The new PayPal scam uses real emails to deceive

There is a new Paypal Phishing scam that makes the rounds, and it is so convincing that even conscious safety users are trapped. Unlike typical scams made with domain types and fake domains, it uses Paypal’s own email system to send -alert that looks 100% real.

You can receive a message like: “You added a new address. This is just a quick confirmation you added to your PayPal account.”

Except … you did not do it. What if you don’t have a paypal account? Here is what this scam involves, why it works and how to protect you.

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False Venmo accounts steal donations from real charitable organizations

Why Paypal Phishing’s last scam is so convincing

Most phishing scams try (and do not) supplant large companies. You have probably seen the classics: strange grammar, suspicious email addresses, Microsoft wrote with a “k”. They are bassos. But this script passes the script because it uses Paypal against you. The following is the operation of the scam:

Exploitation of real functions: The scammers abuse the “add” or “money request” tools of PayPal. By entering your email, they can trigger real emails from PayPal’s real domain. And that works even if you have no PayPal account.

Navigating filters: As these emails come directly from PayPal servers (service@paypal.com), all security controls pass and seem legitimate to the inbox.

Lack of suspicion: Some versions do not contain phishing links, only a scammer’s phone number, which makes them even more difficult to detect.

Panic bait: The message often claims that a new address is added or a great payment is being processed, drawing attention and causing a quick reaction.

Tracking attacks: Following the initial email, the scammers will be able to contact -afterwards you intend to be Paypal’s support. Some ask you to click on a link to “secure your account”, which leads to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.

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Real examples of Paypal Phishing in action scam in action

This scam has been informed by dozens of users at Reddit and Cybersecurity forums. A Reddit user published a detailed thread in R/scams Showing Phishing Emails Screenshot that seem to be from PayPal’s official address.

In a more recent and sophisticated twist, scammers eliminate the links completely. Instead, they include a phone number and ask you to call. Once you do, you are connected to a false Paypal representative who says they have to verify your identity. They then tell you to download what seems to be a PayPal brand support tool, but it really is a custom remote access application housed on a different server. And, once installed, provides the complete access to the device.

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How scammers hijack PayPal system to send fake alerts

This part is still a bit of mystery. With typical PayPal invoice scams, the content is closely controlled, which means that you cannot normally change the email structure or courier. However, these new emails suggest that scammers can exploit internal functions, such as business tools or API fields, to make personalized content in alerts generated by Paypal. It is not just phishing, it is to be a legitimate system to create confidence and evade detection.

Why this PayPal phishing attack is so dangerous

This scam is especially effective and dangerous because emails come directly from the official Paypal servers, which makes it difficult to distinguish them from legitimate messages. Because the address and branding of the sender are authentic, the recipients are more likely to rely on communication without suspicion.

The scammers also use urgent language that creates a sense of panic, such as warnings on unauthorized activities or large burdens. This pressure encourages people to act quickly and often before considering if the alert is genuine.

In addition, the scam often involves monitoring contact through calls or texts of people who are posed as Paypal staff, further exploiting the initial confusion and increasing the possibilities that victims give sensitive information.

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How to protect —s of the scam of the Venmo, Zelle and Cash application that can erase your savings in seconds

How to protect you from Paypal Phishing’s scam

Even if you are watching, you can still guide you. Here is how to keep -you sure:

1. Do not click links in suspicious emails even if they look real and use strong antivirus software. If you receive a PayPal alert you don’t expect, go to Paypal by writing Paypal.com in your browser or using the official application. Do not click links or mark the phone numbers provided to the email.

The best way to safeguard the malicious links that install malicious software, which can potentially access your private information, is to install antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to Phishing emails and ransomware scams, maintaining safe personal information and digital assets. Get my options for the best antivirus 2025 protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2 Enable the authentication of two factors (2f): Add 2fa to your Paypal And email accounts offer you a second layer of defense even if your password is committed.

3. Use a password manager: Using a password manager is the best way to secure -each session you use has a unique and strong password. Without repetition it means that there is no chain reaction if a place is pirate. Get more details about my The best password managers reviewed by 2025 experts here.

4. Check your account manually: If you ever have doubts, just log in directly to your PayPal account. Review Recent activity And look if something looks off. You don’t just have to trust alerts.

5. Report the scam: Forward Paypal messages suspicious to phishing@paypal.com. You can also Phishing attempts report to FTC.

6. Use a personal data removal service: Since phishing scams such as PayPal’s recent scam often guide personal information that scammers collect data runners and people’s search sites, using a good reputation data removal service can help reduce your exposure. Check out my best options for data removal services here.

Get a Free Exploration To know if your personal information is already on the net.

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

This phishing scam is dangerous because it uses real Paypal emails sent to service@paypal.com. The scammers exploit PayPal’s integrated functions to send real notifications that seem legitimate. What makes it especially bewildered is the absence of links, however, these emails include a telephone number, making them more likely to go through spam filters. When you call, you are connected to a false PayPal representative who presses you to download a remote access tool disguised as support software. The safer movement? Don’t click, don’t call. Just go directly to PayPal.com and check your account manually.

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