Payment scamsBy Isaiah Shawver5 min readUpdated May 2026
PayPal invoice scams: fake billing requests and refund calls
A PayPal invoice scam can look more legitimate than normal phishing because the email may come through PayPal's real invoice system or copy its formatting closely. The invoice says you are being charged for crypto, antivirus software, a laptop, or a subscription you never ordered. Then it tells you to call a phone number if you did not authorize it.
The number is the hook. Once you call, the scammer pretends to cancel the charge, asks for remote access, or walks you into sending money as part of a fake refund process.
Common versions
A fake invoice for Bitcoin, Norton, McAfee, Geek Squad, or a large electronics purchase.
A note inside the invoice saying "Call this number immediately if you did not authorize this."
A request to pay outside PayPal because the seller claims the invoice is "only for verification."
A refund scam where the caller says they accidentally sent too much money and needs you to send the difference back.
Red flags
The invoice note contains a phone number and tries to create panic.
The seller name is unfamiliar, generic, or full of random characters.
The message says your account will be charged unless you call.
The caller asks you to install remote access software or share your screen.
They ask for gift cards, crypto, Zelle, Cash App, or a bank transfer to "reverse" the charge.
How to verify a PayPal invoice
Do not call the phone number inside the invoice.
Open PayPal by typing paypal.com yourself or using the official app.
Check your activity and invoices from inside your account.
If the invoice is real but unwanted, report or cancel it inside PayPal.
If there is no matching activity in your account, treat the email as a scam.
If you already called the number
If you only talked to them, hang up and block the number. If you installed remote access software, disconnect from the internet, uninstall the software, and change important passwords from a different device. If you sent money or shared card details, call your bank or card issuer immediately.
Got a strange PayPal invoice?
Paste the email text, invoice note, or link into ScamKit before you call any number listed in the message.