Hi Everyone,

If you've been on the internet for any period of time, there are several names that become very familiar to you - Google, Yahoo!, PayPal and eBay, just to name a few. Over the past couple of years, a disturbing trend is developing in the identity theft arena. Fortunately, most of the messages have been so obviously amateur that most of us just delete them without a second thought. That's what I typically do.

Believe me, I have seen many fraudulent email targeting eBay and PayPal customers, but I received one today that was so authentic looking that it could easily be taken for an official eBay message. The message is in HTML format with all of the eBay logo graphics, including the bottom of the page links you find on a legitimate eBay webpage or email. I'm leaving out the graphics, but I'm including the body of the message at the end of this page - minus the link for your protection.

Whatever you do, if you see this message, or any other message requesting that you update personal information or logon to your account, DO NOT CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS! Instead, forward it to spoof@ebay.com where it can be investigated and the source can be determined. They do look at these messages and you will get a response.

When you send the message to eBay's fraud center, you will get two messages. The first message is a sytem generated (autoresponder) acknowledgement of receipt. The second will follow some time later confirming whether the email is legitimate. I would caution that some ruthless internet hack may some day anticipate that users will forward the message and they may even copy the confirmation email.

All I can say, is NEVER, NEVER, NEVER respond to an email that asks you for personal information, updates to your sign-in or password information, or anything of that nature. If you suspect you need to contact eBay, go to their website by typing in http://www.eBay.com instead of clicking links on any email you receive. Look for their email address or phone number and contact them directly. The bottom line is that you need to be smart about the emails you receive. Similar emails are being circulated for PayPal, credit cards, banking institutions, you name it. If someone can steal information and gain access to your funds or good credit, they'll try. So,again, be smart and protect yourself.

Here's that message now:

Dear emailaddress@blahblahblah.com

We regret to inform you that your eBay account could be suspended due to concerns we have for the safety and integrity of the eBay community.

Per the User Agreement, Section 9, we may immediately issue a warning, temporarily suspend, indefinitely suspend or terminate your membership and refuse to provide our services to you if we believe that your actions may cause financial loss or legal liability for you, our users or us. We may also take these actions if we are unable to verify or authenticate any information you provide to us.

If suspension occurs, please be advised you are prohibited from using eBay in any way. This includes the registering of a new account.

Please note that any seller fees due to eBay will immediately become due and payable. eBay will charge any amounts you have not previously disputed to the billing method currently on file.

Avoid your account cancellation by clicking the following link and filling the form with the requested Information. https://signin.ebay......

Regards,

Safeharbor Department
eBay, Inc.



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If this warning keeps even one person from falling prey to these scumbag scam artists, I've done my job today! If you know of other email message scams, feel free to use the comment button at the end of this page to clue others in!

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Have a great day! All the Best!!

Cathy Carlton
Publisher/Webmistress/Admistress
Carlton's Corner eZine
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