PayPal is one of the most impersonated brands globally. Scammers send emails and texts about suspicious activity, payment confirmations, or account limitations to trick you into entering your login details.
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Common PayPal Scams in the UK
Here are the most common scams that impersonate PayPal, with real examples of the messages people receive:
⚠️ Account limited
An email or text claiming your PayPal account has been limited or suspended, asking you to click a link to restore access.
PayPal: Your account has been limited due to suspicious activity. Restore access now: http://paypa1-secure.com/verify
⚠️ Payment confirmation
A fake payment notification for a purchase you didn't make, designed to panic you into clicking a 'dispute' link.
PayPal: You sent a payment of £299.99 to Electronics Store Ltd. If you didn't make this payment, dispute here: http://paypal-dispute.xyz
⚠️ Verify your identity
A message asking you to verify your identity to avoid account closure.
PayPal Security: Please verify your identity within 24 hours to avoid permanent account closure: http://paypal-verify.net/confirm
How to Spot a Fake PayPal Message
Check the sender domain — real PayPal emails come from @paypal.com or @paypal.co.uk
Look for 'paypa1' (number one instead of letter L) or 'paypal-' domains — these are fakes
PayPal will never ask for your password or full card number via email
Log in directly at paypal.com to check your account — never click email links
Hover over links to see where they actually go before clicking
✅ Genuine PayPal contact: Log in at paypal.com directly or call 0800 358 7911
Got a suspicious PayPal message?
Paste it below and we'll tell you if it's a scam. Your safety report will be emailed to you in seconds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
PayPal may send genuine security alerts, but they will always address you by your full name and never ask you to click a link to enter your password. Always log in directly at paypal.com to check.
Check the sender's email domain (must be @paypal.com), look for your full name in the greeting (scammers use 'Dear customer'), and never click links — go to paypal.com directly instead.
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