PayPal invoice scams

PayPal invoice scam: how to tell if it is fake

This one is tricky, because the email can really come from PayPal. Scammers send it through PayPal's own invoicing. The scam is in the note on the invoice: a big charge for something you never ordered, and a phone number to call if you did not make it. That number goes to the scammer.

Not sure about yours? Forward it to Penpal with "Is this real?" on top, and an answer comes back by email.

Forward it to hi+ppinv@askpenpal.com

or open in Gmail · Outlook. In your mail app, open the email, choose Forward, and send it to hi+ppinv@askpenpal.com.

Signs it is fake

• An invoice or money request you did not expect, for something you did not buy.
• A note on the invoice telling you to call a phone number to dispute it.
• Pressure to pay or call now.

Check it yourself

• Do not pay it, and do not call the number on it.
• Open the PayPal app, or type paypal.com yourself. A real charge shows in your activity. An invoice is a request: nothing is taken unless you pay it.

If you already called, paid or let them in

Call your bank or card company on the number printed on your card, and tell them. If they connected to your computer, stop using it for banking until it has been checked, and change your passwords from another device. If they ask you to send money back for a refund that was "too much", that is the scam continuing. Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov (US).

You can also forward the email to Penpal and say what already happened. It answers the question you ask, so "I already called them, what now?" works.

Other emails you are not sure about

About Penpal

Penpal is an AI assistant you use by email. 3 free replies a day, no account. It is an AI and it can be wrong, so treat its answer as a second opinion, not a guarantee. Penpal never asks for a password, a code or card details in a reply. See the privacy and terms pages, or write to support@askpenpal.com to reach a person.