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Patterdale Recovery Limited
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Payment Platform 2,345 reported scams

Scams involving PayPal

PayPal scams include fake invoices, unauthorized transactions, and account takeovers.

Trace the funds

We follow money moved through PayPal - linking accounts, devices and destination wallets or banks to build an evidence chain.

Engage the platform

We raise formal complaints and, where appropriate, disclosure requests with the platform and its regulators to freeze suspect accounts.

Recover your money

Where viable, we pursue chargebacks, civil recovery and settlement to return funds to you. Fees depend on your case and are agreed in writing before we begin.

Common PayPal scams

These are the fraud patterns we most often see reported on PayPal. If yours sounds familiar, you are not alone - and the money may still be recoverable.

  • Fake overpayment & refund invoices
  • Goods-not-received marketplace fraud
  • Account takeover & unauthorized transfers
  • Phishing "limitation" emails

If you were defrauded via PayPal, do this now

  1. 01Stop all transfers on your PayPal account and change your password.
  2. 02Export and save every transaction record, chat and email.
  3. 03Contact us, and we will help you request a recall or chargeback from your bank.
  4. 04We handle the complaint to PayPal and its regulator on your behalf.
  5. 05Get a free viability assessment from our investigators.

Scams involving PayPal - common questions

Can I get my money back from a PayPal scam?

In many cases, yes - and the sooner you act, the more options remain. We trace where funds moved through PayPal, request freezes and chargebacks with the banks and platforms involved, and pursue civil recovery where viable. Every PayPal case is different, so we give you a free assessment and agree any fees in writing before we begin.

Is PayPal a scam?

PayPal is a legitimate payment platform, but fraudsters impersonate and abuse it - most often through fake overpayment & refund invoices. These scams happen on or around PayPal rather than by PayPal itself, which is why reporting and recovery focus on the parties who misused it.

How do I report PayPal fraud?

Stop all transfers on your PayPal account, change your password, and export every transaction, chat and email as evidence. Then report it: we help you raise the complaint with PayPal and its regulator, file with the fraud authorities in your country, and open a recovery case with us.

How long does PayPal fund recovery take?

It depends on how the money was moved and how quickly it can be traced and frozen. Blockchain tracing can surface leads within days, while bank chargebacks and civil recovery take longer. We set out a realistic timeline for your specific PayPal case during the free assessment.

Recover funds lost through PayPal

Free, confidential assessment. Fees vary by case and are agreed in writing.

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