PayPal verifying my ID by buying a Google Pay Card?

[Temp20220323m]

Someone opened a fake account using an old email address. The supposed number to call at PayPal got me to a very convincing guy who needed to verify my location by either a network scan (not going to do that) or physical proof by having me go to a location and buy a Google Pay card for each disputed transaction?! Surely this is bogus and that the emails notifying me of the purchase via PayPal credit are bogus in the first place... along with the dispute resolution number they gave.  I cant establish with PayPal if there really IS a fake account in my name. It is so hard to find anyone REAL with who to talk and resolve the issue. Any advice?

[kernowlass]

@Temp20220323m 

If its a spoof then NEVER USE ANY LINK OR ANY PHONE NUMBER.

Firstly if the email/text addressed you as ''Dear Member'' / ''Customer'' / ''Client'' OR your ''email address'' then that confirms its a spoof as paypal would address you by your full name eg Dear John Smith.

Secondly if there was a link OR attachment in that email/text to ''cancel'' any transaction or ''confirm'' any details then again it would be a spoof.

Also if they ask you to call the number in the email then it would be fake paypal agents trying to scam you for money to 'fix' something. 

They often ask for vouchers which paypal customer services would never do.

If there was a problem with your account Paypal would not ask you to click on an unsafe link in an email / download an attachment OR phone them on a number in an email, they would direct you to log in normally and go to the resolution or the message centre for more information.

More info here >>
https://www.paypal.com/us/selfhelp/article/how-to-spot-fake-emails-faq2340/2
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/security/suspicious-activity