How to Block Spam Texts
August 1, 2025
The Fake PayPal Text That Wants More Than Your Money
“Your PayPal account has been charged $549.49…” You look at your phone and panic — but don’t. This isn’t PayPal. It’s a scammer trying to trick you into handing over your most valuable possession: your personal information.
In just one day, August 5, 2025, the Nomorobo honeypot caught thousands of fraudulent texts impersonating trusted brands like PayPal, Apple, and others. They all had the same goal: make you believe your account was hacked, then get you to call a fake “support” number or click a malicious link.
How the Scam Works
It starts with a text like one of these:
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Your Pay-Pal account has been charged $549.49… Call now at 1-818-208-6691
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Your iOS Pay ID was recently used at App Store for $149.99… If not you, call +1-863-393-7645
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URGENT: Your Apple Pay profile was charged $437.69… Contact support at +1-845-310-7557
The messages are designed to trigger fear and urgency — two emotions that make you more likely to act without thinking. Once you call the number or click the link, the scammer will ask for:
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Your PayPal or Apple ID login credentials
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Your full name, date of birth, and address
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Possibly even your bank or credit card number
Why This Works So Well
These texts use the same psychological tricks as phishing emails and phone scams:
Brand hijacking — They impersonate PayPal, Apple, or another company you trust.
Urgent language — Words like “URGENT,” “security alert,” and “unauthorized” push you to act fast.
Realistic details — Charges are oddly specific ($367.99 at Apple Store Orlando) to make the scam seem more believable.
How to Stay Safe
Don’t click. Don’t call. Never respond directly to a suspicious text.
Verify independently. Log in to your PayPal or Apple account using the official app or website.
Enable two-factor authentication. This makes it much harder for scammers to access your account.
Report and delete. Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your carrier.
Watch and Learn
We’ve put together an in-depth video breaking down this exact scam so you can hear it, see how it works, and know how to respond.
If you prefer learning in video format, head over to our Fraud Fighters page. It’s packed with real-world scam examples and expert tips to help you stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
Don’t Let Fear Do the Scammer’s Work
If you ever get a text or call claiming your PayPal account has been compromised, don’t trust the message — trust the source. Go straight to PayPal.com or the PayPal app and check your recent activity. Scammers count on your fear to do their dirty work.
Block the Scam Before It Starts
Nomorobo blocks fraudulent PayPal texts and thousands of other scam attempts before they ever reach your phone.
Sign up now to protect your accounts — and your peace of mind.
