1800 861 398 - 1800861398: PayPal Impersonation and Phishing Reports

• Uncertain
• Scam

Community reports for 1800 861 398 (1800861398): PayPal impersonation calls requesting security software installation, plus phishing SMS with verification codes.

PayPal Impersonation Reports for 1800 861 398

Contributors have reported calls from 1800 861 398 (also written as 1800861398) impersonating PayPal and requesting personal information. The caller claimed to be from PayPal's security team and asked the recipient to install security software purportedly to protect against scams. This is a classic social engineering tactic designed to compromise device security and steal financial credentials.

Beyond the voice calls, 1800861398 has also been flagged for SMS phishing messages. One contributor received an SMS claiming to be from InfoText with a verification code, attempting to trick the recipient into clicking malicious links or divulging sensitive account details.

What Callers from 1800 861 398 Are Claiming

The primary impersonation tactic involves callers falsely representing PayPal's security department. According to reports about 1800 861 398, the caller instructs victims to download and install security software, claiming it will protect their account from fraud. This is a pretext for installing malware or gaining remote access to the victim's device.

Contributors who received calls from 1800861398 reported that the caller used urgency and fear to manipulate them into complying. By framing the request as a security necessity, the caller exploits trust in the PayPal brand to lower the recipient's defences.

The SMS variant uses a different approach: sending what appears to be a legitimate verification code from a company called InfoText. The phishing link embedded in the message directs recipients to fake login pages where their account credentials are harvested.

Report Patterns and Timing

Three separate reports have flagged 1800 861 398 across multiple channels. One contributor received a call and engaged with the impersonation attempt; another received an SMS with a phishing link; a third received an SMS and immediately blocked the number without further interaction. The diversity of contact methods suggests this number is being used for a coordinated phishing and social engineering campaign.

The reports span from October 2023 to May 2026, indicating the number has remained active in scam operations for an extended period. Contributors blocking the number straightaway demonstrates that awareness of this 1800 861 398 scam is growing within the community.

What to Do If You Receive a Call from 1800 861 398

If 1800 861 398 calls you:

• Do not: Install any software at the caller's request, provide personal or financial information, or grant remote access to your device
• Do not: Believe claims that you need to verify your PayPal account immediately
• Do: Hang up immediately and contact PayPal directly using the official number on their website or your statement
• Do: Verify the caller's identity through official PayPal channels before taking any action
• Do: Block 1800861398 in your phone's settings to prevent future calls
• Do: Report the call to the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority)

What to Do If You Receive an SMS from 1800 861 398

If 1800861398 sends you an SMS:

• Do not: Click any links in the message, even if they appear to be from legitimate companies
• Do not: Reply to the message or engage with the sender
• Do not: Enter your login credentials or personal information on any page the link directs you to
• Do: Delete the message immediately
• Do: Block the number in your phone settings
• Do: Forward the SMS to 0429 999 888 (ACMA's SMS reporting service)
• Do: Report it as spam or phishing through your phone's messaging app

How to Report 1800 861 398

If you've received calls or SMS from 1800 861 398, report your experience to:

• ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): acma.gov.au - Report scam calls and SMS
• Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au - Report PayPal impersonation and phishing attempts
• PayPal directly: Use the Report a Problem feature in your PayPal account or contact PayPal's fraud team through their official website
• ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au - Report cybercrime and phishing attacks to the Australian Cyber Security Centre
• Reverseau: Contribute your report to help other Australians identify calls from 1800861398

Community reports about 1800 861 398 are essential for helping other Australians stay safe. If you've encountered this number, sharing your experience on Reverseau contributes to building a database of scam intelligence that protects the broader community.

Frequently Asked Questions