High riskBank & Payment Scams

PayPal Payment Pending Scam

This scam shows a fake 'payment on hold' message claiming funds will be released once you ship an item or confirm details, but no real payment exists.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Payment service impersonation scam
Main red flag
A 'pending' PayPal payment that asks you to ship goods or confirm details before money actually arrives.
What to do first
Log in to PayPal directly to check your real balance. Do not act on the email alone.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam shows a fake 'payment on hold' message claiming funds will be released once you ship an item or confirm details, but no real payment exists.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'The buyer's payment of $480.00 is pending and will be released to your account once you provide the shipment tracking number. Reply to confirm.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A 'pending' or 'on hold' payment you cannot see in your real PayPal balance
  • A request to ship an item before the money has actually cleared
  • Emails from an address that is not an official PayPal domain
  • Pressure to act quickly to 'release' the funds
  • A request to send a shipping or release fee first

What to do

  • Open PayPal directly in your browser or app and check your real balance
  • Treat money as received only when it appears in your actual account
  • Do not ship anything based on an email alone
  • Report suspicious emails to PayPal and delete them

If you already clicked or replied

  • Do not enter your login on any linked page
  • If you logged in, change your PayPal password immediately
  • Turn on two-factor authentication for your account
  • Review recent activity and contact PayPal if anything looks wrong

What not to do

  • Do not ship goods before funds clear in your real account
  • Do not send a 'release' or shipping fee
  • Do not share your password or verification codes

Similar scams

High risk Bank & Payment

Fake E-Transfer Scam

This scam sends a fake e-transfer notification linking to a phishing page that imitates your bank's login to steal your online banking details.
Medium risk Email

Fake Invoice Email Scam

This scam emails an invoice or receipt for something you did not buy, hoping you call a fake 'support' number or click a link to dispute it.
High risk Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace Buyer Email Scam

A fake buyer claims to have paid through an email service and asks you to confirm a fee or send the 'difference' before any real money arrives.

Frequently asked questions

Does PayPal hold funds until I add tracking?
PayPal may place genuine holds on some payments, but you will always see this inside your real account. A request that exists only in an email and asks you to ship first is a scam pattern.
Why does the email look so real?
Scammers copy logos, wording, and layout. The reliable check is to ignore the email and log in to PayPal directly to confirm your actual balance and any holds.
A buyer says they paid but I see nothing. What now?
Do not ship. If the money is not in your real PayPal balance, treat it as unpaid, and be cautious if the buyer pressures you to send the item.
How do I report a fake PayPal email?
Forward it to PayPal's official phishing reporting address and then delete it. Do not click any links inside it.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.