Paypal is a safe online payment option but still everything is possible to manipulate in our computer world. A false paypal account can be opened within 15 minutes. So do not base your thrust on the fact a seller is using paypal. A direct method will of course not be discussed here as this is a fraud prevention not fraud creation website. But I will give some basic information so you know what is possible and how you can protect yourself. A paypal account without a real name and other proper personal information will be opened by two kinds of people: people who can’t use paypal because of limitations that are present in specific countries, but these will most likely open an US banking account and get a paypal account the legit way — and the other sort are those that we are after; scammers.
If you live in a first world country you will have full access to paypal unless, for some reason, your account got limited or restricted. For many other countries paypal either is not supported or access restricted to only sending money, receiving is impossible. With such a high demand for paypal, businesses and individuals, almost must have this payment option in order to exist in the online world. Nevertheless it is a benefit to have paypal as some will pay only with it. So these people, if skilled enough, sometimes use fake accounts or open accounts in other countries where they have a official document or friends.
But the other majority is using this to steal from people and money laundring. Paypal system needs a few things from you to be able to register with them:
a) Personal information
b) eMail
c) Your IP and registering country must match
d) Identity Confirmation
e) Telephone Number
f) Bank Account
Scammer can have any name, any address, any country he desires for he knows how to fool the paypal system. It does not matter what your real name is you can type in anything that comes into your head. And that is because he knows how to confirm a false identity. For those of you who already have a paypal account know how the identity procedure looks like. You have to add a bank account and your credit card then you wait for the expuse number which appears on your monthly credit card statement and enter it into paypal. How to solve this? A bank account can be opened online easily. Some banks require only a scan of your ID to open an account with them. A little photoshop magic and you are done. Next step is the credit card, how do you get a credit card that will verify a false identity? Easy and cheap! It won’t cost you more than 15$! Many big companies such as amazon sell gift cards. You know how hard it is to buy a good present for your wife, kids or friends. Gift cards were the perfect solution, you give your friend a gift card with the desired amount of cash and he buys himself exactly what he wants. These giftcards must be neutral, work on any name so you can give it to your loved one. Scammers took advantage of this and used cards like these or VCC’s (Virtual Credit Cards) to verify their false identities on paypal and many other online companies. Sometimes paypal calls their customers to verify them or let them know of some important changes/notices. so if you would have provided a false number and are unreachable they will most likely limit your account. A new number untraceable can be obtained easily, the best way the scammers use is Skype! Walla, this is how easy it is for scammers to open up a false verified paypal account!
January 8th, 2008 at 10:08 am
This is very scary, espcially about the 3rd mail dropshop, what is this i have never heard about that, also i just cant see how its possible to withdraw money from paypal through an ATM card, either way its very concerning and something to think about when buying from ebay. I will think twice before making a puchase.
October 2nd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Paypal can send you an ATM linked to your paypal account which allows you to withdraw money in the same way that would from your own personal bank account.
October 15th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
the paypal-ATM scam, is it only applied in US? Do other country citizen needs to worry about it too?
October 15th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
It doesn’t matter what country you’re in really. And it’s not that what you should worry. You should only be careful to whom you send your money and that your account doesn’t get “hacked” and money stolen. For example, check the companies before you make a purchase, don’t open fake paypal emails…
November 9th, 2008 at 6:58 am
You state PAYPAL system needs a few things from an individual to be able to REGISTER with them ie c) YOUR IP AND REGISTERING COUNTRY MUST MATCH. If that is correct, how does the PAYPAL system sort out the individuals who try to open a PAYPAL account using a computer with an IP Address in one country and at the same time that individual giving an address and phone number and registering by selecting a different country from the PAYPAL ‘drop down’ country choice selection ??
ie. The computer is in EGYPT. IP ADDRESS
The individual cannot choose EGYPT as it is not on the PAYPAL ‘drop down’ country choice selection. ie PAYPAL is not available in EGYPT.
Therefore – The individual chooses the UK or US as it is on the PAYPAL ‘drop down’ country choice selection and also matches the address given to PAYPAL together with the relative phone number.
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT PAYPAL DO NOT CHECK AS STATED ??
November 9th, 2008 at 10:12 am
It does not mean that you can not open an account in a different country, even if the IPs don’t match. You can.
However it does raise a flag and if enough flags are raised your account may get frozen.
And if you can provide all the information paypal asks, you can open an account just about anywhere. You may be required to provide them with things like your credit card, bank account, personal ID or driving license, utility bills…
November 10th, 2008 at 5:27 am
Thank you admin
May I ask. On opening a PAYPAL account from anywhere in the world would PAYPAL be able to identify the EXACT ADDRESS where the computer is being used from at the time by just knowing the IP ADDRESS.
Or would the IP ADDRESS just disclose the AREA and COUNTRY.
Also would a DIAL UP SERVER and/or the TELEPHONE COMPANY being used be able to pin point the EXACT ADDRESS from where a computer is being used from by knowing the IP ADDRESS used at any time.
November 16th, 2008 at 1:36 am
Yes, you may trace an IP. We do it for all customers visiting our website. We use a software called etracker that tracks each visitor then we use another software to track IP address thus keeping a check on what buyers watch in different countries. In all European countries and US,Canada you can pin point IP location of user till street and house number if you use paid IP tracking service.
We can run but not hide!!!!
February 16th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
cant trace the wireless
March 6th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
We have been victims of this scam. In december someone in “California” took 1900 dollars out of our checking account..with a false name registered to our routing and checking numbers..and then to our dismay after changing accounts and everything it happened AGAIN TODAY. 1850 dollars taken out of our savings this time. I have never used paypal,have not opened up a “scam” e-mail and have no clue how they were able to get passed our anti-virus protection and every other firewall we have..and through the secure Wells Fargo website..but it was done..and it is really aggravating! Takes 10 days to get a refund,which is just a huge inconvienence. But we dont have to worry about it again because once our acct has been scammed it cant be done again..both accounts have..so it should be smooth sailing after we get this one done with! Watch out out there,because no matter how secure you think you are..you are actually just lucky that they haven’t chosen you YET!!!!!!!!
April 17th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I didn’t see this answered anywhere above and I’d appreciate any help you have to offer. I was wondering if it’s possible to be a victim of a scam if you are the seller. Can the buyer send a ‘fake’ payment to paypal? If the link was set up by the seller in their actual paypal and then sent the link to the buyer, who then agreed to pay ‘X AMT’ and the seller agrees to send the item as soon as payment is confirmed. Does the money directly get taken from them and put into the seller’s bank acct or what happens there? Any help?
April 17th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Yes, they can. One of the ways is through a fake e-check (that’s why you’re advised not to send anything in advance before it clears). You could also receive “fraudulent funds”. For example through phishing or other similar activities a thief can obtain a username/password of a particular paypal account. He will then send out the money to one or more recipients (his accounts) and may pay you from one of these accounts. Such payments could be reverted, because they’re stolen.
June 17th, 2009 at 5:15 am
In response to Hannah’s query “Can the buyer send a ‘fake’ payment to paypal?”
Buyers can do chargebacks which is just as bad. Paypal just isn’t safe anymore
July 12th, 2009 at 6:28 am
I have a question,if i open a fake account which also contain money,can I send money to other account.The way to get the money is legal.
August 8th, 2009 at 5:07 am
pls how can i open a personal paypal account from Nigeria. I ve been trying to open this account since but Nigeria is not in paypal country dropbar. thanks
September 11th, 2009 at 12:16 am
What is “Walla” My gosh. ITS Voilà!!!!!!!!
September 14th, 2009 at 6:03 am
I was recently scammed by a fake paypal. Was so pissed about it and the real paypal didn’t really care. LOL, i have tried to contact different agencies but they are not replying to my email anyway. The fake paypal is apparantly comes from nigeria. Their modus operandi is they are going to transact with you, and then they will say that they have over debitted the buyer in which you need to send the money back via western union. (well i never did send the money cause i dont want to lose more than i had alreay, i like spent for the shipping :/ which was hell alot.
Hope my experience give ideas to people
September 26th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Every time I think I will just get a pp account i do a little research and only horror story comes up. I will just stay away of pp.
October 5th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I recently used paypal and should have used my credit card because my card will help me fight fraud, paypal is just a service for fake companies to hide. I bought a $150 dress and did not receive it and paypal could care less and would not offer me anymore information to contact the company. I tried to open a case and it was closed by the company within minutes.
Dont use paypal or buy from out of the country.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:08 am
Bashy didn’t you read through the forum? Are you a dummy? Nigerians are sharp guys I don’t know where you were raised. Òlòdó!!!!!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 1:11 am
I have been using using paypal for a few years now already, and touch wood, I have always received my items. I buy alot. After 30 days of not receiving my item I just report it and the seller usually gets back to me and we sort it out.
December 5th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
thank u!
December 10th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
I am subahs chandra poudel from nepal. For paypal account of my country recieving payments is not possible! So I made another paypal account with fake address “India”
And I dont have any friends nor documents in india!
So can you please tell me can i get difficulties latter on?
Subash Chandra Poudel.
December 27th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Person that talks about IP not matching country, it doesn’t matter, people use whats known as proxy’s. Your computer bounces off the other computer in another country, therefore ping and country can match.
December 28th, 2009 at 5:23 am
@Subash
most of people in send only country do think and they get banned when they get a complain for cheating. Most of people are also found to use VCC for this purpose
January 2nd, 2010 at 4:07 pm
I have been a victim of F** nigerians..they sent me a fake email from paypal saying money has been deducted from buyers account and you can get the money by showing proof of shipment (scanned fedex). I recalled the shipment in time and got it back.
Thanks to Fedex guys.
January 19th, 2010 at 1:28 am
@ subash
If you forget the password and security answers you lose all money.
That is what happended in my case.Lost more than 100$
January 30th, 2010 at 10:53 pm
Hi. If i buy some thing on line and using pay pal to pay and do not recieved the item, can i withdraw back the payment ? need help. Please!
March 22nd, 2010 at 11:34 am
PLEASE READ AND RESPOND THANK YOU!!…………………………………..
SORRY!! I KEEP ON MESSING UP IGNORE 1ST TWO COMENTS INSTEAD TO SAY “item” I KEPT SAYING MONEY LOL
so iam about to purchase some stuff but its from UK i am going to make a payment through pay pal ,the guy send me hes email address that i assume is registered with hes paypal account,so when i send him the money ,does the seller gets the money rightaway or he just get a email from paypal , with direcitions.so shouldnt it be something like the seller dont get my money yet untill i confirm paypal i recieved the “ITEM” and then pay pal send the seller money for the item i purchaseD. please help me out.It’s my 1st time dealing with this company or this person and it’s 1st time dealing with outer country as well.
March 26th, 2010 at 11:49 am
IMPORTANT READ
I was scammed out of nearly 1,000 dollars recently in a fake paypal scam. if you sell things on ebay its people who want to buy out of the country, mostly the UK and always Nigeria 100% of the time. its rediculous and theres no way to trace it. These people need to learn how to make money the right way. Like everyone else, they are not the only people who have money problems. But I got scammed big time. Im just letting everyone else know to be carefull. make sure you learn about paypal thoroughly before doing it. Honestly, if i had learned a little more about it I could have prevented my 940$ loss
March 26th, 2010 at 11:51 am
BTW PETER,
never do anything with the UK. I contacted paypal about my problem and they told me to never do anything with anyone from the UK and Nigeria. Be carefull
April 25th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
It’s “voila”, not “walla”. Don’t look like a fool.
May 5th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Hey,
Im new at trying to sell things and i have somone who want to buy my car in CA..he says its a gift and that he will pay for it in full through paypal and him or someone will be coming to get the car after the payment is made..what should i do? i have emailed him about 4 times trying to see if its a scam but he emails me back everytime
May 5th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
There’s a chance that he will reverse the payment. He could be legit, but probably not. Ask him why he doesn’t withdraw his paypal money and pay you in cash?
May 12th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Is it fraudulent to use a fake/alias name or address when purchasing things online? If you don’t want to give out your info…the name and address would not be linked to a real person, but just randomly made up? I ask this because if I want to avoid getting on third party lists, I can just use a nonexistent alias
July 7th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Hello Amdin ,
i would like to share some payal stuff i had across today , my colluige called me and told me someone has transferred funds in your account .. which is beyond companies policy . i am not working in this company an more but still they called me and said i did it .. which i didnt , the person who sent the money on PayPal said he sent it …to my name ?
now i do not understand whats going on ? like who is using my name and taking funds ? is there any way to catch the culprit or its just like another person ashwin had the money?
suppose the culprit took the money in his account ( fake) and then tranfered it to his account and withdraw it ? can it be traced?
thnks
ashwin
July 8th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Who cares… The white men came to Africa.. Nigeria they stole all our treasures and used our fore fathers as slaves all in the name of COLONIZATION and now it is the turn of our generation to pay them back in their own coin.The whit men especially US citizens are so greedy and that’s was the main reason they are scammed. I LOVE MY COUNTRY AND I DON’T CARE ABOUT ANY NEGATIVE THE OUTSIDE WORLD HAS TO SAY. The white men taught Nigerian all the scams and now they are the best at it so no need to cry foul.
July 17th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
@ bcre8tiv
How do you know the people you are stealing from are not your Nigerian relatives that were forced into slavery by the white men you hate so much
July 20th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Just to let you know I was also almost scammed by an idiot. One thing I did learn from Paypal is that any emails that are really from paypal start with service@ not the paypal@ so keep this in mind people and if you are not sure and even if you are just call paypal they have wonderful customer service. and they will never ask you to send anything to the buyer first before you receive your money.
July 27th, 2010 at 9:50 am
I advertised an early american Hutch on craigs list for $1200 and received an E.mail from England, who offered to pay the asking price without even asking if I would take less. They also asked me to set up an account at paypal so I could get paid and she needed my address so her shipping agent could pick it up. She did not ask about condition, approximate weight, or even what type of wood, (oak, pine, walnut etc.) I immediately became suspicious. I cancelled my paypal account right away. Will paypal do anything about this. Her e-mail address is elsneranne@ymail.com. She said that she was from Norwich East of England, and was on a missionary course attached to Norwich Cathedral
August 2nd, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Hey she tried the same but i was on to here from the start. I have been playing with her all day she thinks I have sent her the up front money. I reported her to Yahoo on both her accounts and they are closing them down. I have been having fun with it. I do this all the time and actually had one want to meet to pick up the money but he never showed.I suggest you report her email address to yahoo.com. good luck.
August 5th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Mike Chapman!
“Norwich Cathedral,and a very busy woman,that’s why i can’t use any other form of payment than
paypal,its easy for me.”
I got the same problem! she send me the same info you just writte! And I almost send her the shipping fee via wester union, I’m glad I dind’t send her the money thx! but what should I do, cancell my paypal account?
August 13th, 2010 at 5:57 am
I too just received an offer for an antique bar I am selling, and just as Mike said, she has not asked me about the condition, the weight, or any specifics. I even have “price negotiable” on my ad, and she did not even try to barter with me! I guess I understand, she is a “very busy woman” doing missionery work and is from Norwich, East of England. Here’s the weirdest thing….I searched just that “missionary course Norwich Cathedral in Norwich East of England” and guess what? It brought me here. (How appropriate too: bustathief.com!) So I started reading, and thanks to all of you, my suspicions are confirmed! Only in my case, she is using the name “Susan Verrett” and the email is: sverret@ymail.com… So Now what????
August 16th, 2010 at 8:20 am
Im on Craigslist and im selling a few things.. i plan on using paypal at the end of the day, if someone offeres me more money than i think its worth and i take it, is there some type of scam where you send a request for the amount and they send you the amount and its in your paypal account.. is there some way that can be fake? like fake money or something idk.. and if i transfer that to my bank account will that do anything or can it do anything? I thought i read about something like that… Thanks let me know ASAP
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Ok, same thing happened to me, but thankfully I Googled their email address first. These rotten, smelly, Nigerians are now using the email address: elsneranne@rocketmail.com Same story, they are from England blah blah blah. They wanted address and other info. They make me sick and need a .45 to the head.
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Beware, because they tried this same scam on me via CRAIGSLIST. Nigeria makes me sick and it should be turned into glass. Those dirty Nigerians or poor Eastern Europeans work out of the UK as well. elsneranne@rocketmail.com Was the address used again… Here is “Anne’s” email. I like how “she” says “and a very busy man here.”
Elsner Anne
Hello,
Thanks for your response,I want you to know i am serious about this,and i am willing to pay your asking price,but I will be paying you through my online paypal account,as that’s the only way i receive and make payment for my purchases online,due to that i am from Norwich East of England and am on a missionary course attach to Norwich Cathedral,and a very busy man here,that’s why i cant use any other form of payment than paypal,its easy for me.
So if you are ok with paypal,get back to me with the email linked to your paypal account if you have one and if you are new to the paypal,you can easily set up your own paypal account at http://www.paypal.comits easy,fast,safe and secure,all i need is the email address you use in your registration with paypal,that will enable me to make the payment,and with your address for pick up,as I will arrange a shipping agent my self.
I will email my Shipping Agent with your address so he can estimate the shipping cost for me,so don’t forget to include your address and phone number when you reply with your email linked to paypal for payment,as i will need your address before payment.
Note.PayPal do charge little fee out of each transaction,i take care of that on my side and the shipping agent will come for the pick up after payment,so please email me with the information as soon as possible.
I look forward to hearing from you soon .
Very best wishes.
Anne.
August 26th, 2010 at 11:03 am
I just recieved a similar email. Someone who calls themself Susan Verret (sverret@ymail.com) wants to buy it at the asking price, sight unseen. Says she’s from Norwich East of England and on a missionary course attached to Norwich Cathedral, blah, blah, blah….here’s her email in response to what I’m selling on Craigslist:
Hello.
Thanks for your response,I am ok with your asking price but I will be paying through my online paypal account,as that’s the only way i receive and make payment for my purchases online,due to that i am from Norwich East of England and i’m on a missionary course attached to Norwich Cathedral,and i am always busy here,that’s why i can’t use any other form of payment than paypal,because it makes shopping easy for me online.
So if you are ok with paypal,and you have paypal account,kindly get back to me with the email linked to your paypal account and if you are new to paypal,you can easily set up your own paypal account at http://www.paypal.com its easy,fast,safe and secured,all i need is the email address you use in your registration with paypal,that will enable me to make the payment,and with your address for pick up,as I will arrange a shipping agent my self,and I will need to send him your address so he can estimate the shipping cost for me and he will also be the one to handle and sign the purchase agreements when he come for the pick up.
so don’t forget to include your address and phone number when you reply with your email linked to paypal for payment,as i will need your address before payment,and never mind about the paypal charges,i will pay the charges and my shipping agent will come for the pick up after your confirm the money in your account.
I look forward to read from you asap .
Very best wishes,
Susan.