Scam Emails Claim That Someone Just Sent You $3,182.00 With PayPal
The original site is no longer online; links go to the Internet Archive copy.
What the fact-checkers found
Apparently, Kathryn just sent me $3,182.00 USD via PayPal. So did Flor. And Andromeda, Betty, and Mea. Not to mention Augustina, Linda, and Shawna. And Dave, of course!
Here’s what one of the emails looks like:
Subject: Kathryn just sent you $3,182.00 USD with Paypal. Paypal recommends to withdraw it now.
Kathryn just sent you $3,182.00 USD with Paypal.
Click here to continue
Best of luck!
Kathryn
Supposedly, I just need to click the links in these emails to withdraw my money, a course of action the message claims is recommended by PayPal
Suprise, surprise! Nobody REALLY Sent me Any Money
Alas, I was shocked and saddened to learn that, in fact, none of these people actually sent me so much as a dollar, let alone $3,182. The emails have no connection to PayPal whatsoever and the links don’t open the PayPal website.
Links Open a Dodgy Get Rich Quick System
In the examples that I’ve analysed, the links all open a decidedly dodgy website that promises to make you a millionaire in short order if you sign up to their “system” for the special today-only fee of around $50 (down from the normal price of just under a $1000).
The sign-up form asks for your personal details as well as your credit card numbers.
Of course, the projected income claims on the site are unrealistic, to say the least. In contradiction to the nonsensical claims hyped up in the “must watch’ introductory video, fine-print on the site’s income disclosure page states that the company won’t guarantee that you will make any money at all.
Companies Who Use Such Spam Tactics Should Not be Trusted
To get people to their dodgy website, the company uses a widespread scam campaign that falsely claims that you have already been sent $3,182. And, it implies a non-existent connection to PayPal. So, they start out with deliberate and willful lies and then have the audacity to ask for your money and personal information. Would you trust your credit card details with a company that uses such tactics? I certainly wouldn’t.
Don’t Click Links In These Emails
If you receive one of these emails, do not click any links it contains. And keep in mind that similar messages have been used to trick people into divulging their personal information on phishing websites or downloading malware.
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