Beware: Scammers Pretending to be PayPal Customer Support Are Targeting Victims!

A Shocking Scam Story from Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A local man received an unexpected letter about a credit application he never initiated. This confusion led him to contact what he believed was PayPal customer support, but instead, he fell victim to a scam.

The Start of the Nightmare
Mike Headley received a letter stating his request to open a PayPal Credit account was denied. Surprised and confused, he called the number provided, thinking he would get some answers.

“It says PayPal dot com. It says sponsored site. Everything looked perfect,” said Headley.

After a brief conversation with a supposed customer service representative, he was asked to download the AnyDesk App, a screen-sharing application that gives the other party control over his device. This was a red flag.

The Rapid Loss
The scammers quickly accessed his Walmart app, which also contained his wife's card information, and managed to withdraw $150 from their account.

“At this point, they were doing it so fast. I couldn’t do anything even if I tried. They were going ding, ding, ding. I couldn’t stop it.”

Expert Advice
Consumer experts advise double-checking phone numbers when seeking customer service. Pamela Hernandez from the Better Business Bureau warns:

“It’s important to be cautious when you are searching for a customer service phone number on Google. Scammers know how to manipulate the algorithms.”

Finding the real PayPal customer service number took time, but fortunately, Mike’s wife disputed the fraudulent charges and managed to recover her money.

Be Proactive
If you receive a suspicious letter regarding a credit application, check your credit report for free here and ensure your identity is safe.

“It’s just one person after another. One day, they get $6. The next is $1,000,” said Headley.

Report Scams
If you encounter a scam, report it to the Better Business Bureau, the Missouri Attorney General, and inform On Your Side as well.

Stay vigilant and protect your personal information from scammers!