A PayPal limited account access scam is a phishing attempt where account holders receive a fake email alert about account restriction. The email prompts the recipients to provide their login credentials to restore account access.
This way, scammers can obtain the necessary information to access your PayPal account and steal funds from it.
In this article, we’ll discuss all you need to know about this scam and ways to protect your funds on PayPal.
How To Recognize a PayPal Account Limited Scam
Here’s what a PayPal account limit scam email may look like:
Subject: Action Required: Confirm Your Identity to Restore Your Account PayPal Access
Dear Customer,
We have detected unusual activity on your PayPal account, and as a result, we temporarily limited your access. To restore full access, you will need to confirm your identity.
Please follow these simple steps:
- Click the link below or copy and paste it into your browser.
- Confirm your account ownership and follow the instructions.
[Link]
Failing to verify your identity may result in further restriction.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
PayPal Security Team
The email may look legit, especially if it includes the PayPal logo and contact details. However, here are some clues that tell you it’s fake:
- There are grammatical and spelling errors or odd language (for example, “Account” and “PayPal” are reversed in the subject)
- The email starts with a generic greeting (“Dear Customer” instead of “Dear [Name]”)
- The sender’s email address contains extra characters or a strange domain
- The email includes links that direct you to a fake website (although it may look similar to PayPal’s official website)
How To Remove PayPal Scam Account Limit
In most cases, the email about PayPal account restriction is a bluff, and the scammers have set a bait. They want you to act quickly, click on the attached link, and share your personal details.
But sometimes, your account might be actually limited by PayPal due to suspicious activity. Here’s what to do in both situations:
| Situation | Steps To Take |
| You don’t see an account limitation | Forward the fake email to phishing@paypal.com and delete it from your inbox Check your balance and change your password |
| You see an account limitation in the PayPal Resolution Centre | Log into PayPal and upload proof of your identity (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or state ID) Wait for PayPal’s customer service team to contact you within three business days |
Tips To Protect Yourself From PayPal Limited Account Access Scam
Here are four tips to protect yourself from bad actors on PayPal:
- Avoid clicking on any links in suspicious and unsolicited emails
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your PayPal account
- Remember that legitimate companies, including PayPal, will never ask for sensitive information like passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details via email or phone
- Keep most of your savings in a high-security account like FortKnox by Austin Capital Bank instead of PayPal. Storing large sums on payment platforms like PayPal is risky because they’re riddled with scammers. FortKnox allows connection to only one preauthorized external account, eliminating the possibility of an account breach
