1800 579 565: PayPal Impersonation Scam

• Scam

SMS scam alert: 1800 579 565 used in PayPal impersonation scheme. Callers claim unusual account activity and request confirmation. Do not call this number.

PayPal Impersonation Reports for 1800 579 565

A contributor has reported receiving a fraudulent SMS directing them to call 1800 579 565 (also written as 1800579565) under the guise of PayPal account verification. The message falsely claimed unusual activity had been flagged on their account and urged immediate contact with the number to "confirm your account's safety." This is a classic impersonation tactic where scammers use legitimate-sounding company names and urgent language to pressure victims into calling a fraudulent support line.

The contributor who received the SMS from 1800 579 565 correctly identified that this is not PayPal's official support number, highlighting an important protection: PayPal does not initiate account security issues via SMS asking you to call a number. Any legitimate PayPal communication would direct you to log into your official PayPal account directly.

How the 1800 579 565 Scam Works

The SMS attempting to direct people to 1800 579 565 follows a well-established impersonation pattern. It begins with an alarming statement ("Unusual Activity Flagged on Your Account") to create urgency and emotional pressure. The message then provides the phone number 1800579565 as the supposed resolution, instructing recipients to "reach our Australian support line...without delay." This combination of fake company impersonation, fabricated urgency, and a phone number designed to look legitimate is designed to bypass your natural scepticism.

Once a victim calls 1800 579 565, scammers typically request personal information such as account details, passwords, or payment card information under the pretence of verifying the account. Some variants may ask for one-time verification codes or direct you to enter details on a fake website.

Report Details and Contributor Experience

The single report about 1800 579 565 came via SMS on 11 November 2026 at 4:27 pm. The SMS originated from an international number (+447713943302, a UK format), which is a red flag that the message did not come from PayPal's Australian systems. The contributor's immediate recognition that 1800 579 565 is not PayPal's legitimate number prevented them from being scammed, but the incident was serious enough to report to Reverseau to warn others.

What to Do If You Receive an SMS Directing You to Call 1800 579 565

If you receive a message claiming to be from PayPal or any financial institution asking you to call 1800 579 565:

• Do not: Call the number, click any links in the message, or reply to the SMS
• Do not: Provide account details, passwords, or payment card information to anyone who contacts you this way
• Do: Delete the message immediately
• Do: Log into your PayPal account directly (using your saved browser bookmark or typing paypal.com into your browser) to check if there are any genuine security alerts
• Do: Block the sender's number or use your phone's spam reporting feature
• Do: Report the message to PayPal directly through their official website

Remember: Legitimate financial institutions never ask you to call a number from an unsolicited message. They expect you to log into your account or contact them using a number you find independently on their official website.

How to Report the 1800 579 565 Scam

If you have received an SMS or call from 1800 579 565 or related numbers attempting PayPal impersonation:

• Report to the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Visit acma.gov.au and use their complaint form to report the scam phone number and SMS. Include the exact message text, sender number, and timestamp.
• Report to Scamwatch: Visit scamwatch.gov.au and submit a report describing the scam attempt. Scamwatch collects reports to identify trends and warn the public.
• Report to PayPal: Log into your PayPal account and use their "Resolution Centre" to report the fraudulent SMS. You can also forward the message to spoof@paypal.com.
• Report to Reverseau: Share your experience on Reverseau to help other Australians identify and avoid this scam. Even a single report helps build awareness of scam tactics.
• Report the SMS to your telco: Forward the message to 0429 999 888 (the standard Australian spam reporting number) to flag it as scam SMS.

Why This Scam Targets PayPal Users

Scammers impersonating 1800 579 565 as PayPal specifically because PayPal is widely trusted in Australia for online purchases and money transfers. Victims who use PayPal are more likely to feel alarmed by a message claiming account problems, making them more likely to act quickly without thinking. The use of a 1800 number (an Australian freephone format) makes 1800 579 565 appear more credible than an overseas number would, adding to the deception.

Frequently Asked Questions