called a scam number

[mackholling]

I got a text that said “You sent a Payment for $496 to Tony Tomayo . The amount will be deducted from your card linked with PayPal within 24 hrs. If not You contact [phone number.]” I freaked out because it was outside of customer service hours for paypal and called the number listed. When someone answered, he said my account had been accessed in 3 states but he couldn’t tell me the name on my account or give me any information. he said that my account has been flagged and there are technicians looking into it. I realized it was a scam and have changed my number, but I am worried they somehow have my paypal account information which could include my ssn. Is this possible or was this just a scam trying to get phone numbers?

[kernowlass]

@mackholling 

If you didn't tell them or enter your paypal details anywhere and just called them without giving any log in or personal info then you should be fine.

But be aware...............

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/smarthelp/article/how-do-i-spot-and-report-a-fake%2C-fraudulent%2C-or-phis...
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/security/suspicious-activity