New warning issued over fake PayPal emails in Sussex

People selling items online are being urged to be on the lookout for criminal activity.

Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime centere, says that it received more than 21,000 crime reports nationally over fake PayPal emails between January and December this year - with people losing a total of nearly £8 million.

Those targeted included people selling jewellery, furniture and electronics via online marketplaces.

Police say that sellers are sent emails purporting to be from PayPal, tricking victims into believing they have received payment for the items they are selling.

A spokesman said:”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.”

Police say that anyone selling items online should look out for warning signs that ‘buyers’ are scammers.

“Don’t be persuaded into sending anything until you can verify you’ve received the payment,” said the spokesman.

He also urged: “Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.”

He added: “A PayPal email will address you by your first and last name, or your business name, and will never ask you for your full password, bank account, or credit card details in a message.”