Just this afternoon a rash of fake Paypal emails was let loose on the internet, coming “from” notice@ppal.com, and claiming that “You have changed your PayPal email address”, and going on to say that you have added some random email address (most seem to list andrew1987@btconnect.com as the supposedly-added address). The email advised you to send back the attached form, “Personal Profile Form – PayPal-.htm”, if you did not authorize the change.

Astute users who may have noted the “notice@ppal.com” “From:” address may have stopped right there, and the exhortation to download and open the “Personal Profile Form – PayPal-.htm” form is a dead give-away, however receiving a message that someone is supposedly trying to access your Paypal account is concerning enough that many may panic and overlook the signs that it is fake.

So, we’re here to tell you: it’s a fake. Don’t fall for it, and don’t download and open that form. If you have already done so, delete the file asap, and run your antivirus software, in “full scan” mode or the equivalent.

Here is the full text of the scam email:

Dear PayPal Customer,

The Internet Patrol is completely free, and we don't subject you to ads or annoying video pop-ups. But it does cost us out of our pocket to keep the site going (going on 20 years now!) So your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are VERY appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.

CashApp us

Venmo us

Paypal us

You have added andrew1987@btconnect.com as a new email address for your Paypal account.

If you did not authorize this change, check with family members and others who may have access to your account first. If you still feel that an unauthorized person has changed your email, submit the form attached to your email in order to keep your original email and restore your Paypal account.

NOTE: The form needs to be opened in a modern browser which has javascript enabled (ex: Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 3, Safari 3, Opera 9)

Please understand that this is a security measure intended to help protect you and your account. We apologize for any inconvenience.

If you choose to ignore our request, you leave us no choice but to temporary suspend your account.

Sincerely, PayPal Account Review Department.

Please do not reply to this e-mail. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered. For assistance, log in to your PayPal account and choose the “Help” link in the footer of any page.

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Personal Profile Form – PayPal-.htm