phone scam?

[vincew]

A few days ago I called Paypal customer service at the correct number. When I punched in the number the screen on my phone said I was calling a business in Canada and not Paypal. The initials of the company were SL&M, they are some type of spa. I have never been in contact with this company on my phone or on any device, they have never been in my contacts.

I thought that was odd but made the call anyway. Now I'm wondering whether I talked to Paypal or was this someone pretending to be Paypal. Has this happened to anyone else? Have you called Paypal and it showed on your screen as something other than Paypal?

[kernowlass]

@vincew 

Did you google for the paypal number OR use the number that is actually on the paypal website via help/contact?

[vincew]

I believe I got it from duckduckgo search and I'm positive it's Paypal's customer service number.

I think I was communicating with Paypal because it was an outgoing call from me and not an incoming call where a number can be spoofed. I just don't understand why my Tracfone identified the number as a Canadian spa after I keyed it in.

[kernowlass]

@vincew 

Scammers insert fake paypal numbers into search engines so that you phone them and speak to fake paypal agents that scam you.

That is why paypal always advise to never phone them that way but go via help/contact ON their site.

[vincew]

Yup, I know, but the number I called was definitely Paypal's customer service. It's mentioned on Paypal's website ( https://www.paypal.com/us/security/learn-about-fake-messages ).

Since this was an outgoing call and not an incoming, I think I'm safe. I just don't understand how or why the Canadian business name appeared on my phone.