"PayPal customer service" scams are a common way for fraudsters to trick you into giving away your money or personal info. They often use high-pressure tactics, like telling you there's a big, unauthorized charge on your account that you need to "cancel" right away.
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Red Flags
- Suspicious Phone Numbers: Scammers include fake support numbers in emails or invoices. Real PayPal support won't call you from 1-888-221-1161 to ask for your password or personal details.
- Fake Invoices: You might get a real-looking PayPal invoice for something like a "Nikon camera" or "Antivirus subscription" you never bought. The goal is to get you to call the number in the "seller's note".
- Generic Greetings: Legitimate PayPal emails always address you by your full name (or business name). If it says "Dear User" or "Hello PayPal member," it's almost certainly a scam.
- Remote Access Requests: A big warning sign is if "support" asks you to download software like AnyDesk or TeamViewer to "help" you. PayPal will never ask for remote access to your device.
Protect Yourself
- Don't click or call: If you get a suspicious email, don't use the links or phone numbers inside it.
- Check your account directly: Open a new browser tab, go to PayPal.com, and log in. If there’s a real issue, you'll see it in your Notifications or Resolution Center.
- Forward phishing attempts: Send the suspicious email to phishing@paypal.com.
- Official Support: Only use the contact info from the official PayPal Contact Page.
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