How to avoid falling for scams like "PayPal Crypto Purchase Invoice"

What kind of scam is "PayPal Crypto Purchase Invoice"?

We have examined the email and determined that it is a phishing email intended to steal personal information and (or) money from unsuspecting individuals. This scam email is disguised as a notification from PayPal regarding an invoice. Recipients should ignore this email.

More about the "PayPal Crypto Purchase Invoice" scam email

As we mentioned in the introduction, this phishing email impersonates PayPal and appears to be an invoice notification. It includes a fake invoice number (AXCU8YNDWB) and claims that payment is due upon receipt. The email requests a payment of $699 in Bitcoin (BTC). It also provides a phone number for inquiries.

This email is likely an attempt by scammers to steal money, personal information, or deceive recipients into contacting them. Typically, such scams involve requesting for credit card details, ID card information, login credentials, or other information that may be used to steal identities, hijack online accounts, make unauthorized purchases, etc.

Moreover, if recipients call/contact the scammers via the number provided in the email, scammers might try to install malware on their devices through malicious links or files provided during the communication, further compromising their security and privacy. Additionally, scammers may request recipients to pay for fake services or products.

Thus, recipients should ignore emails like the one described in this article to avoid being scammed and safeguard their financial and personal information. It is crucial to be careful and refrain from engaging with suspicious communications, especially when they involve requests for payment or sensitive data.

Similar scam emails in general

Overall, such emails commonly impersonate reputable organizations or other entities, use urgent language, and request for payments or sensitive information. They often contain links to phishing websites where individuals are requested to provide personal information. Also, links and files in such emails can lead to computer infections.

Examples of similar emails are "Invoice Request", "Switch To New Server", and "Agreement Update".

How do spam campaigns infect computers?

Threat actors usually distribute malware through email by including malicious attachments (such as executables, PDFs, archives, MS Office documents, or scripts) or links in their messages. Computer infections occur when recipients open these attachments or perform additional actions (e.g., enabling macros/editing upon opening infected documents or running files extracted from archives).

Additionally, malware can be triggered by opening files obtained from untrustworthy or compromised websites or through drive-by downloads.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Exercise caution when handling irrelevant emails containing links or attachments, especially if they originate from unfamiliar sources. Obtain applications and files from reputable sources like official websites and app stores. Steer clear of clicking on dubious advertisements, buttons, or pop-ups on unofficial websites.

Avoid using cracked (pirated) software or tools designed to bypass the activation of licensed software. Keep your operating system, software, and security software updated, and run regular scans on your computer using the installed security tool. If you have 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 Crypto Purchase Invoice" email letter:

PayPal
Invoice

Dear -
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:12:09 +0000
Invoice: AXCU8YNDWB
Payment Terms: Due on receipt

Amount Due: $699 (BTC equivalent)

Please ensure timely payment. Thank you!

For any inquiries, contact us:
Phone: +1 818 937 4012

Bill To (email)
Description Quantity Unit Price Amount
Bitcoin Purchase 0.01000000 BTC $699 $699

Note to Recipients
Thanks for your Business
Subtotal $699

Total: $699 (BTC equivalent)

Other examples of emails from "PayPal Crypto Purchase Invoice" spam campaign:

Sample 1:

Text presented within:

+1 - { 828 } - 398 - 0216

Date: 28 MAY 2024
Receipt N0 : VFR4-89IK-H77AS

You completed a purchase on a cryptocurrency exchange.

Order-Summary
Paid : 500.00 USD

Item Quantity Rate Amount
BITCOIN 0.012 500 USD 500 USD

Subtotal: 500 USD
Tax : 0 USD
.Total: 500 USD

Payment mode : Account/Card

This is in-form you that your request was approved. Your automatic payment has been completed.

#TXN NO - 76TQWUI/IYTGD98-WFW

Note :
If this order is not what you authorized, please get in touch with customer Support to cancel and get a refund.

Reach us at: +1 - { 828 } - 398 - 0216

Sample 2:

Text presented within:

Your authorization for a $456.00 payment to Coinbase Global, Inc. has been processed.

We appreciate your recent payment through PayPal on 05 June 2024. Please note that $456.00 has been deducted from your account for your Coinbase Global Inc. order. You will see this charge on your account statement within 12 hours.

Payment Information

You've Bought: 0.0068
BTC Value: $456.00
Transaction Fee: $5.49
Merchant Information
Coinbase Global Inc,
Your Invoice : C6FZ3MU9WR9UU1

Total : $456.00

Issue with Transaction ?

To dispute and stop this transaction, you have 12 hours from the time it was made. Reach PayPal Support by calling the TOLL-FREE number below.

Helpdesk Number :+1 (888) 231-4304

Copyright 1999-2024
you are receiving this transaction email because a recent transaction was made on your account associated with this email address.
Please keep this email for your records.
Please do not reply this mail as it is not being monitored

Sample 3:

Text presented within:

PayPal

 

Toll Free Number: +1 (888) 280-6301
Issue Date: 26 Jun,2024
Invoice Number: GD-EIBYA#14337

Dear client,

You have successfully sent of $389.20 to your btc wallet.
This is an invoice for you recent purchase through PayPal.
This charge will appear on your statement as payment to COINBASE INC. within 24 hours.
Please read the details below and feel free to ask us any Questions you may have regarding this purchase.

Delivery Information: Online Delivery Payment Method: PayPal Credit
Amount: $389.20

Txn no: -

Billing Information
PayPal
Description of Item Qty Price
Coin Base Inc. (0.0119 BTC) 01 $369.20
Transaction Fees $30
Total Amount $389.20

Thanks for using PayPal Express checkout the safer, easier way to pay and get paid online.

In case, you did not make this payment please call our billing support team at +1 (888) 280-6301 (Toll Free) to cancel. For cancellation or to make any changes or for any other issues contact our billing support team.

Note: You have 24 hours to raise a Dispute in the PayPal Inc. at billing support team for cancellation and Refund.

Sincerely,
PayPal billing team
+1 (888) 280-6301

Sample 4:

Text presented within:

PayPal
Customer Support : 1 (863) 659-4064
INVOICE

Customer Name: Wan Kanobie
DATE: Aug 01, 2024

Email: imboard2delth@gmail.com
INVOICE # 615490853
Payment method Account Debit: Account / Card

Qty Description Unit Price Total
01 Bitcoin Exchange (0.008 BTC). 496.39 $496.39
Subtotal $496.39
Sales Tax @7.25 $35.98
Total $532.37

NOTE:
Your Account has been charged and the amount has been deducted from your bank. To open a dispute or to cancel this transaction, please contact us within 24 hours at: 1 (863) 659-4064

Thank you for your business!

PayPal Holdings, Inc. 2211 North First Street | San Jose, CA 95131

Sample 5:

Text presented within:

PayPal
Customer Helpline No: +1(833)-552-7061
INVOICE TO: -
TOTAL DUE
Usd : $699.99
Invoice No: E5ZT4GDXSQ3Q
2211 North First Street San Jose, California
USA
Zip - 95131

Service Quantity Price Total
Bitcoin BTC (Crypto) 0.010 $699.99 $699.99
Payment Method : Auto debit/credit Total $699.99

We completed your purchase successfully.

This transaction will appear as "PayPal Coinbase Inc." in your bank account.
Need help? Reach out to our customer service at +1(833)-552-7061

Bitcoin BTC

If you didn't authorized this transaction E5ZT4GDXSQ3Q , Kindly be aware that you have a 24-hour grace time to cancel and receive an instant refund. Our dedicated customer support team is prepared to assist you swiftly.: feel free to reach out at +1(833)-552-7061

Instant automatic malware removal:

Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:

By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com.

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

---

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?

Cybercriminals commonly distribute phishing emails to numerous email addresses, hoping that some recipients will fall victim to their scheme. They acquire email addresses through methods like data breaches, phishing pages, and public databases.

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

If you have disclosed banking or credit card details, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Also, change passwords for accounts that may have been compromised, (e.g., email, banking, social media, or other online accounts).

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

The probability of your computer being infected depends on the type of file you opened. Opening executable files such as .exe files presents a higher risk of malware infection, whereas document files entail a lower risk.

I have sent cryptocurrency to the address presented in such email, can I get my money back?

Cryptocurrency transactions cannot be reversed or canceled without the consent of the recipient. Thus, cryptocurrency sent to scammers cannot be retrieved.

I have read the email but did not open the attachment, is my computer infected?

Simply opening an email poses no threat. Computers can be infected upon clicking on links within the email or opening attached files.

Will Combo Cleaner remove malware infections that were present in email attachment?

Yes, Combo Cleaner can detect and remove nearly all known malware. Running a full system scan is essential to ensure thorough detection and removal, as high-end malware tends to be hidden deep in the system.