Paypal users in Gedling borough have been warned of a new 1p scam targeting PayPal accounts.
PayPal has warned everyone with an account to “stay vigilant” for the scam, telling users to be aware of scammers trying to create a sense of urgency to steal information.
The scam sees criminals use a non-existent or hacked business account on PayPal to send 1p to your account.
At first, the deposit triggers a genuine email from PayPal.
PayPal users will then receive an email suggesting that a larger sum of money is due to be deposited into their account, and that the 1p was sent just to check your account is active.
The deposit also includes a note that says you have been sent the email ‘because your PayPal account processed a payout by small deposit confirmation’.
The email then advises you to contact PayPal Customer Care to secure your account and request a refund if you didn’t authorise the payment.
But when you call the number, you will actually be put through to a scammer, who will try and steal your personal and financial information.
They could then use this information to gain access to your bank account – and savings.
This is an example of a remote access scam, where fraudsters ask you to download software that gives them access to your device.
Which? is warning people who receive these emails to not call the number or reply to the email.
A PayPal spokesman told the consumer group: “We do not tolerate fraud and are committed to protecting customers from scams like phishing.
“We encourage people to stay vigilant – scammers often create urgency or use fake support numbers to steal information.
“PayPal will never demand urgent action or include phone numbers in payment messages.
“Always log in directly to the official app or website to review activity and report suspicious emails to phishing@paypal.com, then delete them.”
