Received invoice from one seller which I didn't make any purchase. Is it a scam?

[MichaelCHK]

Hi all. I received a notification from PayPal that someone sent me an invoice to make a payment of USD 500 for purchasing a anti virus software which I didn't make. Could I just leave it like that with out paying or how do I cancel or report this?

[Cathyste]

I received an email that is from an Eric [removed]. The invoice shows a charge of $500+ for Bitcoin purchase. The $ amount isn't showing in my PayPal account as a charge. I haven't ever purchased Bitcoin. How do I address this issue?

[kernowlass]

@Cathyste 

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

[Buddy1959]

This is a scam by some Asian folks.  I called the number and cursed them out.  Once you call the number, then it becomes a non-working number.

[gwrogers]

My Phishing email was quite clever. 

In the text of the payment reminder email there is a message that reads: 

Don't recognize this seller? Please contact PayPal Support Team immediately at [Removed. Phone #s not permitted](Toll Free). You can also contact [Removed. Phone #s not permitted](Toll Free). 

The phone numbers stood out in a different color and were bold - but something didn't feel right. My outrage that someone was requesting $2,186.96 from me was clouding my ability to read the email carefully. After slowing down, I realized the message I thought was from Paypal, was actually from the requestor. Also, the English grammar was off. I also noticed the email stated, "If you do not reach out, we will proceed with the transaction." I know Paypal wouldn't do that.

I thought I would add my experience to this thread in case anyone else comes across a similar email. Be careful out there!

[Chilli71]

Same here. I just got two identical e-mails that only differed in the sender name given in the e-mail text.

The URL behind the 'Pay Now' button would create a payment transaction when you click the button. If you agree to that transaction your money is gone.
If you do not click on PayNow and instead login in to PayPal without any links from the Scam e-mail you will find that there are no transactions pending.