Scam SMS message received - has this happened to others?

[Bandiloo]

I received an SMS today advising that I had sent $1500.00 AUD to Intel's services Co. Ltd, with a transaction number, and an Australian 1800 number link to dispute. The whole thing looks suspicious, so of course i did not use the link. I checked my account to ensure that there were no unauthorised transactions (there weren't any), so of course I will report this as a scam. Have any other users received similar messages? 

[Seward1]

I received the same today and clearly it is a scam - I will just monitor my credit card and see what transpires - I am trying to find a phone number to call paypal but can't - has anyone found one?

[Bandiloo]

Ok, that confirms it for me. 

I have never located a phone number for Paypal, I think it is like so many services these days, it is all online.

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@Bandiloo 

@Seward1 

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. 

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

[BethK8]

I had the same message today: #Security Alert: You've sent 2500.00 AUD for E-card *Pay.palTC TXD-

ID#528AWQ27XSWmAyH If not you, Call Now: +61-1800-024107 For Dispute!!

The typos and use of exclamation marks kind of gives it away as a scam. But it is still alerting and time-consuming. I will check my balances and assume it is a phishing attempt.