Fake email from paypal

[Tomindurham]

I agreed to sell a telescope. The buyer used PayPal to send me funds. I have not received any funds. The buyer then asked me to send money to Moneygram.

paypal sent me an email saying the money will be released when I give a 12 digit transaction code.

now I’ve received an email from PayPal saying that at complaint has been filed and PayPal are going to take action against me.

what should I do

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@Tomindurham

THIS IS A TYPICAL PAYPAL SCAM.

They encourage you to use paypal and tell you that they can't view as they are either disabled / working offshore or in the military.
You will get/got a "fake" email that looks as though it is from paypal.....it isn't.
It will say the buyer has paid ...you won't have been paid.

If the item requires shipping the 'fake' paypal email will tell you that the buyer has paid for the item + shipping costs but you must send those shipping costs to the courier via western union / moneygram BEFORE the funds are released to you.
They are not interested in the item, they just want the western union etc funds and you will never see money in your paypal balance.
They also threaten legal action...have a laugh at that one and ignore it as its rubbish.

Paypal NEVER tell you to send an item before the payment is showing in your paypal account.
Paypal NEVER expect you to use a rival money transfer service ie via moneygram or western union to any so called courier.

Delete any emails and ignore the scammers.