paypal scam?

[MIDIman]

Not sure if this has been mentioned already or not...Just got this in my box today, and it comes with an attached .scr application which I can only assume is a trojan or virus

Dear PayPal member,
PayPal would like to inform you about some important information regarding your
PayPal account. This account, which is associated with this email address will be
expiring within five business days. We apologize for any inconvenience that this
may cause, but this is occurring because all of our customers are required to update
their account settings with their personal information.

We are taking these actions because we are implementing a new security policy on our
website to insure everyone's absolute privacy. To avoid any interruption in PayPal
services then you will need to run the application that we have sent with this email
(see attachment) and follow the instructions. Please do not send your personal
information through email, as it will not be as secure.

IMPORTANT! If you do not update your information with our secure application within
the next five business days then we will be forced to deactivate your account and
you will not be able to use your PayPal account any longer. It is strongly
recommended that you take a few minutes out of your busy day and complete this now.

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE VIA EMAIL! This mail is sent by an automated message
system and the reply will not be received.

Thank you for using PayPal.

 

[iamme]

isn't an *.scr a screensaver?

 

[Sephiroth85]

yup its a scam.
as i recall, paypal never send email start with " dear paypal member". it should be dear plus your name.

 

[MIDIman]

Originally posted by: iamme
isn't an *.scr a screensaver?

*.scr's are commonly used as executable's for e-mailed trojans or viruses.

 

[Damon]

Hi Midiman,

Thanks for posting the warning. This is an example of an email PayPal would not send because of two things that stand out:

a) our emails would include FIRST and LAST name (not PayPal Member, PayPal User,etc.)
b) it is asking you to download something (we would not ask a user to download an attachment)

 

[AdamSnow]

I received this email last night as well...

Garbage