Is a PayPal invoice I didn't expect a scam?
Yes, most likely. Scammers send fake PayPal invoices to trick you into calling a fake support number or into paying for something you didn't buy.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Anyone with a PayPal account can send an invoice to any email address. Fraudsters exploit this by sending authentic-looking PayPal invoices for large amounts — often for a purchase you don't recognise — hoping you will panic and call a phone number included in the invoice memo. That number connects to a scammer, not PayPal.
Other variants include invoices where the memo contains a 'call to cancel' phone number, leading to remote-access or bank-transfer scams. A real, unexpected PayPal invoice does not mean money has been taken; you must actively approve payment. Do not call any number in the invoice — go directly to PayPal.com to check your account.
Common red flags
- An invoice for a purchase you don't recognise
- A phone number in the invoice memo telling you to call to cancel
- High-value invoice creating urgency
- Email address the invoice was sent from looks unofficial (though it may appear to come from PayPal's domain)
- Instructions to call a number before PayPal charges your account
What to do now
- Do not call any phone number listed in the invoice
- Log in to PayPal.com directly to check your account status
- Report and decline the invoice through your PayPal account
- Do not provide your bank or card details to anyone who contacts you about it
- Report the scam to PayPal and your national fraud service
Frequently asked questions
Does receiving the invoice mean money was already taken?
No. An invoice is a request — you must approve it for money to leave your account. Check your PayPal balance directly to confirm nothing has been charged.
Can I just ignore the invoice?
You can decline and report it through your PayPal account. Ignoring without declining is generally fine too, but reporting helps protect others.