ShooFlyPayPal Invoice Scam (Norton, Geek Squad)
A message says you've been charged hundreds of dollars for Norton, McAfee or Geek Squad and to call or tap to dispute it. There's no charge: the “support line” wants remote access to your computer or your bank login.
What It Looks Like
PayPal: You've been charged $499.99 for Norton Security. If you didn't authorize this, dispute it within 24 hours: [link removed]
The wording, amounts and company change, but the pattern stays the same.
How to Tell It's Fake
- A fake invoice is designed to make you call or tap in a panic.
- Check your PayPal app yourself; the charge won't be there.
- Never call a number in a message like this.
How to Check for Real
Open the PayPal app yourself. The charge won't be there. Never use the link or phone number in the message.
If You Already Tapped or Paid
- Change that account's password in its own app or website, and anywhere you use the same password.
- Turn on two-step verification for the account.
- If it was your bank, call the number on the back of your card right away.
Acting in the first hour gives you the best chance of stopping charges.
Report It
- Forward the text to 7726 (SPAM). It goes to your phone carrier, who uses it to block the sender.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Then delete it, and block the number.
Not Sure About a Text?
ShooFly checks any text, letter, link or caller in seconds, right on your phone, and tells you what to do next. It also sends scam texts like this one to Junk before you see them. Free.