I just wanted to let everyone on the board know about my horrible experience today (and hopefully save any of you from going through the same thing). I was updating my checking account ledger today when I was shocked to find a transaction in the amount of $1809.00 electronically debited from Paypal! I called paypal and they said that this happens sometimes because hackers gain access to your password by sending a phony e-mail asking you to "verify" your paypal account. As soon as you enter your e-mail address and password it will tell you the website is not accessible (but by typing your information, you have just given these crooks access to your secure account.)
So, to make a long story short - I did receive one (and maybe more) of these phony e-mails. I don't recall responding, but I may have tried to log on. Anyway, this gave some terrible person access to my account and they sent themselves my entire checking account balance! Luckily I had made a deposit that had not cleared yet, so my ourstanding checks will not bounce.
I have to send paypal a notarized copy of my complaint, fill out an unauthorized electronic withdrawl form with the bank (and I also filed a claim with the FBI's internet fraud division). I am really hoping that they track this person down and I'm not sure of the law (but if I'm lucky) this may be grand theft.
So to all of you- please make sure to be extra extra careful if you use these online payment services! And, if you receive an e-mail from someone you think is paypal or billpoint - go directly to their url to log on - don't click the link in the e-mail!!
So, to make a long story short - I did receive one (and maybe more) of these phony e-mails. I don't recall responding, but I may have tried to log on. Anyway, this gave some terrible person access to my account and they sent themselves my entire checking account balance! Luckily I had made a deposit that had not cleared yet, so my ourstanding checks will not bounce.
I have to send paypal a notarized copy of my complaint, fill out an unauthorized electronic withdrawl form with the bank (and I also filed a claim with the FBI's internet fraud division). I am really hoping that they track this person down and I'm not sure of the law (but if I'm lucky) this may be grand theft.
So to all of you- please make sure to be extra extra careful if you use these online payment services! And, if you receive an e-mail from someone you think is paypal or billpoint - go directly to their url to log on - don't click the link in the e-mail!!