URGENT: IS THIS a legit PayPal email address?

[phasedanc3]

Hello, I met a lady on a popular chat program. I told her that I bought a new iPhone 15. She offered to purchase it off me for 3500. I asked her to use a traditional banking app, but she went ahead and used PayPal (she claimed) shortly after I received an email from '[removed]' asking for me to supply a tracking number, I did so. I then received another email assuring me that I'd receive the "on-hold" funds of 3500 once a tracking receipt had been seen whatever this refers to. In other words I won't see this 3500AUD until I let go of my phone and ship it. I'm very cautious about doing this, I'm not going to ship it. I also don't want her to lose her on-hold 3500AUD if she is legit. It's due for shipping today. Any advice welcome.

[PayPal_Meghan]

Hello @phasedanc3, 

Welcome to the PayPal Community! 

I understand you don't see the payment in your PayPal account for a recent sale and have been told that you won't until you ship the phone. I apologize for the concern caused by these emails and can confirm that they are not legitimate. Please do not ship the phone. Anytime you make a sale, the payment should immediately show in your PayPal account, even if the payment is placed on hold. 

I recommend reviewing this Help Center article to learn more about common scams. It is a US Help Center article, but the information applies to everyone. Another great article to review is How to Spot and Report Phishing Emails. 

I hope this information helps; please stay safe! 

- Meghan