Fraudulent Emails

[ayush321]

Hey Paypal. I received an email from a random person saying that $599 will be deducted from my paypal account and I should contact the given number if I don't want to lose money. The email of the sender is [Removed ] I did not send any payment. Is this a scammer or what?

[Grimreepr]

If the sender is NOT [removed], it is most likely a scam.  One sure way, Does the email address you by name or by your email address?  PayPal will ALWAYS address you by name and never by your email address.  Based on what you have posted, I would bet that it is 100% a scam/phishing attempt.  PayPal will NEVER tell you to call a number.  If PayPal requires your input, you can do it through the resolution center or by email.  I have YET to have PayPal ask me to phone anyone anywhere.  I have been a PayPal member for over 20 years.

[ayush321]

Yes I also believe it is a scam. They didn't mention my name while addressing me. Instead they mentioned a part of my email. Like my email is [removed] so they mentioned Dear ayush379799.

[kernowlass]

@ayush321 

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