Coos Bay, OR – Residents across Oregon are being warned about a new phishing scam that uses PayPal emails to trick victims into handing over financial details.
According to the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, cybercriminals are now sending fake invoices through real PayPal email addresses. The messages often claim a large purchase has been made and include a phone number to call for disputing the charge. However, the listed number connects directly to the scammer, not PayPal’s official support team.
Deputies explained that while the email may come from a legitimate PayPal domain, the invoice itself is fraudulent. Callers who dial the number are allegedly pressured into providing credit card information for a “refund” or told they must pay a fee to resolve the issue.
Authorities shared several tips to avoid falling victim:
- Always verify unexpected PayPal invoices by logging directly into your official PayPal account or app.
- Be cautious of urgent or unusual payment requests, even from addresses that look real.
- Never call the phone number listed in suspicious emails. Instead, use the verified customer support contact on PayPal’s website.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to remain vigilant against this ongoing scam and to share the warning with friends and family to help prevent financial loss.
