Paypal "security measure" -is it right?

macman

ShockingPink wrote: »

Thanks for this; unfortunately I'm still using Windows98 (embarrassed smiley) so the Malware programme won't work (and earlier versions aren't available for download).

Also - if I do manage to do a scan, is it safe to publish the log on a public forum?

Many thanks for all your help. I'll be able to use a PC at work tomorrow anyway, so can try getting in to Paypal then and see what happens....

Yes, and a lot safer than trying to run Windows 98 securely...

aliEnRIK

Crikey! Id seriously advise against online banking etc whilst using an out of date windows operating system

prowla

thomas01155 wrote: »

You might want to swap to something like Ubuntu if you are using win98 new version is out in 2 days cant wait to update http://www.ubuntu.com/

Laudible as your evangelism of Linux is, I really don't think that Ubuntu would help in this case.


Anyway, ...

Back on topic, I would say that in general you should be EXTREMELY WARY of clicking on a link from an email.

You can often hover your mouse over the link and see what the real address is, for instance something could say it's "www.paypal.com" but the real address is "www.dirtyrottenscammer.geocities.com/papal.pl". For instance, if you click on this link, it will take you to google: www.paypal.com; it really is that easy!
(In my browser, if you put your mouse over the link, the real address (ie. google) will be shown in the status bar at the bottom of the window.)

Essentially what happens is the scammer has their own site with a web page that looks incredibly like the genuine one (and may even use the exact same graphics, eg. this is from paypal's site), but really it is a form designed to read the username and password that you type in - the first time you try it; it then says error and passes you on to the genuine page, where you happily log in and think you must've typed in your password wrong first time around.

The scammer then has your paypal account details.

What could have happened in this case is that the scammer went one step further and asked you to type in your credit card details too!

I think you need to call your credit card company and tell them what has happened, and you may need a new card.

Also, log in to paypal directly and see what happens; you could also try phoning them to get your account sorted.

Remember - the golden rule is DO NOT TRUST LINKS IN EMAILS.

ShockingPink

prowla wrote: »

Laudible as your evangelism of Linux is, I really don't think that Ubuntu would help in this case.


Anyway, ...

Back on topic, I would say that in general you should be EXTREMELY WARY of clicking on a link from an email.

You can often hover your mouse over the link and see what the real address is, for instance something could say it's "www.paypal.com" but the real address is "www.dirtyrottenscammer.geocities.com/papal.pl". For instance, if you click on this link, it will take you to google: www.paypal.com; it really is that easy!
(In my browser, if you put your mouse over the link, the real address (ie. google) will be shown in the status bar at the bottom of the window.)

Essentially what happens is the scammer has their own site with a web page that looks incredibly like the genuine one (and may even use the exact same graphics, eg. this is from paypal's site), but really it is a form designed to read the username and password that you type in - the first time you try it; it then says error and passes you on to the genuine page, where you happily log in and think you must've typed in your password wrong first time around.

The scammer then has your paypal account details.

What could have happened in this case is that the scammer went one step further and asked you to type in your credit card details too!

I think you need to call your credit card company and tell them what has happened, and you may need a new card.

Also, log in to paypal directly and see what happens; you could also try phoning them to get your account sorted.

Remember - the golden rule is DO NOT TRUST LINKS IN EMAILS.

Thanks - very useful about hovering over the link. However, I did actually type the URL in to the address bar as I've heard about phishing emails! But someone above thinks I might have been scammed anyway!

Is it really unsafe to use internet banking with Windows98? I've been doing it for a couple of years and this is the first hint of trouble I've had (and not with banking either). This is quite scary stuff!:eek:

ShockingPink

aliEnRIK wrote: »

Crikey! Id seriously advise against online banking etc whilst using an out of date windows operating system

Come round and tell my OH that! When we got the PC, he insisted on Windows98 (although 2000 was then available) because it was the last OS you could use with a 5.5 inch floppy (he had some old ones he needed, apparently). So we've got a PC with a 3.5 and a 5.5 floppy drive; and has he ever used the 5.5 that was so important? Has he eckerslike....

And breathe....

weegie.geek

ShockingPink wrote: »

Come round and tell my OH that! When we got the PC, he insisted on Windows98 (although 2000 was then available) because it was the last OS you could use with a 5.5 inch floppy (he had some old ones he needed, apparently). So we've got a PC with a 3.5 and a 5.5 floppy drive; and has he ever used the 5.5 that was so important? Has he eckerslike....

And breathe....

He should've booted into linux/98 when he needed to read his old discs. Or just transferred the data off those discs. Or would that have been too simple?

I agree with previous posters though, the OP really needs to ditch 98. It's unsupported by microsoft, so any security problems won't be fixed.

It's also unsupported by most security companies, so you'll find it hard to get decent AV/Spyware stuff for it.

cheesio

a few weeks ago when i logged into paypal, i got a similar message about updating my details, including a credit card number request. after doing so, i managed to successfully complete a transaction - so i don't think it was a phishing site that i'd been redirected to. have used paypal since, no problems, and no unusual spending on my credit card either.

wilf55

please give them a ring to make sure i rang them the other day after my account was restricted and got everything unrestricted within a couple of hours after threatening them with the information commissioner the fsa and the police !! well why not they were holding my money

banger9365

why don't you get get the paypal key thing ,so it send you a six digit number to your mobile before you can login
Mobile phone security key

from there site https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=xpt/Marketing_CommandDriven/securitycenter/PayPalSecurityKey-outside

chunter

Scary. You really need to pay a few quid and buy a newer computer.
You're simply dicing with death if handling money over a VERY old operating system.

The amount of money you could lose could dwarf the hundred odd quid for a 2nd hand XP machine. False economies.