PayPal Invoice Refund Scam

Scammers send a fake PayPal invoice and push you to call a support number. From there, they escalate to remote control, fake refunds, and pressure to "return" money you never received.

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PayPal Invoice Refund Scam example

How this scam works

  1. 1

    You receive a fake invoice email 'from PayPal' for a product you never bought, featuring a prominent support number.

  2. 2

    When you call, the scammer claims they can fix it but needs remote access to your computer 'for verification'.

  3. 3

    They ask you to log into your bank, then black out your screen and use developer tools to fake a large refund.

  4. 4

    They pressure you to 'return' the overpayment via gift cards, crypto, or wire. The refund never happened.

✓ Do this

  • Close the email and log in to PayPal directly (don’t use links in the message).
  • Verify invoices inside your PayPal account only.
  • Report the email to abuse@paypal.com.

✗ Avoid this

  • Don’t call numbers in unsolicited emails.
  • Don’t install remote-access tools for strangers.
  • Don’t send money, gift cards, or crypto to 'return' funds.

Need help with a similar message?

Do not reply, pay, or use contact details in an unexpected message. Verify through the official app or website, then report what you saw so the Archive can connect related patterns.

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Quick tip: Verify independently

Don’t call numbers or click links in unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s official site or app and contact support from there.

See common red flags