Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

PayPal Account Payment Alert Scam Customer Service Number
PayPal Account Payment Alert Scam Customer Service Number

The "PayPal customer service" payment alert email below is a common way for fraudsters to trick potential victims into giving away their 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, and ask you to call a fake PayPal customer support telephone number.

The Payment Alert Customer Support Scam

From: notification@facebookmail.com

Date: August 6, 2026 at 13:15:40 CDT

Subject: [Name removed] invited you to Payment Alert: Your $398.99 Subscription Has Been Paid

Payment Alert: Your $398.99 Subscription Has Been Paid

Bill has paid $398.99 for a subscription using your Pay_Pal account from an unknown seller IP. If you do not recognize this seller, please contact us at 1-806-438-3451

Note: Your Pay_Pal account may have been used fraudulently to purchase this subscription. If this transaction is unauthorized, reach out to us immediately at +1 (806) 438-3451

Common Red Flags

  • Suspicious Phone Numbers: Scammers include fake support numbers in emails or invoices. Real PayPal support won't call you 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.

How to Protect Yourself

  1. Don't click or call: If you get a suspicious email, don't use the links or phone numbers inside it.
  2. 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.
  3. Forward phishing attempts: Send the suspicious email to phishing@paypal.com.
  4. Official Support: Only use the contact info from the official PayPal Contact Page.
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