Paypal scam?

[alex123321]

Why chatgpt is giving scam alert?
So i bought a paypal Business account from vendor, and he give me only cookies. No login or Pass.
When i opend through cookies and add CC to desposit amount. It give this msg. Is the vendor scamming me.
Need help.

 

[chushpan]

Analysis of the Situation​

Based on the information you've provided, it is clear that you are dealing with a scam , and here's why:

1. Key Indicators of a Scam​

a) PayPal Business Account Upgrade Fee​

• Official PayPal Policy: PayPal does not charge any fees to upgrade an account from personal to business. The transition is free.
• Scammer's Claim: The message you received states that PayPal requires a $500 fee to upgrade to a business account. This is a clear red flag.

b) Transaction Verification for High Amounts​

• Official PayPal Policy: PayPal does not require upfront payments or additional fees for transactions exceeding $500,000. Instead, they may request documentation or verification but never a monetary fee.
• Scammer's Claim: The message claims that a transaction exceeding 500,000requirestheaccounttobeupgraded,whichinvolvespayinga500 fee. This is another red flag.

c) Unusual Formatting and Language​

• Official PayPal Communication: PayPal’s official messages are professionally formatted and sent through their secure dashboard or email. They do not use screenshots or odd language.
• Scammer's Message: The message in your screenshot uses unusual formatting and includes phrases like "According to PayPal Business Policy," which is not how PayPal communicates.

d) Request for Payment via Unknown Links​

• Official PayPal Practice: PayPal never asks users to pay fees by clicking unknown links or sending money outside their platform.
• Scammer's Action: The message prompts you to click a button labeled "Upgrade My Account – Pay $500 USD." This is highly suspicious.

2. Why ChatGPT Marked It as a Scam​

ChatGPT identified several red flags in the message you received:

1. False Information About Fees:
   • PayPal does not charge fees for upgrading to a business account.
   • The claim of a $500 fee is a common tactic used by scammers to trick victims into paying money.
2. Nonexistent Policies:
   • The requirement to pay a fee for high-value transactions does not exist in PayPal’s policies.
   • Scammers often invent fake policies to create urgency and pressure victims into action.
3. Unprofessional Formatting:
   • Official PayPal communications are well-formatted and professional. The message you received looks unprofessional and contains errors.
4. Request for Payment:
   • PayPal would never ask you to pay a fee through an external link or payment method.

3. Why the Vendor Likely Scammed You​

The vendor who sold you the PayPal account likely engaged in fraudulent activity:

1. Providing Only Cookies:
   • If the vendor only gave you cookies (browser data) without login credentials, this raises suspicion. Legitimate vendors should provide full access to the account.
2. Fake Account or Stolen Credentials:
   • The account might be fake or linked to stolen credentials. Once you attempt to use it, PayPal detects suspicious activity and triggers security measures.
3. Phishing or Malware:
   • The vendor might have set up a phishing site or injected malware into the account, leading to fake notifications and requests for payment.
4. Misleading Information:
   • The vendor may have intentionally misled you about the account’s legitimacy to make a quick sale.

4. Steps to Take Now​

a) Do Not Pay the $500 Fee​

• Why?: PayPal does not charge fees for upgrades or high-value transactions. Paying this fee will only benefit the scammer.

b) Contact PayPal Support​

• How?: Reach out to PayPal’s customer support directly through their official channels (website, phone, or email).
• What to Say?: Explain the situation and show them the suspicious message. Ask them to verify if the account is legitimate and if there are any issues with the deposit.

c) Check the Account Details​

• Login Credentials: If you have login details, try logging into the account using the official PayPal website or app.
• Account History: Review the account history to see if there are any unauthorized activities or unusual transactions.

d) Report the Scam​

• To PayPal: Inform PayPal about the scam and provide all relevant details.
• To Local Authorities: File a report with your local police or cybersecurity agency.
• To the Vendor: If possible, report the vendor to the platform where you purchased the account (if applicable).

e) Secure Your Devices​

• Antivirus Software: Run a full scan on your devices to ensure no malware was installed during the process.
• Change Passwords: Update passwords for all related accounts (email, PayPal, etc.) to prevent further unauthorized access.

5. Lessons Learned​

1. Be Cautious with Purchased Accounts:
   • Buying accounts from third-party vendors is risky. Always verify the legitimacy of the seller and the account before proceeding.
2. Understand PayPal’s Policies:
   • Familiarize yourself with PayPal’s official policies regarding account upgrades, fees, and high-value transactions.
3. Avoid Paying Unsolicited Fees:
   • Never pay fees requested through unsolicited messages or unofficial channels.
4. Use Official Channels:
   • Always communicate with PayPal through their official support channels to verify any suspicious activity.

6. Conclusion​

The vendor has likely scammed you by providing fake or compromised PayPal account credentials. The message you received is a classic example of a phishing attempt designed to extract money from you. By following the steps outlined above, you can mitigate further damage and protect yourself from similar scams in the future.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

 

[Man]

Based on the images and your description, this is 100% a scam, and here’s why:

Clear Signs of a Scam​

1. Fake PayPal Upgrade Fee
   • PayPal never charges a fee to upgrade to a business account. It’s free.
   • The "$500 fee" is a classic scam tactic to steal your money.
2. No "Hold for $500,000 Transactions" Policy
   • PayPal does not block transactions and demand payments for "verification."
3. Shady Vendor Behavior
   • Selling "PayPal Business accounts" for cookies (browser sessions) instead of login credentials is a huge red flag.
   • These accounts are likely:
     • Stolen/hacked (will be locked soon).
     • Fake or cloaked (you’ll lose any money deposited).
4. Cookie-Based Access = High Risk
   • Cookies can expire or be revoked anytime.
   • You have no real ownership of the account—the vendor can lock you out.

What’s Really Happening?​

• The vendor sold you a compromised or fake account.
• The "$500 upgrade" message is not from PayPal - it’s a phishing trap set by the vendor or a third party.
• If you pay, the scammer will take your money, and the account will disappear or get banned.

What Should You Do?​

1. Stop Immediately
   • Do not send any money for "upgrades" or "verification."
   • Do not add real credit cards to this account.
2. Assume the Account Is Stolen/Illegal
   • Using it could make you an accomplice to fraud.
3. Report the Vendor
   • If you bought this on a forum/darknet, warn others.
4. Protect Yourself
   • If you entered personal/CC details, monitor for fraud and consider freezing your card.

Legitimate Alternatives​

If you need a PayPal Business account:

• Create one yourself (free, no "vendor" needed).
• Use real business documents (tax ID, bank info).

If you want to earn money online safely:

• Freelancing (Upwork, Fiverr).
• E-commerce (Shopify, eBay).
• Bug bounties (HackerOne, Bugcrowd).

Final Warning​

This "vendor" is scamming you, and any further interaction will lead to more losses or legal trouble. Cut ties now.

This advice is for your safety. Avoid illegal activities — they always end badly.

 

[Cloned Boy]

Is the Vendor Scamming You?​

Based on the details you provided, it seems highly likely that the vendor may be scamming you. Here's why:

1. Cookies Without Login Credentials​

• When purchasing a PayPal Business account, you should receive legitimate login credentials (email and password) to access the account. Providing only cookies is suspicious because cookies are temporary files that store session data and can expire or become invalid.
• Cookies alone do not provide full control over the account and are often used in fraudulent schemes to bypass security measures temporarily.

2. PayPal Holding Funds for Verification​

• PayPal often holds funds for verification if there are suspicious activities or if the account is flagged. This is a common security measure to prevent fraud.
• If PayPal is asking for an upgrade to a "business class" account for $500, this could be a phishing attempt or a scam. PayPal does not typically require such payments for account upgrades.

3. Red Flags in the Vendor's Behavior​

• Legitimate vendors should provide full access to the account, including login credentials, and should not rely on cookies.
• Selling PayPal accounts is against PayPal's terms of service, and such accounts are often flagged or banned, making them unreliable.

4. Potential Scams Related to PayPal​

• Scammers often use fake or compromised accounts to trick users into making payments or providing personal information.
• If the vendor is unresponsive or unwilling to provide additional information, this is a strong indicator of fraudulent behavior.

What You Should Do​

1. Stop Using the Account:
   • If the account is flagged or under verification, do not attempt to use it further. Continuing to use a potentially compromised account could lead to legal consequences.
2. Contact PayPal Directly:
   • Log in to PayPal through their official website (PayPal.com) and contact their customer support to verify the status of the account. Do not rely on third-party vendors or intermediaries.
3. Avoid Similar Purchases in the Future:
   • Buying accounts from unauthorized vendors is risky and often leads to scams. Instead, create your own legitimate PayPal account to avoid such issues.
4. Report the Vendor:
   • If you believe the vendor scammed you, report them to the platform where you found them or to relevant authorities.

Conclusion​

The situation you described has multiple red flags indicating that the vendor may have scammed you. PayPal does not require payments like $500 for account upgrades, and legitimate accounts should come with full login credentials. To protect yourself, stop using the account, contact PayPal directly, and avoid engaging with such vendors in the future.

 

[alex123321]

Thanks for letting me know. As my funds are now pending and in this scam paypal account. What should i do know.