PayPal "Checking an Order" Scam Email
Phishing Emails Target PayPal Users
Online criminals are again targeting PayPal customers via email. The fake email (screenshot below) claims to be checking a recent PayPal order you made for $354.80 worth of Bitcoin. The email advises you to contact PayPal immediately via the included Help Desk number if you did not make the transaction.
Supposedly, calling the Help Desk will allow you to dispute or cancel the order.
Fake Help Desk Number
The outlined transaction never took place, and the number provided has no connection to PayPal.
If you fall for the ruse and call the number, a scammer posing as a PayPal staff member will promise to help you cancel the transaction and get a refund. They will ask you to provide your PayPal login credentials and other identifying information, supposedly to validate your account and issue the refund.
At the end of the call, the scammer will assure you that your account is now secure and that the promised refund will be issued within a few days.
Scammer Can Now Access Your Account
The scammer can use the information you provided to hijack your PayPal account and conduct fraudulent transactions. They may also steal your identity using the personal information that they have collected.
Be cautious of any email claiming to be from PayPal that requests you to click a link or call a number to address an account issue. Instead of clicking or calling, log in to your PayPal account via your browser or official app. You can safely check transactions and deal with any account issues once you log in.
A screenshot of the scam email:
