Is an email asking me to verify my PayPal account by calling a phone number real?
No. Legitimate PayPal account verification is done inside your PayPal account — not by phone call. This is a vishing set-up.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
PayPal verification scam emails tell you there is an issue with your account and provide a phone number to call. When you call, you reach a scammer impersonating PayPal support who asks for your account email, password, or one-time verification code to 'confirm your identity'. Once they have your credentials they access and drain your account. PayPal's genuine security processes are handled entirely within the PayPal website or app — they do not email you a phone number to call for verification, and PayPal support never asks for your password.
Common red flags
- Email provides a phone number to call for account verification
- Caller asks for your PayPal password or OTP during the 'verification'
- Sender email does not come from paypal.com
- Urgency — account will be limited if not verified within hours
What to do now
- Do not call the number in the email
- Log into PayPal directly at paypal.com to check for real account issues
- If you called and gave credentials, change your PayPal password immediately
- Report phishing emails to [email protected] and your email provider
Frequently asked questions
Does PayPal ever call customers?
PayPal may call if you have initiated a support request. They do not proactively call from numbers in emails, and they never ask for your password over the phone.