Caveat emptor...............

I am ashamed to admit that I fell for an email scam today. I had the following email from 'paypal' : -

'Security Center

Military Grade Encryption is Only the StartAt PayPal, we want to increase your security and comfort level with every transaction. From our Buyer and Seller Protection Policies to our Verification and Reputation systems, we'll help to keep you safe.

We have recently noticed one or more attempts to log into your PayPal account from a foreign IP address.We also have reason to believe that your account may have been hijacked by a third party without your authorization.

If you recently accessed your account while traveling, the unusual login attempts may have been initiated by you. However, if you are the rightful holder of the account, click on the link below to log into your account within the above-mentioned period.

http://24.227.81.226:8880/paypal.co.uk/

If you choose to ignore our request,

you leave us no choice but to temporarily suspend your account.

We ask that you allow at least 72 hours for the case to be investigated and we strongly recommend to verify your account in that time.

If you received this notice and you are not the authorized account holder, please be aware that it is in violation of PayPal policy to represent oneself as another PayPal user. Such action may also be in violation of local, national, and/or international law.

PayPal is committed to assist law enforcement with any inquires related to attempts to misappropriate personal information with the intent to commit fraud or theft. Information will be provided at the request of law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work together to protect your account.

Sincerely,

PayPal Account Review Department
PayPal, an eBay Company

*Please do not respond to this e-mail as your reply will not be received.










A series of unfortunate events / coincidences led my usually high level of scepticism fall for a while, and I believed the mail, filled it in, and then had a revalation of what a schmuck I had been. I phoned paypal who told me what a schmuck I was, and so did my credit card company. I have now cancelled my card, my paypal account, and all my passwords. A lot of effort for no reward. I am a schmuck.

A salutory tale. Beware, & don't make the same mistake as I (the schmuck).