An email saying your PayPal account is 'limited', 'on hold', or 'restricted' until you verify through a link — or a surprise invoice or money request — is usually phishing or a scam. Paste it for an instant read.
Quick answer — Usually it's phishing. PayPal shows real limitations inside your account, not via an outside 'verify' link. Log in by typing paypal.com yourself to check — don't use the email's link.
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Why it's usually a scam
Phishing emails copy PayPal's look and push you to a lookalike login to steal your password and card. A related trick is a real-looking PayPal invoice or money request for something you didn't buy, with a 'call this number to dispute' line that leads to a refund scam. PayPal won't ask for your password or full card by email, and you can always check by logging in directly.
What to do
Don't click 'verify' links or call a number inside an invoice. Open paypal.com or the app yourself and check your account and any real notifications under the Resolution Center. Ignore and report invoices for things you didn't buy — paying or calling is the trap. If you entered your PayPal login on a linked page, change your password and enable two-factor authentication.
If you already paid or shared your info
Don't panic — acting quickly limits the damage. Do these now:
Typed your password on a linked page? Change it immediately — and anywhere you reused it — then turn on two-factor authentication.
Entered a card number? Call your bank to freeze or replace the card and watch for unauthorized charges.
Read out a one-time / 2FA code, or granted remote access? Contact the company and your bank now, and run a security scan on the device.
Shared your SSN or ID? Make a plan at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze.
Report phishing to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov (and ic3.gov for online scams).
FAQ
Is the 'your PayPal account has been limited' email real?
Usually it's phishing. PayPal shows real limitations inside your account, not via an outside 'verify' link. Log in by typing paypal.com yourself to check — don't use the email's link.
I got a PayPal invoice for something I didn't buy — what do I do?
Don't pay it and don't call the number on it (that's a refund-scam line). Log in to PayPal directly to confirm nothing is owed, then report the invoice as fraudulent.