We are seeing reports of a phishing scam circulating via email, designed to trick recipients into calling a fraudulent helpline. If you receive an email similar to the one shown in the attached screenshots, do not engage with it.
How the Scam Works
The email claims that an "unauthorised transaction" for an iPhone 16 Pro ($789.99) has been successfully charged to your PayPal account. It uses several tactics to pressure you:
Urgency: It claims you will be charged "today" unless you call immediately.
The "Hook": It invites you to call a "Helpline Number" to cancel the order or get a refund.
Professional Branding: It uses the PayPal logo and formal language to appear legitimate.
Red Flags to Look Out For
Sender Address: The email comes from a random, personal account (e.g., "jossiejossie8745") rather than an official
@paypal.comdomain.Generic Greeting: It addresses you as "Dear PayPal Customer" instead of using your full name.
Poor Grammar: Note the awkward phrasing and punctuation, such as "1 you're Billing Information" and "will be charge today".
The Phone Number: PayPal does not typically ask you to call a mobile or random number to "cancel" a transaction found in an email.
What You Should Do
Do Not Call: Never call the phone number provided in the email. This connects you directly to scammers who will try to gain remote access to your computer or steal your bank details.
Check Your Account Separately: If you are worried, log in to the official PayPal app or website directly (never via a link in the email) to check your recent activity.
Report It: Forward the suspicious email to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk.
Delete: Once reported, delete the email from your inbox.
