Police warn of emerging phishing scam

Greater Sudbury Police Service is warning residents of an emerging phishing scam which is associated to a website that many citizens use for online financial transactions.

Consumers will receive an email that appears to be from PayPal in relation to a disputed transaction. The transaction is generally for a small payment.

The intent is to take advantage of the numerous transaction consumers make online and through payment agencies such as PayPal, especially during the busy festive spending time.

Here's how it works:
-The email will present itself in a very official email of the receipt of a PayPal payment from your account.
-When you open it, a very authentic-looking PayPal statement will appear.
-It will be for an item that you haven't bought or even looked at, and will be for a more-than-nominal amount.
-On this invoice there will be a button that states if you did not pay for this item click here, on the premise that you will be opening a dispute.
-The next page you will see will be a VERY authentic-looking PayPal login page very familiar to all PayPal users.
-After entering your account and password and clicking the login button, you will land on an empty link — you may even back screen and make another attempt.
-What you have essentially just done is furnish an unscrupulous individual with access to your PayPal account and all banking items that may be linked to it, including a wealth of personal information.

Consumers should be vigilant of their electronic payment transactions whether debit, credit cards or electronic banking and payment service. Ensure that the website you are dealing with is indeed PayPal or the correct website before clicking any link within these emails or any other transactions.

If you indeed fall into this trap, you must immediately change your password, report the transaction to your financial institution and PayPal and contact the Greater Sudbury Police Service to report the fraudulent transaction.