Beware the New PayPal Email Scam: How to Spot and Avoid It
Online payment tools like PayPal are meant to make life easier. But as we've seen recently, they can also become targets for fraud. A new PayPal scam is making the rounds, and it's surprisingly convincing. At TechPals, we’re here to keep you informed and safe—so let’s break down how this scam works and how you can protect yourself.
What Makes This Scam So Dangerous?
This scam starts with an email that appears to come directly from PayPal. Everything looks real—the email address, the formatting, even the invoice. The message might say something like, "You just paid $1,500 for a Samsung TV," and it often includes a phone number to call if you didn’t authorize the purchase.
Here's the catch: that number connects you to the scammers, not PayPal. Or worse, the email might include a link that leads to a fake PayPal site designed to steal your login credentials. Some links may even install malware on your device.
Key Red Flags to Watch For
Unexpected invoices for things you never purchased
Urgent language, pressuring you to act quickly
Phone numbers or links that don’t match official PayPal contact info
Links that don’t go to PayPal.com—hover over them to check before clicking
When in doubt, don't click or call. Go directly to PayPal.com and check your account there.
What Should You Do If You Get One of These Emails?
Pause and breathe. Scammers count on panic.
Don't click links or call numbers in the email.
Log in directly to your PayPal account via the app or website.
Report the scam by forwarding the email to phishing@paypal.com.
Delete the email once you’ve reported it.
TechPals recommends using a password manager and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) to add extra protection.
Staying Safe Beyond PayPal: A Broader Look at Online Scams
While PayPal scams are in the spotlight, they’re just one piece of the online fraud puzzle. The internet is full of clever tactics designed to trick users into handing over money or personal data. TechPals encourages everyone to get familiar with other common scam types—and more importantly, how to protect yourself.
1. Phishing Emails and Texts
These are messages that appear to come from trusted sources, like your bank, a government agency, or a favorite retailer. They often ask you to verify your account, reset your password, or confirm a recent purchase. The links in these messages lead to fake websites that look real but are designed to steal your login credentials.
How to protect yourself:
Never click on links in suspicious messages.
Hover over links to check their destination.
Visit the official website directly by typing the URL.
Don’t respond to emails asking for sensitive information.
2. Tech Support Scams
This scam often starts with a pop-up on your screen saying your computer is infected, or a phone call from someone pretending to be from Microsoft or Apple. They might ask for remote access or payment for a "repair."
Red flags:
Unsolicited tech support calls
Requests for remote access
Demands for immediate payment via gift card or wire transfer
Stay safe by:
Shutting down pop-ups immediately
Never granting remote access unless you’re sure of the company
Contacting a trusted tech support service like TechPals if in doubt
3. Gift Card Scams
You receive an email or text from someone claiming to be a friend, family member, or even your boss, asking you to buy gift cards and send the codes. These are almost always scams.
How to respond:
Verify the request by calling the person directly
Never send gift card codes through email or text
Report the scam to the platform it came through
4. Romance Scams
These scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media to form relationships quickly. Once they’ve gained your trust, they ask for money—often under the guise of a personal emergency.
Protect yourself by:
Being cautious about sharing personal details too quickly
Avoiding financial help for people you haven’t met in person
Talking to someone you trust if a new online relationship feels off
5. Social Media Scams
Scams on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are growing. They can come in the form of fake giveaways, "investment opportunities," or even hacked friend accounts asking for money.
Common tactics include:
Promising high returns on investments
Asking for your login details to help with a giveaway
Selling products that never arrive
Preventative steps:
Enable two-factor authentication on social media
Don’t click links in DMs from people you don’t know
Check if pages or profiles are verified
6. Online Marketplace Scams
Buying and selling through platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp comes with risks. Scammers may send fake payment confirmations or ask for advance payments.
Avoid getting scammed by:
Meeting in person in safe, public locations
Never paying before you see the item
Using secure payment methods like PayPal Goods & Services
7. Charity and Disaster Scams
After major disasters, scammers take advantage of good-hearted people wanting to help. Fake charities or crowdfunding pages pop up quickly.
How to verify:
Check the charity’s registration through official databases
Be cautious of emotional appeals that pressure you to give fast
Donate directly through official websites, not links in emails
8. Investment and Crypto Scams
Get-rich-quick schemes often involve fake crypto platforms or "guaranteed" investment returns. These scams target people looking to grow their savings or retirement funds.
How to stay safe:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Research any investment platform thoroughly
Don’t send crypto or cash to someone you met online
Staying Informed with TechPals
TechPals regularly updates our blog with scam alerts and easy-to-understand safety tips. You don’t have to memorize every scam—just learn the patterns and trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
By expanding your awareness beyond just PayPal scams, you arm yourself with knowledge that applies to every corner of the internet. TechPals is here to support you every step of the way.
How to Stay Safer Online with TechPals
Staying safe online isn’t about knowing every single scam—it’s about knowing how to respond. Here are key strategies TechPals teaches to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid reusing passwords across sites. A password manager can help you create and store secure passwords.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email when logging in.
Keep Software Updated
Updates often include security patches. Set your devices to update automatically when possible.
Be Skeptical of Urgency
Scammers rely on creating a sense of emergency. If something demands immediate action, take a step back and verify.
Use Secure Wi-Fi
Avoid logging into important accounts on public Wi-Fi. If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN).
Talk About It
Scammers thrive on silence and shame. If you think you’ve been scammed or just have questions, TechPals is here to help—no judgment.
Contact TechPals for Support
Join a TechPals Workshop
What TechPals Offers
TechPals is more than just tech support. We're a community committed to digital confidence and safety. Whether you’re dealing with PayPal scams or want to learn more about safe browsing, we offer:
One-on-one sessions
Online safety workshops
Easy-to-understand guides
A helpful blog full of tech tips
We want you to feel comfortable online—not confused or anxious. With TechPals, you’re never alone on your digital journey.
Final Thoughts
The new PayPal email scam is a reminder that scammers are always evolving. But so can we. By staying informed, cautious, and connected, you can navigate the online world more confidently.
Bookmark TechPals.org for ongoing updates, support, and resources.
And remember: your Tech Pals are always just a click away.
