It starts with just 1p.
But that tiny payment could be the start of a scam that drains your bank account.
Shoppers are being warned about a convincing new PayPal trick that’s catching people out — and it works because everything looks completely real.
Fraudsters are now sending small deposits — sometimes as little as 1p — into victims’ PayPal accounts.
That payment then triggers a genuine email from PayPal, making it look like everything is legitimate.
And that’s where the trap begins.
The message often suggests more money is on the way, or that the small deposit was just a test. It then warns that if you don’t recognise the payment, you should contact customer support immediately.
But the number provided isn’t real.
Anyone who calls it is connected straight to a scammer.
From there, things can escalate quickly. Victims are often asked to hand over personal details, banking information, or even download software that gives fraudsters full access to their device.
Once that happens, accounts can be compromised within minutes.
Experts say the scam is particularly dangerous because it plays on trust.
The email looks genuine. The payment is real. And everything appears to come directly from PayPal — making it much harder to spot.
Consumer groups have also warned that scammers are constantly adapting their methods, using official-looking emails and urgent messages to pressure people into acting quickly.
And that urgency is key.
The faster someone reacts, the more likely they are to fall for it.
There are already reports of people having their accounts accessed after responding to similar messages — with some being asked to install remote access tools that give scammers complete control.
The advice is simple.
If you receive a payment you don’t recognise, don’t call any number in the message.
Instead, log into your PayPal account directly through the official app or website and check your activity there.
It’s also recommended to update your password and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.
Because while it might seem harmless…
That 1p could cost a lot more than you think.
