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PayPal acct. limited or is this phishing?

by A.Green
12 replies
Update: The limit on my account has been lifted. I was able to upload a copy of my bank statement and apparently that was enough proof of address to get my account reinstated, and in less than 24 hrs. I'm so relieved. Thanks for all your help, everyone!

...
I hope it's okay to post this in the main forum. I thought other IMers might have experienced this, too. I'd enormously appreciate any advice or words of comfort anyone might have regarding this.

I just got a message saying my PayPal account has been limited:

"As part of our security measures, we regularly screen activity in the PayPal system. During a recent screening, we noticed an issue regarding your account. We have reason to believe that your account was accessed by a third party."

I did start with my correct, full name and it contained no link. When I type in paypal.com (I'm probably still logged in), I'm taken to a page that asks me to enter my full bank account number, credit card #, etc. Needless to say, I'm afraid to enter anything on that page.

But they tell me to "visit the Resolution Center" but I can't because I can't get past that page that wants my CC # and all. I just tried via a proxy. Guess I have to call.

In my inbox, almost immediately before that message, was an email saying my account at InternationalS*xGuide had been locked out because someone entered the wrong password 5 times. Sure as heck wasn't me! First of all, I didn't know I had an account there and the message gave me their IP and it was from another country than where I am. Makes me suspicious.

I've heard once they limit your account, it's closed for 6 months even though after they clear up any security concerns. I'm completely panicked right now because I'm in another country (as in, traveling), this was were all my income came through, and my bank account ain't too fat. I am just so panicked.
#acct #limited #paypal #phishing
  • Profile picture of the author Nightowl
    Might be real. Might be fake. Clear out your cookies and web cache. Close your browser. Open it again, and type in (if you don't have it bookmarked):

    https://www.paypal.com

    Make sure you're on a secure page, then log in to your account.

    - Nightowl
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  • Profile picture of the author proserve
    It is Phishing. Anything you receive that does not have your specific customer name in it is Phishing. PayPal will always use your actual name. They will NEVER address anything as 'Dear PayPal Customer' or anything like that...
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      I'd close my browser - then re-open it and go to paypal using the google address bar.
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  • Profile picture of the author A.Green
    NightOwl, Thanks, I'll try that. Thing is I already logged in again through a proxy and got that same "security page" again.

    Proserve, that's the problem. It had my real, correct first and last name on it. That's why I'm worried. And now it looks like I can't even get into their stupid "Resolution Center" to find out what's wrong unless I re-enter all my info.

    Any one ever hear of any account being "un-limited" in less than 6 months? That's what I'm really worried about.
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    WritingThatPaysYou.com: specializing in health and home improvement.
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    • Profile picture of the author proserve
      Originally Posted by A.Green View Post

      NightOwl, Thanks, I'll try that. Thing is I already logged in again through a proxy and got that same "security page" again.

      Proserve, that's the problem. It had my real, correct first and last name on it. That's why I'm worried. And now it looks like I can't even get into their stupid "Resolution Center" to find out what's wrong unless I re-enter all my info.

      Any one ever hear of any account being "un-limited" in less than 6 months? That's what I'm really worried about.
      I would immediately change my password and notify PayPal, customer support, about this.
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      If you start out with a mistaken premise, it is impossible to reach your goal.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Anthony
    Paypal logs IPs to protect you. Once they have verified you are who you are then you will have access. This is not the same as a limit due to selling practices. I don't think you will have any long term limit provided you can prove who you are. Now ifyour credit card and personal information is compromised it may take a bit of work.
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  • Profile picture of the author A.Green
    Kay, thanks. Tried that, still getting the "security measures" page. I don't think this is phishing.

    Thanks to you, too, Mike.

    >>Once they have verified you are who you are then you will have access.
    This is comforting.

    >>Now ifyour credit card and personal information is compromised it may take a bit of work
    This is not. In other words, if I've been a victem of ID theft, right? Sweet mother of pearl, I need a drink.

    Proserve,
    >>I would immediately change my password and notify PayPal, customer support, about this.
    Would be a good idea, but I can't get into my acct at all. I try to log in and immediately get a page asking for my CC info, etc. Mama mia.
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    WritingThatPaysYou.com: specializing in health and home improvement.
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    • Profile picture of the author proserve
      Originally Posted by A.Green View Post

      Proserve,
      Would be a good idea, but I can't get into my acct at all. I try to log in and immediately get a page asking for my CC info, etc. Mama mia.
      If they are asking for CC information, it is most definitely Phishing...
      Signature
      If you start out with a mistaken premise, it is impossible to reach your goal.
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  • Profile picture of the author CC
    Originally Posted by A.Green View Post

    I hope it's okay to post this in the main forum. I thought other IMers might have experienced this, too. I'd enormously appreciate any advice or words of comfort anyone might have regarding this.

    I just got a message saying my PayPal account has been limited:

    “As part of our security measures, we regularly screen activity in the PayPal system. During a recent screening, we noticed an issue regarding your account. We have reason to believe that your account was accessed by a third party.”

    I did start with my correct, full name and it contained no link. When I type in paypal.com (I’m probably still logged in), I’m taken to a page that asks me to enter my full bank account number, credit card #, etc. Needless to say, I’m afraid to enter anything on that page.

    But they tell me to "visit the Resolution Center" but I can't because I can't get past that page that wants my CC # and all. I just tried via a proxy. Guess I have to call.

    In my inbox, almost immediately before that message, was an email saying my account at InternationalS*xGuide had been locked out because someone entered the wrong password 5 times. Sure as heck wasn’t me! First of all, I didn’t know I had an account there and the message gave me their IP and it was from another country than where I am. Makes me suspicious.

    I’ve heard once they limit your account, it’s closed for 6 months even though after they clear up any security concerns. I'm completely panicked right now because I'm in another country (as in, traveling), this was were all my income came through, and my bank account ain't too fat. I am just so panicked.
    I got the same thing and it is a scam to get you to give your info to someone who is not Paypal.

    I sent the message on to Paypal so they could look at it.

    Please everybody don't ever answer these type of emails, contact the real company and see if they sent it.

    Connie
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  • Profile picture of the author A.Green
    Connie, thanks. I've been Googleing for info on this and it looks like some are scams and some are really from PayPal. PayPal does actually send emails of this type.

    And this is really bad news:
    paypalsucks (dot) com/forums/showthread.php?fid=17&tid=23413&old_block=0
    I'm in the same position. No utility bills in my own name.

    This guy seemed to have some luck, though: techquark (dot) com/2009/08/day-my-paypal-account-was-limited.html So maybe there's hope yet. Here's praying for some.

    I'm going to clear my cache, run a virus cleaner, etc. May just go to an internet cafe, actually. so, I'll be back in an hour. Thank you all for the help.
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    WritingThatPaysYou.com: specializing in health and home improvement.
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    • Profile picture of the author awmi
      I have received emails like that before and in my case they were spam.

      If someone accessed your account log on and check all transactions. If there is no problem and you are still unsure contact PayPal via email, or phone:

      1-402-935-2050 (a U.S. telephone number)
      4:00 AM PST to 10:00 PM PST Monday through Friday
      6:00 AM PST to 8:00 PM PST Saturday and Sunday

      Help Center contact information
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  • Profile picture of the author A.Green
    Thanks awmi and proserve,

    I went to an internet cafe and called PP by Skype (since I'm outside the US). They said I had been flagged, so go ahead and fill out that form. I opted for the form, since I had to gather the info. Then the system wanted me to confirm my location by phone. Long story short, that didn't work out, so now I'm waiting for a letter with a code in it. Someone's at that address and I can call and get the code. I just hope that's enough to get the account opened again. Anyway, there was no money missing from my account. I've changed the password, too.

    It's really late here so I'm going to bed and will call PP again in the morning and maybe something can be done faster.

    Thanks again for your help everyone
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