“Heads up: You’ve still got a payment request!” This was the subject line of the emails cluttering my husband Barry’s inbox for weeks. The first few were concerning, but then it just became irritating.

Barry isn’t alone; there’s a clever scam circulating that appears entirely genuine—because it comes through PayPal.

Let’s dive deeper into this to help you avoid falling victim.

How it unfolds

Fortunately, scammers often use predictable tactics. This particular scam is becoming so commonplace that it’s fairly easy to recognize if you’re vigilant.

Initially, you will receive an invoice through PayPal. It may state something similar to “Payment due for a recent purchase” or inform you of a payment that was supposedly processed due to a system error.

It seems authentic because it’s sent through PayPal’s platform. The hope is that you’ll react hastily out of worry. Given PayPal’s reputation, seeing its logo and familiar layout can easily lead you to let your guard down.

Don’t be a victim! Scammers want you to trick yourself

It’s a fake invoice

PayPal permits any account holder to send invoices, which criminals take advantage of to make their attempts seem credible.

In the invoice details, they provide a phone number for support. Though it claims to be PayPal’s number, it’s actually a trap set up by thieves eager to steal your cash and personal information. Every scam email I examined included different numbers.

Calling this fraudulent support number is the worst action you can take. Scammers may ask for your login credentials or payment card details to ‘assist you.’ In some situations, they may even install malware on your device, secretly stealing passwords and financial information.

Identify and prevent the scam

Remember, PayPal will not send invoices for unauthorized purchases. If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts and verify before proceeding.

◾ Inspect the details: Review the sender’s email address and transaction history. If it’s not someone or a business you recognize, it’s likely a scam.

◾ Confirm the invoice recipient: This is another clear warning sign. All the emails I received displayed a name different from my husband’s in small text at the top. Look closely.

◾ Avoid calling any of the phone numbers provided: This is wise for any unconventional invoice, call, document, email, or message. Refrain from using the contact information included; instead, visit the official website for accurate contact methods.

I looked this up for you: The legitimate support number for PayPal is 1-888-221-1161. They are available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST daily.

If you are uncertain, the best course of action is to reach out to customer service. They encounter these scams frequently and can help discern between genuine requests and fake ones.

If you confirm the invoice is indeed a scam, go ahead and delete it. But first …

Report it to PayPal. Think of this as a good deed for the day. Reporting scams assists not just you but others as well. When you report fake invoices to PayPal, their team can track trends, disable scammer accounts, and alert others about similar tactics.

◾ Access your PayPal account, then go to the Resolution Center to report suspect invoices.

◾ For ease, forward the suspicious email to phishing@paypal.com to notify their security team.

3 immediate actions to take if you’ve fallen for a scam

Enhance your account security

If you haven’t set up two-factor authentication yet, do it now. It takes just a minute. This will require you to enter a code each time you log in. Is it a bit annoying? Yes, but it’s an essential safeguard for any account linked to your finances.

◾ Log into your PayPal account via a browser. Click the Settings icon > Security > 2-step verification. You can opt for an authenticator app or receive codes via text. Pro tip: An authenticator app is the more secure choice.

◾ Follow the instructions on-screen to complete the process. Scams like this may be cunning, but they’re easy to identify if you know what signs to look for. Share this information with your friends and family so they won’t fall prey.