Another Paypal scam...

...or is it?

Note: All names have been changed to protect the innocent. All party’s are presumed innocent until proven guilty. …Or until I get my money.   


So I'm checking my email this morning, performing the daily ritual of deleting all the crap that the spam blocker doesn't catch. Normal junk. But, as I'm scrolling down, one entry in particular catches my eye. "Heywood Jabloughmie has just sent you $999.00 USD with Paypal."
...Reeally.
(Read as "really?" with a big ol’ glop of homemade sarcasm; so much that it’s oozing over the edges. Mmmm…sarcasm.   )

I know. No big deal. I mean I get this phishing garbage all the time. "Click here to correct this problem immediately." But, when you click the link it takes you to Youareretardedforclickingthislink.com and *poof* bye-bye identity. However, the entry right after this one made me do a double take. It was from service(at)paypal(dot)com and read: Investigation into Recent Transaction: Case XX-000-000-000(Respond by 3/1/2007)

I had to admit, this was pretty good. This was the first time I’d seen "The Brother & The Stranger" approach tried via electronic mail. (Ref.: The Color of Money ~ "Money won is twice as sweet as money earned." …ah, but I digress.)

Upon looking at this email, however, I was somewhat taken aback. No erroneous links to click on. Just a polite and formal letter advising me that I had received a payment that I hadn’t authorized and that I should check my Paypal account. Very interesting…

So I direct my browser to Paypal.com to see what’s the hubbub. Sure enough. I had a transaction from Heywood for ne’r ten dimes. And—it seems—a hold on said transaction. Bollocks! …I mean…sure…of course. What? …No! I didn’t have my hopes up. What do you take me for?! Pfffttt.   

Now, Heywood hasn’t contacted me personally, and I will reciprocate accordingly. Though, it does make me wonder what kind of person sends a thousand samollies to the wrong email addy.    

So no pennies from heaven for me just yet, and as of this posting my account is frozen pending investigation; which in reality is no big deal, but is a bit scary. Anywho, just thought I’d share. I’ll post an update so those of you on the edge of your seat won’t aggravate your sciatica.   

Have a great day!
17,664 views 14 replies
Reply #1 Top
Share the wealth, bruthah!

This could be beneficial, but its definitely an interesting setup.  Interesting choice of names...
Reply #2 Top
Thats a new approach - all I ever get are emails from paypal international " Your paypal account has been charged $899.00 etc - please click here if you think this is in error.

I don't have a paypal account ... ho hum..
Reply #3 Top
Your paypal account has been charged $899.00


Calling the Gangster of Love  
Reply #4 Top
Calling the Gangster of Love


Its 2:30 and my head is once again humming " Space Cowboy "

kill me

Reply #5 Top
Its 2:30


that is the saddest commentary
could be worse...could be skinhit and Po singing at your footboard

sorry...back to topic
Reply #6 Top
.could be skinhit and Po singing at your footboard


Your right - that is worse ...can you hear the duet
You're the cutest thing
That I ever did see
I really love your peaches
Want to shake your tree
Lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey all the time
Ooo-eee baby, I'll sure show you a good time

Back to Pay Pal...
Reply #7 Top

Your right - that is worse ...can you hear the duet
You're the cutest thing
That I ever did see
I really love your peaches
Want to shake your tree
Lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey all the time
Ooo-eee baby, I'll sure show you a good time


NOOOoooooo!!!!!!!

Back to Pay Pal...
Reply #8 Top
stick with paypal.... please


/bichur goes to scrub brain with wire brush and clorox
Reply #10 Top

Put a stick in your arse and twist it three times. You will get money from Nigeria!


I tried that it doesn't work...
must have been twisting the wrong way?
Reply #11 Top
Put a stick in your arse and twist it three times. You will get money from Nigeria!


I don't want to risk getting a ticket...as it's a one-way street and all.   


It's been near a week now and my account is still frozen. No reply from Paypal as of yet. Good thing I don't use the account that often!
Reply #12 Top
It's been near a week now and my account is still frozen. No reply from Paypal as of yet. Good thing I don't use the account that often!


Seriously - when I received that first form of phishing that my account had been charged $899.00 - I called them on the phone - even though I knew I had no paypal account open , I hate when I feel violated. The phone call reassured me that everything was fine and I was given and address to forward the fake email to PayPal..then have a separate addy to forward this stuff to..they replied pretty fast - with in first day.
You may want to ring them if you feel they have lost your original email.

Reply #13 Top
Heres a tip.. NO one is going to send you 900 bucks accidentally..

Why don't you call Paypal?
Reply #14 Top
Continued from reply #12:
You can locate the PayPal Help Center through the following link:

https://www.paypal.com/help

For instant help, please contact PayPal at 402-935-2050.

And for those that recieve those phishing emails that ask you to click on links if you want to dispute the charge to your 'PayPal' account ( remember PayPal always addresses you on the email with your real name but never asks you any personal info)

Forward all phishing emails to :
[email protected]