PHP Currency PayPal Scam - Protect Yourself

About the PHP/PayPal Scam

• The "Small Deposit" Trick: Scammers send a tiny amount (like 1 PHP, 1 cent, or 2 cents) to verify your account is active and to get your attention.
• Fake Security Alerts: You receive a phishing email or a fake invoice in your PayPal app claiming a large unauthorized transaction (e.g., 20,000 PHP) has been made.
• Phony Support Number: The fraudulent alert provides a phone number. Calling this number connects you to a scammer, not PayPal, who will attempt to steal login credentials or personal information.
• Malicious Links: Clicking links in these emails may lead to fake websites designed to harvest your username, password, or credit card details.
• Unusual Currency Demands: Scammers may ask for funds to be transferred specifically via GCash in the Philippines.

Protect Yourself

• Do Not Call: Never call the phone number provided in a suspicious email or text.
• Check Independently: Log in directly to the official PayPal website or app to verify transactions rather than clicking email links.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Use the official "Report a problem" feature within the PayPal website to report unauthorized transactions.
• Enable 2FA: Set up two-factor authentication on your PayPal account for extra security.

If you have been targeted, look out for unexpected money requests, such as the 20,000 PHP scam. If a small amount was sent to you, report it and do not send it back to the sender.