PayPal is one of the most popular payment platforms worldwide. Millions of businesses and individuals use it daily. But with its popularity comes PayPal email scams. Cybercriminals send fake emails pretending to be from PayPal, tricking users into giving up their personal or financial information.
If you’re a business that accepts PayPal payments, you must know how to spot a PayPal email scam before it costs you money or damages your reputation. This guide explains how to tell the difference between a legit PayPal email and a scam, the latest PayPal scams in 2025, and how to protect your business.
How to Identify a Legit PayPal Email vs. a PayPal Email Scam?
Not all emails that claim to be from PayPal are real. Scammers use fake emails to trick users into sending money or giving away sensitive information. Here’s how to tell the difference:
| Feature | Legit PayPal Email | PayPal Email Scam |
| Sender Address | [email protected] | [email protected] fake or random address |
| Greeting | Uses your full name | Says “Dear Customer” or “Dear User” |
| Links | Directs to PayPal’s official site | Links lead to fake websites |
| Spelling & Grammar | Professional and error-free | Contains spelling mistakes and awkward wording |
| Urgency | Clear information without pressure | Uses fear tactics like “Immediate Action Required” |
| Attachments | No attachments, except receipts | May contain malicious attachments |
A legit PayPal email will always come from service@paypal email and will never ask for your password or financial details via email.
Common PayPal Email Scams in 2025
Scammers keep changing their tactics. But some PayPal scams happen over and over again. Here are the most common ones in 2025:
Fake Invoice Scam
Scammers send a service@paypal email invoice for a payment you never made. The email claims you were charged for something expensive, like software or cryptocurrency.
How it works:
- The email looks like a real PayPal invoice.
- It says you must call a support number to cancel the charge.
- The number leads to scammers who try to steal your PayPal login or banking details.
How to protect yourself:
- Log in to your PayPal account to check your transactions.
- Never call the phone number in the email.
- Report the scam to PayPal at [email protected].
“Your Account is Suspended” Scam
This email claims your PayPal account is suspended due to suspicious activity. It includes a link asking you to verify your account.
How it works:
- The email looks urgent and claims PayPal will block your account.
- You’re asked to log in using a fake PayPal website.
- Scammers steal your login details and access your real PayPal account.
How to protect yourself:
- Never click on links in unsolicited emails.
- Go to www.paypal.com and log in to check your account status.
- Report PayPal scam emails to PayPal.
Fake Refund Scams
You receive an email saying you were overcharged and will get a refund. But to claim it, you must log in and provide your payment details.
How it works:
- The email claims PayPal is refunding you money.
- It asks for your banking details or login credentials.
- The goal is to steal your financial information.
How to protect yourself:
- Verify refunds by checking your PayPal account directly.
- Never provide banking details in an email.
Coinbase Global Scam Email PayPal
One of the newest scams involves a fake PayPal invoice claiming you sent money to Coinbase Global, Inc..
How it works:
- The email says you paid a large amount (e.g., $800 for cryptocurrency).
- It includes a fake transaction ID and asks you to call a number for a refund.
- The scammer on the call will ask for your PayPal details.
How to protect yourself:
- Never call numbers listed in PayPal emails.
- Check your PayPal transactions directly.
- Report PayPal scam emails to PayPal customer service.
How to Report a PayPal Scam Email?
If you receive a scam email from PayPal, report it immediately to prevent others from falling victim.
- Forward the email to [email protected].
- Do not click any links or download attachments.
- Log in to PayPal directly to check your transactions.
- Delete the scam email from your inbox.
- If you entered your details on a fake site, reset your PayPal password immediately.
By reporting scams, you help PayPal take action against cybercriminals. Report a PayPal scam email as soon as you suspect fraud.
How Can PureWL Help?
If you run a business, you must protect your customers and employees from PayPal scams. PureWL provides businesses with a White Label VPN solution to secure their online activities.
PureWL’s white label VPN solution helps businesses avoid PayPal scams:
- Blocks Phishing Websites: Stops access to fake PayPal sites.
- Encrypts Internet Traffic: Prevents scammers from intercepting login details.
- Secures Remote Work: Ensures employees use a safe connection when working remotely.
- Protects Customer Data: Helps businesses offer private and secure payment processing.
With PureWL’s White Label VPN, companies can get a branded and customized VPN according to their brand requirements to add value and security. This gives customers extra protection when making PayPal transactions online.
Final Thoughts
PayPal email scams are a serious threat to businesses and individuals. Scammers send fake invoices, refund offers, and account suspension warnings to steal your money and data. Knowing how to spot a fake PayPal email can help you avoid falling victim.
Key Takeaways
- Verify all PayPal emails by checking the sender and links.
- Never call phone numbers provided in suspicious emails.
- Report PayPal scam emails to [email protected].
- Integrate a white label VPN solution to prevent phishing and secure online transactions.
- PayPal fraud investigation teams work to shut down phishing attempts.
If you’re a business looking to secure your online payments and customer transactions, check out PureWL’s White Label VPN solutions to enhance security and trust.