This article contains a number of steps that you can take to help protect your PayPal account from identity theft and scams.
Accessing PayPal: Before accessing your PayPal account, also open a new web browser (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox), and type the following URL: https://www.paypal.com. This ensures that you safely and securely access the PayPal website
PayPal passwords: Always keep in mind that PayPal will never ask you for your password. If you think your password has been compromised, change it immediately.
Choose a password that uses a combination of letter, numbers and symbols. And be sure to change it at least once every six months.
Don’t use the same password for PayPal as you do for other online accounts, such as your bank or social media account. If you do and your password is hacked, the cyber thief will have access to every account that uses the same password.
PayPal emails: PayPal never sends email with the greeting “Dear PayPal User” or “Dear PayPal Member.” Real PayPal emails address you by your first and last name or the business name associated with your account. If you think you have received a fake email, forward the entire email to spoof@paypal.com.
Don’t share personal information: PayPal never asks you to enter your password or financial information in an email. You should only share information about your account once you have logged into the PayPal website.
Don’t download attachments: PayPal never sends attachments or software updates to install on your computer.
Sharing your account: Don’t use your PayPal account to collect or transfer money for someone else. These types of activity are often conducted as forms of money laundering or mail fraud and may result in significant criminal penalties. If someone contacts you and asks you to transfer money on their behalf, you should deny the request and contact PayPal.