Fraud Alert: Scammers Using WhatsApp and Landline Calls for PayPal Transactions

Sun 4th May, 2025

In recent weeks, there has been a notable increase in fraudulent activities involving phone calls made through traditional landlines and messaging platforms like WhatsApp. These calls typically reference a purported large PayPal transfer, aiming to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information.

The calls are characterized by the absence of a displayed phone number, making it difficult for recipients to identify the source. Reports indicate that these scams may also utilize international numbers. Scammers employ a computerized voice to relay messages, creating a sense of urgency around a supposed financial transaction, which may also involve other services such as Amazon.

At the conclusion of the automated message, recipients are prompted to press a specific key on their smartphones. This action is designed to transfer the call to an actual scammer. The ultimate goal of this scheme remains somewhat unclear, although it is suspected that the criminals seek to extract personal details, such as banking information, email addresses, and physical addresses. The mention of a 'large transaction' suggests that they may also aim to initiate direct financial fraud.

By relying on automated calls, scammers can significantly streamline their operations. Those who respond to the prompts are already at risk, as they may be more susceptible to further manipulative tactics aimed at coercing them into revealing confidential information or participating in illicit financial activities, such as acting as unwitting money mules.

The perpetrators systematically dial through numbers, banking on the high likelihood that many recipients are users of PayPal or Amazon. The numbers used in these scams may originate from various data breaches where personal information has been inadequately protected.

It is crucial to note that neither Amazon nor PayPal make calls to customers regarding transactions, especially not via automated messages. Recipients of such calls are advised to terminate the call immediately. To verify any transaction claims, individuals should directly check their account activities through the official websites of the respective service providers. Typically, there will not be any unexpected transactions of significant amounts. If discrepancies are detected, contacting the service providers through official channels is recommended for clarification.


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