PayPal Account Hacked? Here's How to Recover it

When a PayPal account is hacked, it typically means that an unauthorized person has gained access to the account and may perform fraudulent activities such as making unauthorized transactions, stealing funds, or changing account details. Hackers often use techniques like phishing, malware, or exploiting weak passwords to gain access.

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Here are seven warning signs that your PayPal account has been hacked:

• You can’t log in to your PayPal account. Hackers often change your password to lock you out — leaving them free to steal your funds and manipulate your account for other fraudulent purposes.
• There are unfamiliar charges or transfers made from your account. If you spot any unrecognized charges on your credit card or bank statements, it’s worth contacting the banks and merchants to find out more.
• You receive strange notifications. If you get unexpected emails or text messages from PayPal, don’t ignore them. Pay close attention to password reset requests, changes to account details, or logins from different countries.
• You’re denied payment due to a lack of funds. If your attempted payment on Amazon or another online store fails, a hacker might have gained access to your PayPal account and drained your balance.
• Unfamiliar devices appear in the list of active sessions. If you view your login activity (in your PayPal account's security settings) and see unfamiliar devices or IP addresses, someone else may have gained access to your account.
• Someone has changed your address, email, or contact details. If you suddenly stop receiving account-related notifications or email confirmations after making purchases, find out why. Hackers may have changed the email address linked to your PayPal account to cover their tracks.
• Difficulty resetting your PayPal account password. Another clear sign indicating that your PayPal has been hacked is when you receive error messages upon attempting to recover the account. Fraudsters often change the phone number or email address that you listed as the recovery option, making it impossible for you to get back into the account

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How To Recover a PayPal Account That Has Been Hacked

1. **Change Your PayPal Password**

- Log into your PayPal account immediately and change your password into something that is unique and very strong.

- The new password must have a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, digits, and special characters.

2. **Update Your Security Questions**

- Update your security questions if you have added them so they are not easily guessed.

3. **Check for Unauthorized Transactions**

- Review the most recent transactions on your PayPal account. If you see some transaction that you didn't authorize then report it to PayPal straight away.

4. **Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)**

- Enabling 2FA provides more security means if you added an additional layer it would require a code sent to your phone or email in addition to the password in the log-in.

5. **Report the Hacked Account to PayPal**

- Go to PayPal website or the app where you can report the account was hacked.

- PayPal has a team specifically dedicated to resolving the problem and restoring your account.

6. **Check Your Email for Suspicious Activity**

- Check for any recent emails from PayPal. Look for your account alerts or changes you've not made.

- Be aware of phishing emails pretending to be from PayPal and avoid opening any links.

7. **Scan Your Computer for Malware**

- The next thing to do is to run a full antivirus and malware scan on your computer or whatever device you are using to check and confirm whether there is no malicious software that would be advantageous in hacking you.

8. **Remove Unauthorized Payment Methods**

- Log into your PayPal account, double-check and look for any bank account or credit card that you haven't added, and remove them.

9. **Contact PayPal Customer Support**

- In case you cannot regain access to your account or have issues with unauthorized transactions, please contact PayPal's customer support for assistance.

10. **Notify Your Bank or Credit Card Company**

- If the stolen transactions went through a linked bank account or credit card, inform your financial institution.

How To Protect Your PayPal Account From Hackers

• Create stronger passwords. You should avoid anything easy to guess, like pet names or common keyboard patterns. It’s best to create complex, unique passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Store login credentials in a password manager. A secure password manager stores and protects your credentials, giving you easy access to every password with a single click. Aura’s password manager includes fraud alerts and one-click updates for at-risk accounts.
• Use 2FA, ideally with an authenticator app. Requesting a second verification factor makes it harder for hackers to launch account takeovers. The most secure forms of 2FA are authenticator apps and hardware security keys. Avoid SMS 2FA, as cyber criminals can exploit this vulnerable method with a SIM swap scam.
• Regularly review your account’s contact information. Old, forgotten accounts are at risk of compromise, especially those with weak passwords. By regularly checking over your account details and transactions, you can spot and respond to early warning signs of fraud.
• Download the PayPal app to receive alerts about suspicious activity. These potential fraud alerts are only available through the mobile app. Make sure you have the latest version on your smartphone, and enable the alerts in your profile settings.
• Don’t store large balances in your PayPal account. Due to the limited protection and potential security risks, it’s best to avoid keeping large amounts of money in your PayPal account. If hackers get your passwords or scammers have your information after a data breach, they could quickly empty your account.
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing PayPal outside of your home. Your home Wi-Fi system should be safe, but it's best to take precautions when using public Wi-Fi. Hotels, airports, and cafes may not have secure networks, which is risky for online shopping and banking. A reliable VPN provides a secure, encrypted connection to mask your IP address and location.
• Secure your devices with digital security tools. Most Android devices, iOS devices, and game consoles have built-in digital security tools — for example, firewalls and antivirus software. Ensure that these programs are kept up to date to protect you against emerging cyber threats.
• Be wary of phishing scams. A retired police officer lost almost $10,000 after receiving a bogus email from someone impersonating PayPal [*]. Avoid calling numbers or clicking on links or attachments in unsolicited communications — when you do, you’re playing into a fraudster’s hands.

• The Bottom Line: Secure Your Online Accounts From Hackers

PayPal accounts are common targets for hackers and scammers, as they offer easy access to your funds and linked bank accounts. If your account has been hacked,

• Award-winning identity theft protection that scans public records, Dark Web forums, data breaches, and more for your personal information.
• 24/7 three-bureau credit monitoring with the industry’s fastest alerts and an instant credit lock to protect your financial accounts.
• Powerful digital security tools, including antivirus software and a military-grade virtual private network (VPN) to let you browse confidently, even via email and online banking accounts.
• $1,000,000 insurance policy for every adult on your Aura plan, to cover eligible losses due to identity fraud — including stolen funds or credit cards, and other expenses.
• 24/7 U.S.-based customer support to guide you through the recovery process and navigate challenges with banks, merchants, and credit card companies.

frequently asked questions (FAQs) about PayPal accounts being hacked

[1]. **How do I know if my PayPal account has been hacked?**

- Look out for unauthorized transactions, unrecognized log-in attempts, account details that have been changed, or the alert from PayPal about suspicious activity. Wherever things become unfamiliar, check and secure your account right away.

[2]. **What should I do if my PayPal account has been hacked?**

- If you suspect that your account has been compromised, you should immediately change your password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Contact PayPal customer service to report and dispute the unauthorized activity.

[3]. **Will PayPal return my hacked account money?**

- PayPal also has buyer protection and fraud prevention procedures in place that, in many instances, may assist them in recovering money lost in unauthorized transactions. However, it is important that you report it as soon as possible.

[4]. **How can I keep my PayPal account from being hacked?**

- Use strong and unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, check your account for unauthorized activity, and avoid suspicious links or emails that may basically be phishing schemes.

[5].**What if I receive an unexpected email from PayPal?**

- Be very careful about any email seeking personal and/or financial information. PayPal will never ask for sensitive information through an email. Check the email address of the sender carefully, and if in doubt, log into your PayPal account from their legitimate site and never click links in the email.

[6].**Can hackers change my PayPal password and lock me out?**

- Yes, hackers can change your password and lock you out of your account. Should this happen, you may want to use PayPal's account recovery or contact customer service immediately to get back access.

[7].**How can I report a hacked PayPal account?**

- Log into your PayPal account and go to the Resolution Center, where you can report unauthorized transactions or activities. You can also give customer support a call for assistance.