Avoid getting scammed by fake "PayPal - Order Has Been Completed" email

What kind of email is "PayPal - Order Has Been Completed"?

After inspecting the "PayPal - Order Has Been Completed" email – we determined that it is spam. This letter is presented as a notification regarding a successful purchase made via PayPal. This spam mail aims to trick recipients into calling the provided helpline and thus getting lured into the scam.

It must be emphasized that this email is in no way associated with PayPal Holdings, Inc.

"PayPal - Order Has Been Completed" email scam overview

The spam email with the subject "Thank you for being Paypal's customer!" (may vary) is presented as a purchase notification. It states that the recipient has purchased 756.40 USD worth of Bitcoin cryptocurrency (at 0.000043 USD/BTC exchange rate) via PayPal. The letter warns that if the recipient does not recognize this purchase, they must call the provided telephone number to restrict the transfer of Bitcoins, as their transactions are irreversible.

As previously mentioned, this email is fake, and it is not associated with PayPal Holdings, Inc. This spam mail operates as a callback scam, a type that is notoriously versatile. What the scammers – under the guise of support – trick the victim into doing can vary drastically.

Schemes related to purchases often operate as refund and/or tech support scams. Cyber criminals typically request victims to allow them to access their devices remotely (via AnyDesk, TeamViewer, UltraViewer, etc.). Once connected, the scammers can remove genuine security tools, install fake anti-viruses, steal data, and even infect the system with malware (e.g., trojans, ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, etc.).

In refund scams, the criminals remotely connect to the victim's device and ask them to sign into their online banking accounts (in this case, potentially – PayPal). Afterward, the scammers use the remote access software's feature to darken the device's screen and ask the victim to enter the refund amount.

During this time, the cyber criminals either manipulate the banking website's HTML code or transfer funds in-between accounts (e.g., from savings to checking). Neither of these methods actually affect the funds – however, when the screen turns visible, the victim is confronted with the trickery of a significantly larger sum having been transferred.

Then scammers plead or demand that the victim return the excess. Since no transaction took place – no funds entered the account, and by attempting to give back an "excess" – the victim will simply send their own money to the criminals.

Scammers prefer difficult-to-trace methods for money transferring, such as cryptocurrencies, gift cards, pre-paid vouchers, or cash hidden in innocent-looking packages and shipped.

Furthermore, since the "PayPal - Order Has Been Completed" email mentions Bitcoins – it is possible that this spam mail also aims to steal victims' cryptocurrency wallets.

What is more, cyber criminals target a variety of sensitive information, e.g., personally identifiable details (names, addresses, occupations, etc.), account log-in credentials (online bank accounts, money transferring, e-commerce, cryptowallets, etc.), and finance-related information (bank account details, credit card numbers, etc.).

This vulnerable data can be obtained by tricking victims into disclosing it over the phone, entering it into a phishing site or file, or typing it where the scammers claim to be unable to see it. Alternatively, criminals can use information-stealing malware to acquire the data.

To summarize, through emails like "PayPal - Order Has Been Completed" – users can experience system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.

If you have allowed scammers to access your device remotely, first – disconnect it from the Internet. Second, remove the remote access program that the cyber criminals used, as they may not need your permission to reconnect. Lastly, use an anti-virus to perform a full system scan and remove all detected threats.

And if you have provided your log-in credentials – change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay.

If you suspect that your private information (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) is at risk – immediately contact the corresponding authorities.

Similar spam campaign examples

We have inspected countless spam emails; "Payment For Apple Gift Card", "PayPal - You Authorised A Payment", "Norton360 Total Protection Subscription Charge", and "Thank You For Shopping With Apple" are just a few examples of ones similar to "PayPal - Order Has Been Completed".

In addition to phishing and various scams, deceptive mail is also used to proliferate malware. Various disguises and social engineering techniques are used to gain and subsequently abuse recipients' trust.

Due to how widespread and well-made spam mail can be – we highly recommend exercising caution with incoming emails, PMs/DMs, SMSes, and other messages.

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Spam emails can have infectious files attached to or linked inside them. These files can be in various formats, e.g., executables (.exe, .run, etc.), archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), Microsoft Office and PDF documents, JavaScript, and so forth.

When a virulent file is executed, run, or otherwise opened – the infection chain (i.e., malware download/installation) is triggered. For example, Microsoft Office documents infect devices by executing malicious macro commands. While Microsoft OneNote files require users to click on embedded content (files/links).

How to avoid installation of malware?

We strongly recommend exercising caution with incoming emails and other messages. The attachments and links found in suspicious mail must not be opened, as they can be infectious. It is important to use Microsoft Office versions released after 2010 since they have the "Protected View" mode that prevents automatic execution of macros.

However, malware is not spread exclusively through spam mail. Therefore, we also advise being careful while browsing since fake and dangerous online content usually appears harmless.

Additionally, all downloads must be performed from official and verified channels. It is crucial to activate and update software using functions/tools provided by genuine developers, as illegal activation tools ("cracks") and third-party updaters can contain malware.

We must stress the importance of having a reputable anti-virus installed and kept updated. Security programs must be used to run regular system scans and to remove detected threats. If you've already opened malicious attachments, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate infiltrated malware.

Text presented in the "PayPal - Order Has Been Completed" spam email letter:

Subject: Thank you for being Paypal's customer!

PayPal

Your payment of $756.40 for OrderID#1248187 has been completed.

Order Number 8NZGDM
Product Order ID #1248187
Product Purchased - Bitcoin
Network Paypal
Order Completed Feb 15, 2023, 09:37 (UTC)
Exchange Rate 0.000043 USD/BTC

View payment receipt
Need help?
If you have not placed this order call immediately at +1-877-410-6583 to restrict the transfer as Bitcoin once credited to the receiver cant be retrieved.

Call Now

Another example of PayPal order-themed spam email:

Text presented within:

PayPal
Dear customer,
Your Order has been Placed
Order No: PX97566455-676454-66Y6

Description
Product code : PADTX5478526
Product name : Bitcoin
Order Date : 21/Feb/2023
Payment Method : Online
Payment Status : Under Processing
Quantity : 0.028btc
Send Btc: faa4f6466f7g98f76f566fg6df5
Total : 600.00 USD
Receipt No : PAY9846534-7755-67P

Thank you shopping with PayPal account.your order has been successfully registered with us.
You will get your shipping as we get confirmation of payment from PayPal.

Please keep receipt number for future reference. You'll need it if you contact customer service at PayPal.

You have 24 hours from the date of the transaction to open a dispute. For assistance Call: +1 (888) 791-4827

Help | Security Centre

Please don't reply to this email. It'll just confuse the computer that sent it and you won't get a response.
Copyright © 2022 PayPal, Inc. All rights reserved paypal 5630 N. First St
san jose Paypal 94663
United States

@Thank You

Another example of an email from "PayPal - Order Has Been Completed" spam campaign:

Text presented within:

PayPal

Monday, 04 March 2024 CST 06:33
Order number: (VTB_VDJB/6596-QAHA/2942)

PayPal will be delivered online this between.

We're getting your order ready, and we'll email you with the tracking information as soon as it's out the door. Here's where it's headed.

Product details
Product: Polkadot-DOT
Merchant: Binance Global, Inc.
Quantity: 0.732
Product No. 7500-689-1042
Amount: $835.83

Buyer details:
Name: -
Email: -
Customer Id: -
Customer wallet address: -

Questions about your order?
Give us a call at 715-752-0006

Thanks again,
PayPal Gateway
Support: 715-752-0006
Candi Holman
Mi Rensselaer New York
Gaetanohaven Michigan USA

Instant automatic malware removal:

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Types of malicious emails:

If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file from a suspicious email, run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner. If you only received the email and didn't engage with it, you don't need to scan anything - just identify the scam and delete it. The full procedure below covers both situations and what to do if you already clicked, replied, or sent money.

Credential theft Phishing emails

Fake login pages disguised as PayPal, Microsoft, Apple, banks, or social networks. The email pushes a link to a near-perfect copy of the real login screen. The moment you type your username and password, the attacker has them.

Common subject lines

• "Action required: confirm your account"
• "Your password expires today"
• "Unusual sign-in attempt detected"
• "Verify your billing information"

Malware delivery Emails with malicious attachments

Trojans hidden inside fake invoices, faxes, shipping confirmations, or Office documents. Opening the attachment runs the payload and infects the system - often with an info-stealer or remote-access trojan.

Common subject lines

• "Invoice INV-2026-XXXX attached"
• "Fax received - 3 pages"
• "Your shipping document is ready"
• "Voicemail from +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX"

Extortion Sextortion emails

Fake claims of webcam recordings demanding cryptocurrency. Almost always a bluff: the attacker pulls a real password from an old data breach to make the threat look credible, then claims to have video of you. They have no recording and no access.

Common subject lines

• "I know your password is XXXX"
• "Your account has been hacked"
• "I have recorded you - 48 hours to pay"
• "You have been compromised"

Callback fraud Refund & callback scams

"Your subscription was renewed for $499 - call to cancel." Norton, McAfee, Geek Squad, PayPal, and Wells Fargo variants are all common. There's no real subscription. The phone number in the email connects directly to the scammer, who walks you through "refunding" yourself - which is actually them stealing money from your bank.

Common subject lines

• "Norton subscription auto-renewed - $499.99"
• "McAfee Total Protection invoice"
• "Geek Squad order confirmation"
• "Your PayPal payment is being processed"

Credential theft Account suspension & verification scams

"Your account will be deleted in 24 hours - verify now." The artificial deadline is the whole point: it pressures you to click before checking details. The "verify" link goes to a phishing page styled to look like the real provider.

Common subject lines

• "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
• "Suspicious activity detected - verify now"
• "Final warning: account closure"
• "Action required to keep your account active"

Mixed payload Delivery & package scams

Fake DHL, USPS, UPS, or FedEx tracking, customs fees, or "package undeliverable" notices. Targets anyone expecting a parcel - the timing alone catches many people. The link hides either phishing (asking for card details to "release" the package) or a malware download.

Common subject lines

• "Your DHL package is held at customs"
• "USPS - delivery attempt failed"
• "FedEx tracking update - action required"
• "Pay $2.99 redelivery fee to release your parcel"

Remote access Tech support scams

Fake Microsoft, Apple, or "Windows Defender" security alerts pushing a phone number. Real Microsoft and Apple never email a phone number to call. The number connects you to a scammer who asks for remote access to "fix" the imaginary problem and then demands payment.

Common subject lines

• "Microsoft Defender expired - renew now"
• "Apple ID security alert"
• "Critical: virus detected on your PC"
• "Windows license expired - call now"

Wire fraud Advance-fee scams

Inheritance, lottery wins, romance, or business deals that ask for a small fee to release a much larger sum. The classic "Nigerian prince" 419 family of frauds. Once you pay the first fee, more fees appear (taxes, lawyer, transfer charges) until you stop paying. The promised money never exists.

Common subject lines

• "Inheritance from a relative you didn't know about"
• "You won the international lottery"
• "URGENT - business proposal worth $XX million"
• "Compensation fund release for fraud victims"

Wire fraud Business email compromise (BEC)

CEO impersonation asking employees to wire money or buy gift cards, or fake supplier invoices with newly "updated" bank details for payment redirection. The email often spoofs a real internal executive's display name and uses an external lookalike domain.

Common subject lines

• "Quick task - need you to buy gift cards"
• "Updated banking details for invoice payment"
• "Wire transfer request - urgent"
• "Are you available?" (CEO impersonation opener)

How to spot a malicious email?

Phase 1~ 2 min

Spot - identify the red flags

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1

Check the sender's actual address, not the display name

30 sec

The display name (the human-readable part) is trivial to fake. Always check the full address that comes after it. Common red flags:

• Domain mismatch - service@paypa1.com, support@micros0ft-help.com, look-alike domains using digits or extra hyphens
• Free-email impersonation - any "official" message from a bank, courier, or platform sent from a @gmail.com, @outlook.com, or @yahoo.com address
• Reply-To mismatch - the From address looks legitimate but Reply-To points somewhere completely different

Why this matters

Real companies own their domains and send mail from them. A "DHL" message from a Gmail address is never legitimate, regardless of how convincing the body looks.

2

Watch for urgency, threats, and generic greetings

30 sec

Scams almost always rush you. The point is to make you act before you think. Treat any of the following as a strong signal:

• "Your account will be deleted in 24 hours"
• "Final notice" / "Immediate action required"
• "Dear Customer" or "Dear User" instead of your real name
• Threats of fines, account closure, legal action, or arrest
• Promises of refunds, prizes, or money you didn't earn
• Spelling and grammar mistakes in messages claiming to come from a major brand

3

Hover over every link before clicking

30 sec

On a desktop, hover the mouse over the link without clicking. The real destination shows in the bottom-left status bar of your browser or email client. On a phone, long-press the link to preview the URL.

• Real Microsoft, PayPal, or bank links go to those exact domains, not redirects through unrelated sites
• Shortened URLs (bit.ly, tinyurl, t.co) hide the real destination - never click them in unsolicited mail
• The visible link text and the actual URL must match - mismatches are the single biggest phishing red flag

Pro tip

When in doubt, don't click the link. Open a new browser tab and type the company's address yourself, then log in normally. If there really is an issue with your account, you'll see it there.

4

Treat unexpected attachments as hostile

30 sec

If you didn't ask for the file, don't open it - even if it appears to come from someone you know. Categories that should never be opened from email without verification through another channel:

• .exe, .scr, .iso, .img, .vbs, .bat - executables, never legitimate attachments
• .docx, .xlsx, .pptx with "Enable macros" prompts - the macros run the malware
• .pdf with "Click here to view" buttons - usually a phishing redirect, not a real document
• .zip, .rar, .7z archives, especially password-protected ones - the password defeats the email scanner

Phase 2~ 2 min

Report and delete - if you haven't engaged

---

If you only received the email and didn't reply, click, or open anything, the steps below are all you need. Your computer is not infected.

5

Don't reply, don't click "unsubscribe"

30 sec

Replying confirms your address is real and monitored, which gets you added to higher-value scam lists. The "unsubscribe" link in a scam message is rarely a real opt-out - it usually leads to a phishing page or downloads a tracking pixel.

Instead, mark the message as junk or phishing inside your email client (this trains the spam filter), then block the sender.

6

Report the scam to your email provider and authorities

1 min

Inside your email client:

• Gmail: open the message → ⋮ menu → Report phishing
• Outlook / Outlook.com: ⋯ menu → Report → Report phishing
• Apple Mail / iCloud: Move to Junk, then forward to reportphishing@apple.com

Forward or report to authorities:

• International: forward to reportphishing@apwg.org
• United States: ic3.gov (FBI)
• United Kingdom: forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk (NCSC SERS); for financial loss report at reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
• Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
• Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
• EU: your national CERT - find yours via the ENISA CSIRT map

After reporting, delete the email and empty the Trash folder so you don't accidentally open it later.

Phase 3~ 10–60 min

Recover - if you already engaged with the scam

---

Pick the step below that matches what you did. If multiple apply, work through them in the order they appear - the steps are arranged from lowest to highest risk.

7

You only clicked a link (didn't enter anything or download anything)

Scenario: clicked link only10 min

Close the page right away. Don't enter any information, even if the page looks legitimate.

• Clear your browser cache and cookies for the last hour - Chrome/Edge: Ctrl+Shift+Del → Last hour → check Cookies and Cached files
• Run a quick scan with Combo Cleaner in case the page tried to drop a file silently (drive-by download)
• Update your browser to the latest version - most drive-by exploits target outdated browsers
• Watch for new browser pop-ups, redirects, or unfamiliar notifications over the next few days

Why this matters

Modern browsers block most drive-by attacks, but a single click on a phishing page can still be enough on an outdated browser or unpatched plugin. A quick scan catches anything that landed silently.

8

You opened an attachment or downloaded a file - run a full malware scan

Scenario: opened attachment⚠ Highest risk60–90 min

Opening an attachment is the most common path to actual infection. Treat the system as compromised until the scans below come back clean. Work through these sub-steps in order:

8.1Disconnect from the network

Unplug Ethernet and turn off Wi-Fi. If the attachment was an info-stealer or remote-access trojan, this stops it from sending data out or receiving commands. Keep the network off until you've booted into Safe Mode (next step) - you'll reconnect there briefly to download the scanners.

8.2Boot into Safe Mode with Networking, then download the scanners

Windows 11: Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: hold Shift, click Power → Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart → press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in 8.4) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in 8.5). Safe Mode loads only minimal drivers, so most malware can't auto-run while you're getting the tools. Save both installers to your Desktop.

8.3Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads - this is what catches rootkits and bootkits.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8.4Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Install Combo Cleaner and run a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete fully, review what it found, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner will quarantine known trojans and remove their persistence in the registry.

8.5Run Microsoft Safety Scanner as a second-opinion scan

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe). The binary expires every 10 days, which means every download has the latest signatures. Run a full scan after Combo Cleaner to catch anything one engine alone might miss.

8.6Reset browsers and clear notification permissions

Many email-borne trojans drop adware that hijacks browsers. Reset each browser you use:

Chrome: chrome://settings/reset → Restore settings to their original defaults. Then chrome://settings/content/notifications - remove unfamiliar sites.

Edge: edge://settings/reset. Then edge://settings/content/notifications.

Firefox: about:support → Refresh Firefox.

8.7Re-enable Defender, Tamper Protection, and update everything

Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Then run Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and update browsers and applications.

Important

If the scans keep finding new threats on each run, or files reappear after deletion, you may have a deeper compromise that needs a clean Windows reinstall. See pcrisk's full manual malware removal guide for the extended procedure (Process Explorer, Autoruns, hosts file inspection).

9

You entered credentials on a fake login page

Scenario: shared password⚠ Act fast20 min

Assume the attacker has your password and is using it right now. Speed matters.

1. Change the password from a different, known-clean device (your phone is fine if it's not infected). Don't reuse the old password anywhere else.
2. Enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already. Prefer an authenticator app or hardware key over SMS.
3. Sign out of all sessions - most platforms have a "sign out everywhere" option in security settings, which kicks the attacker out.
4. Review recent activity - look for unfamiliar logins, new devices, forwarding rules, or app permissions. Remove anything you don't recognize.
5. Check your other accounts - if you reused that password anywhere else, change it there too. Check your exposure at haveibeenpwned.com.
6. Update security questions - the attacker may have seen the answers in your account profile.

Why email comes first

If you only have time to change one password, change your primary email password - it's the recovery hub for every other account. An attacker who controls your email can reset everything else.

10

You sent money or shared bank, card, or ID details

Scenario: financial loss⚠ Contact bank now30 min

Time is the single biggest factor in recovering money. Banks can sometimes recall a wire or reverse a card transaction within the first few hours.

1. Call your bank or card issuer immediately. Use the number on the back of the card, not any number from the scam email. Ask them to freeze the card, reverse the transaction if possible, and flag the account for fraud monitoring.
2. If you sent a wire transfer or used a money-transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram, Zelle, Wise), call them directly and request a recall. Some can be reversed within minutes if reported fast.
3. If you sent cryptocurrency or gift cards, recovery is unlikely - but report it anyway, since law enforcement tracks these patterns.
4. File a police report. You'll need the report number for any insurance, bank, or credit-bureau claim. Save the report number.
5. File with the right authority for your country:
   • US: ic3.gov + reportfraud.ftc.gov
   • UK: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud; 0300 123 2040)
   • Canada: antifraudcentre.ca
   • Australia: scamwatch.gov.au
   • EU: your national CERT or police cybercrime unit
6. Set fraud alerts on all major credit bureaus if you shared any ID details. US: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion. UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion (Cifas Protective Registration is a stronger option).
7. Save all evidence - the original email (with full headers), screenshots of the fake site, transaction records, any phone numbers or chat logs.

Phase 4~ 15 min + 30 days

Verify & monitor

---

11

Final scan and startup-app check

15 min

Reconnect to the network and run one final full scan with Combo Cleaner, followed by a Windows Defender quick scan. Then open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and switch to Startup apps - disable anything unfamiliar.

Make sure Windows, browsers, and any applications you use are fully up to date. The infection vector that worked on you once usually involves outdated software.

12

Monitor accounts and credit for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most fraud follow-ups land in the first month. Until that window closes, keep watching:

• Bank and card statements - daily for the first week, then weekly
• Email - watch for password-reset confirmations or login alerts you didn't trigger
• Credit report - US: free at annualcreditreport.com; UK: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion all have free tiers
• Breach alerts - sign up at haveibeenpwned.com to be notified when your email appears in new leaks

If anything new appears in any of those, treat it as a continuing compromise: change passwords again, contact the bank again, and update the police report.

Important: If you didn't click anything, didn't reply, and didn't open any attachment, your computer is not infected - just delete the email and move on. If you opened an attachment or downloaded a file, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there. That path catches the vast majority of email-borne malware without the risk of breaking Windows by deleting the wrong file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did I receive this email?

Spam emails are not personal. Cyber criminals distribute this mail by the thousand with the hopes that at least some recipients will fall for their scams.

I have provided my personal information when tricked by this spam email, what should I do?

If you believe that your log-in credentials have been compromised – immediately change the passwords of all potentially exposed accounts and inform their official support without delay. And if you suspect that your other private data is at risk (e.g., ID card details, credit card numbers, etc.) – contact the appropriate authorities without delay.

I have allowed cyber criminals to remotely access my computer, what should I do?

If you have permitted cyber criminals to access your device remotely – the first step is to disconnect it from the Internet. Afterward, the remote access software that the criminals used must be removed (e.g., TeamViewer, UltraViewer, AnyDesk, etc.), as they may not need your consent to reconnect. Lastly, run a full system scan with an anti-virus and remove all detected threats.

I have read a spam email but didn't open the attachment, is my computer infected?

No, merely reading an email will not result in a system infection. Malware download/installation processes are jumpstarted when a malicious attachment or link is opened/clicked.

I have downloaded and opened a file attached to a spam email, is my computer infected?

Whether your device was infected might depend on the opened file's format. Executables (.exe, .run, etc.) infect devices almost without fail. While document formats may require additional user interaction (e.g., enabling macro commands, clicking embedded content, etc.) to start downloading/installing malware.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections present in email attachments?

Yes, Combo Cleaner is designed to detect and eliminate threats. It is capable of removing most of the known malware infections. Note that since sophisticated malicious programs usually hide deep within systems, running a full system scan is essential.