Warning about fake Amazon and PayPal calls
Summary
Why is this warning issued?
This warning has been included because it is based on a report from Verbraucherzentrale – Phishing-Radar. It is intended to protect other users from this scam method. The assessed risk is elevated.
How the scam works
- Criminals call unexpectedly and pretend to be Amazon or PayPal employees.
- They claim that a large transfer is being prepared on the account, which in reality does not exist.
- Through the shocking message, they put the recipients into a state of panic and pressure them into acting quickly.
- They demand that certain steps be taken on the phone – such as disclosing personal data, providing a TAN, or clicking a link.
- This is how they try to obtain login credentials for online accounts or to trigger payments.
How to recognise it
- Unexpected call from supposed Amazon or PayPal employees
- Claim that a large transfer is about to take place immediately
- Pressure and time pressure to force quick decisions
- Personal data, login credentials, or TAN codes are to be disclosed on the phone
- Reference to a link or website where the 'transfer' is to be confirmed or stopped
- Request for TAN/PIN/card data
- Link to a fake login page
- Urgency or threat of account suspension
How to protect yourself
- If in doubt, call Amazon or PayPal yourself via the official website or the phone number you know – not via a number given during the call.
- Never disclose login credentials, passwords, TAN codes, or other sensitive data on the phone.
- End suspicious calls immediately and hang up.
- Preserve evidence by noting the date, time, and the alleged name of the caller.
- Contact your local consumer advice centre or, in the event of damage, the police.
What you should never do
- Do not simply continue the call, even if the callers seem very pushy or threatening.
- Do not open any links in emails or SMS that are mentioned in connection with such a call.
- Do not provide any confirmations, codes, or authorise transfers on the phone, no matter how plausible the story sounds.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to respond to the call or call back?
No. If you have not called the service yourself, there is no reason to respond. Hang up and contact Amazon or PayPal via the official website if needed.
What happens if I don't respond at all?
As a rule, nothing happens. No actual transfer takes place, and without your cooperation, criminals cannot arrange anything from your account.
How did the callers get my number?
This usually cannot be determined with certainty. Phone numbers can circulate through data leaks, address databases, or simply by trial and error.
I have already disclosed data on the phone – what now?
Change the passwords of your affected accounts immediately, check your account activity, and inform your bank. Also contact the police and your consumer advice centre.
How can I recognise a genuine call from Amazon or PayPal?
Legitimate calls never ask you to enter passwords, TAN codes, or confirm transfers on the phone. When in doubt: hang up yourself and call back via the provider's official website.
Affected data
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Original source
Find more information in the original source.
Verbraucherzentrale – Phishing-Radar ↗Update history
- 22/07/2026Description updated
- 13/07/2026Warning added from an official source