How does the PayPal 1p deposit scam work?

Scammers deposit 1p into a PayPal account, triggering a fake email that deceems users into believing more money is coming and prompts them to call a fraudulent customer service number.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious PayPal email with a 1p deposit?

Do not call the number or reply to the email. Log in directly to your PayPal account via the official app or website to update your password and enable two-factor authentication.

What advice does PayPal give about deposit scams?

PayPal advises users to stay vigilant, as scammers use urgency and fake numbers. PayPal will never demand urgent action or include phone numbers in payment messages; always log in directly to review activity.

Home / Crime and Justice / PayPal Scam: 1p Deposit Triggers Bank Account Drain

PayPal Scam: 1p Deposit Triggers Bank Account Drain

16 Apr

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Summary

Scammers deposit 1p into PayPal accounts to initiate fraud.
Fake emails suggest more money is coming, urging action.
Phishing attempts lead to stolen personal and financial data.

PayPal Scam: 1p Deposit Triggers Bank Account Drain

Shoppers are now being warned about a sophisticated PayPal deposit scam designed to defraud them. This scheme commences with scammers depositing a minuscule amount, just 1p, into a victim's PayPal account. This action triggers a genuine-looking email from PayPal, which is designed to mislead. The email falsely suggests that additional funds are expected and that the 1p was merely a verification deposit to confirm an active account.

The scam email typically includes a notification stating that a payout was processed via a small deposit confirmation. It then advises recipients to contact PayPal Customer Care to secure their account and request a refund if the transaction was unauthorized. However, the provided contact details lead directly to scammers who will attempt to extract personal and financial details.