Fake PayPal 800-948-7480 Scam Email Targets Houston – Don’t Call This Number

Houston Tech Guys recently received a PayPal scam email showing a $0.01 “test” deposit from someone named “Madison Schwering.” Hidden inside the message was a phone number claiming to be PayPal Customer Care: 800-948-7480.

This number is NOT PayPal.

The message tries to trick people into calling the number so scammers can gain access to their PayPal account, email, or computer. Houston residents and businesses should ignore this message completely and never call numbers listed inside suspicious emails.

Below is exactly how this scam works and how to protect yourself.

The PayPal 800-948-7480 Scam Email

The scam email looks like a normal PayPal notification. It claims someone sent you a small payment — usually $0.01 — and includes a message saying you should call PayPal Customer Care if you did not authorize the transaction.

Example message:

“Note from Madison Schwering: You received this email because your PayPal account processed a payment you did not authorize. PayPal Customer Care at +1 (800) 948-7480. Contact Customer Care at 1 (800) 948-7480 and request a secure refund. Goodbye.”

The message is designed to create panic so people immediately call the number.

But the number goes directly to scammers pretending to be PayPal support.

Why Scammers Use a $0.01 Deposit

This scam works because small transactions look harmless and often bypass fraud alerts.

Scammers use this trick for several reasons:

• A tiny amount like $0.01 does not trigger most fraud alerts

• The note field allows scammers to hide the fake support phone number

• The email often appears to come from a legitimate PayPal address

• The message creates urgency so victims call immediately

Many people search the phone number online after receiving the email. Unfortunately, some call first — which is exactly what the scammers want.

How to Identify the Scam in Seconds

You can usually identify this scam quickly if you see these signs:

• A small unexpected payment notification

• A message telling you to call a phone number for support

• Urgent wording about unauthorized transactions

• The transaction does not appear in your actual PayPal account

• The message pushes you to call immediately

If you receive an email like this, do not call the number.

Instead, log in to your PayPal account directly through the official PayPal website or mobile app and check your activity.

What Happens If You Call the Fake PayPal Number

If someone calls the number listed in the email, the scammer answers pretending to be PayPal security.

The call typically follows this pattern:

1. The scammer claims they are investigating a fraudulent transaction

2. They ask for your PayPal login information

3. They request verification codes sent to your phone or email

4. They may ask you to install remote access software

5. They attempt to access your accounts or computer

Once scammers gain access, they can steal money, install malware, or collect personal data for identity theft.

The Safe Way to Contact PayPal

Never call support numbers listed inside emails.

The only safe way to contact PayPal is:

1. Open your web browser and manually type the PayPal website address

2. Log into your account

3. Navigate to the Help or Contact section

4. Use the support options listed inside your account

If the transaction does not appear in your PayPal activity, the email is fake.

What To Do If You Already Called the Scammer

If you already called the number or gave any information, take these steps immediately:

• Change your PayPal password

• Change your email password

• Enable two-factor authentication

• Run a full antivirus and malware scan

• Check your bank and PayPal account activity

• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission

Acting quickly can prevent further damage.

Houston Tech Guys Scam Recovery Help

Houston Tech Guys regularly helps local residents and businesses deal with scams, phishing emails, and compromised computers.

If you believe your system may have been infected or someone accessed your accounts, we can help with:

• Malware removal

• Security scans

• Email and account protection

• Scam recovery assistance

• Small business cybersecurity setup

We serve Houston, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, Tomball, Spring, and The Woodlands.

If you receive suspicious emails or need help securing your computer, Houston Tech Guys is here to help.