Know Your Scam Articles : Report a PayPal Phishing Email

Imagine this: you’re scrolling through your emails or texts, and you see a message from PayPal. It says there’s a problem with your account, or maybe you’ve received a mysterious payment. Your heart does a little jump. Is something wrong? Should you click the link to fix it? Hold on. Before you tap or click anything, take a deep breath. That message might not be from PayPal at all. It could be a clever trick called “phishing.”

Phishing (pronounced just like “fishing”) is a scam where criminals try to “fish” for your personal information. They send messages that look real, hoping you’ll “bite” and give them your password, bank details, or other private info. It can feel scary and confusing, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. This guide is here to be your friendly coach. We’ll walk you through exactly how to spot these fakes, what to do when you get one, and most importantly, how to report a PayPal phishing email safely. By the end, you’ll feel more confident and in control of your online safety. Let’s dive in.

What Is a PayPal Phishing Email?

In simple terms, a PayPal phishing email is a fake message dressed up to look like a real PayPal notification.

Think of it like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The wolf (the scammer) puts on a fluffy sheep’s costume (the fake PayPal logo and design) to trick the shepherd (that’s you!) into letting it into the pen.

These scammers aren’t just playing pranks; they’re trying to steal. Their main goal is to trick you into:

• Giving your login details: They send you to a fake website that looks like PayPal’s login page. When you type in your email and password, they steal them.

• Getting your financial info: They might ask for your credit card number or bank account details directly.

• Tricking you into sending money: Some scams create fake “invoices” or say you must pay a fee to resolve an issue.

It’s not just emails, either. You might get phishing texts (called “smishing”), fake messages on social media, or even phone calls (“vishing”). The method changes, but the goal is always the same: to steal from you.

How to Recognize a Fake PayPal Message

So, how can you tell the difference between a real PayPal message and a clever fake? It’s all about paying attention to the details. Real PayPal messages have a certain style and follow specific rules. Fakes, no matter how good, almost always have tiny mistakes that give them away.

Let’s break down the most common red flags. Read More About MEXQuick Blogs

Common Signs of PayPal Phishing

1. The Urgent “Problem” or “Alert”

Scammers love to create a sense of panic. They use words like “Urgent!”, “Immediate Action Required,” “Account Suspended,” or “Security Alert.” They want you to be so worried that you click without thinking.

• Real PayPal Approach: While PayPal will notify you of important activity, they are generally calm and professional. They won’t use excessive panic-inducing language.

2. The Greeting Feels… Off

A real PayPal email will almost always address you by your first and last name, the way you registered it. A phishing email will often use generic greetings like:

• “Dear PayPal User,”

• “Dear Valued Customer,”

• Or sometimes, it might have no name at all, or even a wrong name.

• Analogy: It’s like someone calling your home phone and saying, “Hello, resident!” instead of “Hello, [Your Name]!” It feels impersonal and suspicious.

3. Check the Sender’s Email Address (This is a Big One!)

This is one of the easiest ways to spot a fake. Scammers can make the name of the sender look like “PayPal,” but they can’t easily use a real @paypal.com email address.

• How to check: On a computer, hover your mouse over the “From” name. On a phone, tap the sender’s name to see the full address.

• Real PayPal Addresses: Will come from something ending in @paypal.com or @e.paypal.com. Examples: service@paypal.com, security@paypal.com.

• Fake PayPal Addresses: Will look strange and unofficial. Examples: paypal.service@gmail.com, security@paypal-security.org, noreply@paypal-alert.com. If it doesn’t end in @paypal.com, it’s almost certainly a scam.

4. The Dreaded “Click Here” Link

The phishing message will have a button or link it desperately wants you to click. But where does it really go?

• How to check safely: Hover your mouse over the link (without clicking!). A small box will appear showing the website’s true destination URL.

• Real PayPal Links: Will go to a legitimate PayPal website, like https://www.paypal.com/... or https://www.paypal.co.uk/....

• Fake PayPal Links: Will look weird. They might have misspellings (like paypai.com or paypal-secure.net), or use a completely different website address. Never click to find out!

5. Bad Grammar and Spelling

Big companies like PayPal have professional writers and editors. Their messages are proofread. Phishing emails, however, are often written by non-native English speakers or are quickly thrown together. Look for awkward sentences, strange capitalization, and spelling mistakes.

6. They Ask for Sensitive Info Directly

PayPal will never ask for your password, bank PIN, or full credit card number in an email or text. If a message is asking for this information directly, it is 100% a phishing attempt.

7. Unexpected Attachments

A real PayPal notification email will not have an attachment like a PDF or a ZIP file. If you get a “PayPal invoice” or “receipt” as an attachment, do not open it! It could contain malicious software.

Step-by-Step How to Report a Phishing Email to PayPal

Okay, you’ve spotted a fake email. Great work! Now, let’s make the internet a little safer for everyone by reporting it. Reporting is your superhero move—it helps PayPal identify and shut down these scams faster.

Here’s the safe and simple process.

Step 1: Do NOT Click Anything
First and most important rule: do not click any links, buttons, or download any attachments inside the suspicious email. Just leave it alone.

Step 2: Forward the Email to PayPal
This is the main action. Don’t reply to the scam email. Instead, create a new email and forward the entire suspicious email as an attachment to PayPal’s official phishing department.

• Send it to: phishing@paypal.com

• Why as an attachment? Forwarding it as an attachment preserves the original email’s headers and technical details, which helps PayPal’s security team investigate it more effectively.

How to Forward as an Attachment:

• On Gmail: Open the suspicious email. Click the three vertical dots (More menu) in the top right. Select “Forward as attachment.” A new email will open with the original email attached. Send this to phishing@paypal.com.

• On Outlook/Apple Mail: The process is similar. Look for an option like “Forward as Attachment” in the dropdown menu when you click the “Forward” button.

Step 3: Delete the Phishing Email
Once you’ve successfully forwarded it, go back to your inbox and delete the original phishing email. This keeps your inbox clean and prevents any accidental clicks later.

Step 4: (Optional) Log In Manually to Check
If you’re still worried there might be a real problem with your account, don’t use the links in the email. Instead, open your web browser yourself and type www.paypal.com or open your official PayPal app. Log in directly and check your account for any messages or alerts in the Resolution Centre. This is the only safe way to check.

How to Report Phishing Texts or SMS to PayPal

Phishing texts (sometimes called “smishing”) are just as common. You might get a text saying your PayPal account is “limited” with a link to click. The rules are the same: don’t click, and don’t reply.

Here’s how to report a phishing text:

Step 1: Take a Screenshot
Take a clear screenshot of the text message, making sure the sender’s phone number and the entire message are visible.

Step 2: Forward the Text
Forward the original text message to PayPal.

• For most UK and international numbers: Forward the text to 7726.

  • What is 7726? It spells “SPAM” on your keypad. This is a universal number used by many phone networks to report spam and phishing texts.

• You can also email it: Attach the screenshot you took in an email and send it to phishing@paypal.com. In the email, mention that it was a SMS/text message scam and include the phone number it came from.

Reporting PayPal Phishing in the UK

If you’re in the UK, the process is exactly the same as above. PayPal’s security systems are global. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, you should:

1. Forward suspicious emails to phishing@paypal.com.

2. Forward suspicious texts to 7726.

3. You can also report the scam to Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk), which is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. This helps the police track criminal activity.

Many UK users receive fake PayPal invoices or texts claiming a parcel delivery fee needs to be paid via PayPal. Remember the golden rules: check the sender, don’t click links, and report it. Read More About Knows Your Scam Article

What Happens After You Report It?

You might be wondering, “What does PayPal actually do with my report?” It’s not a black hole! When you report a phishing email or text, you become part of PayPal’s digital defence team.

• Analysis: PayPal’s security experts analyze the email or text you sent. They look at the links, the sending address, and the content.

• Shutting Down Scams: They use this information to identify and shut down the fake websites that the links lead to. This prevents other people from falling for the same scam.

• Improving Filters: Your report helps them improve their automatic spam and phishing filters. This means future scam emails are more likely to be caught before they even reach anyone’s inbox.

• Legal Action: In some cases, with enough data, they can work with law enforcement to track down the criminals.

So, by taking one minute to report it, you’re actively protecting not just yourself, but millions of other PayPal users. It’s a small act with a big impact.

How to Protect Yourself from Future Scams

Reporting is reactive. Now, let’s talk about being proactive. Here are some simple habits you can build to make yourself a much harder target for scammers.

Educational Tips for Teen and Student Users

If you’re a teen or student who uses PayPal for splitting bills with friends, selling old clothes, or getting money from family, you’re a potential target. Scammers think you might be less experienced. Prove them wrong!

• Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is the single best thing you can do for your online security. It’s like adding a deadbolt to your digital door. Even if a scammer gets your password, they can’t get in without this second code, which is sent to your phone. You can enable this in your PayPal security settings.

• Use a Strong, Unique Password: Don’t use the same password for PayPal that you use for Instagram, TikTok, or your email. Make your PayPal password a long, strong mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Using a password manager can help you remember them all.

• Update Your Apps: Always keep your phone’s operating system and your PayPal app updated. Updates often include critical security fixes that protect you from new scams.

• Be Social Media Smart: Be careful about what you share publicly. Don’t post your email address or phone number everywhere. Scammers can use this info to target you more personally.

• Talk About It: If you get a weird message, talk to a parent, teacher, or friend. It’s not embarrassing—it’s smart! Sharing experiences helps everyone learn.

What to Do If You Already Clicked the Link

Mistakes happen. If you panicked and clicked the link, don’t be too hard on yourself. The important thing is to act quickly.

1. Do NOT Enter Any Information: If you clicked the link and it took you to a fake login page, close the tab or browser immediately. If you already started typing, stop and close it now.

2. Change Your PayPal Password Immediately: Open a new browser window, type www.paypal.com yourself, and log in. Go directly to your Security settings and change your password right away.

3. Enable 2FA: If you haven’t already, turn on Two-Factor Authentication now. This will lock the scammer out for good.

4. Check Your Account Activity: Look through your recent transactions and account settings for anything you don’t recognize. If you see something wrong, contact PayPal Support directly through the website.

5. Scan Your Computer: If you downloaded or opened any attachment, run a full virus scan on your computer using your antivirus software.

6. Report It: Even though you clicked, you should still report the original email to phishing@paypal.com as described before. It’s still valuable information.

Short Case Examples for Clarity

Let’s look at two quick, real-world stories to make this all stick. MEXQuick News

Case 1: The Urgent Invoice

• What happened: Sam, 16, got an email saying “You’ve received a PayPal invoice for £89.99.” The greeting said “Dear User.” The sender’s email was invoices@paypal-service.net. Sam was confused because he hadn’t bought anything.

• The right move: Sam remembered the rules. He didn’t click the “View Invoice” button. He hovered over the link and saw it went to paypal-invoice.com, not the real PayPal site. He forwarded the email as an attachment to phishing@paypal.com and then deleted it.

• The outcome: Sam protected his account and helped PayPal take down the fake site.

Case 2: The Text Message Scare

• What happened: Chloe, 17, got a text: “PayPal: Your account has been limited due to suspicious activity. Secure it now: [suspicious link]”. She felt a rush of panic.

• The right move: Instead of clicking, she opened her PayPal app directly on her phone. There were no alerts or messages. She knew it was a scam. She took a screenshot and forwarded the original text to 7726.

• The outcome: Chloe stayed safe and reported the scam, making the network aware of that specific phishing number.

PayPal Security Best Practices for Everyday Users

Let’s wrap up the main security habits into a simple checklist:

• Official Apps Only: Only download the PayPal app from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

• Log In Manually: Always type paypal.com into your browser or use your official app. Never log in via an email link.

• Check for HTTPS: When on any website where you log in, especially PayPal, make sure the web address starts with https:// (the ‘s’ stands for secure) and has a padlock symbol next to it.

• Review Statements: Get into the habit of quickly glancing over your PayPal statement every month to spot any unusual activity.

• Log Out: If you’re using a public or shared computer, always remember to log out of your PayPal account completely.

Summary: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

The online world is amazing, but it pays to be a little cautious. Phishing scams rely on fear and urgency to make us act without thinking. Now you know the secret: slow down and look for the signs.

You’ve learned how to spot the red flags in a fake PayPal message, the safe step-by-step process to report a PayPal phishing email, and how to build strong digital habits to protect your account.

Remember, your awareness is your best defence. By staying calm, checking the details, and reporting the fakes, you’re not just protecting your own money—you’re making the internet a safer place for everyone.

FAQ Section Know Your Scam Articles Report a PayPal Phishing Email

How do I report a phishing email to PayPal?
The safest way is to forward the entire suspicious email as an attachment to phishing@paypal.com. Do not click on any links or reply to the email itself. Once forwarded, delete the original from your inbox.

Can I report PayPal phishing in the UK?
Yes, absolutely. The process is the same for UK users as it is globally. Forward phishing emails to phishing@paypal.com and forward phishing texts (SMS) to 7726. You can also report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s cybercrime reporting centre.

Where do I send phishing texts to PayPal?
You can forward the original text message to the short code 7726 (which spells SPAM). Alternatively, you can take a screenshot of the text, including the sender’s number, and email it as an attachment to phishing@paypal.com.

What happens after I report a phishing scam?
PayPal’s security team analyzes your report. They use the information to shut down the fake websites linked in the scam, improve their email filters to catch future attempts, and in some cases, assist law enforcement. Your report actively helps protect the wider PayPal community.

Is it safe to just ignore a phishing email?
While ignoring and deleting it is better than clicking, reporting it is the best course of action. Ignoring it means the scammers can continue to target you and others without consequence. Reporting it takes just a moment and helps get the scam shut down.

Conclusion

Navigating the online world safely is a skill, and learning to handle phishing attempts is a big part of it. You now have the knowledge and the tools to identify, avoid, and report these scams confidently. Trust your instincts—if an email or text from PayPal feels wrong, it probably is. Take a breath, remember what you’ve learned here, and take the safe, simple steps to report it. You’ve got this.

Disclaimer: This article is created by MexQuick for educational purposes only. We are not involved, affiliated, or in partnership with PayPal in any way. The information provided is based on publicly available guidelines and general cybersecurity best practices to educate users. It does not constitute official advice. For the most current and direct guidance, always refer to the official PayPal website and security pages.