Beware of the Exceed In Coding LLC PayPal Invoice Email Scam
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Have you received an email that appears to come from Service@PayPal saying you have successfully placed an order from the Apple Store using your PayPal account? The email includes an invoice from a company called “Exceed In Coding, LLC” and urges you to contact PayPal’s “Billing Team” immediately?
This is a phishing scam designed to steal your personal and financial information. Keep reading to learn more about how this scam works and what you should do if you receive this deceptive email.
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Overview of the Exceed In Coding LLC PayPal Invoice Scam
This scam starts with an email that seems to be from PayPal’s service team. The email claims you recently used PayPal to place an order on the Apple website, and now owe money to a company called “Exceed In Coding, LLC.”
The email includes convincing details like a transaction ID number and an invoice with Exceed In Coding’s logo. It urges you to call PayPal’s “Billing Team” right away to resolve the unpaid invoice.
However, this is all an elaborate ruse. The email is not from PayPal, there is no unpaid invoice, and the phone number given connects you to scammers, not PayPal representatives.
The phishing scam has two main goals:
Trick you into paying a fake invoice to scammers
Steal your PayPal login credentials or other personal information
This scam takes advantage of PayPal’s widespread use and trustworthy reputation. But several red flags indicate the email is fake:
The phone number given does not match PayPal’s real customer service line
The email contains grammatical errors a real PayPal message would not
The sender email uses an address like service@paypal.com, not an official paypal.com address
How the Exceed In Coding LLC PayPal Invoice Scam Works
Here is a step-by-step explanation of how scammers carry out this scam, often with a refund scam twist:
1. You receive the fake invoice email
The phishing email appears in your inbox disguised as a message from PayPal. It contains fake order details and urges you to call a provided billing number.
2. You call the scammers posing as PayPal
When you call the number, scammers pretend to be PayPal agents. They claim you must have been hacked, as there is no valid invoice.
3. Scammers offer a fake refund
The scammers will apologize and say you qualify for a refund for the invalid invoice charge. This sets up the refund scam.
4. Scammers request remote access to your device
The scammers will ask you to allow remote access to your computer or smartphone, supposedly to process the refund directly. If you comply, the scammers can install malware or access sensitive data.
5. Scammers collect financial information
Once they have remote access, scammers can steal stored passwords, login credentials, and financial information like bank account or credit card details.
6. Scammers disappear with your information
Now armed with your financial information, the scammers take any funds they can from your accounts and disappear. You are left with compromised accounts, unauthorized charges, and no refund.
The key is to avoid calling the scammers in the first place. Legitimate companies don’t ask for remote access to issue refunds. Hang up if the discussion goes this route.
What to Do If You Get This PayPal Invoice Scam Email
If this deceptive email lands in your inbox, stay calm and take the following steps:
Do not click on any links in the email, which could download malware onto your device.
Do not call the billing number provided, which will connect you with scammers.
Forward the email to PayPal’s spoof@paypal.com for investigation.
Report the scam email as phishing to your email provider.
Log into your real PayPal account and check for any suspicious activity.
Change your PayPal password in case scammers already obtained it. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Contact PayPal customer service if you have any other concerns about your account’s security.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Exceed In Coding LLC PayPal Invoice Scam
1. How do I know if the PayPal invoice email I received is a scam?
The email is likely a scam if it includes an invoice for a purchase you did not make, grammatical errors, a non-PayPal customer service number to call, a suspicious sender address like service@paypal.com, or threats about your account being at risk. Check your actual PayPal account to confirm any supposed unpaid invoices.
2. What should I do if I receive the fake PayPal invoice email?
Do not click any links, call any phone numbers, provide any personal information, or make any payments. Forward the scam email to PayPal at spoof@paypal.com. Report the phishing attempt to your email provider. Log into your real PayPal account to check for suspicious activity and change your password.
3. Why would scammers send a fake PayPal invoice?
The scam aims to trick you into paying the invoice or providing your PayPal login credentials, bank account details, or other personal information. Scammers can then steal your money or commit identity theft.
4. What is the refund scam variation?
Scammers may offer a fake refund for the invalid invoice instead of asking for payment. They then request remote access to your device to supposedly process the refund, when really they install malware or steal financial information.
5. How can I protect myself from PayPal invoice scams?
Always login directly to your PayPal account instead of clicking email links. Use two-factor authentication if offered. Watch for poor grammar, threats about your account, requests for odd payment types, and other red flags of a scam attempt.
6. What should I do if I already paid the fake invoice or gave the scammers information?
Contact PayPal immediately to report unauthorized charges or compromised credentials. Alert your bank about any suspicious activity on linked accounts. Change passwords on all accounts potentially impacted by an information breach. Sign up for credit monitoring to detect any signs of identity theft.
7. Can PayPal get my money back if I paid a fake invoice?
PayPal’s fraud protections can help recover unauthorized payments or charges in some cases. Contact PayPal as soon as possible for assistance disputing any transactions made without your permission.
The Bottom Line
This PayPal invoice phishing scam can look quite convincing, but telltale signs expose it as fraudulent. PayPal will never email you out of the blue demanding payment, threaten your account, or insist you pay an invoice with unusual methods like gift cards.
Always think twice before clicking links or calling numbers in suspicious finance-related emails. Check your PayPal account directly if you receive any communication about supposed unpaid invoices or problems. Report the phishing attempt, but never provide information or payments to the scammers.
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.
