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.
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? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
- Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
- Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
- Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
- Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The scan usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for Windows 11 and 10. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium
Malwarebytes Free for WindowsScans and removes malware at no cost-
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
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Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
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Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
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When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
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On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
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Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take 5 to 20 minutes depending on your computer. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
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Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, Malwarebytes has finished removing the threats it found.
That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac
Malwarebytes for Mac is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
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Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
Download MalwarebytesOfficial installer for macOS. Your download starts right away.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes PremiumMalwarebytes Free for MacScans and removes malware at no cost -
Open the Malwarebytes setup file
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
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Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
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Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
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Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
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Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
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Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
That’s it — your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
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.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
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.
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Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
Get Malwarebytes for AndroidOpens Google Play in a new tab.Want real-time protection? See Malwarebytes Premium for AndroidMalwarebytes for AndroidScans your phone and removes malware at no cost -
Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
That’s it — your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.
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.
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
👉 Download AdGuard and browse safely
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.
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