A MAJOR warning has been issued to PayPal customers in Worcestershire over fraudsters sending out fake emails.
The alert comes from cybercrime centre Action Fraud and also West Mercia Police.
Scammers pretending to be from PayPal have targeted people selling jewellery, furniture and electronics through online marketplaces.
The emails trick victims into believing they have received payment for the items they’re selling on the platform.
Typically, after receiving these emails, victims will ship the item to the criminal.
This leaves them at a further disadvantage having not received any payment for the item and also no longer being in possession of it.
Victims across the UK have reported losing a total of £7,891,077 between January and September this year as a result of the crimes.
Pauline Smith, head of Action Fraud, said: “If you receive a suspicious email claiming you’ve received payment for an item you’re selling, take five minutes to check directly with PayPal that the communication is genuine.
“If something feels wrong then always question it.”
