E-commerce

Is the PayPal payment pending email a scam?

Quick answer

Likely yes. Common PayPal scams send fake invoices, fake payment-pending notices, or fake unauthorized-charge warnings — all aimed at getting you to call a fake support number or click a link that steals your login. Real PayPal activity is always visible inside the PayPal app or website.

Red flags to look for

1
Includes a phone number to 'cancel' a pending transaction — the trap
2
Sender is not @paypal.com (check full address)
3
Email is for an invoice you don't recognize
4
Link goes to paypal-resolve.com, paypal-secure.net, or similar fakes
5
Asks you to install 'support software' to refund

Real examples

PayPal: Pending charge of $487.32 to 'Crypto Trade Inc.' will process in 24 hours. To dispute, call 1-855-555-0118.

Likely Scam

PayPal does not include callback numbers in pending-charge emails. The number connects to scammers who guide you through installing remote-access software or 'refunding to yourself.'

Invoice email (real PayPal infrastructure abuse)

You have an invoice from John D. for $1,287.40. View invoice: [legitimate-paypal-link]. Questions? Call: 1-800-555-0144

Likely Scam

Scammers create real PayPal invoices and abuse the platform to send them. The link itself is to paypal.com, but the phone number in the invoice memo is the scam. Never call numbers inside invoice notes.

What to do

Don't call any phone number in a PayPal email.
Open the PayPal app directly. Check 'Activity' — if there's no real pending payment, the email is fake.
If a real invoice is there from a stranger, cancel it from inside PayPal and report.
Forward phishing emails to spoof@paypal.com.
Enable two-factor authentication in PayPal settings.

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Why scammers use this approach

PayPal's reputation lends instant credibility. The 'pending charge' format mimics how PayPal really communicates, and the urgency window pushes panic-calls to scammer-controlled numbers.

Frequently asked questions

Can scammers send real PayPal invoices?

Yes. PayPal's invoicing system is open. Scammers send real invoices with fake support numbers in the memo. Always verify by checking your PayPal activity directly.