PayPal

🚨 Heavily Impersonated
Payment Service · Founded 1998

PayPal is one of the world's largest digital payment platforms with over 430 million users. It is publicly traded and regulated by financial authorities worldwide.

Trust Score
8
out of 10

Our Verdict

PayPal is fully legitimate. When buying goods, always use PayPal Goods & Services, never Friends & Family, as the latter provides no buyer protection and is heavily exploited by scammers.

This is a legitimate company that is frequently impersonated by scammers. Verify all communications carefully.

⚠️ Scam Warning

PayPal is a legitimate company but the most impersonated payment brand in phishing attacks globally. Fake PayPal emails, text messages, and "security" calls are extremely common.

🚨 Known Scams Using PayPal's Name

  • Phishing emails with fake PayPal security alerts
  • Fake PayPal invoice scams requesting payment
  • Fake "PayPal Support" calls claiming account issues
  • PayPal Friends & Family abuse — no buyer protection

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For

Emails about PayPal from non-paypal.com domains
Requests to send via Friends & Family to avoid fees
PayPal alerts asking you to click a link to verify your account
Sellers demanding PayPal Friends & Family for purchases

📋 Report a Scam Involving PayPal

If you've encountered a scam using PayPal's name, report it to help protect others.

Related: Other Payment Service Companies