PayPal Reviews

They took the money from my PayPal account without my consent. I actually had no problem with that. The problem is, they are trying to retrieve the money from me that they have already taken from me.

Recently, I have been doing some freelance video and photo work. I had an event coming up and needed to replace a broken piece of equipment last minute. I couldn't find an online store that could have it to me in under 7 days without some outrageous shipping charge, except an eBay seller. eBay and PayPal are the same company.

So against my better judgment, I purchased the equipment with the expedited shipping. Previously, PayPal had screwed something up and my credit card was not on the account, but my checking account was. I attempted to add my credit card, but was told that they needed to deduct money from me and then send it back and that this would put a code on my statement. Well, it will take my bank a minimum of 7 days to process that, so I used my already added checking account.

I log in a few days later to my bank and see the money is gone, but the item hasn't been shipped. Why, PayPal? I called them and their "customer service" rep gave me some bum story about how PayPal’s systems work and whatnot. And that the process would most likely be done the day before my event.

Therefore, my item will ship the day of the event and won't arrive until afterwards. Thankfully, I won't be losing any photo shoots over this. Avoid them and get out while you still can. This company is going downhill.

I will never deal with PayPal again!

I filed a dispute with PayPal under their "Buyer's Protection" because the item was not what I purchased. The seller ignored my e-mails and telephone calls and never responded.

PayPal pretended that they agreed with me, eventually, and the only way they would refund my purchase would be if I sent the item back to China by an overnight trackable carrier that would cost me more than the purchase. I did not buy anything from China, I bought from a merchant in California. They might as well have told me to buy space on the next shuttle flight and send it to the moon!

PayPal deliberately ripped me off to protect a dishonest merchant that uses them as their sole payment vehicle. PayPal is as dishonest as the merchant!

I called customer service twice to explain that I have no income. I am currently unemployed and that I need the money from the sales to ship the item. I was told that once I ship the item, the money would be released three days after it arrives, and I receive positive feedback. They also told me that if I use the print shipping label option, the money for postage would be available.

This was the first time I called, so I tried that. I printed a shipping label for one transaction, which the money came out of my checking and not my PayPal, and released the cost of shipping the item from the money on hold. When I tried to purchase the second shipping label, it said insufficient fund. So I called customer service again and was told that I have to purchase the label before they can release the funds. I can't do this with no funds available.

Now my checking has $1.34 in it and I can't do anything! I have no way to purchase the second shipping label until the funds are released! I asked if they could just release $13.25 for the cost of shipping the item, and they said no. I told them the last person I spoke to told me that it releases for the cost of shipping and he said they lied. I asked for a supervisor and he said they can't do anything for me.

What good is this? So now I am most likely going to get a negative on my item, as I have to ship it to Australia but I can't! Something needs to be done to correct this issue...and soon!

Another time I sold 5 sony bluray players to Andrew Hamilton in Australia and ship USPS Express International insured with signature...(just how paypal requires) the weight of the package was 18 lbs. which was the 5 bluray plus packing material, I took pictures of the items inside the package and after I sealed the package (I always do that in case of claims and for insurance) The guy claimed he only received 1 bluray and want the rest of his money back (he was intentionally lying) So after I showed all the proof to paypal including pictures and facts like 1 bluray weights about 2.5 lbs with packaging will be about 3 lbs...but the package weighted 18 lbs with 5 blurays not 1???

Paypal again favor the buyer, it got me so irritated... Later i learned that the same buyer registered all 5 blurays for extended warranty on sony's website (i was following this with a contact I have in Sony's fraud department and he alerted me), so I called paypal and show them proof of the serial numbers I sold to this buyer and the serials that were registered by the buyer who claimed about 20 days before that he received only 1 bluray.... His name and foreing address in Australia matched his paypal address and the address on the extended warranty registration for the 5 bluray players... You know what paypal did?? NOTHING! They told me that the case was closed and there was nothing else to do... Honestly I just use paypal for Ebay transactions because is the only way... but i rather use something else for other deals.

Well, it is now 4 business days. I keep selling merchandise and it is getting delivered. I'm checking the tracking info myself. I still have the same $33 in change available for me to withdraw. When I was on the phone with PayPal, I asked if I will also receive the interest that my money has earned. “No,” the rep stated. “Well, who does?” I asked. There was just silence. They did not know. This is legalized robbery. When you become a member of eBay, there are really no other payment options other than credit cards. They have even put limits on what you can accept money orders for. Not for what I am selling. I don't know what to do. I have bills to pay. I even purchased something on eBay and I can't pay for it. So, the seller opened a nonpayment case against me.

I went to check my PayPal account several hours and it showed the payment and refund as complete, but My $900 was not reflected in my PayPal balance nor my bank account balance. I waited until the next business day to give it some time to clear and still had no refund in either account. When I called PayPal customer service, I was told it would take 3-5 business day for the refund to show up in my account.

Why??? (1) I sent CASH from my account to his and he sent that same CASH back. Since when does CASH need time to clear? (2) I have yet to see an any disclosure that it takes 3-5 business days to process a refund. Very, very unethical if not totally illegal. Three customer service people (one posing as a supervisor, none that spoke english well enough to keep me from constant saying "huh? could you repeat that?") regurgitated the same canned responses that all skirted the issue of crediting my account immediately. This company is getting away with holding other people's money for indefinite periods of time for their own gain.

On July 20th, my mother, in Michigan, had purchased a MoneyPak card to set funds owed to me deposited directly into my paypal account. I later that day had withdrawn a part of those funds after doing a little grocery shopping using my paypal debit card. (First time ever withdrawing funds)

Later that evening, I received an email stating that my paypal account has been shut down and closed and funds released due to improper usage of the Green dot MoneyPak. I then called paypal to inquire further in which I was told by the representative that no further details were available and to call back later. I called back the next day, July 22nd, and spoke to yet another representative who basically told me that I violated federal laws with the use of MoneyPak and that I cannot load money using the MoneyPak to my paypal card then withdraw it. After careful review of all of paypal user agreements and terms of use and service of the account and the debit card, I could find nothing that states that I cannot withdraw funds that were deposited via MoneyPak. In fact, it clearly states in their policies and user agreements that I can withdraw funds from my debit card at any ATM using my PIN number and agreeing to any associated fees in doing so. Nothing is mentioned about the MoneyPak terms.

I then called back to paypal customer service to bring this to their attention where, once again, the representative informed me that I violated their terms of use of the moneypak. I asked the representative to refer me to the section in their policy on their website that states that and he could not find it. He also said that it is stated clearly at the back of the Green dot MoneyPak card. I just so happened had a Green dot MoneyPak card that I purchased a few weeks earlier on hand and read the back and informed him that it says nothing about withdrawing funds being a violation of terms. I also read him back exactly what the card states. He was speechless! I was then informed to contact the compliance department who's only means of contact is through email as they do not have a direct phone number? So I did, I just explained my case and the unfair and misleading tactics they used that resulted in the closure of my account and also mentioned no prior knowledge of this such policy that is not stated anywhere in their legal agreement or terms of use. To date, the only response I got was a computer reply of the original computer generated message sent to me.

I called again today and spoke to another representative who basically told me the same thing about me violating the terms of use. I again asked where or what section of the terms of use I can find that as I read the terms of use thoroughly and I cannot find it. He then tells me it's in the Green dot MoneyPak's terms of use. I then proceed with him on the phone to go to the Green dot MoneyPak's website and look into their terms of use and find nothing in reference to what or where he says it clearly states in their terms of use. Before I can bring this to his attention, he then retracts his claim and said that it doesn't exactly say it but that I can't do that.

although it's not stated in the user agreement it is just! The call ended.

My point is how is this just and how is this legal? As per the advertisements and user agreement I was completely in the right and in compliance with the terms of use and the user agreement of both paypal and Green dot. and it was paypal who approved a debit card for my use and CLEARLY stated in their terms of use that cash may in fact be withdrawn from the debit card when available up to $400.00 per day.

Can someone please help me with this as I feel this is outrageous and unjust!

We had been selling dolls on ebay and our business was doing ok, then some of the orders became delayed arriving from manufacturer to distributor. That set us back alot. And we had to do some refunds before those items arrived. That I understand and is not my complaint.. the following IS

What made it bad was when one day they decided we had multiple accounts. This happened right about as all the dolls were coming into the supplier and we would finally be able to get the dolls to our buyers.

mean while I had managed to sell a few of my personal belongings on ebay to help pay for things.. And I mistakenly told someone at paypal on the phone that I had done so.. the records they had showed the account in negative.. until they saw I sold something for $200.. Well within the next two hours no one could pay for anything on auction that we were selling to pay for refunds or incoming dolls.. And the money that had gone in there? Close to $480? Paypal had held..

they said they needed more info send them more faxes.. so we sent the articles of operation for the business.. the license for the state of florida.

never heard anything back.. I finally got an idea to have my husband call since it was his account they had linked..

when he called they said they still had it down as multiple accounts OR that the business was seen as a risk so they had actually shut the accounts down back on the 24th of June.. So the whole time we were playing the fax game it was for nothing..

So I call them and they ask me a ton of questions to verify my identity and my address. I even added a NEW credit card on my paypal account to update my address and clarify and remove the limitation. Once settled in to my new house, I begin making several ebay purchases (7) things for myself, my 18 mos old son, my husband etc. Days go by and I haven't received anything yet. I am pretty busy for a young mom. I work full time, Go to school online full time, support and care for my family, home, and my ebay side business of clearing out my closet. None of my packages have arrived. I check the tracking numbers, they have been delivered. I contact the seller, I contact USPS, I contact paypal, I contact ebay.

Apparently, after SEVERAL requests to change my address, when sellers buy a shipping label, paypal provides them with the address of the card that DOES NOT WORK on my account and have asked for them to remove and they havent since. Claiming it has been done. Paypal says its MY fault for not checking the ship to address. okay, maybe it IS my fault- but when I print up 4-5 labels DAILY and my RETURN ADDRESS is my new address, WHY IN THE HELL would they ship to my old address? and If I had done everything I needed to do, why would I even think of double checking the little section only a few shades darker (a light gray) if my shipping address is correct?

I had already made the request to change it several times online and over the phone. Now I'm out hundreds of dollars in merchandise, paypal refuses to take responsibility and in fact tried opening a case against a seller in my behalf to refund the money on an item not yet received. At this point, I've filed a police report for my "lost" packages, submitted a complaint to the California Attorney General's Office against paypal and have begun an investigation with USPS as to why they haven't FORWARDED my mail from the last address If I provided them with my CC# and the $1 fee it takes to make these changes online. So frustrated right now.

Paypal then told me that I could contact Australia post and if I could get written proof from them that the item was delivered that I would get my money back.. I got the documentation sent to me, and faxed it off to paypal, and now they are telling me that the documentation proving the item was delivered isnt good enough..

I had transferred my money to my bank account and they stopped the transfer and really expect that I will ship these items with no means to pay for the postage. Oh well, they are wrong. I am not putty in Paypal's hands and their buyers will not get their packages if I can't access my money. What's worse is that one buyer has a claim open for non-receipt and they won't even resolve this so they can get the shipment. If I don't get paid, I don't send out free merchandise. Ebay and Paypal think they are so great that everyone needs them and will put up with this **. I was simply trying to get rid of some old items that I don't need and am primarily a buyer, not a seller. I have practically given my items away because of the enormous fees. I certainly am not now losing my piddly sale money because they want to put it on hold for some indefinite amount or steal from me rather is what they did by claiming they weren't paid when they were.

Sellers have no rights with eBay or Paypal with all this "buyer protection". A buyer can say anything and get their money back even if they received the merchandise. No seller is going to risk not being paid and also being subject to refunding money as a result of Paypal's ** up antics. They aren't even polices. I got no warning or message about any negative balance and I also got no indication of any overdraw they are claiming occurred which didn't because I have evidence that they were paid. They screw people over to sit on money for interest and it is total crap. I would join any class action against Paypal. I now will lose my eBay account over this and I simply don't care anymore. When they do this to sellers, they lose money. They also lose buyers. They are totally wrong. Please, someone sue these people.

I then saw another box that said if you "don't have an account" so I selected that box and was able to pay for the deposit with my debit card. I tried to get in touch with PayPal to make sure I didn't have an account and I didn't want a report on my credit that I was requesting credit. After several phone numbers and phone trees to get to GE Money bank who granted me the credit, I got in touch with an operator who told me there was nothing that could be done. I have several GE money bank accounts and I was not asking for another one.

They wanted 5 tracking numbers of the last products that I had sold (I gave them tracking number for all of my 150 sales). Then, they wanted to verify my address with a utility bill, and I sent that in. They wanted invoices, receipts, and proof of supplier. I was told during all this process, which took 3 days of stress, and while my purchases funds where on hold as well as my business, that once I gave them all this information, my account would be restored. The next day, they tell me that I am a security risk and they have decided to part ways and my account would be closed! I was furious!

Not only were there a lot of funds in my account from my buyers but also from my profit money. They said I would not be able to withdraw the funds for 180 days and did not know how I would do that once that time period was met. I am furious and have read that this has happened to so many of us who depend on this money to eat and feed our family. This money is essential for us to live. This was not just an extra $500 or $5,000 lying around somewhere. I, for one, am not going to let them do this to me, and whoever wants to join me when I file a class action lawsuit against them, let me know!

According to terms of use, they can hold your money if there is a dispute but I have never had any. The rest of the funds were to be released yesterday, May 9. When they were not released, I contacted PayPal customer service and they released some money but are still holding around $2300 for collateral. Collateral for what? Not sure as I no longer use the account. I'd like to close the account, but they will not close an account with a reserve. I asked to speak to the supervisor of the risk manager that did this to me. After speaking to several people, they gave me the address to PayPal legal department. Apparently there is no appeal mechanism or any supervisors in PayPal.

PayPal's holding this money has caused a significant burden to my business. I had to personally work excessively to the point of illness and exhaustion in order to make up for that money. I had to quit using employees for the work. I potentially lost customers because I was sometimes late with services, because I was so busy and then ill. What they are holding is roughly equivalent to my house payment which I will not be able to make. I have reported the problem to my state senators, the SEC, FTC and the CA and CO attorney generals. No help so far.

I have tried to appeal their decision to limit my account, but all I keep receiving is a response that my appeal was denied and to not respond to the email because no one checks that email address. I have called several times trying to find out exactly why they will not remove the limitation from my account and keep getting the same canned response. This had become extremely frustrating. They said that they are going to hold my money for 180 days without interest. They are doing this to hundreds of thousands of their customers. They are holding our money without cause and using our money to make money.

I called PayPal for answers. Catherine couldn't answer any questions and kept me on hold for 25 minutes, then said that she had to transfer me to another representative for help. She then dumped me back in the regular call queue and I got Ron in the Philippines. Ron was nice but couldn't tell what the problem is. He said he'd escalate it and someone from PayPal would get back to me. A quick Google search shows that there are many similar complaints recently and no one is getting any answers from PayPal, in spite of repeated calls to them.

PayPal hold our money and refused valid credit cards while they try to shove your Bill Me Later service down our throats. They don't provide answers when we call about their problems. I can't pay my seller until they fix the problem. They should figure out their glitch and fix it; they are accountable to their customers!

Due to the difference from Eastern to Pacific Time, I waited until the following day and called again. I also thought about the fact that my funds come out as an instant transfer and had already been deducted from my bank account. There's no way these funds even reached the merchant. When I called for a second time, I was told that it would be 3 - 7 days for the funds to arrive from my bank. This time I objected more severely. This is a long time to be out $250 and for the life of me I could not understand why they just did not cancel the transaction and put the money back in my PayPal immediately when the transaction was refunded?

I was told that I could contact my bank to have a stop payment done. However, upon contacting my bank, I was told there was nothing they could do unless there was a fraud committed. Clearly, like I'd already known, the funds had already left the bank anyways. The third time I called, I immediately asked to speak with a supervisor. By now it was three banking days since this transaction. I was given the same song and dance. I did get the supervisor to admit how ridiculous it sounded that they were having me wait this long for my money to arrive in my PayPal account or for PayPal to refund it to me!

I went to PayPal's forums and found numerous posts where mostly sellers were complaining about how PayPal freezes/holds there funds after they sell items. Some have hypothesized that PayPal is using these extra days/weeks as a means to make money on the interest of our money. I have to admit this idea crossed my mind as well. Regardless, today is the end of day four and my PayPal balance is still zero. This is ridiculous, uncalled for and at this day and age, it simply makes no sense. All of my other transactions go thru way faster than 3 - 4 days. It looks to me like PayPal is running a scam here, and I'm extremely upset about this.

My account has been low usage and still is. Besides rather high activity in March and now in April due to donations. After the account has been restored and my funds transferred to my credit card, I am going to close it. The account was restored as I did write this complaint but that in itself might not prevent this from happening again.

I could have lost money if the account had not been restored from its limited state.

Now, I never received any emails from iXiTools or Plimus to my inquiries, and PAYPAL comes out with a resolution base on what? I am about $120.00 out of pocket, and a Software package that it is worthless/useless since there is not Registration Keys.

That was a proper response. My thought: who do they think they are to cause such stress and waste of time to people who use their service in an honorable manner? Is that what they think they are due as a result of my agreeing to pay them 50% more for processing payments than my regular merchant account?

I sent 9 emails, but none replied; I tried to call at least 5 times (Brazilian and US numbers), and no one knew nothing, and they can't do anything. Support tickets are always answered the same default useless answer; no one even read what's inside it. I mean, how can someone contact a large company so many times, trying to pay, and that company simply doesn't care. It's the worse customer support I have ever seen. It seemed that no one works, because everyone knew nothing about anything. And so, nothing got even discussed.

I am retired and in order to process the sale and deliver the package to the customer, I must pay postage; I need the money from the sale to do this. Otherwise, as of right now, I am having to pay shipping postage out of my pocket.

Currently, I have paid over $100 just for shipping of three items. I needed money to use and I am still waiting on from PayPal. I provided tracking as requested and communicated this information to the customer, as I have done for several years. I am not a casual seller. So, it is vital that this policy be eliminated so that I can afford to continue.

In closing, it is important to me to note that after funds are released, it is without interest. Thus, PayPal get free use of my money for up to 21 days.

As mentioned before, I am retired. Money is very tight. I sell on Ebay to help make ends meet but not getting the funds from my sales for up to 21 days and having to process the sale within two days, causes me to pay out of my pocket for shipping. Let alone getting the money due me from the Ebay sales to help pay my bills.

When I went to transfer funds to my bank account (mind you, the same account that I've had since I first used eBay), I was told that again, my account had been frozen for security reasons (I have seen no one trying to hack into my account/no notifications from my bank). PayPal told me that they needed me to verify my address. They gave me a fax number where I could send a copy of my driver's license. Despite my attempts to fax yesterday and today, that number in India has been continuously busy. As I have gainful employment, I don't have 24 hours a day to spend on a fax machine, trying to send over 2 pages.

Second issue - Another item I had on eBay was sold. The high bidder never paid, never came through, nothing. Allegedly, this buyer had a score of 100%. I have been trying to lower that score to warn any potential sellers that this person is a complete flake. I can't do it.

I called customer support. They told me that PayPal decided to do this because I was sort of a threat. I asked for the reason. But he told me that he don't know because of security issues. So, I asked for his manager's number or someone I can talk to, who can help me or get more info about my payments so he could lift my account. But he refused to give me any other information. So, I asked what's about my money. He told me that in 180 days, I may receive a mail with details on how I can get my cash out of PayPal into my bank. I asked him how will I do that. He told me, "I don't know.” That is how the call ended!

Now I don't know why my account was closed. Is it because of the high payments? I've got customers who can prove that they paid me for services. PayPal doesn't even want to hear my side of this. And this is my money. The support guy also mentioned that in this case, I cannot do anything because this kind of decision cannot be appealed. I have worked hard and earned my money honestly and I can prove it! Why do I deserve this?!

I am a disabled veteran 100% and suffer from anxiety and panic disorder and OCD and have been going insane and over medicating to survive.

Now I don't know where my money is and PayPal says they cannot give me the tracing number for 7 days. Originally, they tried to convince me that the transaction number was the tracing number, but when I wouldn't bite, then the customer service person said I couldn't have it for 7 days. PayPal insists the money is no longer with them, but my bank does not have it.

When I informed them about the problem, they said there's nothing they can do about it because it's in the system and they can't modify anything in the system. So, the system kept trying to run it over and over and over again. Before I could deposit $13 into that account, they tried to charged it 7-8 times leaving me with $250+ NSF charges on my bank account. Their explanation was "We're sorry that's how the system works." I'd rather bury my money in the back yard and send checks in the mail than using PayPal again.

I had to pay $250+ overdraft charges on my bank account for an item that costs $13 because PayPal tried to charge my bank account over and over instead of my credit card.

The two good-faith letters were sent to PayPal immediately after they finally sent me two sets of written statements for the specific charges made on my PayPal card. I include the two good-faith letters here. On 7-19-10, three months before the two good-faith letters were sent, my husband, Dwight **, had issued an electronic withdrawal check to PayPal, in the amount of $87, immediately after receiving a phone call from PayPal stating that we were in arrears on the account.

I requested during that phone conversation that we be sent a written statement indicating the charges in arrears and that my card be cancelled. PayPal failed to send any written statement until three months later, on 10-13-10. PayPal' s first written statement sent since May, dated 10-13-10, indicated that there were two charges still owed by me for a total of $103.49 (see response of my first good-faith letter included here, dated 10-14-10, that included a check for payment of the amount I thought I owed on my account). On 11-6-10, I sent PayPal the second good-faith letter (also included here) immediately after finally receiving all the statements issued for my PayPal account #**. The last statement indicated charges pending between 5-7-10 and 6-8-10. This was the first time I had been sent a written statement concerning these charges. The only pending charges I was aware of were the two they had sent me notice of, for the first time, on 10-13-10.

My response in the letter of 11-6-10 represents my present position: I am in no way willing to pay for any interest charges or late fees accrued since May of this year, 2010. In a nutshell, PayPal wants me to pay, $301.68 in interest and late fees because they decided to switch me over to online statements and payments without my permission and without giving me any written notice or sending me any more written statements. Their latest unilateral move has been to change my account to PayPal Extras, transfer a new amount of $1,170.17 as purchases/debits, and to assign the account a new number of 5218 5310 1928 2103.

My husband, Dwight **, had been faithfully paying the entire amount of the balance on my PayPal account every month, without fail, from the beginning of my account until the last written statement payment he made on 5-14-10 in the amount of $449.42. If PayPal makes any claim of sending us written statements from that date until October 13 and November 6 of this year, it would be a false claim. Between July and November we have received numerous harassing phone calls from PayPal. After each one my husband would always say, "Send the written statement!"

My husband issued you an electronic withdrawal on 7/19/10 for: $87.00 (Reference #**) Balance: $16.49. We accept the above two mentioned transactions and include a check here for the $16.49 balance of our debt with you. If you have any more proof in the form of a statement listing a transaction summary of the charges for the Previous Balance in the amount of $927.78, which you claim exists, please send it to us through regular mail.

We will then be happy to consider it just as we have considered this statement you sent us yesterday and which is addressed in this letter. If not, we consider our debt with PayPal as paid in full. Also, I notified you at least three or four months ago by phone that I wanted to cancel my PayPal card. I destroyed the card then. Please make sure that this card and account have been cancelled. Thank you.

Congratulations for finally sending me a significant document concerning the charges I have been asking you to document in written form since June of this year! I include a copy of your significant document here and would ask you to calculate how much I really own you. Please take into consideration in that calculation my last letter to you, dated Oct. 14, 2010, a copy of which I also include here.

I am in no way willing to pay for any interest charges or late fees accrued since May of this year, 2010. That is because of PayPal' s complete irresponsibility in handling my account. I will not get into the more than fifty harassing phone calls I have been receiving from PayPal since May, nor concerning the details of PayPal' s incompetency.

Please return a written statement addressing the issue of how much you really think I owe you. Please do not include all the wasted twenty five pages I just received from you which were postmarked Oct. 28. 2010. One page, like the one included from you here should be enough. I appreciate your immediate attention in this matter as it appears that I may owe some money. Once again, please take into consideration my letter of Oct. 14, 2010 in your calculations. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.\

PayPal needs to be seriously sanctioned for their policies and for being the source of my ongoing frustration and low credit scores. Because of their inept handling of my account I have been unable to refinance my home and save $300 a month in lower interest payments. PayPal also claims that I owe them $301.68 fees and interest for the year of 2010. What can I do about these damages?

After speaking to the bank representative, this overdraft charge was refunded. As it was clearly evident that PayPal had funds being held at the same time the automatic payment was being processed to my bank account. On Dec. 13, I immediately changed the primary bank account associated with PayPal for payments/deposits and made sure that the associated credit card was also active. On December 16, another overdraft charge was noted in the bank account. After speaking to two PayPal representatives, "their system" would not check for new account information nor use the backup credit card on the account but it would instead try to use the same account again. Doing so caused additional overdraft fees of $32, which PayPal refuses to reimburse me for. As of December 14, PayPal was still using the old bank account information for automatic payments as evidenced by a new charge of $4.95 and the second overdraft charge for a transaction that was later charged to my credit card.

One of my 8 cases claimed responded back against my claim and PayPal notified me by email. Also, I can review the seller posting comment in my account. So far, there was only 1 of 8 cases responded back to the claims as I mentioned earlier. If the seller responds within 11 days, the chance I will get my money is minimum since they do not protect any services purchased.

However, if the seller failed to response within 11 days. PayPal will automatically refund me back in my account regardless whether services or products. I reviewed my cases in PayPal account every day. There was only one seller responded, and no responses from the rest 7 cases.

When time approached 11 days, I called and talked to one of the specialist on Nov 26, 2010 about 2 big claimed ($500 USD each for total of $1,000USD) that filed on Nov 18, 2010. The specialist told me that by Nov 29, 2010, around 4-5 pm, if the seller has not responded back to the claims, PayPal will automatically refund $1000USD in my account.

But I referred to 11-day policy that I was informed by three dispute specialists the information if seller did not reponded within 11 days, PayPal will automatically refund my money. The supervisor told me that the seller responded before 11 days. When I asked to see the comment from the seller, the supervisor told me they cannot since it is privacy between seller and PayPal. I insisted that 1 of the 8 cases when seller responded back, why I can review that case, but why not these cases. Now, I realized I have been scammed by PayPal.

Please, is there any legal department that can help innocent victim like me? I have been scammed by sellers and by PayPal.

I got screwed out of $39.95 and $59.00 and they were told to cancel the scam 3-4 minutes after I ordered it and would not. Then after being billed, they say it is legitimate and not fraud.It is **.

I was on vacation overseas and did not have these with me (since I only travel with Travelers Checks) and so I couldn't unlock my account. I also didn't have an international phone to call PayPal. When I returned and unblocked my access, I saw the funds have already been returned. So I emailed PayPal and they said that since the case was closed, they can't refund any money.

Then, I called them and the man who helped me said that he will send an email to the buyer to return the item. If he doesn't, PayPal will take care of it. After two weeks, the buyer still didn't return the item. So I called PayPal again, and this time, the woman I spoke to was rude and said that she'll just send the email again. It has now been over a month and I still didn't get the item back (from Canada). It's a large amount since it's a game set and I don't think it's fair that PayPal refunded all the money considering that he didn't even return the item. Please let me know what steps to take in order for me to have the money returned. Thank you!

He never did take back the claim. Long story short, I gave him a refund for the cellular phone and he never gave me back my cell phone. He kept both the phone and the money and I don't think that is fair. He even had the audacity to leave me negative feedback on ebay.com saying that I sold him a stolen phone! PayPal.com doesn't help me because they said I didn't answer to the claim in the allotted time frame. Please help. I am very upset.

At any rate, PP would not allow me to purchase the software without the addition of my credit card. I decided to not purchase the software, but rather withdraw my funds from PP. That is impossible to do unless you "confirm your address". To do so, you must add your credit card number. Why? I don't know! Since my address is listed on their site, both my box number which is the only way to reach me via the mail system, and my house number which is the only way to reach me via box delivery. Why this should be so at this late date is truly beyond me, but any of you brave souls who has been thinking of using PayPal, don't! Your money in your account will be held hostage unless you add your credit card or your bank account as collateral. Why? I don'tknow!

When I called Paypal, they told me that even though parcel post is traceable by the post office, it's not traceable online. I called the woman's post office in California who told me the package is at their sorting facility and probably won't be delivered until this Tuesday and the Paypal claim is scheduled to be closed on Monday if she hasn't received the package. I will never again accept Paypal and advise anyone else dealing with Ebay/Paypal to never accept Paypal if you don't want to be ripped off!

I am a software developer who makes the living by selling his software online. Normally, I log in into my PayPal account twice a year just to withdraw my money. When I logged in on August 9th, 2010, there was a message from PayPal informing me that my credit card on file has expired September 2009. Immediately, I updated that information. Soon after that (few minutes later) I have received email from PayPal saying that my account became "limited" and I do not have right to withdraw funds.Their requirement to remove that limitation was for me to submit my photo ID and proof of address.

I am not willing to do that, because I do not see any valid reason for PayPal to request that information and I consider that invasion of my privacy. They do have my valid MasterCard account on file and they do have my Canadian bank account and the address (confirmed address). Beside that, I am long time PayPal customer with "confirmed address" status. On October 1st, PayPal tightened the screw and disabled my account completely.

Is this practice by PayPal legal? Customers should be entitled to personal (by phone) notification when holds are put on accounts. I have phone/fax/answering machine. I could easily have been notified and answered their "security" questions, which basically was a repeat of the information they already had (my bank account #) originally and a new password. They even had a charge on their "questions".

Update your credit card information and they charge your credit card for that. I would be happy if someone notified PayPal that these are not acceptable business practices. I asked that if they cut off accepting payments on my account in the future, if they would call me. I was told, "That is not our policy." Unfair and unethical. Plain and simple. The whole process seemed fishy to me. My account was immediately restored when I contacted them, but never should have been cut off in the first place.

On 9/24/2010, they canceled my transaction and again they change from dollars to pesos and so on! Of course very high change because it's one of PayPal business. The same day, I have to pay again those 347 US dollars to the seller.

I received zero response! Time passed, weeks went by, months passed and years passed, I was only ever left wondering, "What Happened?" The client had apparently filed a chargeback with their own bank - which of course, their bank is going to favor them. Paypal left the chargeback amount in my account, I never saw it! I was never informed of it! The account was closed some months afterwards and the email address used with it was abandoned.

I moved 4 times in the course of the ten years that followed! I get a call sometime in August 2010 from an outside collections agency. The woman on the phone is less than polite. She is irate with me and will not tell me what this collection is about other than to say "Paypal and Ebay, August 2000". In fact, this woman is so irate with me, that rather than answer my question as to whether this is real or fraud, she just threatens to file a mark on my credit report for it and say that I'm not paying it.

I then proceeded to call Paypal's customer service # directly. It takes me nearly an hour for me to even get a general idea of what this $120 chargeback is all about. Between being tossed around 4 or 5 representatives, and them claiming they need me to provide the phone # at the residence ten years ago, and/or the email address used, this was a freaking nightmare. I tore apart my entire filing cabinet just to find some itty bitty information to prove that I was me and not someone else!

It's not that I hadn't been willing to resolve the matter directly with the client! It's the fact that this took ten long years to resolve, and Paypal was less than helpful (although a bit better than the irate collections agency). I requested the Paypal representative who finally could resolve the issue to please send me a confirmation to my current address/email. Thus far, I have yet to receive it, and all my current inquiries of it go unanswered.

All I have is a charge on my current bank account, and no response from Paypal! I am keeping the statement that I have, but I have no faith whatsoever that Paypal has indeed closed the file on their end! I want solid proof of it, and until I do, I leave warning to anyone who uses Paypal to be extremely careful or not use them at all!

There also ought to be a "Statute of Limitations" as to how long something like this can go on for. Because ten years is a long time! A person can die during that time frame (you never know if someone is gonna be ran over by a car and dead the next day). Makes me wonder how many collections agencies are chasing dead people for money that cannot be recovered.

The trucking company delivered the item and the buyer refused it because he claimed he did not have the money. PayPal gave him back his $320 out of my account and I lost my shipment to the shipping company for the unpaid bill of the buyer. Angie the last PayPal rep I talked to said all claims for "item not received" are won by the buyer.

I would be interested in a class action lawsuit with others who have been damaged by PayPal's bad policies. They made no effort to ask me for any information or make the loss right for me.

I will definitely not do business with Ascendtech in the future and will definitely not have any sense of protection when paying with PayPal.

They told me they couldn’t verify my identity and the third party that they use couldn’t verify me. Well, what would they like from me, DNA? I am so tired of dealing with them. I have been doing this for weeks. I want my money. They have made my bank account negative, which I do not have the money to pay. I have spent countless hours wasting time arguing with them. I have totally gotten screwed out of my money and I want to fight back. I don't even care about the money anymore. It’s about how they do their business and how they treat people. I have been robbed and I want to fight back.

Silly me, thinking this was likely an error or oversight on someone's part. I thought it would be taken care of quick and easy. I followed all of the steps outlined by eBay and PayPal to try to resolve the issue within the allotted time I was given to file a claim. And knowing how life can change your plans without notice I gave the seller the benefit of the doubt and emailed them politely inquiring as to why eBay and PayPal were contacting me and if there was an issue to please contact me. Ten days and three emails later, I thought differently as I neither heard from nor did I receive the item in question.

A little more than two weeks after the original transaction, I get a package in the mail. Yea, my iPod has arrived at last. But that was not the case. Instead it contained two used VCR movies that obviously had been box office flops. The kind that rental places sell two for $0.99. What a joke. But one that had taken some premeditation on the sellers part. So I go to eBay to research their ID and I discovered that starting the day of my purchase, the seller received 8-10 negative feedbacks until eBay deleted him. Every single one stated "scam artist," "fraud," "don't do business with." I, too, wanted to add my voice to the number but eBay so completely removed the ad it was if it never existed. Not only could I not leave any feedback there was apparently no evidence that it had ever existed anywhere.

Keep in mind, my first knowledge there was a problem was from our good friend, PayPal. And then who gave me the biggest runaround when I tried filing a claim? PayPal. "And so why do you believe you are the victim of fraud? " Because you told me I was. It was at this point I figured out that this may not be as easy or as satisfying as I had thought. Wisely, I had copies of everything which I provided as requested but PayPal dismissed my claim because there was the properly documented trail of package shipped and received. Case closed, period.

Recently, they put a freeze on my account, which has like $170 in it. I cannot access it, because a person put in a dispute and his given delivery date was not even here yet! I am very mad that PayPal is allowed to hold my money! Once this mess is cleared up with them, I am going to google to check it out. Now, I cannot pay for the things I have won on eBay from my PayPal account or use any of the over $100 in my account for business expenses.

I know why this is. You see, when I attempted to "opt out" I discovered that this address does not exist! Thus, there was no way to opt out! In addition, when I attempted to open up a Better Business Bureau complaint against GE Money Bank (the issuers to the credit accounts for PayPal), the BBB in Texas directed me to Dayton, OH!

I provided Paypal with the tracking information required in order to receive my refund (the only stipulation to receiving my refund), well before the date requested, and the claim was to remain open until July 5th. On June 27th, I received an email stating the case was arbitrarily closed and decided in the seller's favor. Despite, having been guaranteed a refund if I return the item, paying for the item, and returning the item to the seller, meaning the seller has his cake and ate it too, and the innocent buyer was now out $40, with no item to show for it (even a fake!).

I contacted Paypal to appeal the case and I have now received an email stating that I should contact the seller and try and work it out directly with them. In this time, I had already purchased a different memory card from the more reputable and reliable Amazon for $38, not imagining for a moment that I would not receive my refund. I have now in essence spent about $80 on a measly memory card. I now know that there is no buyer protection through Paypal. I have a complete paper trail to confirm everything including pictures of the fake memory card and the seller's blatant admission of fraud. $80 + ongoing disputes by phone and email that amount to hours spent on this dispute!

But the fact is that I did not receive the full order from seller and I explained this as clear as crystal in PayPal. I can't believe that PayPal never replied to my problem. I even doubt if PayPal ever look at our problems. Disappointing! I would never use PayPal anymore. Disappointing seller made me realized how disappointing PayPal is! But some seller only accepts PayPal. I need to let more people know how disappointing PayPal is! I lost US$20 and spent a lot of time complaining and waiting for reply from representative, which they never replied.

The small web stores generally have someone available to help and quite fast as well. The large corporations seem not to be in touch at all with the customers and if anyone is got on hold of they say they can not do anything about making a system that is easy for customers as they are only customer service. Didn't the government have a program about wasting person’s time with burdensome forms, etc.? How do the giant corporations get away with wasting hours of customer time with artificial intel robots, forms, useless problems you may have and then no way to ask a person who could at least understand what the issue is? I have to drive now 100 miles to a previous address that a package was dropped off at due to PayPal using an address I have not been receiving mail at for over a year. Second time.

The blog boards on paypal.com are lit with frustrated and angry people. Some have contacted local newspapers and some have contacted the attorney general and other political organizations about this theft of interest and unfair practice. I’m sure this isn’t the first or last email you will receive about this issue. I agree with holding the money until delivery confirmation is proven but waiting for a buyer to leave positive feedback gives the buyer the ability to control the product in his/her hand as well as still control the money that is no longer theirs. That’s the same as a Wal-Mart customer buying tons of merchandise and Wal-Mart has to wait for the buyer to go home and do whatever they want with the goods and decide when or if they will release the money to Wal-Mart.

This is an unfair practice. PayPal says that if you have a good seller rating, this system will not apply to you; however, there are tons of people who have perfect ratings for years and excellent records of service that still are subject to this unfair practice. Please investigate this issue. I stopped doing business with them after the practice disrupted my account balance so they are ** with me, but this is not about me. This is about the man whose sole income is eBay. His bills are due, his eviction depends on this money, he rightfully and honestly earned it and will be evicted because his money won’t be released to him.

I spent 3 hours collecting, scanning and uploading identity documents requested by Paypal, when to my horror, I realized that eBay too had suspended my account.

Suddenly, I received some e-mails from startled customers who were concerned about my suspension and were rightfully worried they might not receive their goods. I had to alleviate their concerns by explaining that all items were mailed by registered post.

In the past 2 weeks, I have suffered anxiety and stress that have worn me down. I've undoubtedly suffered financial loss. I achieved good sales results in the first 10 days and had active bids on existing auctions that were suddenly and without warning canceled. Not only that, I spent a decent amount of money on stock to meet those orders and expected ongoing future sales and invested countless hours on putting up many, many listings for those items.

The terrible thing is that these are really good and popular products that people like. I had good positive e-mails from customers supporting me and saying they love their jewellery! So I have been deprived access to this market.

Well after having almost 1,000.00 dollars in pending status, a lot of us have limited fund to ship our items and for some eBay-ers, it’s going to put them out of business. I think that this is uncalled for! They get their fees that they charge and now they hold our money that we have coming to us. Just think about how much interest money they will have after 21 days with the thousands of people they are doing this to! I have 100% feedback score and no resolutions problems. What are these people thinking? Help!

Since my both PayPal accounts are limited. My eBay sales have been seriously declined, neither I couldn't buy anything on eBay because the 99% of sellers require PayPal.

When I sign onto my PayPal account and check on the status of the dispute, it says they are "waiting on a response from the seller"! OMG! What seller? I never bought anything! This is just really scary, and I no longer even feel safe. My personal information has been breached and not only that, it is their "Policy" to not allow me to close my account until they come to a resolution. In other words, the very people who allowed my personal information to go out also still have control over the said information. This is a true outrage. Consequences: out money and my identity has been compromised. I no longer feel safe in my home because they let out my personal information. I am extremely stressed and unable to trust.

My wife called PayPal and they stated that there was a problem with how she shipped the tickets and they were doing an investigation. They have never stated what prompted the investigation. Was it a purchaser complaint or did they choose to initiate the investigation because they noticed that it was not shipped though a PayPal recommended method? We sent them a copy of the email with the tickets in it, the request on eBay for us to email the tickets, as well as the email thanking us and telling us that the tickets were received. The charges were reversed. PayPal supposedly refunded the purchaser $750, and since the funds had been transferred to our checking account, PayPal charged the $750 dollars to our credit card. PayPal would not tell us why, other than stating that we did not ship the proper way and did not have an accepted delivery confirmation slip. We tried to remove our credit card from the PayPal account, but it would not allow us while an investigation was ongoing. I don't know if the PA Attorney General can help, or possibly my local Congressman.

Called both eBay and PayPal service numbers. I was told that the funds would be released when proof of delivery was given. What? I can't ship without the money on hold. I could not pay for the shipping in the usual purchase manner with PayPal through my bank account. No, that was not allowed for shipping. Oh, I could also get the fund released if the seller would give me a good feedback. That makes sense. The buyer who doesn't know me from Adam, should give a positive feedback to buyer who had not even shipping the purchase yet.

The last attempt I made was to call eBay. I became very very upset, they got PayPal on the phone. Now, I'm in tears. And per PayPal, they were protecting me. I want to know what off-shore bank they put all those funds they are holding for 21 days. What a racket. They released my fund and I shipped the next day.

So be very careful when dealing with PayPal Plus, and make sure you call them often. It appears that they have very loose standards for getting a credit card. I still do not have a good feeling that the issue has be resolved, and will call them every day. I have spent hours on the phone and countless hours worrying about my credit. To this point because of LikeLock, no money has been lost, but very upsetting.

I told him that I have very good credit and did not need this service. I had to get very rude with him because he keep trying to sell this to me. I told him I wanted credit for the 40.00 charged and cancel this product. He then told me I would be credited within 3 to 5 days and gave me a refund ID# 26412358984810. This was on the 21 of April. I have not yet received this credit. My main concern that this business charged my PayPal account with out my permission. I am very concerned with this transaction. Please help.

Rich ** said that I cannot use those points toward my bill. For every 9,500 reward points, I get $100.00. I have 27,499 reward points, but they tell me that I can't use them. I told them they owe me $300.00 credit and if I have to, I will sue them. They could not care less. I am a disabled Vietnam veteran and I want my credit of $300.00. Thank you. I hope you can help. I have PTSD from Vietnam and go off very easy. When I got off the phone after talking to four different people, my nerves were shot. I had to take a pill for my nerves.

Carmi told me it would take 2 weeks to get the back so she put a hold on the funds so I could not take them out. She received the bag and said it was not new, which was totally untrue, and she wanted me to lower the price. I refused and told her to send it back. She started calling me names online so I let eBay know and she also refused to pay the shipping back to me. I waited 2 weeks for her to return the bag and still no bag. Paypal electronic system released the money because there was no delivery confirmation and I assumed she kept the bag and deposited the money in my account.

A few days later Paypal said they had delivery confirmation and issued a charge back even though they never contacted me regarding the bag . I don't have the bag and now they are wanting the money and don't care about the scam this woman has pulled on me. My story is exactly like the other complaints and they will not help. They just want their money. How can a buyer keep the merchandise and the money legally and no one help the little person getting taken advantage of. I have tried filing a complaint, filing a claim, letters, they just keep siding with the buyer and she now has my back and the money.

How is this allowed? Please help. Paypal is turning me over to collections for the full amount and I have no handbag. Not to mention having to change all of my account info with the bank.

On April 11th, the woman who purchased the Bose opened a dispute on PayPal stating that it was damaged during shipment. The fact that this dispute was filed nearly two weeks after she had received the item disturbed me. I asked her for photographic proof; she said she "can't provide it." I then asked for her to return the system to me and, upon receipt, I would refund her for the amount she paid. Her response, "I will not return the Bose Wave. I want my refund first."

In the meantime, PayPal had taken it upon themselves to issue her a full refund without informing me. I called and received zero help from their customer service department. I was told time and again that, "We can't do anything in regard to this matter. A dispute was filed and we resolved it how we saw fit." I am livid to say the least. If proof was provided that the item was damaged, I would have happily refunded the buyer. She refused to provide proof, refused to ship the item back. PayPal went on her word alone and deducted $330 from my checking account.

PayPal has no seller protection despite their claims. I used their service for over five years without an issue but after this I will never do another transaction with them. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.

It has left me no option but to contact Consumer Affairs and explain my situation. When something like this happens, the Seller should be protected. I have asked that they "Red Flag" his account but of course they cannot. I want to take action on this because it is extremely frustrating that little action has been taken. They were so quick to return his money from my account, but they aren't so quick or helpful trying to resolve this on my end. $325 is a lot in this economy and I would either like to be compensated back or have my phone returned. Thank you for your time and I hope Consumer Affairs is able to help me!

The associate insisted that the information isn't used anyway. So if this is true, it should be easily and readily available for removal. If the information truly isn't used but no one can get to it, then it is unmonitored data, a security hole in itself. Not to mention, what if my account was compromised and someone else entered different information? They would not be able to do anything about that kind of fraud?

I am concerned that should my account be compromised, or PayPal itself compromised, there is enough information there now that wasn't before that could allow a user to essentially become me. With family in Law Enforcement, I take my information and how it's used very seriously, I have a common name and have had my information compromised before thanks to careless individuals in the Health industry.

2 months later, that matter could not be resolved. The money was sitting with PayPal; $200 was reduced to $183.76, so the money could not be refunded too, as it was not the original amount of $200. Again, we were told that the balance amount of $16.20 would be added in a maximum time of 24 hours which was never done. Finally, we had to do a send money for which PayPal again charged a fee of $7.44. So the final amount, which I am hoping will be in my bank account, will be $175. So in the bargain, I lost $25, not to forget the time I had to take off from work to resolve this issue.

The next day PayPal took funds from my bank account to pay for one of these transactions that I had deleted the payment authorization. I then called PayPal and after a considerable wait, I was able to speak to a person who wasn't able to explain what had happened and placed me on hold and my call was disconnected. I called again and after some time was able to talk to a different agent that was very helpful. She told me that deleting those transaction specific authorizations would not stop the payment. I stated that I wanted the remaining two pending transactions stopped and she agreed to cancel those transactions, which she did and I thanked her.

I then filed a claim through PayPal that an unauthorized payment was made by PayPal from my account (they have a 100 percent guarantee that unauthorized payments will not be made). My claim was denied, stating that the payment made did not qualify. They also recommended that I could have deleted the Merchant payment authorization from my Pay List (which I had done, and did not prevent the payment).

I believe that PayPal is delinquent in not providing online information to their customers on how pending transactions can be canceled, and I believe that I am entitled to a refund for the one transaction that was completed after I had deleted my authorization for that payment.

I paid a total of $1,000 via my PayPal account to Eve A. since this alleged Goddess has a PayPal account. I wanted to see if she could actually cure my diabetic condition and my female friend's seizure disorder. Eve A. or her alter ego Divine Mother Sophia claimed it would take only 3 weeks to cure us both of our conditions.

She recommended that I needed only 3 SIR treatments to cure my diabetic condition. In other words, I would be totally free from taking insulin injections. However, after getting 4 treatments for my diabetic condition, absolutely no change was experienced, except for my bank being reduced. My female friend who Eve A. also treated, claimed Tracey only needed a total of 3 SIR treatments to be cleared of her seizure disorder w/o no longer needing to treat herself with Phenobarbital to control her seizures. However, nothing happened except by coincidence she experienced a seizure under her alleged treatment. Plus, I ordered several pet spiritual energy healings to cure my cat who also occasionally experiences seizures. Nothing happened and my cat still occasionally experiences seizures.

"Yes, all cases that are treatable by me are stated before the sessions is paid for, exactly what percent I can cure them. Never have I encountered anyone less than 85% cured by me. 90% of all cases are 100% cured in a few weeks. Advance Mad Cow beyond 55% cannot be cured by me and some large limbs like legs and arms cannot grow back. Small limbs and organs do grow back, including the brain. What I do and have done succeeds anything any doctor has ever attempted to even dream off. If I was not real in the last 6 years with 20,000+ remote checkups and 4,300 healings I would have been put out of business for fraud. "

FYI PayPal allows this lady to offer her services via PayPal because at this time, PayPal does not have any policy against psychics or alternative healers such as Eve A. even though they are breaking or violating FTC & FDA laws of making claims w/o supporting their medical claims.

If you confront Eve A. about not getting cured or experiencing any positive results, she will get defensive & create out of world excuses to escape her delusional Goddess complex. In other words, it's your fault that she cannot cure you even though she claims over 85% successful cure rates! I paid $1,000 in failed cure-all healing treatments. Got ripped-off!

After arguing with the bank, the bank can only give me a tracking number on his behalf, which when I called UPS, the tracking number does not exist and is invalid. After showing this proof to the bank and Paypal, they both refused to help me and said they will not dispute it a second time.

PayPal said they had lost the first fax I sent them. PayPal told me that even though I sent the package with signature confirmation, they could not verify any signature by the recipient. I told them that is an issue they have with FedEx, not with me as I sent the item meeting all of PayPal's requirements for seller protection. PayPal told me they don't care.

On 1/5/09, I called Paypal directly to find out why the heck they would fail to contact me with these changes in my account practices and rules. The guy told me he would personally make sure the $120.00 was being transferred to my checking account and even sent me a confirmation email. On 1/26/09, I visited my bank today to see when my funds were deposited and they said nothing around $120.00 has been deposited. I just logged into my Paypal account and here's what I found: My funds are on hold since my home phone number hasn't been verified. Paypal can call me on my home phone to confirm my address but I got rid of my home phone years ago!

My cell phone has been in my name for 6 years but Paypal doesn't use cell phones to verify addresses! I've already received positive feedback from the guy! Now, I've got to give Paypal someone's phone number and make sure I'm at their house when they call. Paypal keeps customers in the dark just so they can hold on to other people's money!

The buyer filed a dispute through PayPal that he had not received the item. I then escalated the claim so that PayPal could investigate the situation. I sent PayPal a copy of my USPS receipt, my insurance ticket, email from buyer stating he gave me the wrong address, and a copy of the inquiry from the post office showing that the package was delivered. I also sent a note asking about the shipping fees that I had to pay out of my pocket, but I never received an answer. PayPal ruled in the buyer's favor and refunded the money, including the shipping, to him out of my account. I do not know what they based their ruling on or what evidence the buyer provided.

How can PayPal lock my account without providing proof/reasoning for their actions? How can I fight this when I first have to hire an attorney to subpoena the information they are using for justifying these actions? While traveling in Thailand, I am unable to call their number due to the long wait times, not only do the calls drop here but the cost is extremely high. So, I have to resort to email correspondence, of which only the initial email was answered. None of my followup emails have been replied to.

What recourse do I, or others, in this situation have? Who regulates PayPal? What protections do I have regarding funds held in my PayPal account? So far, I am unable to accept payments for the many subscriptions our clients have. We can also not access the funds that were in the account at the time of this account 'limiting' action. Bottom line, this hurts a small businesses reputation with its clients more than it hurts PayPal.

I signed up with PayPal in the early 90s and have had my account ever since. I have had some recent account setbacks that have led me to close my account due to Paypal's errors, but now, since December 7th, they refuse to forward my account balance of $66 and fear that they are conducting the most ruthless, fraudulent, banking arbitration gambit to me and the American public. I have no alternative but to expose them as I have done above. I started selling Paypal merchant links and have received no compensation because they are stealing all the traffic, clicks and new members and PayPal has decided to seize all my money.

This is ridiculous. It has basically now become an escrow account. PayPal gets to hold your cash, gain interest, and the buyer has no penalty. I would rather do the old way of check in the mail eBay transaction. I am told the hold would be less if the buyer leaves a positive feedback rating. The only issue here is that buyers do not leave feedback as often as they used to, maybe 1 in 10. Needless to say, this is a very frustrating new policy. PayPal gains interest with the hold; puts a restriction on the eBay merchant. A business person should have reasonable access to funds of items sold.

When I sold the key, I offered two forms of shipment in checkout - standard international shipping or express mail. I also set insurance to optional. The buyer only paid for standard international mail and neglected to pay for insurance! I sent the item USPS first class mail with a customs form number, which when plugged into the USPS website, tells me that the item left the US, but nothing more than that.

PayPal is now asking me to give them tracking info by August 8, which is in about 10 days. I think I will give them the tracking number on the 7th. Hopefully, this will buy me some time. The buyer is telling me that it's my fault I did not send the item with insurance, even though he neglected to pay for it during checkout! How can I be expected to give the buyer a refund? It's not my fault the post office has lost the item!

I do have a tracking number, but as of today, it only states that the item was shipped out of the US and that it will be updated later. It does not state the item was delivered. If the tracking info does not change to state the item was delivered, PayPal will probably reward the buyer a refund. What can I do to protect my self? How can they give the buyer his money back, taking it out of my account, when I did not do anything wrong and have no item to show for it?

I'll just give you one story, and let anyone who thinks paying or receiving payment through PayPal protects you... (PayPal holds your funds from your buyer in their account, until they decide to let it out to you; hence, more interest for them floating around.) Anyway, now to just one of my horror stories that occurred a few years ago:

I buy a complete 9-season set of The X-Files from a seller for $250.00. His feedback % is very good (over 500 and around 98% positive), and I pay through PayPal immediately. About 3-4 days later, all of a sudden, negative feedback starts pouring in on this guy. I am no doubt spooked (since I have yet to receive my items)!

I got my shipment by UPS the next day. Wheeeewh! Right? Wrong! After I return home from work and my son has signed for the two large boxes, I immediately knew something was wrong when I picked them up. It's way too light. I opened the first box, and it's all packing peanuts. That's all! The second, it's the same! I emailed the guy and PayPal.

The guy emailed back and admitted what he did, giving some type of sob story as he did to apparently the other 17 left in the past 12 days (and yes, he is still registered). I have already went on with this long enough, so let's cut to the quick. PayPal told me "Well, he did send 'something,' insured it, and had signature confirmation. So, we really can't do anything."

So, PayPal requires the seller to insure, get signature confirmation, etc., etc., on all items sent out to the buyer, but they cannot control the condition of nor the actual item sent to you. It's your word against theirs. And let's just turn it around, shall we? If you, being the seller (not the buyer this time), sends out your item and the buyer receives it and claims it's not what was advertised to PayPal, then PayPal steps in (and remember, they are still holding your money) and tells you that you must give a refund. (Yes, eBay and PayPal's new policy is all sellers must offer refunds.)

The buyer then returns you a box with a $5.00 item in it instead of the $500.00 item you sold them. Guess what? The buyer gets his money returned and keeps your item! If you want to buy and sell small dollar items, then I assume when you do get scammed (It will happen when using this "policed" payment method that is faulty and just a scam for more funds to be cut from you.), it won't be that terrible. I hope.

PayPal cannot be there to actually see what is in the package sent or returned. It is not safe! Just use common sense and think about it. I just wanted to warn others, and of course, make my experience be heard at Consumer Affairs concerning PayPal.