Attention, PayPal users: New phishing emails endanger your accounts!

Attention, PayPal users: New phishing emails endanger your accounts!

Deutschland - cybercriminals increasingly different from PayPal users by sending fake emails that tempt the recipients to reveal their sensitive data. A current warning of [5min] reports on phishing messages that contain, among other things, reports such as "Registration with an unknown device in your PayPal profile". Such messages can unsettle users and lead them into the trap of the fraudsters.

These phishing emails usually contain a link to a fake website that looks like the real PayPal page. When the recipients enter their login data, the fraudsters get the information that enables them to access the PayPal account. The consumer center has warned of such a fraudulent email with the subject "PayPal: important notification", in which the recipients are asked to provide personal data for alleged PSD2 verification. The aim of this verification is supposed to prevent abuse and ensure the right customer data, but this is only a pretext of the criminals. A look at the sender address and the use of poor grammar are indications of an attempt to fraud, according to T3n.

How to recognize phishing attempts

There are some simple tips for recognizing phishing attempts. First check the sender of the message, and be vigilant with regard to linguistic mistakes. Pay particular attention to the sender's email address, which has often been changed minimally. A common sign is also that the Internet address does not match the official domain of PayPal.

If a phishing attempt is suspected, immediate measures should be taken: the password should be changed immediately, and if you login, it is advisable to contact PayPal's customer service. In addition, the account should be regularly monitored for suspicious activities. According to the current situation check of [t3n], cybercrime has increased in Germany in recent years, especially for action abroad.

The effects of cybercrime

The [BSI] in its 2024 cyber security monitor found that 24% of the respondents have already become the victim of cybercrime. Even if this proportion has dropped slightly compared to the previous year, the threat remains real. It is particularly worrying that every tenth respondents have suffered a crime on the Internet in the past twelve months. The most common fraudulent activities are online banking fraud, identity theft and phishing.

The consequences for those affected are serious: 30% report from a loss of trust in online services, while 26% have suffered financial damage. Despite growing awareness and the use of protective measures, the proportion of carefree users, especially among young people, seems to rise. This is shown by the fact that 29% of the respondents provide information to feel safe and not to use protective measures. Every fourth perceives security measures too complicated.

attempts at manipulation by cybercriminals are increasing and should be a serious warning signal for all users of online services, especially PayPal accounts. Consumers have to actively deal with the risks and ensure that they protect their personal data.

Further information on the current threats and recommendations for action can be found in the warning messages of [5min] and [t3n], as well as in the cyber security monitor of the [BSI].