Have you received an email that appears to be from PayPal claiming there has been a large, unauthorized transaction on your account? The email might urge you to click on a DocuSign link to reverse the payment before you lose money. This is a scam designed to steal your personal and financial information.
Keep reading to learn how to recognize this deceptive scam and protect yourself from becoming a victim.
Overview of the PayPal DocuSign Phishing Scam
This scam starts with an email that seems to come from PayPal. The email will claim an unauthorized payment, sometimes for thousands of dollars, was made from your PayPal account.
To cancel the bogus transaction, the email provides a DocuSign link to electronically sign a document reversing the payment. However, the link sends you to a fake website controlled by scammers, not the real DocuSign site.
The goal is to scare victims into calling a “customer support” number included in the email. If you call, scammers posing as PayPal agents pressure you to provide enough personal information to steal your identity and drain your bank account.
This scam takes advantage of PayPal’s popularity and the fear of compromised accounts. But a few key signs can help you spot the phishing attempt:
Red Flags of the PayPal DocuSign Scam:
- Grammatical errors a real PayPal email would not contain
- Sender email address from a random Gmail account, not an official paypal.com address
- Customer service number with an odd area code, not PayPal’s real support line
- Aggressive urgency to call the number or you could lose money
- No real unauthorized transaction showing in your PayPal account
Anatomy of the PayPal DocuSign Phishing Scam
Here is exactly how scammers carry out this scam to try and steal your personal information:
1. You Receive the Deceptive Email
The scam starts with an email landing in your inbox claiming to be from PayPal. The subject line often says something like “Large Transaction Detected in Your PayPal Account.”
The email claims an unauthorized payment was made from your account, sometimes for thousands of dollars. It stresses the importance of acting quickly to reverse the charge.
In the body of the email is a DocuSign link supposedly to electronically sign a document canceling the fake transaction.
2. You Click the DocuSign Link
Eager to reverse the large, unauthorized charge, you click the DocuSign link. But it does not lead to the real DocuSign website.
Instead, it goes to a nearly identical fake site controlled by the scammers. The site is designed to download malware or steal login credentials if you attempt to sign in.
3. You Call the Fake Support Number
More concerning is the “customer support” phone number included in the email. If you call, scammers pretend to be PayPal agents.
The scammers insist they must “verify your identity” before reversing the transaction. This is when they’ll request personal info like account numbers.
4. Scammers Steal Your Financial Information
Once you provide your credit card number, bank account details, or other private data, the scammers can drain your accounts and commit identity fraud.
The DocuSign link itself may not contain a virus. But calling the number gives scammers direct access to trick you into giving up valuable financial information.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to the PayPal DocuSign Scam
If you receive this deceptive email, do NOT click any links, call any phone numbers, or provide personal information. Instead:
- Login directly to your real PayPal account to check recent activity.
- Forward the scam email to PayPal at spoof@paypal.com for investigation.
- Delete the scam email immediately and block the sender.
- Never call numbers provided in suspicious finance-related emails.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your PayPal account for extra security.
What to Do if You Already Called the Scammers
If you called the number and shared financial information with the scammers, take these steps right away:
- Contact PayPal to report unauthorized account activity.
- Notify your credit card company and bank of any fraudulent charges or transactions.
- Change passwords on all financial accounts that may have been compromised.
- Sign up for credit monitoring to detect any signs of identity theft.
- File a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
The PayPal DocuSign phishing scam can look convincing, but learning the warning signs can keep you from becoming the scammers’ next victim. Being vigilant against suspicious emails and calls purporting to be from financial institutions is key to protecting your identity and money.
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 PayPal DocuSign Phishing Scam
1. How can I recognize the PayPal DocuSign scam email?
Look for an email claiming an unauthorized transaction was made from your PayPal account. It will provide a DocuSign link to supposedly reverse the charge and urge you to call a customer support number. Red flags include grammatical errors, a suspicious sender address, and an unusual support number.
2. What is the goal of the PayPal DocuSign scam?
The scam aims to steal your personal and financial information. The scammers want you to call the number so they can pretend to be PayPal agents and trick you into providing credit card, bank account, or other sensitive details.
3. Is the DocuSign link itself dangerous?
The link goes to a fake website designed to download malware or collect login credentials if you try to sign in. But the bigger threat is calling the phone number, which connects you directly with scammers posing as PayPal support.
4. What should I do if I receive the PayPal DocuSign scam email?
Do not click any links, call any numbers, or provide information. Login to PayPal directly through the real website. Forward the email to spoof@paypal.com. Delete the email and block the sender.
5. What steps should I take if I already called the number?
Contact PayPal immediately about any unauthorized account activity. Call your credit card company and bank to report fraudulent charges or transactions. Change account passwords that may have been compromised. Sign up for credit monitoring to catch any signs of identity theft.
6. How can I protect myself from the PayPal DocuSign scam?
Never call numbers provided in suspicious emails claiming to be from financial institutions. Only call numbers listed on real company websites. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication when possible.
7. What are some other examples of PayPal phishing scams?
PayPal invoice scams, account limitation scams, and security confirmation scams are also fake emails attempting to steal user information. Always login directly to your PayPal account to verify any claims of unauthorized activity or required actions.
8. What should I do if I provided personal information to the scammers?
Immediately contact PayPal to report unauthorized account activity. Notify your bank and credit card company of any fraudulent transactions. Change all account passwords that may have been compromised. Place fraud alerts and consider credit monitoring to protect your identity.
The Bottom Line
This PayPal DocuSign scam preys on fears of compromised accounts and stolen funds. But if you see red flags like grammatical errors, urgent threats, and requests for personal information, you can recognize it as an attempted fraud. Never call phone numbers in unsolicited emails, no matter how dire the message sounds. Go directly to PayPal’s website or app if you have any concerns about your account. With caution and awareness, you can avoid this sneaky phishing scam.
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