1800 310 424 - 1800310424: PayPal Impersonation SMS Scam

• Scam

SMS scam alert: 1800 310 424 (1800310424) used in fake PayPal messages claiming $699.98 charges. Contributors confirm impersonation and payment request tactics.

PayPal Impersonation SMS Scam Using 1800 310 424

Two contributors have reported receiving SMS messages impersonating PayPal that reference 1800 310 424 (also written as 1800310424) as a contact number for dispute resolution. The scam message claims a $699.98 charge has been deducted from the recipient's PayPal account for an order (ID 40391879) and directs them to contact 1800 310 424 to cancel.

Both reports describe the SMS text itself as obviously fraudulent, with obvious misspellings of "PayPal" (written as "p@y p@I") that should alert most recipients. However, the use of a legitimate-looking 1800 number (1800 310 424) appears designed to add credibility to the scam message and encourage victims to call for assistance.

What the Fake PayPal Messages Say

The scam SMS reported in connection with 1800 310 424 follows a consistent pattern across both reports. The message claims an exact charge amount of $699.98 AUD and references a specific order ID (40391879). Contributors noted the message uses deliberately obfuscated spelling ("p@y p@I" instead of "PayPal") in an attempt to evade SMS filtering systems.

One contributor received the SMS from an unrelated number (+7(805)472 6) but the message itself directed enquiries to 1800 310 424, suggesting scammers are distributing the same fraudulent template through multiple sending numbers. The other contributor noted that despite the message's obvious fakery, the inclusion of 1800 310 424 as an official-sounding contact number could deceive less security-aware recipients.

Report Patterns and Channel

Both reports arrived via SMS on the same date (25 June 2026), indicating a coordinated scam distribution. The use of a freephone 1800 number (1800 310 424) is a common tactic in SMS impersonation scams, as it lends perceived legitimacy while masking the scammer's actual identity. The identical message text and order ID across both reports suggests a mass-distribution campaign using the same template.

Neither contributor initiated contact with 1800 310 424, and both immediately recognised the messages as fraudulent. The reports emphasise that while the scam itself appears crude, the combination of a recognisable brand name (PayPal) and a freephone contact number could be effective against recipients unfamiliar with PayPal's actual communication practices.

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 1800 310 424

If you receive an SMS claiming to be from PayPal and referencing 1800 310 424:

• Do not: Click any links in the message, call the number provided, or reply to the SMS
• Do not: Provide any personal, banking, or PayPal account details in response
• Do: Delete the message immediately
• Do: Block the sending number and 1800 310 424 in your phone's settings
• Do: Report the SMS as spam to your mobile provider
• Do: If you have a PayPal account, log in directly via the official PayPal website or app to check your account status (never use details from SMS messages)
• Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's spam reporting service)

How to Report PayPal Impersonation Scams

Report SMS scams referencing 1800 310 424 and PayPal impersonation to Australian authorities:

• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Forward the scam SMS to 0429 999 888 or report online at acma.gov.au
• Scamwatch: Lodge a detailed report at scamwatch.gov.au, including the sender number, message text, and 1800 310 424
• PayPal directly: Report the phishing attempt to PayPal's official security team (if you have an account)
• Reverseau: Contribute your report to help other Australians identify 1800 310 424 and similar scams

Frequently Asked Questions