New Phishing Scam Exploiting PayPal “New Address” Feature

A sophisticated phishing scam has emerged, exploiting PayPal's "New Address" feature to bypass security measures and target unsuspecting users. While this scam does not directly affect Fairfield University, it's crucial to be aware of its tactics and take preventive measures. 

Here's how it works: 

Email Notification: You receive an email from PayPal stating that a new address has been added to your account. This email is sent from PayPal's official email address, making it appear legitimate.
Fake Purchase: The email claims that a costly item, such as a MacBook, is being shipped to this new address. This creates a sense of urgency.
Social Engineering: If you call the provided phone number, scammers posing as PayPal support will try to convince you that your account has been compromised. They may ask you to download software that gives them remote access to your computer.

Protective Measures:

Verify Directly: Always log into your PayPal account directly to check for any unauthorized changes.
Enable Security: Turn on two-factor authentication for added security.
Report Suspicious Emails: Send any suspicious emails to spoof@paypal.com.
Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of emails that create urgency or ask you to call a number. 

This scam is particularly dangerous because it uses PayPal's legitimate email system, bypassing spam filters and exploiting users' trust in PayPal communications.