I have recently recieved a couple of emails saying my paypal account is locked due to suspicious activity, one of which I stupidly responded to entering in sensitive info. Has anybody ever had this happen to them and how did you fix the problem? I feel like I may be screwed or someone's trying to pull some identity theft bs on me.

just a warning, I don't know if it's happening alot lately or what but I don't want anybody else on here to fall for it like my dumb ass did.

here's what the email looked like:

Dear PayPal user,

We regret to inform you that this account has been locked.
To unlock your account please follow the link below and complete all the steps.

(link taken out)
Problem Description:
Suspicious account behavior possible account theft

PayPal Corp.
PayPal Account Review Department







PNMOQRGWNQBFBWDQEBLMNQSYLUWVYZKQOJYGER

I get those all the time... just ignore them, or forward them to spoof@paypal.com and they can try to take care of it.

Never follow the links.

yup it's all bullshit, recently I've gotten several different types of BS Paypal emails

As far as I know, you will never be addressed as "PayPal User" within any legitimate PayPal e-mail. You will always be addressed by name.

Never reply to these, but rather forward them to PayPal as they offer a way of verifying and/or investigating this. That being said, I would be paying close attention to my account and at the very least be changing my password.

yeah I changed my paypal password and everything but now my ss number is out there somewhere. You think I should contact my bank and credit card companies just to let them know that there may be possible fraud in the near future? BTW, I heard back from paypal and this is DEFINITELY a fraud.

I feel like a total dummy.

Phishing. I'd let'em know, they can get credit cards and shit with ss numbers.

It's probably a good idea if you notify the major credit agencies like Equifax, TRW, and that other one I can't remember.

When you talk with your credit card companies they can recommend who to contact.

Damn fresh that sux.

I get those all the time and almost fell for it myself .... they look so real.

Seeing as this is becoming more and more prevalent these days, I guess the only benefit is that there are at least people in place to deal with this now. Where as in the past it was a situation of banks etc. basically waiting for something to happen before even trying to take any sort of action.

I too would suggest giving the powers that be a call and covering your bases.

yeah I just signed up for some identity theft protection service that's gonna cost me 13 bucks a month now. What a pain in the ass!!! Thanks for all your suggestions guys.