PayPal Scam Email - How to Protect Yourself

Common Scam Tactics

• Fake Invoices/Money Requests: Scammers send invoices for products you didn't order, often for cryptocurrency or electronics, urging you to call a support number to cancel.
• "Account Suspended" or "Unauthorized Charge" Phishing: Emails claiming your account is limited or a transaction has been made, guiding you to a fake login page to steal credentials.
• Advanced Phishing (Spoofed Emails): These may appear to come from legitimate PayPal addresses, often instructing users to call a fake "fraud department" to discuss fake charges.
• Unexpected "Reward" Emails: Claims that you have won a prize or received a coupon, requiring you to click a link to claim it.

Identifying a Fake Email

• Sender Address: Look beyond the displayed name; check the actual email address for discrepancies, such as using a ".net" or "Gmail" address.
• Greeting: Official PayPal emails usually use your first and last name, not generic greetings like "Dear user" or "Hello, PayPal member".
• Urgency: Scams create a sense of fear, insisting you take action immediately to avoid account closure.
• Attachment/Links: Never open attachments or click links. Hover over links to see where they actually lead, which often will not be a paypal.com URL.

Protect Yourself

• Check Directly: If you receive a suspicious alert, ignore the email and log in via the official website or app to check your actual Activity Page.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Forward suspicious emails to phishing@paypal.com, then delete them.
• Enable 2FA: Set up two-factor authentication to provide an extra layer of security.
• Use Official Support: Never call a number provided in a suspicious email or text message.