Phishers Attack PayPal Users with New Scam

According to the latest news reports, a phishing scam has been detected of targeting PayPal customers, especially in Jordan.

The fake e-mail, addressing the PayPal members, states that it is a notification issued by PayPal Inc. that if the user doesn't renew the services enlisted in the mail immediately, they will be disabled and deleted.

The e-mail also informs the recipient that earlier also notifications have been delivered to billing contact allocated to the recipient's account. The services which were enlisted for removal or deactivation were the electronic debit card and account services details of the user. The last date for the renewal of those services was mentioned as May 27, 2009.

Finally, the phishing e-mail concludes by giving thanks to the user for using the PayPal online account, saying that PayPal appreciates him for providing the Company an opportunity to offer its services.

Security experts stated that this fake e-mail has been fabricated so sophisticatedly that it looks absolutely genuine and official. An unaware netizen may easily fall for the scam as the content of the e-mail appear quite convincing.

Though, an educated user may find no difficulty in noticing that the web link given at the bottom of that fraudulent e-mail, in fact, points to a government site based in Hashemite Kingdom (Jordan). The URL address: http://www.vtc.gov.jo/accounts.paypal.us/www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr/cmd=_login-run/ shows a government web address followed by PayPal account address.

The security experts noted that it is just another time PayPal has been struck by a phishing scam. The company has urged users to assist it in ensuring the security of their privacy, identity and that of the company's by making use of advanced and latest technology. PayPal also stated that it allows its customers to shop without exposing their banking and credit card details to the merchant.

The company also asked its users that in case they receive any fake or suspicious e-mail, they should forward the same immediately to spoof@paypal.com.

It should be noted that PayPal is not the lone site that has been affected by phishing assaults. eBay is another big online business vendor that has been reported to had suffered similar attacks which target its users from time-to-time.

Related article: Phishers Expand Their Sphere of Attacks

» SPAMfighter News - 6/4/2009