DROP PayPal NOW

[bobadebt]

I have decided to close my PayPal Account and I advise ALL of you to do the same.

Read the below story. If you decide to close your account please email me so I can add you to my list

I am going to actively demote PayPal at every opportunity.

I will not rest until they are OUT OF BUSINESS



Here is my Story



I won a Item from eBay and paid for it on July 16th.



Months went by and no product.



I filed fraud Charges with eBay and PayPal



Amazingly the seller contacted me and said my Item would ship soon



A few weeks later I received the Item, it was damaged



I asked the seller for a refund and was ignored



PayPal reversed the charge and gave my money back



The seller called PayPal and complained that I had my money and their merchandise



PayPal called me and said they would have to re-reverse the charge and I would have to work out the refund with the seller



I hung up and a few minutes late receive a "Restricted Account" notice from PayPal



I have over $500 in my account and can not use it for anything.


According to PayPal there is no way to have the restriction lifted from my account until the funds are sent back to the seller.

End Of Story





I am not the only one getting screwed by PayPal.




YOU MIGHT BE NEXT SO CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT WHILE YOU STILL CAN

[Nupraptor]

No offense, but I don't see them as having done anything they shouldn't have. You can't expect to keep the merchandise and your money - That's like asing for a refund in a store but not returning the product. If it's damaged, file a complaint with E-Bay and send it back.

[hypospray]

ask paypal if you can send back the damaged product to get your account reactivated. If they still say no (ie, it has to be the money that is sent), file a complaint with a higher organization (like the BBB).

[bobadebt]

Read thease for enlightenment



www.gwally.com/paypal.shtml (http://www.gwally.com/paypal.shtml)

www.salon.com/tech/feature/2001/02/23/pay_pal/ (http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2001/02/23/pay_pal/)

www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2605840,00.html (http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/stories/news/0,4586,2605840,00.html)

www.consumeraffairs.com/online/paypal.html (http://www.consumeraffairs.com/online/paypal.html)

www.epinions.com/finc-Financial_Services-Online-Bills-PayPal (http://www.epinions.com/finc-Financial_Services-Online-Bills-PayPal)

www.epinions.com/finc-Financial_Services-Online-Bills-PayPal/display_~reviews/listype_~opnr (http://www.epinions.com/finc-Financial_Services-Online-Bills-PayPal/display_~reviews/listype_~opnr)


This is a link to a google search "PayPal Sucks"

www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=paypal+sucks (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=paypal+sucks)

[Darth Bill]

I found PayPal's International restrictions downright goofy in some instances, so NO PayPal for me...
But, I've been reading up on some of those sites already.

I'm sure the BBB's getting complaints about these guys daily... :/



Russ

[Grand Milk Carton0]

Save your breath David, people won't believe till they get screwed themselves.. I dropped mine months ago.

[bobadebt]

Nupraptor: I asked for a refund and the seller ignored my emails.

I wouldn't have the item if the seller would reply to my emails.

When PayPal reversed the payment a few days ago I emailed the seller and explained that I had my money and wanted to send the item back and they did not reply

Then today PayPal called me and did all of this.

I filed all the paperwork with eBay and they can't do anything about it.

But don't worry, if you use PayPal you will get screwed.

I used to read the horror stories and say, that won't happen to me, well my foot is so far down my throat it is coming out my ass.

[masterjedi322]

I had a similar experience as one of those articles...

I made a few purchases this summer through Paypal, and I soon received a $30 "unavailable funds" charge from my bank because PayPal had deducted twice the amount until the transaction cleared. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\"> I thought it was standard practice, but hearing all this..maybe David's right.

Thanks for the head-ups, David. I appreciate it.

[imprissonedfett]

Thanks for the information Boba Debt

[dualedge]

Locking down someone's funds because of a single complaint seems a tad severe to me... I think this is a very fair complaint from Boba Debt.

The closest thing I can think to compare it to is bouncing a check. If you bounce a check, does the bank automatically "restrict" your access to ALL of your funds (regardless of account)?

Rob

[bobadebt]

This sums up PayPal (excerpyt from a review)

"Think of it this way: would you walk up to a stranger on the street and hand him a couple hundred dollars based on his promise of delivering some merchandise to you in the near future? Sounds kind of preposterous, right? Well, this is basically what PayPal is, the middle man on a street full of strangers. We, as consumers, need to use every precaution available to us. PayPal may be a friend, but be sure that third party is too."

[Darth Hez]

I never actually got a working Paypal account. I signed up as soon as they went international, but the very first time I tried to send someone some money...bam. I got a message saying something like my bank hadn't authorised the charge. I tried that another couple of times, in case it was the amount (I was trying to send $3000), but as soon as the third time went, I got a message saying they had locked my account with them permanently.

The thought that went through my mind was something like, "Screw it, I'll send a money order."

[ShadowKnight626]

Maybe it's the amount of money that's being sent thru there that makes them suspect certain things that they have to "investigate." Some of those stories, including Hez's, have thousands of dollars involved. I use paypal all the time for a couple hundred here and there and so far so good. I've also received money from auction winners without a hitch. I think I'll keep it for a little while.

[Darth Hez]

The thing was, after it failed the first time, I dropped the amount. I ended up trying to send only about $300. Still didn't work.

[Slave1]

This certainly is disturbing news, but it's enough to convince me. I've heard too many horror stories to feel comfortable with them any longer.

I have one more transaction to make and then Paypal and I will part ways and I'll transfer my remaining balance to my bank account.

It seems like a call to the better business bureau would be in order.

BTW, David, I received the Denix in record time despite any anticipated postal delays; thanks ;)

[bobadebt]

ShadowKnight: Your thinking just like I used to.


Why is all good advice ignored?


When you get screwed you will try to help others and they will ignore you thinking "that won't happen to me"


And then the cycle will continue

[rayra]

Can anyone provide any info or experiences with other digital payment methods, or escrow services - anyone else using anything besides PayPal & money orders?

Maybe we can get something positive out of this, and find a better alternative?

(sorry for the minor hijack, David, a fresh discussion thread for this could be started, if you'd prefer)

[bobadebt]

That's ok Rayra

I'm looking for alternative too.

[RoDann]

I had someone from the UK send me a BIDPAY money order, without prior notice, and I wasn't even signed up with them. BP sent me a confirmation email, a "Thank You for using BidPay", and mailed me the money order in record time. That's the only non-Paypal experience I've had, but it was definitely a good one.

$30 Paypal OVERDRAW fees, on the other hand.......I've had 6 in a year and a half! All refunded. I went in and made a fuss.:) But that's STILL too much.

I'm dropping Paypal ASAP, especially since they've got my DEBIT CARD, and not just a credit card #.

Jim

[glimadyne]

Can they just freeze the funds in your paypal account or can they go after the funds in your bank account?? I have heard enough complaints for me to consider an alternative. I have had nothing but smooth transactions with paypal, but I also dont want them to freeze my bank account, considering the amount of money I have in it...

[Godzilla]

I'm registered with Paypal, but I always insist on using Billpoint for ebay transactions. It's integrated into ebay's system and I feel it offers more protection to both parties.

The seller can record the tracking or delivery confirmation number as soon as the item goes out, so a buyer can't claim they never their parcel. I could be wrong, but I don't think Paypal offers this feature.

[patsmear]

Hez,

That happened to me too!

BD,

What if you send the broken item back with a signature receipt. Use a name other than your own so they don't know it is from you.(maybe send it to one of us so it even comes from a different state.)

As soon as you get confirmation of the signature,(online) Call pay pal and give them this info.

A little underhanded but @#$-em!!!


Pat

[bobadebt]

I don't have their address

[patsmear]

Would Paypal give you that info??

Pat

*edit*

You can also request a sellers info through ebay if you know their user name.

It will give you their name address and phone #.

[bobadebt]

They won't tell me anything, including the name of the person that restricted my account.

I know it was the jerk I was talking to, he did it as soon as we hung up.


We got testy with each other but I accepted that he was going to re-reverse the charge and we hung up.

Then a few minutes later I get the "restriction" notice.

[unitedfederationofficers]

i cant speak for the paypal deal--but i hate bidpay--i was payed with bidpay once--and the morons sent 2 diff money orders--well i went to cash one and i sent the other back to my high bidder---the one i put in the bank(the one i got first) BOUNCED!!! i was ticked--my high bidder had to send back the one i sent her back--then thank god that one cleared!

[BlindVoyeur]

I HATE THE FACT THAT THEY DOUBLE CHARGE YOU FOR EVERYTHING.. Till it clears at least.

[Matic]

I have had many similar experiences with Pay Pal, I got out of it about 9 months ago. Believe me people, it will happen to you eventually, I wish there were better alternatives, but I have been using money orders without any trouble since i left Pal Pal.

[ShadowKnight626]

Hez - only $300. I guess I was just hoping that there was
an easy explanation to satisfy me doubts. I guess not.

Bobadebt - I’m certainly listening now.

I checked bidpay out and it seemed a pain in the a*s. I also use billpoint for my ebay auctions but I can’t stand the fee. Have to pay ebay to list and then you have to pay billpoint. I liked Tradenable(sp?) when dealing with Larry but the fee there is kind of high. I would definitely use it again for overseas, but not domestic.
When you guys find another one, let me know. Until then, I have to stick with paypal. The pneumatic tools that I usually put up on ebay I only set the buy it now for $25, so I haven’t had to pay paypal any fee’s yet. But I’ll need paypal for the stuff I'm putting up on Monday.

[CeSquared]

How did you send money? Transfer or credit card?

I only send money using my credit card with Paypal. That way, I have insurance from the CC company.

[Draco Lawgiver]

I'm wary of stuff like this, but I still like being able to pay the average Joe by credit card, which is the only way I use PayPal. I never keep money stored in a paypal account. I only use it to pay with my credit card.

[LordAbaddon]

Draco - Exactly. I nearly never keep anything in PayPal and nearly always use my credit card. Basically I do three types of transactions with PayPal:

1) Pay by credit card.
2) Receive money, and then deposit straight to my bank ASAP.
3) Once in a very rare while pay out of my bank account...but only in small increments, never a huge sum (never more than $50.00...and again only very rarely) and only to people I trust fully.

I have had only good experiences with them, they even got my money back when THXToys ripped me off. Their customer support has been excellent too, very quick to reply to emails and clear with explanations.

I'll stick with them, and just be very cautious.

[CommonGround]

I signed up with 'iescrow' awhile back, to order airsoft from RedWolf. Had great experience with them. They just changed there name recently to Tradenable.

www.tradenable.com/ (http://www.tradenable.com/)

If I remember correctly one of our local saber makers uses them to take credit cards also.

Might give them a shot if your looking.

Later.

MJ

[obiwan shinobi]

ok, all these stories are starting to make me wary as well

i never keep a balance in my Paypal account - as soon as somebody sends me money, I always transfer it to my bank account

so what if you use Paypal simply as a means of receiving cash (and not sending out money)? it is convenient but i don't know if i want to keep an account if i'm going to get screwed over

Dan

[kleine Stefan]

Well I haven't used paypal for reasons quite obvious. But I made a few payments (from germany to the US) with Bidpay......well they suck as much as paypal.

A couple of times I got a message that my card was invalid and I had to use another cred card. It turned out that occasionaly the cred card comp, when handeling international transactions, asks the merchant to call the cred comp by phone for authorisation of the payment. This is a very common practice but for bidpay, well they don't want to do that and leave you with the mess.

As for me I only transfer the money to the bank acount of the seller. It costs me $8, but the money is there within a week and it is SAFE.

Stefan

[TheLivingForce]

I have heard many horror stories all too similar to what all have discussed on this thread. My only method I have ever used is a money order. I understand that Paypal and others similar are instantaneous, but there just seems to be too many complications, especially when it concerns a situation that Boba Debt has described. At least when you deal with either a check or money order, they(the seller) cannot file any complaints other than with the auction company. That at least preserves your funds from being frozen or on hold until whatever demands are met. I have personally chosen never to use paypal, or even a credit card for that matter! I am very weary when it comes to companies holding funds at your disposal, until some one complains. The bank is as far as I go I am really sorry for what you are enduring with this F@%&ed up situation. I wish you the best BD, and anyone else that has gone through something similar:)

-Neal

[rmschneider104]

I have always been wary of Paypal; therefore, I never signed on. I do all of my transactions via money orders and credit cards. Sure, it may be slower in many cases, but I haven't had any problems.

Good luck to everyone dealing with tough situations and their money!

[PaulF2000]

I know this is not going to help, but I have used paypal for over a year now and have made and deposited thousands without one problem. Paypal is a safe way to take credit cards without the problems and thousands of dollars to get your own service.

This problem sounds no different than a guy charging back on your account if you took credit cards. Paypal shouldn't restrict your account for long and the customer service people are great. Try emailing them first with all of the facts, let them reply in their usual fashion and then step up the emails.

Paypal has raised over a million dollars ( all proceeds go to the fund) in releif funds and I say that's great. If everyone makes a small donation, more money will be raised.

Paul

[hydin]

yahoo paydirect is another option for those who dont want to use paypal.

it has its good and bad points, but mostly good. the money seems to transfer quicker for me, nad theres less hassle.

the bad is that almost no one accepts it. kinda irritating.

but, so far no problems.
chris

[philippes]

I've never had a problem with Paypal either.

The issue you have is actually with the seller. Paypal is simply stuck in the middle. They're a simple target in a no-win situation.

Phil

[Joshuaul]

They're really a a@#hole.
I win two item from ebay before and I send the payment through them. But after 3 months waiting, no stuff arrived, no reply. So I asked them to forced the seller to refund to me or just do it by theselves.
But they just told me that isn't their business and can't or wont' do anything for me!!
WTF??

[Jack Knight1979]

Well, I just closed my account. I don't need any additional B/S. I have enough problems. I am going back to money orders.

Later,
Nickoli

[hollywoodhardware]

I use bidpay and now paypal for quite some time now and I really had never any problems with both. It's much easier, faster and cheaper when you are located in germany and want to pay for international items. Also, I can now accept payments without a credit card account.

Just my opinion...

Thomas

[Joe Campbell]

NOt to hijack the thread - but I was looking at Phil's signature, and I wondered if the mirror image Spock raised the OTHER eyebrow. I've never noticed, but I wouldn't put it past Nimoy to think of that.


BTW, BD - not a big Paypal fan either. I hate the way they hit sellers with a percentage of the sale.