PayPal scam email targets WA drivers

Western Australia Consumer Protection is warning drivers in the state to delete a scam email which claims they can renew their driver's licence via PayPal.

The consumer watchdog has received reports from the WA Department of Transport that customers are receiving the email which includes a link. Victims are then asked to provide their name, address, mother’s maiden name and credit card details.

However, the WA Department of Transport does not use PayPal for payments and never asks customers for their personal details via email.

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WA Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection, David Hillyard, said that people should ignore the email and delete it straight away.

“This is known as a phishing scam where scammers attempt to obtain your personal and financial details in order to commit credit card fraud and steal money from your account,” he said in a statement.

“Clicking on links within a scam email can also automatically download spyware or malware on your computer or device which gives the scammers access. Carefully assess any email which invites you to click on a link and ensure it is genuine before taking any action.”

Hillyard added that people should look at official government websites to see what payment methods they offer rather than believing a scam email.

A PayPal Australia spokesperson told Computerworld Australia that it is investigating the emails and has engaged the PayPal fraud team to get the scam shut down.

He provided the following advice for PayPal customers.

"Always look at the email and who it is from. If there are any links in the email, we suggest that people don't click the link."

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