How-to guide
PayPal invoice and money-request scams
This scam is sneaky because the email is a genuine PayPal notification — the scammer just sent you a real invoice or money request for a purchase you never made, with a fake "support" number to call.
How it works
- You get a real PayPal invoice/money request for something like "Bitcoin" or a "renewal".
- A note says "call this number if you didn't authorize this".
- The number reaches a scammer who walks you into paying or granting remote access.
What to do
Don't call the number in the invoice. Log into PayPal directly to review activity — an unpaid invoice you ignore can't take your money. Report the request in PayPal and delete it. Check it with Scam Doctor if unsure.
Frequently asked questions
I got a PayPal invoice I didn't request — is it a scam?
Likely yes. Anyone can send a PayPal invoice or money request. Don't pay it or call the number; just decline/ignore it in your PayPal account. You're only charged if you pay.
Is the PayPal email fake?
Often the email is real but the invoice is bogus. The fake part is the "support" phone number — never call it; log into PayPal directly.