitimate PayPal emails come from domains like @paypal.com. Check for subtle misspellings (e.g., @paypa1.com).
- Generic Greetings: Phishing emails often start with “Dear User” or “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
- Urgent Requests: Be wary of emails urging you to act quickly to avoid account suspension or unauthorised transactions.
- Links and Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments.
2. Forward the Email to PayPal
- Email Address for Reporting: Forward the suspicious email to phishing@paypal.com or spoof@paypal.com.
- Do not alter the subject line or the content of the email when forwarding it.
- After forwarding, delete the email from your inbox.
3. Report Phishing Websites
- If you clicked a link in the email and were directed to a phishing website, report the website to PayPal:
- Email the website’s URL to spoof@paypal.com.
- Provide details about how you found the website.
4. Use PayPal’s Website
- Log in to your PayPal account via the official website (www.paypal.com) or app to check for any messages regarding your account.
- Never use links from suspicious emails to access your account.
5. Additional Steps for Protection
- Update Your Password: If you entered your credentials on a phishing site, immediately change your PayPal password.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
- Monitor Transactions: Review your account activity for unauthorized transactions and report them to PayPal if found.
6. Report to Other Authorities
- Local Authorities: Depending on your location, you can report phishing attempts to a government body (e.g., the FTC in the U.S. at reportfraud.ftc.gov).
- Anti-Phishing Groups: Report phishing to organizations like the Anti-Phishing Working Group (reportphishing@apwg.org).
By promptly reporting spoof or phishing emails to PayPal and following these steps, you can help protect yourself and others from fraud.
Discover More:
Image of Spear Phishing Email with Victims Employerad Link Example