A victim received an unsolicited text from "PayPal" about her account with a phone number to call. Calling the number connected her to a scammer who convinced the victim to withdraw thousands of dollars in cash, which was then picked up by a courier. Of course, the scammer called the victim back later with requests for more money. She then withdrew cash again, only after she had contacted the police to report the initial scam and theft.
Scammers use technology and spoofed numbers to imitate financial institutions, or government entities. They often target older adults, exploiting their trusting nature. Once they have you on the phone, scammers create a sense of urgency or threat of arrest — claiming your account is compromised, you owe money, or you must act immediately. They may even stay on the line the entire time to pressure you into making quick decisions.
Report suspected PayPal fraud immediately through the Resolution Center on the website or app to dispute unauthorized transactions. For immediate assistance with compromised accounts, you can call PayPal's specialized fraud department or customer service at 1-402-935-2050. Forward phishing emails or suspicious texts to phishing@paypal.com.
Key Actions for PayPal Fraud
- Unauthorized Activity: Log into the Resolution Center, select "Report a Problem," and choose "unauthorized activity".
- Phishing/Spoof Emails: Do not click links. Forward them to phishing@paypal.com.
- PayPal Credit/Cards: Call (844) 373-4961 for Credit, or (866) 888-6080 for Business Debit.
- Scam Invoices: Do not pay. Report them directly through the app or website.
For security, always initiate contact through the official PayPal app or website rather than calling numbers found in suspicious emails or text messages.