PayPal: Login and card data theft

PayPal customers are currently the focus of card fraudsters, who send out e-mails with a supposedly urgent need for action. In them, the unsuspecting users are warned that their PayPal account has been used to make a payment on a gambling site and that they can still stop the payment if they log in immediately. In this way, the victims are lured to a fake PayPal page in order to steal their login and card data.

13.06.2022 – Victims are notified by a phishing e-mail that their PayPal account has been used to make a payment on a gambling site. Supposedly they can stop the payment if they immediately log in to the PayPal page using the enclosed link. But the link leads to a fake website – a so-called phishing site. This kind of website can often be recognised by a strange web address. As soon as the victims leave their login data and personal card details there, the fraudsters gain access to the victims’ PayPal and card account.

What should I do?
Generally speaking: If you receive e-mails with urgent requests for action, first keep calm and check exactly what they are about. Do not click on any links in the e-mail. Go to the PayPal website in your web browser and log in as usual. This helps you quickly figure out whether the e-mail is an attempt at fraud.

Besides: How to protect yourself from card fraud on the internet

• Banks and card issuers will never ask you for your card details via e-mail.
• Always check your card statements and report suspicious transactions straight away.
• Never pass on confirmation codes to third parties.
• Make sure you are on secure websites. You can recognise this by the abbreviation “https” in the web address.
• Report any claims to the police.