The PayPal Invoice Scam That’s Robbing Creatives Blind—And Why No One Is Stopping It
It looks real. It comes from PayPal. It’s inside your account. But the moment you try to fix it, you’ve already lost. Here’s how scammers are stealing from artists, writers, and freelancers—without ha
You’re checking your email, maybe in between client projects or brainstorming your next big piece.
Then you see it—an official PayPal invoice for something you never bought.
Your stomach drops. Did a client make a mistake? Did someone hack your account?
It looks real. It even comes from PayPal’s own system. And there’s a customer service number to dispute the charge.
You’re tempted to call, to sort this out before it snowballs.
That’s exactly how they get you.
But here’s what everyone misses: This scam isn’t about hacking your PayPal account. It’s about hijacking your instincts.
By making you think you're fixing a problem, scammers trick you into creating one.
And creatives—writers, artists, photographers, illustrators—are their perfect target.
The Scam That Feeds on Your Fear of Losing Work
Unlike phishing scams, this one doesn’t try to fake PayPal—it uses PayPal’s own invoicing system to deceive you.
Because the invoice is real, you assume the charge must be too. And if it’s a mistake, you need to clear it up fast—before it affects your business.
That’s when they hook you.
You receive a PayPal invoice for a service or product you never bought. The scammer uses a compromised business account or a name that looks familiar.
There’s a customer service number to “dispute” the charge.
You call the number, hoping to correct the mistake—and that’s when they go to work.
They say they need your PayPal login to “confirm” your account.
They tell you they’ll issue a refund—but first, they need your banking details.
Some even convince victims to install remote access software to “fix” the issue—giving scammers full control of their computers.
And because the invoice came through PayPal’s official system, you never second-guess whether it’s fake.
This is why creatives are falling for this at an alarming rate.
Why Artists, Writers, and Freelancers Are Prime Targets
This isn’t just a general scam—it’s an attack specifically designed for independent creators.
Scammers know that artists, photographers, and writers rely on PayPal to get paid. And they’re using that against you.
The ‘Artists for His Son’ Scam
In 2023, an illustrator nearly lost $100 to a scammer posing as a client who wanted a dog portrait “for his son.”
The scammer insisted on using PayPal’s Friends & Family option—a red flag since it lacks buyer/seller protections.
After sending payment, the artist realized the sender’s email was fraudulent.
The exact same scam resurfaced in 2024. Different names, same script.
Chargeback Fraud in Graphic Design
A graphic designer in September 2024 lost payment for a completed project when a client paid using a stolen PayPal account, then filed a chargeback.
Even with chat logs and proof of delivery, PayPal ruled in the scammer’s favor.
The scammer then used the stolen designs publicly, and the designer had no recourse.
Photographers Hit by Fake Brand Invoices
In June 2024, scammers impersonated a real photography business, Parisi Studios, sending fake invoices for up to $1,267.99.
These invoices came from PayPal’s actual email (service@paypal.com), making them almost impossible to spot.
One photographer noted: “The invoice looked authentic until I checked the sender’s details—Parisi’s website used stock photos, not actual portfolio work.”
Writers Losing Money to Ghost Clients
In 2024, ghostwriters were hit with fraudulent chargebacks on completed projects.
A self-published author reported receiving an invoice for ‘Manuscript Review Fees’ from what looked like a real editing service.
After paying, the company disappeared—and the listed phone number led to a scam operation trying to extract banking details.
Scammers aren’t just trying to steal your money.
They’re trying to break your trust in the very platforms you rely on to get paid.
Why This Scam Works So Well
1. It Uses PayPal’s Own Reputation Against You
This isn’t an email phishing attempt. These invoices are real.
They come from PayPal’s real email address.
They appear inside your PayPal account.
They bypass security filters that would normally flag fraud.
That’s why people don’t second-guess them.
2. It Exploits the Chaos of Freelance Life
Scammers know artists and writers juggle multiple projects, clients, and deadlines.
A strange invoice doesn’t feel like a scam—it feels like an administrative headache.
And your instinct is to fix it as quickly as possible.
3. It Preys on Urgency and Fear
Every scam invoice includes panic-inducing language:
📢 “Immediate Action Required”
📢 “Payment Due—Failure to Respond Will Result in Account Suspension”
When your income is at stake, you don’t stop to analyze—you act.
That moment of reaction is all they need.
How to Protect Yourself (And Your Work)
1. NEVER Call a Number in an Invoice
PayPal never includes support phone numbers in invoices. If there’s a number in the seller notes, it’s a scam.
2. Log Into PayPal Directly
Never click links in emails. Go to PayPal’s website and check if the invoice is in your account.
If the invoice isn’t there—it’s fake.
3. Verify the Sender’s Details
Legitimate invoices come from verified businesses.
Scammers often use misspelled names or unfamiliar email addresses.
4. Protect Yourself Against Chargeback Fraud
Use contracts for every project.
Require written confirmation of delivery.
Never send work before full payment is received.
5. Block Suspicious Senders in PayPal
If you get a scam invoice, log into PayPal and block the sender.
The Big Takeaway
Scammers aren’t just after one fraudulent invoice.
They want to make you doubt every PayPal request, every payment, every collaboration.
The moment they make you question whether your platform is safe—they’ve already won.
And when trust is broken, it’s not just your money at risk. It’s your business.
That’s why your best defense isn’t just being careful—it’s being informed.
Have You Been Targeted?
If you’ve received a fake PayPal invoice, share your experience. Your story could save another artist, writer, or freelancer from falling into the same trap.
And if you found this valuable, subscribe for more scam-busting insights. The more we know, the harder it is for them to win.