Well with all of the activities going on via eBay I’ve been jumping around a bit. Looks like somebody noticed and decided to see if I was a sucker or not. The e-mail I received follows. I’ve re-directed the links to this blog.
To: “Peter Ingemi”
Content-Type: text/html; This is clue 1. Large companies almost never send plain text. That doesn’t mean that if it wasn’t plan text that it was real but it is a clue.
Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:25:56 EST
Subject: Please Restore Your Account Access RXI019 This is clue 2. The classic phishing scheme is “restore” or “fix” something.
Dear Peter Ingemi,As part of our security measures, we regularly screen activity in the PayPal system. We recently contacted you after noticing an issue on your account. They are always crying account issues. This is actually rather smart since they are sending it after some account activity.
We requested information from you for the following reason: They are playing the “request” card nice and sweet
A recent review of your account determined that we require some additional information from you in order to provide you with secure service. They always need “extra info”
Case ID Number: PP-332-990-588 Oh a case ID then it MUST be real. You’d be surprised how much that makes a difference to people.
This is a second reminder to log in to PayPal This is the first phony link. as soon as possible. Once you log in, you will be provided with steps to restore your account access.
Be sure to log in securely by using the following link:
Click here to login and restore your account access And this is the 2nd.Once you log in, you will be provided with steps to restore your account access. We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure account safety. Once you log it they’ve got you!
In accordance with PayPal’s User Agreement, your account access will remain limited until the issue has been resolved. Unfortunately, if access to your account remains limited for an extended period of time, it may result in further limitations or eventual account closure. We encourage you to log in to your PayPal account as soon as possible to help avoid this. This is really smart. Once they get in and change your password you will be locked out while they take every cent they can. This sentence gives you a plausible reason why your normal activities fail and how many people actually read those agreements?
To review your account and some or all of the information that PayPal used to make its decision to limit your account access, please visit the Resolution Center. If, after reviewing your account information, you seek further clarification regarding your account access, please contact PayPal by visiting the Help Center and clicking “Contact Us”. Another line to stall you.
We thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Please understand that this is a security measure intended to help protect you and your account. We apologize for any inconvenience. And again you are doing this for your own good.
Sincerely,
PayPal Account Review DepartmentPayPal Email ID PP638 The last official touch
If you look at the actual raw links you would see a long complicated link, that is another big clue.
The way to confirm that something like this is nonsense is easy.
Either put the raw address of the company (in this case http://www.paypal.com) into your browser and do a search of the base company (paypal) and follow that link. If there is something actually going on you will find it there. Don’t be the pfish who falls for the bait on the hook.
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