A text says PayPal just approved a payment you never made, with a number to call or a link to “dispute” it. That jolt of panic is exactly what it’s designed to cause.
Text message:
PayPal: A payment of $639.50 to APEX TECH LLC was authorized. If you did not make this payment, call 1-800-555-0142 or visit paypal-dispute.example
PayPal: A payment of $639.50 to APEX TECH LLC was authorized. If you did not make this payment, call 1-800-555-0142 or visit paypal-dispute.example
An invented example, but real scam messages look just like it.
Short answer: Almost certainly a scam if it came out of the blue with a link or a phone number. Don’t call the number. Open the PayPal app yourself and check your activity.
ScamRead Scam Checker
Got this message right now? Paste it into ScamRead.
Copy the message, paste it into the checker, and get a clear read on the red flags in seconds. Free.
Red flags in a message like this
- A charge you don’t recognise, usually for hundreds of dollars
- A number to call to “cancel” it
- A link to an address that isn’t paypal.com
- A deadline, like “within 24 hours”
- A sender you can’t identify
What PayPal says
- PayPal tells you not to click links, call numbers or open attachments in messages that look suspicious.
- To check a payment, log in through the app or type paypal.com yourself.
- PayPal asks you to forward suspicious texts to phishing@paypal.com, then block the sender.
If you already tapped, replied or paid
- Called the number: don’t give card details, passwords or codes. If you did, call your bank.
- Let them “help” by installing an app or sharing your screen: disconnect, then call your bank.
- Typed your PayPal password: change it now and turn on two-step login.
Report it: Forward the text to phishing@paypal.com and to 7726 (SPAM), and report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Still not sure? Paste it into ScamRead before you reply or pay.