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. A quick way to check is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Free, one of the most trusted malware removal tools available. If you only visited a scam page and didn’t download or install anything, this scan is optional.
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 your PC and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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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Optional: Check for rootkits with a Custom Scan
You don’t need to change any settings for a normal scan. The standard Threat Scan in the next step is enough for most problems, so you can go straight to it.
If you also want to check for rootkits, use a Custom Scan. In current versions of Malwarebytes, rootkit scanning is only available there:
- On the Scanner tile, click the three-dot menu and select Advanced Scan.
- Choose Custom Scan. In its options, check Scan for rootkits.
- Select your system drive (usually C:\) as the location to scan, then start the scan. It takes longer than a Threat Scan.
- When it finishes, review and quarantine the results as described in the steps below.
Rootkit scanning isn’t available on Windows devices with ARM processors.
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.
When the scan is done, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they continue, see the options below.
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 your Mac and remove what Malwarebytes finds.
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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“.
Malwarebytes needs Full Disk Access to check your whole Mac. When it asks, open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access, turn on Malwarebytes (it may be listed as Malwarebytes Protection), and confirm with your password or Touch ID. Then return to Malwarebytes. On macOS Monterey and earlier, this setting is in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy.
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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, check whether the problems you noticed have stopped. If they come back, save the scan report and ask for help in our forum.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
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 scans your phone or tablet for malware, adware, and potentially unwanted apps. The free version scans only when you start a scan. Real-time protection, which checks apps automatically, is part of the paid Premium version.
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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 opens, it walks you through a short setup. Tap Get started and follow the prompts. If you see an offer for a trial or a paid plan, read it before you accept. You can skip it and keep using the free scanner.
Malwarebytes will ask for permission to access the files on your phone so it can scan them. Tap Allow, or turn on the permission in the Android screen that opens, then return to Malwarebytes.
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Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
On the main screen, tap Scan now. In some versions, you open the menu, tap Scanner, and then tap Run a 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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Remove the detected apps.
When the scan has been completed, you will see a list of the threats that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. Next to each detected item, tap the menu icon (three dots), then choose to uninstall the app or delete the file. Android then asks you to confirm. Tap OK or Uninstall to remove the app.
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Restart your phone.
When the detected apps are removed, restart your phone if Malwarebytes asks you to. Then check whether the problems you noticed have stopped.
If the problems you noticed continue after the scan, see the options below.
If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
- Only as a last resort, reset your phone to factory settings. Read the warning below first.
- Back up your photos, videos, files, and messages, for example to your Google account or a computer.
- Make sure you know your Google account email and password. The phone asks for them after the reset. If you changed the password recently, Google recommends waiting 24 hours before you reset.
- On a Samsung phone, also make sure you know your Samsung account password.
- If you use an authenticator app for two-step verification, move your accounts to another device or save your backup codes first.
Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites
No scan can prove a device is completely clean, so it helps to block threats before they reach you. 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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