PayPal scams exposed and foolproof ways to stay safe

How to Spot PayPal Scams in 2025

PayPal is Germany’s leading online payment platform, but its fees and the ease of fraud make it a prime target for scam artists. Tech specialist Al Alof at crypto exchange ChicksX has mapped the most frequent tricks in 2025 and offered practical protection steps. Below is a compact guide for safe transactions.

Common PayPal Scams

• Account “Issue” Scam – Phishing emails claim a problem with your PayPal account and redirect you to a fake login page. The scammer then harvests your credentials.
• Promotional Offer Scam – You receive a “cash rebate” email. It prompts you to sign in, but the link leads to a counterfeit PayPal site where your login details are stolen.
• Advance‑Payment Scam – You’re told you’ve won or inherited a large sum. The catch: you must first send a nominal fee via PayPal. After the payment, the scammer disappears, leaving you out the money.
• Shipping‑Address Scam – On genuine PayPal transactions, a buyer manipulates shipping routes. Examples:
• Requests a preferred carrier and later files a “non‑receipt” claim, rescinding the funds.
• Provides a prepaid label to a different address and then claims the package never arrived.
• Offers a fake address, receives a real one later, and attempts a reimbursement.
• Alternate‑Payment Method Scam – The fraudster urges you to use PayPal’s “Friends & Family” transfer. That channel isn’t covered by PayPal’s buyer protection, so you have no recourse if goods never arrive.
• Payment‑Pending Scam – A fake buyer insists the payment is “pending” until you give a tracking number. Once you ship, the buyer vanishes without paying.
• Fake Charities Scam – During disaster relief, scammers set up counterfeit charity sites and ask for donations via PayPal.
• Callback Phishing Email Scam – You receive a suspicious‑activity notice, and the email directs you to call a number supposedly linked to PayPal. The call center steals your login information.

Top Tips – How to Avoid PayPal Scams

1. Keep All Life inside PayPal

   Never divert payments outside PayPal. If a buyer overpays or wants a refund via another platform, reset the transaction immediately and start over.

2. Use Your Own Shipping Method

   Control delivery by selecting your transport carrier. Avoid using third‑party labels that can be rerouted.

3. Only Ship to the Transaction‑Details Address

   PayPal’s Seller Protection protects you only when you ship to the address listed in the transaction details.

4. Deal with Verified Users

   Accounts that have been fully verified are less likely to be scammers. Exercise caution with non‑verified users.

5. Beware of Email Links & Attachments

   Never click on links in emails received even if they look authentic. Log in directly by typing paypal.com into your browser or app.

6. Maintain Reliable Antivirus Protection

   Prevent malware from infiltrating your device. Do not download files or attachments from unknown email senders.

7. Use PayPal’s Official Contact Number

   When you need support, dial only the number listed on the PayPal website. Genuine communications will address you by name.