1800 718 571: Suspected PayPal Scam Alert

• Scam

The phone number 1800 718 571 has been reported as a potential scam related to fraudulent PayPal activities. Find out how to protect yourself from this scam and what to do if you receive a call or message from this number.

The Growing Concern of Phone Scams

Phone scams have become increasingly prevalent, causing alarm and confusion among Australians. One such number that has raised red flags is 1800 718 571. User reports suggest that this number is being fraudulently linked to PayPal, putting unsuspecting individuals at risk of being scammed.

What Users Are Saying

On 28 March 2023, multiple reports emerged claiming that 1800 718 571 had been implicated in a suspicious scheme, presenting itself as a legitimate PayPal contact. Users reported receiving alarming texts indicating potential unauthorised access to their accounts.

• One user noted they received a message from an unrelated number urging them to call 1800 718 571 to verify a PayPal transaction from Islamabad, Pakistan.
• Another individual received a text claiming to contain a 'One Time Password' for a transaction they did not initiate, recommending that they urgently call the same number.
• The consensus among users is clear: this number is doing more harm than good, leading to a likely classification as a scam.

Understanding the Scam

Based on the user experiences, 1800 718 571 / 00718571 appears to be a part of a phishing scam, designed to steal personal and financial information under the guise of 'customer support' for PayPal. Typically, these scams involve forged identification and create a sense of urgency to provoke hasty decisions from users.

How to Handle Calls from 1800 718 571

If you receive a call or text from 1800 718 571, it is crucial to tread cautiously:

• Do not engage: Refrain from answering or providing any personal information.
• Verify independently: If you suspect there may be a legitimate concern with your PayPal account, log into your account directly or contact PayPal through trusted means.
• Report the scam: Inform authorities about the scam, such as by forwarding the messages to PayPal.
• Use Reverseau: If you're unsure about a number, consider using Reverse Phone Lookup Australia to get details about the caller and understand the context better.

Stay Safe and Informed

Remember, being informed is your best defence against phone scams. Always be skeptical of calls and messages asking for urgent responses regarding financial information, and utilise resources like Reverseau to uncover details about unknown numbers. Protecting yourself against such scams is not just about being smart; it’s about staying one step ahead.