PayPal Unauthorized Transaction
Quick answer
Report unauthorized charges in the Resolution Center right away, secure your login, and tell your bank. Check whether the charge is actually an automatic payment you approved.
Most likely fix: Do not reply to the email
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Do not reply to the email
- Open PayPal directly and check Activity
- Forward phishing to phishing@paypal.com
Did this fix it?2. Report it
- Resolution Center, Report a problem, choose the payment, I want to report unauthorized activity
- PayPal says to expect an email within about 10 days
Did this fix it?3. Secure the account
- Change password, review linked cards and devices, enable 2-step verification
Did this fix it?4. Check automatic payments
- Settings, Payments, Manage automatic payments to spot approved merchants
Did this fix it?5. Tell your bank
- Contact your card issuer or bank
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
A payment you do not recognize appears or you get an unauthorized transaction email.
Why it happens
- Compromised password
- Old automatic payment to a merchant
- Phishing email about a fake transaction
This guide also covers
- paypal unauthorized transaction
- paypal fraud charge
- paypal unrecognized payment
- paypal scam email
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