PayPal Archives

So, you unwrapped something techy and you’re already having trouble. Before searching online for help, know it’s dangerous to Google tech company phone numbers.

Scammers work the system to get spoofed websites and numbers as the top search results via ads. Instead of waiting for a response to an online form, try calling the manufacturer or tech company directly. I’ve included links below in case you’d rather use a contact form or chat service:

Amazon: 888-280-4331; Amazon website
Microsoft: 800-642-7676; Microsoft support
Apple: 800-275-2273; Apple support
Google: 650-253-0000; Google support
Meta: 650-543-4800 (Heads-up: It’s hard to get someone to answer); Facebook support, Instagram support
Roku: 816-272-8106; Roku support
Samsung: 800-726-7864; Samsung support
PayPal: 888-221-1161; PayPal support

An older CEO, long past retirement, called IT for support. He asked, “How can I print this document?” IT said, “All you need to do is Ctrl + P.” The CEO replied, “I haven’t been able to do that for years!” (I heard you laugh!)

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PayPal is about to sell off your data

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Haven’t used your account in years? Follow these steps so you can opt out of the data sharing.

🤝 Free Perplexity, kinda: If you use PayPal or Venmo, they’re handing you a free year of Perplexity Pro (normally $200) and early access to its AI browser. Just tap a button in the app. Only catch? You’re paying with your data, obviously. And yes, it auto-renews at the $200 price, because of course it does.

💸 Buying from an overseas seller? PayPal lets you choose to pay in your own currency or theirs. Pick yours, and you’ll get slapped with a 3% to 4% conversion fee (it’s in the fine print). Go with the seller’s currency instead. Your bank or card usually gives you a better rate.

💸 PayPal passwords exposed: A hacker named Chucky_BF (cute, right?) is allegedly selling plaintext passwords for 15.8 million PayPal accounts for just $750. That’s a steal both metaphorically and literally. Experts suspect the info came from malware, not PayPal itself. But still go change your password. Right now, seriously. Add 2FA while you’re at it.

Crypto checkout’s new era: PayPal’s now letting merchants accept over 100 cryptocurrencies at checkout (paywall link): Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT and more. Funds get auto-converted into fiat or its PYUSD stablecoin. Fees? Just 0.99%. Settlement? Instant. And businesses can earn ~4% on PYUSD balances. Finally, a way to turn Ethereum into “Live, Laugh, Love” wall decals. Confused by crypto? Sign up for my new weekly crypto newsletter hitting in August.

🧠 Fight bots with bots: Getting fake iPhone charge alerts? Sketchy emails pretending to be PayPal? You’re not alone. The good news: PayPal’s new fraud-detecting AI is watching for this stuff in real time, and it’s getting freakishly good at it. Remember, it won’t catch all the scams though.

💸 Avoid PayPal fees: Transferring money to friends or family? Pick Sending to a friend instead of Goods and Services to skip the fee. It works if you’re using a linked bank account or PayPal balance. FYI: There’s no buyer protection, so only use it with people you trust.

💸 PayPal is leaving Google Wallet: Starting June 13, you won’t be able to use your PayPal account to pay through Google Wallet anymore. If you’ve got any recurring payments set up, switch your payment method ASAP. The good news? PayPal-branded Debit Mastercards still work just fine.

Get your refund: The FTC is sending $25.5 million worth of payments to 736,375 scam victims. Restoro and Reimage tricked folks with fake pop-ups and ads into thinking their computers were infected when they weren’t. Check your PayPal if that’s you.

Doing taxes this weekend? Fun times. Remember that if you made over $5,000 using apps like Venmo, PayPal and Cash App for your side hustle, you’ll get a 1099-K form. I answer your FAQs about this here. Here are each app’s reporting rules.

🚨 PayPal alert: A new phishing email from “service@paypal.com” claiming a new address was added to your account is making the rounds. It says you bought a MacBook M4 or another pricey item. They’re trying to scare you to call the number in the email. Don’t.

💳 PayPal update: Starting Nov. 27, PayPal will share your purchasing data with third-party merchants — think products, preferences, sizes and styles. Yes, you can stop it. In the app, tap your profile photo at the top right, followed by Data and privacy. Under Manage shared info, tap Personalized shopping, and toggle off the switch. On desktop, click the settings gear icon in the top right, then select Data & Privacy > Personalized shopping to toggle off the slider. It never stops …

Cash app dangers

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Got money stashed in Venmo or PayPal? Your funds might be more vulnerable than you think.

Most invasive apps, Netflix sharing ends, ChatGPT news

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Plus, watch out for this important tax change when using Venmo or Paypal, access Netflix’s new workout hub, my favorite eBay tip and why white-collar workers should be worried about ChatGPT.

Important tax change with using Venmo, Paypal and others

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Do you use apps like Venmo or Paypal to send and receive money? Listen to this one-minute podcast for tax news you need to know.

Apple vs. PayPal

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Why is Apple drooling over PayPal’s falling shares? Here’s a quick recap, in 60 seconds.

Uncle Sam wants to know about your Bitcoin

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Bitcoin is going mainstream. You can buy a Tesla with it or use it to pay for goods on PayPal. And guess who else is noticing? Good old Uncle Sam — and he wants his cut.