An illustrative example
“Your subscription has renewed. Call the number below immediately if you didn’t authorize this charge.”
Warning signs to look for
- An unexpected payment request for something you do not recognize.
- A link or support number inside an alarming message.
- Instructions to share a security code, install software, or provide card details.
What you can do
- Open the company’s official app or type its known website address yourself. Check your account there.
- Do not use a support number from an invoice or note you do not recognize.
- For suspicious PayPal invoices or money requests, do not pay. Use the report option in your PayPal account.
A real platform can carry a fraudulent request
An invoice or money request delivered through PayPal is not proof that the sender’s claim is legitimate. Check the request inside your account and use PayPal’s own reporting tools. Do not call a number written into an invoice note.
Talk about it together
Try starting with:
“A message can look official and still need checking. Let’s open the account ourselves.”
Sources and further reading
PayPal: invoice and money request scamsPayPal: report a suspicious requestGeneral educational information. Reporting routes and protections vary by country.