--- title: "PayPal scam emails: how to spot a fake | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/paypal-scam-emails source: TapSafely description: "Is that PayPal message real? The warning signs, PayPal's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ PayPal # PayPal scam emails: how to spot a fake Scammers copy PayPal because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake PayPal message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short PayPal says genuine messages address you by the full name on your PayPal account, and that passwords and verification codes should never be shared with anyone, not even someone claiming to be PayPal customer service. It advises never giving personal, card or account details by email, text or phone. **Most common fake:** Emails with generic greetings such as Dear user or Hello PayPal member. **Safest check:** Open the PayPal app or type www.paypal.com into a new browser window and log in to see any real alerts. Example · fake PayPal message · Illustrative, links disabled PayPal: Your account has been limited due to unusual activity. Confirm your identity within 24 hours to avoid permanent suspension: paypal-resolution[.]help/login An example fake PayPal message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What PayPal says PayPal says genuine messages address you by the full name on your PayPal account, and that passwords and verification codes should never be shared with anyone, not even someone claiming to be PayPal customer service. It advises never giving personal, card or account details by email, text or phone. Source: [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/us/security/report-suspicious-messages) ## Common fake PayPal messages - Emails with generic greetings such as Dear user or Hello PayPal member - Urgent warnings that your account will be limited unless you act immediately - Links asking you to log in or verify your account on a look alike website - Unexpected attachments that may contain malware - Phone calls with a faked caller ID asking for codes or account details ## PayPal's real web addresses Genuine PayPal links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **paypal.com** is real, but **paypal-support-center.com** or **paypal.com.account-check.top** are not. - **paypal.com** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a PayPal message safely 1. Open the PayPal app or type www.paypal.com into a new browser window and log in to see any real alerts 2. Check the greeting, as genuine PayPal messages use the full name on your account 3. Look for the PayPal logo with a checkmark next to the message in supported email inboxes 4. Contact PayPal only through the Contact page in the PayPal Help Center ## How to report a fake PayPal message - Forward the whole suspicious email, or a suspicious text message, to phishing@paypal.com, then delete it. [Official details on paypal.com](https://www.paypal.com/us/security/report-suspicious-messages) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real PayPal website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [Phishing links and fake login pages](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does PayPal send messages asking for payment or personal details? PayPal says genuine messages address you by the full name on your PayPal account, and that passwords and verification codes should never be shared with anyone, not even someone claiming to be PayPal customer service. It advises never giving personal, card or account details by email, text or phone. How can I check if a PayPal message is real? Open the PayPal app or type www.paypal.com into a new browser window and log in to see any real alerts. Check the greeting, as genuine PayPal messages use the full name on your account. Look for the PayPal logo with a checkmark next to the message in supported email inboxes. Contact PayPal only through the Contact page in the PayPal Help Center. How do I report a fake PayPal message? Forward the whole suspicious email, or a suspicious text message, to phishing@paypal.com, then delete it. I clicked a link in a fake PayPal message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [Report suspicious messages](https://www.paypal.com/us/security/report-suspicious-messages) (PayPal) - [Learn about fake messages](https://www.paypal.com/us/security/learn-about-fake-messages) (PayPal) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### Phishing links and fake login pages Learn the one skill that stops most scams: reading who really owns a link. With examples of look-alike addresses and fak… Read guide](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links)[Brand alert ### Amazon scam messages: how to spot a fake Amazon says it will only take payment on its website, in its app or in its physical stores, never over the pho… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/amazon-scam-messages)[Brand alert ### Netflix scam emails: how to spot a fake Netflix says it will never ask for your card numbers, bank details or Netflix password in a text or email. It … How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/netflix-scam-emails)[Brand alert ### Apple scam messages: how to spot a fake Apple says it will never ask for your password, device passcode or two-factor authentication code, and will ne… How to spot it](https://tapsafely.com/scams/apple-scam-messages)