Beware the FAKE PayPal Customer Service Texts & Emails (Scam Exposed)
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
A text or email claims there is a suspicious PayPal transaction and urges you to call a “PayPal Customer Service” phone number to cancel or verify it. This is a common support impersonation scam.
The goal is to get you on a fake support call, where scammers pressure you to share login details, one-time security codes, or payment information. This article explains how the scam works, what red flags to watch for, and what to do if you interacted with it.
Scam Overview
The PayPal Customer Service scam is a support impersonation scheme. The scammer’s entire strategy is to make you believe you are speaking with PayPal so you will follow instructions you would normally reject.
The “support” angle shows up in multiple formats, but the core pattern stays the same:
A message claims there is a problem involving your PayPal account or a transaction.
The message creates urgency and fear, often using a specific dollar amount.
The message gives you a phone number or link that routes to the scammer, not PayPal.
The scammer uses the call or chat to steal access, money, or both.
One reason this scam keeps working is that it can look convincing even when the target does not use PayPal often. Many people have a PayPal account from years ago, or they have used PayPal once for an online purchase. Scammers exploit that familiarity.
What this scam typically looks like
Most victims see it in one of these “entry point” forms:
1) Smishing (scam texts) that claim suspicious activity You may receive a text like:
“PayPal: Your payment of $489.50 is pending. If this wasn’t you, call support now at (###) ###-####.”
“PayPal Security Alert: New login detected. Call customer service to secure your account.”
PayPal’s own security guidance warns that scammers use urgent SMS messages with bogus numbers or URLs to push you into calling. (PayPal)
2) Phishing emails that include a fake support number The email often looks like a receipt, a fraud alert, or an account limitation notice. The biggest giveaway is the “Call PayPal now” number inside the email.
Sometimes the sender address looks believable. Sometimes the email is formatted like a real PayPal message. But the phone number is not PayPal’s.
3) Fake invoices or money requests sent through PayPal This is one of the most confusing variants because the invoice can be delivered through PayPal’s real invoicing system.
The scammer sends an invoice or money request with a scary note in the description, such as:
“You have been charged $799.99 for a new iPhone. If you did not authorize, call PayPal immediately at (###) ###-####.”
PayPal explicitly warns that invoice and money request scams may include a phone number and try to get you to call so you will hand over personal or financial details. (PayPal)
4) Search results and ads that lead to fake PayPal support Some scammers run ads or create lookalike pages designed to appear when you search “PayPal customer service number” or “PayPal support phone.”
This version is dangerous because it catches people who are already trying to do the right thing: get help. If you click the wrong result, you can end up calling a scam number you found online.
5) Robocalls that tell you to call back You may get an automated voicemail that claims a PayPal charge was approved and asks you to call a number to cancel it.
PayPal warns people not to return automated calls that provide a callback number, and to contact PayPal only through official support channels.
Why scammers love the “customer service” approach
A fake support call is more profitable than a simple phishing link for a few reasons:
A live call lets the scammer build trust and apply pressure in real time.
The scammer can adapt the script based on your answers.
They can talk you into actions that bypass security, like reading a one-time code.
They can push you toward payment methods that are hard to reverse.
Support impersonation also exploits a normal habit: when people see fraud, they want to resolve it fast. Scammers weaponize that urgency.
The most common storylines scammers use
PayPal support scams rotate scripts constantly, but most fall into these buckets:
“Payment pending” or “payment authorization” This is the classic hook. It claims you have a pending transaction, and you must call to stop it.
“You sent money” The message claims you sent $ to an unknown person, sometimes with a name that sounds like a business.
“Account limitation” It says your account is limited, suspended, or flagged for compliance. You must call to restore access.
“Unrecognized device” It claims a new device logged in and your account is at risk.
“Subscription renewal” It claims you are being charged for a high-priced subscription, often $299.00, $399.00, or $499.00.
“Refund in progress” It claims PayPal is issuing a refund and you must verify details. This is often a setup for a refund scam.
What scammers are actually trying to steal
The scam may start with a fake “PayPal customer service” interaction, but the end goals are very consistent.
Scammers commonly want:
Your PayPal login email and password
Your one-time security code (2-step verification code)
Your bank account or debit card details
Your credit card details
Your PayPal balance, if you keep funds in PayPal
Access to your email account (because it is the key to password resets)
Remote access to your phone or computer
Direct payment through gift cards, wire, crypto, or peer-to-peer apps
Even if you never store money in PayPal, access to your account can still be valuable. A compromised PayPal account can be used for:
Unauthorized payments from linked cards or banks
Requests for money sent to your contacts
New linked financial accounts added by the scammer
Identity data collection for follow-up fraud
Why the scam often includes a specific dollar amount
A specific amount makes the alert feel “real.”
Scammers choose amounts that create fear but still feel plausible. $143.95, $289.47, or $499.99 are common because they sound like realistic purchases.
The exact number is not proof of anything. It is a psychological lever.
Why invoice scams confuse people so effectively
Invoice scams deserve special attention because they exploit a feature people misunderstand.
An invoice is not the same as a completed payment.
A scammer can send you a PayPal invoice that looks like a bill, but you are not automatically charged just because you received it. The scammer’s goal is to make you panic and call the phone number in the invoice notes.
PayPal warns users to be cautious with invoices and money requests that include alarmist messages and push you to call quickly. The right move is to log into PayPal directly and verify whether any action is needed.
Red flags that reliably identify a PayPal customer service scam
Use this checklist when you are unsure.
Message-level red flags
The message is unexpected and urgent.
It claims a payment is pending and you must act now.
It contains a phone number to call “PayPal support.”
It uses generic greetings like “Dear customer.”
It threatens account suspension or legal action.
It pushes you to reply, call, or click immediately.
Call-level red flags
The “agent” asks for your password or one-time code.
The “agent” asks you to install remote access software.
The “agent” tells you to move money to “protect it.”
The “agent” requests payment by gift card, crypto, wire, or unusual methods.
The “agent” pressures you to stay on the phone while you log in.
Account-level red flags
You see an invoice you do not recognize.
You see a money request from a stranger.
You see a new linked bank or card you did not add.
You see new shipping addresses or profile changes.
What PayPal recommends instead of calling numbers in messages
PayPal’s security guidance emphasizes contacting them through official support paths, not numbers included in suspicious calls, texts, or emails.
PayPal also provides a dedicated approach for reporting fraud and unauthorized activity, including using the Resolution Center.
For suspicious messages, PayPal also encourages reporting phishing, including forwarding suspicious emails to PayPal’s phishing reporting address.
That theme matters because it exposes the scam’s biggest weakness: the scammer cannot control what happens if you go to PayPal directly.
Why smart people still fall for it
Most victims are not reckless. They are rushed.
The scam succeeds because it creates a tight emotional loop:
Fear: “Someone is spending your money.”
Urgency: “It’s pending right now.”
Authority: “This is PayPal customer service.”
Convenience: “Just call this number.”
When you are stressed, it is easy to choose the fastest option. Scammers know that. They build the entire experience around speed and pressure.
How The Scam Works
This section walks through the typical PayPal Customer Service scam from first contact to financial loss. Not every scam uses every step, but most follow a similar progression.
Step 1: The scammer creates the hook
The hook is the initial claim that triggers concern.
Common hooks include:
A PayPal payment is pending.
A large “purchase” was approved.
Your account is limited or locked.
A new device logged in.
A refund is being processed.
Scammers often include a precise amount to make it feel like a real transaction. They also use language like “urgent,” “immediately,” “verify,” and “fraud prevention.”
Step 2: The message routes you to the scammer
This is the most important stage.
Instead of directing you to the PayPal app or telling you to log in, the message gives you:
A phone number to call
A link to a fake support site
A QR code
Instructions to reply “YES” or “NO”
If you follow that path, you have left PayPal’s environment and entered the scammer’s controlled environment.
In invoice scams, the phone number is often buried inside the invoice note. PayPal warns that scammers may use invoices or money requests to push you to call their phone number. (PayPal)
Step 3: The fake “agent” builds credibility fast
Once you call, the scammer focuses on sounding legitimate.
They may:
Answer with a polished greeting like “PayPal Fraud Department”
Use hold music
Reference a “case number”
Speak confidently and quickly
Repeat your concern back to you to build rapport
They will also ask “verification” questions that feel normal:
Your name
Your email address
Your phone number
The last 4 digits of a card
This is not harmless small talk. They are collecting data and testing how compliant you are.
Step 4: They intensify urgency and isolate you
After you confirm it was not you, they escalate:
“Your account has been compromised.”
“The payment will process in the next 10 minutes.”
“If we disconnect, the system may complete the transfer.”
They often try to keep you on the phone while you do everything else. That matters because isolation prevents you from pausing, checking PayPal directly, or asking someone for advice.
Step 5: They attempt account takeover
At this point, the scam goes in one of two directions:
Direction A: They try to log into your PayPal while you help them They may say they need to “verify ownership,” then ask you for:
Your password
A one-time code sent to your phone
An authentication prompt approval
If you share a one-time code, you may be giving them the key to your account.
Direction B: They pivot to your email If they cannot break into PayPal directly, they may go after the email account tied to PayPal. Email control makes password resets easy.
They might ask you to “confirm” an email code, which is actually a code to reset your email password.
Step 6: They introduce remote access or screen sharing
If the victim seems uncertain, scammers often “offer help” by walking them through steps on their device.
On computers, this usually means remote access software.
On phones, this can mean:
A screen-sharing app
A “support” app
A device management profile
Instructions that keep you busy while they work
Remote access is dangerous because it can allow the scammer to:
View your financial accounts
Capture codes in real time
Create transfers or purchases
Change security settings
Install additional tools
The FTC warns that scammers posing as tech support often ask for remote access, and that you should not grant it.
Step 7: The “refund” scam playbook appears
A very common PayPal customer service scam is the fake refund flow.
Here is how it typically works:
The scammer claims the payment is confirmed and they will “reverse it.”
They tell you a refund is being processed.
They ask you to log into your bank while they “assist.”
They create confusion about numbers on the screen.
Then they push you into sending money “back,” often using a method that is hard to reverse.
In many cases, there is no real refund. The scammer uses misdirection to make you believe you received extra funds or that you must transfer money to secure your account.
Step 8: They pressure you into an irreversible payment method
If the scammer can get you to send money, they want it sent in a way that is difficult to claw back.
Common payment demands include:
Gift cards
Wire transfer
Crypto
Peer-to-peer apps
“Manual transfer” to a “secure account”
This is where many victims lose money quickly.
Gift cards are a classic end point because once you read the code to the scammer, the money is usually gone. The FTC has extensive consumer guidance on gift card scams and notes that scams often begin with a call, text, or email and can involve fake tech support scenarios. (Consumer Advice)
Step 9: They cover tracks and set up future access
If the scammer gains account access, they may:
Add a new phone number to the PayPal profile
Add a new email address
Add a bank account
Create or approve payments
Change security settings
Create billing agreements
Send money requests to your contacts
Even if you stop them mid-scam, they may have enough personal data to attempt future account recovery attacks.
Step 10: Follow-up scams target you again
After an interaction, many victims are targeted with follow-ups like:
“This is PayPal calling you back.”
“Your refund has been approved, confirm your identity.”
“A second transaction attempted, we must secure your account again.”
These follow-ups are designed to catch you while you are still anxious.
Why many victims do not see a real PayPal charge at first
This is important for understanding invoice-based and “pending payment” variants.
An invoice is not an automatic charge.
A money request is not a completed transfer.
A scammer may show you a “transaction ID” that is made up.
That is why the safe verification step is always the same: log into PayPal directly, using the official app or typing the address yourself, and review your activity.
If something is real, it will be reflected inside your PayPal account activity and your bank or card records. If it is fake, it often exists only in the scam message.
Top 5 PayPal Customer Service Scam Variants
Below are the most common formats scammers use to impersonate PayPal support. These examples are representative templates. Scammers rotate wording, amounts, and phone numbers constantly.
1) “Payment Authorization Pending” Text Message (Smishing)
What it claims: A PayPal payment is awaiting verification, and you must call to stop it.
Typical red flags:
Urgent language (“pending,” “verification,” “immediate action”)
A phone number labeled as PayPal support
You are told “no action is needed” if it was you, but to call if not
Example text:
“PAYPAL ALERT: A payment of $246.88 is pending approval. If you did not authorize this, call PayPal Support at +1 (8##) ###-#### to cancel.”
Example text:
“PayPal Security Notice: Attempted transaction at ‘PAYPAL *ONLINE’ for $389.40. Not you? Call Customer Service: (8##) ###-####.”
2) “Unrecognized Login or New Device” Email
What it claims: Your PayPal account was accessed from a new device or location, and you must call support to secure it.
Typical red flags:
Threats about account limitation
A “support center” phone number in the email body
Generic greeting and vague device details
Example email snippet:
Subject: “PayPal: New Sign-In Detected”
Body: “We detected a new login to your PayPal account from an unknown device. If this was not you, contact PayPal Customer Support immediately at (8##) ###-#### to secure your account.”
Body: “Your PayPal account has been accessed from a new location. Please call (8##) ###-#### to prevent unauthorized activity.”
3) PayPal Invoice or Money Request Scam (Often Looks “Official”)
What it claims: You were billed for a high-value item or subscription. The invoice notes include a number to call for cancellation.
Why it works: The invoice may arrive through PayPal’s real invoice system, so it feels legitimate. But receiving an invoice is not the same as being charged.
Typical red flags:
A scary item description and a “call to cancel” note
Large amounts like $499.99, $699.99, $899.99
A phone number inside the invoice memo
Example invoice note:
“Invoice: Apple MacBook Pro Order Confirmation”
Amount: $799.99
Note: “If you did not authorize this charge, contact PayPal Support immediately at +1 (8##) ###-#### for cancellation.”
Example money request note:
“Payment Request: Norton Renewal”
Amount: $399.99
Note: “To dispute or cancel, call PayPal Billing Department at (8##) ###-####.”
What it claims: You are being charged for a subscription renewal and must call to cancel.
Typical red flags:
“Auto-renewal” language
A fake receipt with a customer service number
Pressure to call instead of managing it in your account
Example email snippet:
Subject: “Receipt: Renewal Successful”
Body: “Your subscription has been renewed for $489.99. If you did not authorize or wish to cancel, call PayPal Customer Service at (8##) ###-#### within 24 hours.”
Body: “Total charged: $349.99. For cancellation, contact support at +1 (8##) ###-####.”
5) “Account Limited / Suspended” Text or Email (Threat-Based)
What it claims: Your PayPal account is limited due to suspicious activity and you must call to restore access.
Typical red flags:
Threats and deadlines
“Compliance” language meant to intimidate
A phone number as the primary action step
Example text:
“PayPal: Your account has been LIMITED due to suspicious activity. Call support at (8##) ###-#### to unlock now.”
Example email snippet:
Subject: “PayPal Account Limitation Notice”
Body: “Your account access is restricted. Verify identity by contacting PayPal Support at +1 (8##) ###-#### to avoid permanent suspension.”
Quick rule that catches most of them
If the message’s main instruction is “Call PayPal at this number,” treat it as suspect. Verify by opening the PayPal app directly or typing PayPal’s official website yourself, then check Activity and notifications there.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you clicked, called, installed something, or shared information, act quickly. You do not need to panic, but you do need to be methodical.
Follow the steps below in order. Not every step applies to every situation, so focus on what matches what you did.
1) Stop communicating with the scammer
Hang up immediately.
Do not call back.
Do not reply to texts or emails.
Do not click any new links they send.
If they keep calling, block the number. If they switch numbers, keep blocking. Your goal is to end the conversation loop.
2) Write down what you shared and what you installed
This determines your next steps.
Make a quick checklist:
Did you share your PayPal password?
Did you share a one-time code?
Did you share your email password?
Did you share card or bank details?
Did you install remote access or screen sharing software?
Did you send money, buy gift cards, or transfer crypto?
A clear summary helps you respond correctly and helps your bank or PayPal support if you need to report fraud.
3) Secure your PayPal account from a clean device
If you suspect your computer is compromised, do this from your phone using the PayPal app, or from a different trusted device.
Then:
Change your PayPal password to a strong, unique password.
Review your email address and phone number on the account.
Check your linked banks and cards and remove anything you do not recognize.
Review recent activity and look for payments, added addresses, or profile edits you did not make.
Enable 2-step verification if it is not already enabled.
If you cannot access your account, go through PayPal’s official recovery process inside the official Help Center.
4) Secure the email account connected to PayPal
Email control is often the real prize.
Change your email password.
Turn on 2FA for your email.
Review email forwarding rules and filters.
Check the “recent logins” or “security activity” page for your email provider.
If a scammer can access your email, they can reset PayPal and many other accounts.
5) Check for unauthorized PayPal transactions and report them properly
If you see a payment you did not authorize:
Report it inside PayPal through official reporting channels such as the Resolution Center. (PayPal)
Document dates, amounts, and recipient details.
Do not rely on a phone number from an email or invoice.
If the issue is an invoice or money request you did not create, do not pay it. Treat it as suspicious and review it inside PayPal directly.
6) If you shared card or bank details, contact your bank immediately
If you provided:
Debit card number
Credit card number
Bank account information
Bank login credentials
Any bank one-time passcode
Call the number on the back of your card or use the official bank app.
Ask the bank to:
Flag your account for fraud monitoring
Replace your card
Block suspicious merchants if needed
Review pending transfers and new payees
The faster you do this, the more options the bank may have to stop or reverse activity.
7) If you gave a one-time code, treat it as an active takeover attempt
One-time codes are often the turning point.
If you shared a PayPal login code or email verification code:
Change the password immediately.
Sign out of other sessions if the platform offers that option.
Review and reset any security settings that were changed.
Even if nothing looks wrong yet, assume the scammer tried to use it.
8) If you installed remote access or screen sharing tools, remove them and clean the device
If you installed any “support” software:
Disconnect your device from the internet.
Uninstall the software.
Reboot the device.
Run a reputable malware scan on the computer.
Update your operating system and browser.
Change passwords again after cleaning, especially for email, PayPal, and banking.
If you are not confident the device is clean, consider professional help or a full system reset. It is better to be cautious when financial accounts are involved.
9) If you paid with gift cards, act immediately
If you bought gift cards and shared the codes:
Contact the gift card company right away.
Keep the receipt and card details.
Report it as fraud.
The FTC’s consumer guidance emphasizes that gift cards are a common payment method requested by scammers, and fast action matters.
Do not feel embarrassed. Gift card payments are a standard scam technique because they are fast and hard to reverse.
10) If you sent money through a bank transfer, wire, crypto, or peer-to-peer app
Time matters, especially for bank transfers.
Call your bank immediately and ask whether the transfer can be recalled.
If it was a wire, request a wire recall and fraud claim.
If it was crypto, report it, but understand recovery is often difficult.
Even when recovery is unlikely, reporting helps create a record that may help with related fraud later.
11) Report the scam message the right way
Reporting helps reduce future victims and may help your own case.
Actions that are usually worth doing:
Report the email as phishing in your email provider.
Report the text as junk or spam in your Messages app.
Forward suspicious emails to PayPal’s phishing reporting mailbox when applicable, then delete them.
File a report with consumer fraud reporting agencies in your country.
If you are in the United States, reporting to the FTC is a common step for fraud tracking and documentation.
12) Watch for follow-up attacks for at least 30 days
After a scam call, many victims receive more attempts.
Be alert for:
“Refund department” calls
“Account recovery” emails
“Chargeback reversal” messages
Messages that reference the earlier incident
Follow a simple rule: never use contact info provided in an unexpected message. Navigate to PayPal support through the official app or by typing the official address yourself.
13) Lock down your phone habits to reduce repeat targeting
You cannot stop all scam attempts, but you can reduce exposure.
Consider:
Silencing unknown callers
Filtering unknown senders in Messages
Using carrier spam filtering tools
Avoiding searching for support numbers via random web results
A small change in how you contact support prevents a large percentage of support impersonation scams.
14) If you feel overwhelmed, pause and switch to verification mode
Scammers win when you act fast.
If you ever feel pressure, do this instead:
Stop the call.
Open the PayPal app.
Check Activity and Resolution Center.
Check your bank app for pending charges.
If there is a real problem, you will be able to verify it calmly through official tools.
How to Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware
If you have accidentally downloaded unwanted programs or malware from a pop-up scam, you can find below a full malware removal guide.
This malware removal guide may appear overwhelming due to the number of steps and numerous programs that are being used. We have only written it this way to provide clear, detailed, and easy-to-understand instructions that anyone can use to remove malware for free. Please perform all the steps in the correct order. If you have any questions or doubts at any point, stop and ask for our assistance.
Browser hijackers, unwanted apps, and adware can infect Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android devices, so we’ve covered below all these operating systems. Depending on which operating system is installed on your device, please click on the operating system icon below and follow the displayed steps.
In this first step, we will manually check if any unknown or malicious programs are installed on the computer. Sometimes adware and browser hijackers can have a usable Uninstall entry that can be used to remove them.
Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8Windows 7
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
First, open Windows Settings by pressing Windows+I on your keyboard. You can also right-click your Start button and select “Settings” from the list.
In the Settings app, click on “Apps” and then “Apps & features”.
When Settings opens, click “Apps” in the sidebar, then select “Apps & Features”.
Find the malicious program in the list of installed apps and uninstall it.
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for unknown or suspicious programs. To make things easier, you can sort all installed programs by their installation date. To do this, click “Sort by” and select “Install date”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. When you find a malicious program, click the three dots button beside it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the malicious program.
Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read them closely.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app. You can also ope the Settings app by clicking the Start button on the taskbar, then select “Settings” (gear icon).
In the Settings app, click on “Apps”.
When the “Windows Settings” window opens, click on “Apps“. By default, it should open “Apps and Features” but if it doesn’t, select it from the list on the left.
Find the malicious program in the list of installed apps and uninstall it.
In Apps & Features settings, scroll down to the app list and search for unknown or suspicious programs. To make things easier, you can sort all installed programs by their installation date. To do this, click “Sort by” and select “Install date”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. When you find a malicious program, click on it and select “Uninstall” in the menu that appears.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the prompts to uninstall the program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Uninstall, then follow the prompts to uninstall the malicious program.
Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
Go to “Program and Features”.
Right-click on the Start button in the taskbar, then select “Programs and Features”. This will take you directly to your list of installed programs.
Search for malicious program and uninstall it.
The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find any unknown or suspicious program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malicious program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
Open the “Control Panel”.
Click on the “Start” button, then click on “Control Panel“.
Click on “Uninstall a Program”.
When the “Control Panel” appears, click on “Uninstall a Program” from the Programs category.
Search for malicious programs and uninstall them.
The “Programs and Features” screen will be displayed with a list of all the programs installed on your computer. Scroll through the list until you find any suspicious or unknown program, then click to highlight it, then click the “Uninstall” button.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall malicious program.
In the next message box, confirm the uninstall process by clicking on Yes, then follow the prompts to uninstall malicious program. Make sure to read all of the prompts carefully, because some malicious programs try to sneak things in hoping that you won’t read closely.
If you are experiencing difficulty while attempting to uninstall a program, you can use Revo Uninstaller to completely remove the unwanted program from your computer.
Now that the malicious programs have been removed from your computer, we can proceed with the next step in this guide.
STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this step, we will remove spam notifications, malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware. Please note that this method will remove all extensions, toolbars, and other customizations but will leave your bookmarks and favorites intact. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the browsers tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.
ChromeFirefoxMicrosoft EdgeInternet Explorer
Reset Chrome for Windows to default settings
We will now reset your Chrome browser settings to their original defaults. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.
Open the Chrome menu
In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the three-dot (⋮) icon to open the menu.
Go to Settings
From the menu, select Settings.
Select “Reset settings”
In the left sidebar, scroll down and click Reset settings.
Choose “Restore settings to their original defaults”
Click the Restore settings to their original defaults option.
Confirm the reset
In the dialog that appears, click Reset settings to restore Chrome to its default state. Bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will remain, but extensions will be disabled and temporary data cleared.
Reset Firefox for Windows to default settings
We will now reset your Firefox browser settings to their default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.
Click the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner and then click on “Help”.
Click on Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled “Help“.
Click “More troubleshooting information”.
From the Help menu, click on “More troubleshooting information“.
Click on “Refresh Firefox”
When the “Troubleshooting Information” page opens, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button.
Confirm that you want to reset your browser settings.
To finish the reset process, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
Click “Finish”.
Firefox will now close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on “Finish“.
Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named “Old Firefox Data“. If the reset didn’t fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don’t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.
Reset Microsoft Edge to default settings
We will now reset your Microsoft Edge browser settings to their default. This will reset your startup page, new tab page, search engine, and pinned tabs. It will also disable all extensions and clear temporary data like cookies. Your favorites, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.
Click the three dots in the top-right corner and then click on “Settings”.
In the top right corner, click on Microsoft Edge’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal dots. When the drop-down menu appears, click on “Settings“.
Click on “Reset Settings”.
On the left side of the window, click on “Reset Settings“.
Click on “Restore settings to their default values”.
In the main window, click on “Restore settings to their default values“.
Click “Reset”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the “Reset” button. Microsoft Edge will now erase all your personal data, browsing history, and disable all installed extensions. Your bookmarks, though, will remain intact and still be accessible.
Reset Internet Explorer to default settings
We will now reset your Internet Explorer browser settings to their default. You can reset Internet Explorer settings to return them to the state they were in when Internet Explorer was first installed on your computer.
Go to “Internet Options”.
Open Internet Explorer, click on the gear icon in the upper-right part of your browser, then select “Internet Options“.
Select the “Advanced” tab, then click “Reset”
In the “Internet Options” dialog box, select the “Advanced” tab, then click on the “Reset” button.
Click on “Reset”.
In the “Reset Internet Explorer settings” section, select the “Delete personal settings” checkbox, then click on the “Reset” button.
Click on “Close”.
When Internet Explorer has completed its task, click on the “Close” button in the confirmation dialogue box. Close your browser and then you can open Internet Explorer again.
STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove malware and unwanted programs
In this third step, we will install Malwarebytes to scan and remove any infections, adware, or potentially unwanted programs that may be present on your computer.
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
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
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.
STEP 4: Use HitmanPro to scan your computer for badware
In this next step, we will scan the computer with HitmanPro to ensure that no other malicious programs are installed on your device.
HitmanPro is a second-opinion scanner that takes a unique cloud-based approach to malware scanning. HitmanPro scans the behavior of active files and also files in locations where malware normally resides for suspicious activity. If it finds a suspicious file that’s not already known, HitmanPro sends it to its clouds to be scanned by two of the best antivirus engines today, which are Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
Although HitmanPro is shareware and costs $24.95 for 1 year on 1 PC, there is no limit on scanning. The limitation only kicks in when there is a need to remove or quarantine detected malware by HitmanPro on your system and by then, you can activate the one-time 30-days trial to enable the cleanup.
Download HitmanPro.
You can download HitmanPro by clicking the link below.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro)
Install HitmanPro.
When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on “hitmanpro.exe” (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” (for 64-bit versions of Windows) to install this program on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
Follow the on-screen prompts.
When HitmanPro starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below. Click on the “Next” button to perform a system scan.
Wait for the HitmanPro scan to complete.
HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malicious programs.
Click on “Next”.
When HitmanPro has finished the scan, it will display a list of all the malware that it has found. Click on the “Next” button to have HitmanPro remove the detected items.
Click on “Activate free license”.
HitmanPro may now require to activate the free 30-days trial to remove the malicious files. To do this, click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your computer.
When the malware removal process is complete, it will display a screen that shows the status of the various programs that were removed. At this screen, you should click on the Next button and then if prompted you should click on the Reboot button. If HitmanPro does not prompt you to reboot, please just click on the Close button.
STEP 5: Use AdwCleaner to remove adware and malicious browser policies
In this final step, we will use AdwCleaner to remove the malicious browser policies that were set by browser hijackers on your computer and delete malicious browser extensions.
AdwCleaner is a free popular on-demand scanner that can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to find. This on-demand scanner includes a lot of tools that can be used to fix the side effects of adware. browser hijackers and other malware.
Download AdwCleaner.
You can download AdwCleaner by clicking the link below.
ADWCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK (The above link will open a new web page from where you can download AdwCleaner)
Double-click on the setup file.
Double-click on the file named “adwcleaner_x.x.x.exe” to start AdwCleaner. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
AdwCleaner program will now open and you will be presented with the program’s license agreement. After you read it, click on the I agree button if you wish to continue. If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
Enable “Reset Chrome policies” to remove malicious browser policies.
When AdwCleaner starts, on the left side of the window, click on “Settings” and then enable “Reset Chrome policies“.
Click on the “Scan” button.
On the left side of the AdwCleaner window, click on “Dashboard” and then click “Scan” to perform a computer scan.
Wait for the AdwCleaner scan to finish.
AdwCleaner will now scan your computer for malware. This process can take a few minutes.
Click on “Quarantine” to remove malware.
When the AdwCleaner scan is completed it will display all of the items it has found. Click on the “Quarantine” button to remove the malicious programs from your computer.
Click on “Continue” to remove the malicious programs.
AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to close any open programs before it starts to clean. Click on the “Continue” button to finish the removal process.
AdwCleaner will now delete all detected malware from your computer. When the malware removal process is complete, you may be asked to restart your computer.
Your computer should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware 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:
Profiles are used by IT admins in businesses to control the behavior of their Macs. These profiles can configure a Mac to do many different things, some of which are not otherwise possible. When it comes to home users, adware and browser hijackers are using the configuration profile to prevent users from removing malicious programs from the computer. This also prevents the user from changing that behavior in the browser’s settings.
In this first step, we will check your computer to see if any configuration profiles are installed. To do this, follow the below steps:
Open “System Preferences”
From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
Search for “Profiles”
When the System Preferences window opens, search for the Profiles icon.
If there isn’t a Profiles icon, you don’t have any profiles installed, which is normal and you can continue with the next steps.
Remove the malicious profiles
If there’s a Profile icon, click on it and select any suspicious profile that you want to remove, and then press the – (minus) button. Click Remove to remove the profile.
STEP 2: Delete malicious apps
In this second step, we will try to identify and remove any malicious apps and files that might be installed on your computer. Sometimes redirects or adware programs can have usable Uninstall entries that can be used to remove these programs.
Quit the malicious programs
On the Apple menu bar, in the top-right corner, if you see any unknown or suspicious icon, click on it and then select Quit.
Open “Finder”
Click the Finder application on your dock.
Click on “Applications”
In the Finder left pane, click on “Applications“.
Find and remove the malicious app.
The “Applications” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your device. Scroll through the list until you find the malicious app, right-click it, and then click “Move to Trash”.
Look out for any suspicious program that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. Here are some known malicious programs: SearchMine, TakeFresh, TopResults, FeedBack, ApplicationEvents, GeneralOpen, PowerLog, MessengerNow, ImagePrime, GeneralNetSearch, Reading Cursors, GlobalTechSearch, PDFOnline-express, See Scenic Elf, MatchKnowledge, Easy Speedtest, or WebDiscover.
Click “Empty Trash”
On the dock, right-click on the trash icon and select “Empty Trash”. Doing so deletes the Trash’s contents, including the program that you just sent to the Trash.
Find and remove the malicious files
Click the desktop to make sure you’re in the Finder, choose “Go” then click on “Go to Folder“.
Type or copy/paste each of the below paths into the window that opens, then click Go.
/Library/LaunchAgents
~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/Application Support
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Look out for any suspicious files that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. These are some known malicious files: “com.adobe.fpsaud.plist” “installmac.AppRemoval.plist”, “myppes.download.plist”, “mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist”, or “com.myppes.net-preferences.plist”. When you find a malicious file move it to the Trash.
STEP 3: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this third step, we will remove spam push notifications and malicious extensions, and change to default any settings that might have been changed by malware. For each browser that you have installed on your computer, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps to reset that browser.
Safari BrowserChrome for Mac BrowserFirefox for Mac Browser
Remove malicious extensions and settings from Safari
To remove malware from Safari we will check if there are any malicious extensions installed on your browser and what settings have been changed by this malicious program.
Go to Safari’s “Preferences”.
On the menu bar, click the “Safari” menu and select “Preferences”.
Check Homepage.
This will open a new window with your Safari preferences, opened to the “General” tab. Some browser hijackers may change your default homepage, so in the Homepage field make sure it’s a web page you want to use as your start-up page.
Click “Extensions”
Next, click on the “Extensions” tab.
Find and uninstall malicious extensions.
The “Extensions” screen will be displayed with a list of all the extensions installed on Safari. Look out for any suspicious browser extension that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine extension. By default, there are no extensions installed on Safari so it’s safe to remove an extension
Remove spam notifications ads
Click Preferences, click Websites, then click Notifications. Deselect “Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications”.
Remove all data stored by websites on your computer.
In the Safari menu, choose “Preferences…”, select “Privacy” at the top of the new window that appears, and then click the “Manage Website Data” button.
In the next dialog box, click “Remove All“. It will ask you if you are sure you want to remove all data stored by websites on your computer. Select “Remove Now” to clear data that could be used to track your browsing.
Empty Safari Caches.
From your Safari menu bar, click Safari and select Preferences, then select the Advanced tab. Enable the checkbox to “Show Develop menu in menu bar“.
From the menu bar select Develop, then click on Empty Caches as seen in the image below.
Remove malware from Chrome for Mac
To remove malware from Chrome for Mac we will reset the browser settings to their default. Doing these steps will erase all configuration information from Chrome such as your home page, tab settings, saved form information, browsing history, and cookies. This process will also disable any installed extensions. All of your bookmarks, though, will be preserved.
Click on the three dots at the top right and go to Settings.
Click on Chrome’s main menu button, represented by three dots at the top right corner. Now click on the menu option labeled Settings as shown by the arrow in the picture below, which will open the basic settings screen.
In the left sidebar, click on the “Reset and Cleanup” option.
In the left sidebar, click on “Reset and clean up“.
Click “Reset settings to their original defaults”.
Now click on the “Reset settings to their original defaults”. link as shown in the image below.
Click “Reset Settings” button.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, click on the “Reset Settings” button.
(Optional) Reset Chrome Data Sync.
In case a malicious extension reinstalls itself even after performing a browser reset, you have an additional option to reset the data sync for your browser. To do this, navigate to chrome.google.com/sync and click on the Clear Data button.
Remove malware from Firefox for Mac
To remove malware from Firefox for Mac we will reset the browser settings to its default. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks, passwords, web form auto-fill information, browsing history, and open tabs.
Go to the “Help” menu.
Click on Firefox’s main menu button, represented by three horizontal lines. When the drop-down menu appears, select the option labeled “Help“.
Click “Troubleshooting Information”.
Next click on the “Troubleshooting Information” option as indicated by the arrow in the image below. This will bring you to a Troubleshooting page.
Click on “Refresh Firefox”
Click the “Refresh Firefox” button in the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page.
Confirm.
To continue, click on the “Refresh Firefox” button in the new confirmation window that opens.
Click on “Finish”.
Firefox will close itself and will revert to its default settings. When it’s done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click on the “Finish“.
Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named “Old Firefox Data“. If the reset didn’t fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don’t need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.
STEP 4: Run a scan with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
In this final step, we will scan the computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to find and remove any malicious programs that might be installed on your Mac.
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 computer should now be free of Unwanted Apps and Malware 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.
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
To remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from your phone or tablet, follow these steps:
In this first step, we will check if any malicious apps are installed on your phone. Sometimes browser hijackers or adware apps can have usable Uninstall entries that can be used to remove these apps.
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find the malicious app.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the applications that are installed on your phone. Scroll through the list and look out for any suspicious app that could be behind all the drama – anything you don’t remember downloading or that doesn’t sound like a genuine program. Most often, cyber criminals hide malware inside video or photo editing apps, weather apps, and camera apps.
Uninstall the malicious app
When you find a suspicious or malicious app, tap on it to uninstall it. This won’t start the app but will open up the app details screen. If the app is currently running press the “Force stop” button, then tap on “Uninstall”.
A confirmation dialog should be displayed to confirm you want to uninstall the app, tap on “OK” to remove the malicious app from your phone.
STEP 2: Reset browsers back to default settings
In this second step, we will reset your browser to its default settings to remove spam notifications, unwated search redirects, and restore its factory settings
Resetting the browser settings to their default it’s an easy task on Windows or Mac computers; however, when it comes to Android, this can’t be done directly because it’s not an option built-in into the browser settings. Restoring the browser settings on Android can be done by clearing the application data. This will remove all the cookies, cache, and other site settings that may have been saved. So let’s see how we can restore your browser to its factory settings.
Chrome for AndroidFirefoxOperaSamsung Internet BrowserMicrosoft Edge
Remove malware from Chrome for Android
To reset Chrome for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Chrome.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Chrome app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When Chrome’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Chrome’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from Firefox for Android
To reset Firefox for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Firefox.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Firefox app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When Firefox’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Firefox data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from the Opera browser
To reset the Opera browser to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Opera.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Opera app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When Opera’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Opera’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from Samsung Internet Browser
To reset the Samsung Internet Browser to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Samsung Internet Browser.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Samsung Internet Browser app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When the Samsung Internet Browser’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Samsung Internet Browser’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
Remove malware from Microsoft Edge for Android
To reset the Microsoft Edge for Android to its default settings, follow the below steps:
Open the “Settings” menu.
Tap on the “Settings” app from your phone menu or home screen.
Tap on “Apps”.
When the “Settings” menu opens, tap on “Apps” (or “App Manager”) to see all the installed applications on your phone.
Find and tap on Microsoft Edge.
The “Apps” screen will be displayed with a list of all the apps installed on your phone. Scroll through the list until you find the Microsoft Edge app, then tap on it to open the app’s details.
Tap “Storage”.
When the Microsoft Edge’s app info menu is displayed, tap on “Storage“.
Tap “Manage Space”.
Under the storage settings, you will get two options — Manage Space and Clear Cache. Tap on “Manage Space“.
Tap “Clear all data”.
Tap “Clear all data” to delete all Microsoft Edge’s data including accounts, bookmarks, and your settings to reset the default settings.
Confirm by tapping “Ok”.
A confirmation dialog should now be displayed, detailing the components that will be restored to their default state should you continue with the reset process. To complete the restoration process, tap “Ok“.
STEP 3: Use Malwarebytes for Android to remove malicious apps
In this final step, we will install Malwarebytes for Android to scan and remove malicious apps from your phone or tablet.
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 Unwanted Apps and Malware 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.
In this first step, we will clean your Safari browser by using the built-in “Clear History and Website Data” feature.
“Clear History and Website Data” allows you to delete the browsing history and website data that is stored on your device. This can include information such as the websites you have visited, your search history, and any data that has been stored by websites you have visited, such as cookies and cache.
Do not tap on the malicious browser window or pop-ups. Instead, tap on the tab icon located in the lower right corner of the screen, as shown in the image below.
Tap the X button on the tab or swipe up to safely close it.
Tap the Settings app.
Toggle on Airplane Mode to temporarily disconnect your phone from the internet and block unwanted access.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm that you want to clear the history and data by tapping “Clear History and Data” in the pop-up window.
While in Safari settings, make sure to toggle on Block Pop-ups and Fraudulent Website Warning.
Tap on Settings in the upper-left corner to return to the main Settings menu.
Toggle Airplane Mode back off to re-connect your phone to the internet.
STEP 2: Delete unwanted apps
In the next step, we will remove any potentially unwanted apps that may be installed on your iPhone. If you have downloaded an app after being redirected to the App Store by suspicious websites, it is recommended to delete it.
On the home screen, tap and hold on the app icon until all of the icons start to wiggle.
Tap the “X” button that appears on the top left corner of the app icon.
Confirm that you want to delete the app by tapping “Delete”.
That’s it, your iPhone should be clean and you can continue browsing the Internet. We recommend that you install an ad blocker like AdGuard [recommended] to block the malicious ads.
If you continue to have malware related issues with your device after completing the above steps, we recommend to take one of these actions:
The PayPal Customer Service scam is not about PayPal itself. It is about getting you to panic and contact a fake support line.
Sometimes it arrives as a text. Sometimes it is an email. Sometimes it is a PayPal invoice designed to scare you with a large dollar amount and a phone number in the notes. PayPal warns that invoice and money request scams may try to push you into calling a number so you will share sensitive information.
If you remember only one rule, make it this: never call a phone number provided in an unexpected message about fraud. Open the PayPal app, log in directly, and use official support channels.
That single habit breaks the scam’s most important mechanism and keeps your account, your money, and your peace of mind intact.
FAQ
Is a “PayPal Customer Service” text or email about a suspicious charge always a scam?
Not always, but many are. The clearest warning sign is when the message tells you to call a phone number provided in the text or email. Treat that as suspicious and verify by logging into PayPal directly through the official app or website.
If I receive a PayPal invoice I do not recognize, does that mean I was charged?
No. A PayPal invoice or money request is not an automatic charge. Scammers send invoices to scare you into calling the number written in the note. Do not call it. Log into PayPal directly and review your Activity to confirm whether any payment actually occurred.
Why do these scams include a specific amount like $399.99 or $489.50?
A precise dollar amount makes the alert feel real and triggers urgency. It is a psychological tactic, not proof of legitimacy.
What happens if I call the phone number in the message?
You reach scammers impersonating PayPal. They may claim they are the fraud department, create a fake case number, and pressure you to “verify” your identity. Their goal is to get your PayPal login, a one-time code, your card or bank details, or to convince you to send money.
Will PayPal ever ask for my password or one-time security code?
No. You should never share your PayPal password or a one-time security code with anyone. If a caller asks for either, it is a scam.
How can I safely check if a PayPal charge is real?
Use trusted sources:
Open the PayPal app or type PayPal’s website address yourself and check Activity
Check your linked bank or card app for pending or posted charges
Review emails only after you confirm the same activity inside your PayPal account
If you need help, contact PayPal using official in-app support, not a number from the message.
I clicked a link in a PayPal “security alert” email. What should I do?
Assume your login could be at risk. Immediately change your PayPal password from the official app or website, enable 2-step verification, and review recent logins and transactions. If you reused that password anywhere else, change those accounts too.
I entered my PayPal login on a page that might be fake. What now?
Change your PayPal password right away and enable 2-step verification. Then review:
Recent login activity
Linked cards and bank accounts
Any new shipping addresses, emails, or phone numbers Report unauthorized activity inside PayPal using official reporting options.
I gave the scammer a one-time code. Can they access my account?
Yes, potentially. One-time codes are often used to complete a login or account change. Change your password immediately, sign out of other sessions if available, and review all security settings and linked payment methods.
The scammer asked me to install software or enable screen sharing. Is that normal?
No. That is a major red flag. If you installed anything, uninstall it immediately, run a security scan if it was a computer, and consider resetting the device if you are unsure what was installed. Then change your passwords from a different trusted device.
The caller told me I need to “move money” to a safe account to protect it. Is that real?
No. That is a classic fraud technique. Any instruction to transfer money, buy gift cards, or send crypto to “secure” your account is a scam.
If I did not lose money, should I still report it?
Yes. Report the message as spam or phishing in your email or messaging app. If you interacted and shared information, also monitor your PayPal and bank accounts closely for the next 30 days.
How do I stop these PayPal scam messages?
You cannot stop them completely, but you can reduce exposure:
Block the sending number and mark messages as spam
Filter unknown senders in Messages
Silence unknown callers
Avoid searching for support numbers in ads or random search results Most importantly, never use contact details provided in unexpected alerts.
What is the single best rule to avoid PayPal customer service scams?
Never call a phone number or click a link from an unexpected message about fraud. Open the PayPal app directly and verify the claim there.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
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.
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Windows
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Windows
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Mac
Remove Unwanted Apps and Malware from Android
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
If you have checked your computer for malicious programs and did not find any, you can proceed with the next step in this guide.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK
If there isn’t a Profiles icon, you don’t have any profiles installed, which is normal and you can continue with the next steps.
