Received a PayPal Bitcoin Order Email? Why It’s 100% A Scam
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
The internet is filled with cybercriminals looking to separate you from your hard-earned money. One prevalent scam involving PayPal aims to trick you into paying for a fake Bitcoin order you never placed.
This article will uncover all the devious methods scammers use to carry out the PayPal Bitcoin order confirmation scam. You’ll learn how to spot their phony emails, avoid being manipulated by phone calls, and protect yourself from account theft or identity fraud.
Let’s dig into this guide so you can stay two steps ahead of fraudsters seeking their next victim.
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Overview of the Deceptive Scam
The PayPal Bitcoin order confirmation scam is an increasingly common ruse aiming to convince recipients they accidentally purchased Bitcoin through PayPal. The goal is ultimately stealing your money or personal information. This overview will delve into how the intricate scheme works.
It starts by an email landing in your inbox claiming PayPal processed an order and payment on your behalf for a high amount of Bitcoin, like $500 or $1,000 worth. The message includes convincing details like an order confirmation number, date of purchase, and the pending charge that will debit from your linked bank account or credit card in 1-2 business days.
Of course the entire email is a fake, but many elements aim to make it look legitimate:
The sender address appears to be from PayPal, such as “service@paypal.com”. But a closer look reveals slight modifications, like using a 1 instead of an l.
The PayPal logo is used multiple times to establish authenticity at a glance.
An official-sounding 13-digit “order confirmation number” is provided.
Details are included like the amount of Bitcoin ordered in BTC, its dollar equivalent, and the total charge.
Account suspension threats warn your account may freeze if the invoice goes unpaid.
The email urges you to call a provided 800-number within 24 hours if you did not authorize the Bitcoin order. But the real scam begins once you call that number.
You’ll reach a smooth-talking scammer posing as a PayPal support agent. Their goal is keeping you on the phone so they can trick you into paying the fake invoice using tactics like:
Verifying the order is “legitimate” by referencing the confirmation number or amount.
Warning your account will be frozen if the invoice goes unpaid per PayPal’s terms.
Claiming the only way to cancel and refund the order is providing your credit card information.
Insisting you buy iTunes or Google Play gift cards to repay the balance and read off the redemption codes.
Asking you to download remote access software so they can “reverse the charges.”
Directing you to a spoofed PayPal login page to steal your username and password.
The scammers manipulate victims using authority, urgency, intimidation, and fake friendliness. Their ultimate goal is gaining enough trust to extract banking credentials, credit card info, or gift card codes, which they quickly monetize before you can act.
With your account details and payment information compromised, scammers can:
Use remote access to drain your accounts or transfer funds to themselves.
Make expensive fraudulent purchases with your credit card information.
Steal your identity and open new lines of credit in your name.
Sell your personal information and logins on the dark web.
Infect your device with malware to spy and gather data covertly.
Victims often lose hundreds or thousands of dollars by the time they realize it’s a scam. But even if no money is lost, the compromise of personal data can lead to identity theft and account breaches.
That’s why spotting these scam emails beforehand is crucial. But if you did engage with the scammers by phone, immediate damage control measures are necessary to protect yourself. Avoidance is the best outcome, but failing that, quick reaction can reduce harm.
Now that you understand the mechanics of this sophisticated social engineering ruse, you can be better prepared to evade it. We’ll cover explicit methods for detecting and stopping the scam later in this guide. Forewarned is forearmed when it comes to protecting your accounts and assets from devious cybercriminals.
Anatomy of the Scam Email
The scam email is the bait used to lure you into the trap. Let’s dissect the common elements that make up one of these PayPal Bitcoin order confirmation messages:
Spoofed Sender Address – While the “From” address appears to be from service@paypal.com, it actually contains slight modifications to mislead.
Subject Line – Contains “Invoice” or “Order Confirmation” to get you to open the email quickly.
PayPal Logos – Contains several PayPal logos and branding elements to look legitimate.
Charge Amount – Claims you bought a high dollar amount of Bitcoin, like $500 or $1000 worth.
Order Number – Includes a long alphanumeric “order number” to reference, like 3627PPI234971308.
Call to Action – Urges you to call a provided 800-number within 72 hours if you did not authorize the charge.
Threats – Warns your account may be frozen or suspended if you don’t pay promptly.
With enough authentic-looking details, the email can cause even savvy users to question if it’s real. But calling the number starts the real scam.
What Happens When You Call?
Once you call the number provided in the email, the friendly “PayPal agent” who answers will insist that the Bitcoin order is legitimate. They’ll reference details from the email, like the order number, to falsely verify the purchase.
Some other lies and manipulation tactics they will use include:
Claiming there is a “pending Bitcoin withdrawal” from your bank account to PayPal.
Stating the purchase was made from your device’s IP address.
Warning your account will be frozen if you don’t pay immediately.
Offering to refund the order, but only if you provide credit card details.
Insisting you buy gift cards to repay the amount and read off the codes.
Their goal is maintaining control of the call so they can pressure you into giving up banking login credentials, credit card info, or gift card numbers to “repay” the fake Bitcoin order. Once they get this sensitive data, your accounts and identity are compromised.
How Victims Get Scammed
During these calls, scammers employ various tactics to gain enough trust to extract valuable personal information:
1. They Direct You to a Fake Website
The “agent” may guide you to click a link in the email routing to a convincing mockup of the real PayPal site. But it’s completely controlled by the scammers to steal login credentials you enter.
2. They Request Remote Access to Your Computer
Scammers may ask to remotely access your computer to supposedly process a refund. This allows them to install malware and spyware to steal data.
3. They Ask for Credit Card and Bank Account Details
They claim they need your account numbers to refund the fraudulent Bitcoin order. But in reality, they use it to commit theft and fraud.
4. They Demand Gift Card Purchase
Insisting gift cards are the only way to repay the order is merely a way to get you to hand over codes they can redeem for cash.
As long as the scammer maintains dominance on the call, their chances of duping you increases. That’s why avoiding their calls entirely protects you from their manipulation and social engineering.
What to do if You Paid the Scammers
If you already fell victim and made payments to the scammers, take these steps immediately:
Call your bank and credit card companies. Request to block payments or freeze accounts compromised by the scammers.
Change passwords on all online accounts, especially financial ones, to new secure passwords.
Scan devices with security software to uncover any malware installed during remote access. Remove any infections.
Place fraud alerts with credit bureaus to flag any new lines of credit opened in your name.
Monitor your credit reports closely for signs of identity theft. Dispute fraudulent accounts.
File complaints with the FTC and PayPal so they can investigate the scam. Provide details on how the scam occurred.
Contact your local police department to file an official report about the fraud.
The sooner you take counteractions, the less ability scammers have to misuse your stolen personal information and cause further harm. But avoiding the scam in the first place is ideal.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Here are some telltale indicators an email is a scam attempt, not legitimate communication from PayPal:
Generic greetings like “Dear PayPal user” instead of your name.
Sender address contains misspellings or extra characters.
Urgency cues like “you must contact us within 24 hours”.
Unnatural phrasing and language errors throughout.
Requests for prepaid cards or bank access for repayment.
Links to spoofed websites dressed as the real PayPal site.
Threats to suspend your account if the invoice goes unpaid.
With a critical eye trained to spot subtle clues, you can identify these scam emails before even reading the content. When in doubt, contact PayPal directly through official channels to verify legitimacy. Any email pressuring urgent action or payment should be presumed fraudulent.
Avoiding the PayPal Bitcoin Order Scam
Implement these tips to keep your accounts and identity protected from the Bitcoin order confirmation scam:
Never call unsolicited numbers provided in emails, always contact PayPal directly through known methods.
Set up two-factor authentication on your PayPal account and other critical logins for extra security.
Routinely monitor bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges indicating possible scams.
Be wary of urgent threats, demands for remote access, and requests for account details over the phone.
Never provide your password, one-time codes, or other login credentials to anyone. Keep payment information private until verifying independently that the request is legitimate.
With vigilance and healthy skepticism, you can evade tricks aimed at stealing your hard-earned savings or personal data.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PayPal Bitcoin Order Scam
1. I got an email from PayPal about a Bitcoin order I never placed. Is it real?
No, this is most likely the PayPal Bitcoin order confirmation scam. PayPal does not actually sell or transact with Bitcoin. Any email about an unauthorized Bitcoin order through PayPal is falsified to steal your information.
2. How did the scammers know my name and email address?
Scammers likely obtained your personal details from a data breach, public records, or by purchasing stolen info on the dark web. This information is then used to make the fake emails appear more convincing.
3. What happens if I call the number listed in the email?
Calling the number connects you with a scammer posing as PayPal support. They will attempt to trick you into paying the false invoice through various social engineering techniques and threats. Never call unverified numbers in emails.
4. Could the email be real if it looks like it’s from PayPal?
No, scammers fake the sender address and PayPal branding to fool you. PayPal would never contact you demanding immediate payment for an unauthorized Bitcoin order in this manner. Assume these emails are fraudulent.
5. I already paid the scammers – what should I do now?
Contact your bank immediately to reverse any transfers or freeze your accounts. Monitor your credit closely for signs of identity theft and request fraud alerts. Change online account passwords. File complaints with the FTC and PayPal.
6. Why do scammers ask for gift cards to settle payments?
Gift cards like iTunes and Google Play provide scammers with untraceable cash when the codes are redeemed. Victims can’t get reimbursed for gift card scams. Never pay questionable invoices with gift cards.
7. Can I get my money back if I fell for this scam?
If you paid by credit card or bank transfer, you may successfully dispute the charges. But payments via gift cards, crypto, wire transfers or friends & family PayPal are usually impossible to recover. Act quickly to increase chances.
8. What tips can prevent me from being scammed?
Avoid calls from unfamiliar numbers. Use caller ID and don’t answer suspicious calls. Never provide personal information over the phone. Be wary of threats demanding urgent payment. Verify requests independently through official channels.
9. Why does PayPal warn against sending money to friends and family?
Scammers often insist on friends & family PayPal payments because they can’t be disputed or reversed later when the scam is discovered. PayPal cautions against these types of transfers for protection.
10. Where can I report the scam emails and numbers?
Forward scam emails to PayPal at spoof@paypal.com. Report scam phone numbers to the FTC’s Do Not Call registry. Add the number to your smartphone’s global spam list. File an official complaint about the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
In Summary
The PayPal Bitcoin order confirmation scam starts with a convincing email about an unauthorized Bitcoin purchase but evolves into sophisticated social engineering over the phone. If you receive a suspicious email, report it to PayPal immediately without calling the provided number. Remember, real PayPal support will never cold call demanding account access or prepaid gift cards.
Spread awareness about this scam to protect more innocent victims from its financial and personal damages. Now that the devious workings of this scam are exposed, you have the knowledge needed to keep your accounts protected and avoid being manipulated. Don’t let these professional thieves swindle you out of account information or a single penny.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Thomas Orsolya
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
