Recognize fakes when you see them

What is phishing?

• Phishing emails and hoax websites ask you to click on links, contact them, or open attachments to update your account information, confirm your password or confirm a purchase you haven’t made. When you follow the links, the sites are unsecured, letting the fraudsters- collect your login details and/or financial information.

• Phishing scams almost always imitate well-known companies and include company logos, official-looking email templates, or phone call scripts similar to genuine company communications. There are some things to look for that can help you tell the difference.

Emails.

• Look for these signs when you receive an email you weren’t expecting.
• Is the greeting generic or missing? Our emails always include your full name exactly as shown in your account.
• Are there attachments?
• Do the links look genuine? Hover over them before clicking to check.
• Is the design or logo out of date?
• Does the email demand you act immediately?
• Is there spelling or grammatical errors?
• If you answer “yes” to any of the above, the email may not be legitimate.

Websites.

• Whenever you land on a website from a link, check for these signs to make sure you’re safe.
• Is the S (for “secure”) missing from the “https” at the start of the web address?
• Is the padlock in your browser’s address bar missing?
• Is the design or logo out of date?
• Is there spelling or grammatical errors?
• Does the website address look unusual?
• If you answer “yes” to any of the above, you might be on a hoax website.

Texts.

• Smishing or mishing is the SMS or text equivalent of a phishing email. It can even come through social media apps and sites. The message is usually urgent, asking you to call a number or click a link to cancel a transaction you don’t recognize or update your information.

Voice calls.

• Vishing is a voice call phishing attempt. It’s often a recorded message that tells you there’s an urgent problem or you have an overdue bill. They may even mention the police or government authorities. Don’t call them back, even if the caller ID says “PayPal” or another trusted company.

Source: Paypal