How to Report Spoof or Phishing Emails to PayPal

If you receive a suspicious email that claims to be from PayPal, follow these steps to report it:

1. Identify a Suspicious Email

• Sender’s Email Address: Legitimate PayPal emails come from domains like @paypal.com. Check for subtle misspellings (e.g., @paypa1.com).
• Generic Greetings: Phishing emails often start with “Dear User” or “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
• Urgent Requests: Be wary of emails urging you to act quickly to avoid account suspension or unauthorised transactions.
• Links and Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments.

2. Forward the Email to PayPal

• Email Address for Reporting: Forward the suspicious email to phishing@paypal.com or spoof@paypal.com.
• Do not alter the subject line or the content of the email when forwarding it.
• After forwarding, delete the email from your inbox.

3. Report Phishing Websites

• If you clicked a link in the email and were directed to a phishing website, report the website to PayPal:
  • Email the website’s URL to spoof@paypal.com.
  • Provide details about how you found the website.

4. Use PayPal’s Website

• Log in to your PayPal account via the official website (www.paypal.com) or app to check for any messages regarding your account.
• Never use links from suspicious emails to access your account.

5. Additional Steps for Protection

• Update Your Password: If you entered your credentials on a phishing site, immediately change your PayPal password.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
• Monitor Transactions: Review your account activity for unauthorized transactions and report them to PayPal if found.

6. Report to Other Authorities

• Local Authorities: Depending on your location, you can report phishing attempts to a government body (e.g., the FTC in the U.S. at reportfraud.ftc.gov).
• Anti-Phishing Groups: Report phishing to organizations like the Anti-Phishing Working Group (reportphishing@apwg.org).

By promptly reporting spoof or phishing emails to PayPal and following these steps, you can help protect yourself and others from fraud.

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