#1
most common cybercrime in 20201
241,342
phishing incidents reported in 20201
2X
more frequent incidents in 2020 vs 20191
Phishing messages often begin with impersonal greetings. “Dear user” or “Hello, PayPal member” are definitely suspect. Messages from PayPal will always use the full name listed in your PayPal account.
Attachments can contain malware, so never open them unless you’re 100% sure they’re legitimate.
Don’t heed pleas for you to take fast action or warning you of problems that will compromise your account status.2
If the web address is scrambled or looks suspect, don't click on anything and leave.
Never provide personal, credit card, or account info via email, text, or phone.
Typos, misspellings, and incorrect grammar are common in phishing messages.
One letter used to make a big difference, but now the ”s” doesn’t always mean the site is legitimate because hackers can build encrypted sites, too.
Authentic sites will have this icon in the address bar, but many fake sites do, too.
Phishers create fake websites with URLs that are very similar to the real one. To be safe, enter the URL you want to visit manually.
This can prove challenging for even the most savvy digital natives. So, we put together a tutorial to help you see the signs.
Account info, passwords, or validation codes are for your eyes and ears only. Even a customer service rep shouldn’t ask for them.
Scammers can easily fake a Caller ID, so don’t rely on it as confirmation a call is legitimate. Just because it says “PayPal” doesn’t necessarily mean the call is from us.
Scammers use automated systems to make voice calls. If an automated call provides a number and asks you to call back, don’t. Only contact PayPal through the Contact page in our Help Center or call PayPal Customer Service at 1-888-221-1161.
Read more helpful info about protecting your info from phishing and fakes.
This FTC page provides additional ways to report phishing and help fight scammers.
Go to the FTC pageDetect, avoid, report. That’s the best plan to stay secure.
Get our tipsThere are many signs that can indicate a message may be fake.
Read the articleFind answers to commonly asked questions and get help with your PayPal account.
Visit the Help CenterSpend, send, and manage your money with confidence.
Sign up for free1 U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internet Crime Report 2020.
2 To confirm your account status or check activity, open the PayPal app or type www.paypal.com into a new browser window and log into your account.