Overview

• PayPal says the update-related failure is fixed and it is working with banks to process outstanding direct debits by 5 September, pledging to refund any erroneous fees.
• Users continue to receive delayed notices about failed debits from late August; PayPal’s account banner says no action is required, but customers are urged to keep balances covered to avoid bank charges.
• Consumer groups report active phishing against ING and Sparkasse customers using 72-hour threats or “Mahnverfahren” subject lines that drive victims to credential‑stealing sites.
• Watchdogs warn of spoofed phone calls requesting PayPal PINs, QR‑code cons on marketplaces that lead to fake PayPal pages, and guest‑payment abuse using stolen IBANs; victims should dispute unauthorized debits within eight weeks and file police reports.
• Attention to European alternatives has grown, with Wero adding major partners and registrations yet still offering limited functions and coverage compared with PayPal’s roughly 35 million German accounts.