I'm closing my personal PayPal account!!!

[klmall]

After having my PayPal account access restricted twice since last May and the horrendous hassles to get it reopened I finally emptied the account today and am about to close it!

Both times the account access was restricted by PayPal because someone had tried to hack into it and while I appreciate PayPal/eBay protecting me I DO NOT APPRECIATE the horrible customer service and lack of follow through on the part of PayPal to let me get to the money in my account! And yes, I know the phone call costs etc. are far less than what a hacker could have stolen from me but they may be also the worst people I have ever dealt with in customer service!

The first time they restricted the account access no one could put money into my account or take money out so the reward program I had earned $50 (I know, small change...) kept trying and trying and trying and finally gave up after three weeks. PayPal emailed me during week 2 of the problem but as anyone knows who has gone through the "Dispute Resolution" process you can only complete 2 of the 3 necessary changes to get your account back up at one time. I patiently waited for PayPal to do Step 3 which was to mail a code which to me seemed a really stupid security risk but I waited.

Finally I called, angry at this point since I was using my money to call a non-toll-free number for a problem I had not caused in the first place. With never even the slightest hint of an apology, remorse or explanation of the missing mailing they reinstated the account. I had to practically beg the reward program to try to deposit the money again which they finally successfully did.

Well, May to December! It happens again! Mind you! This never happened when PayPal wasn't part of eBay or vice versa. This time people can put money in but I can't get it out. All because someone tried to hack into my account; someone they say in Asia again! I am assured that after I complete the first 2 steps online the mailing will come with the code and my money (this time over $100) will be available to me! A week passes and I have to call at my expense to get the code and account fully opened. Did I forget to mention that they make you wait at least 5 to 15 minutes at a time on hold and I have been dropped also with no apology.

I think it's bye bye PayPal and I enjoyed its' convenience for buying on eBay!

Anyone have a similar experience? Any advice?

 

[bicker]

There are serious obstacles to a carefree peer-to-peer commercial experience in our society. There can be no way that is both convenient and safe, nor reliable and cheap. Your plan sounds like it'll end up being the same as mine: I stay out of the circumstances as much as I can, purchasing things only from reputable companies, whenever possible, and typically giving away the things around my house that I don't want instead of trying to sell them.

 

[Marseeya]

I haven't had a problem using Paypal to pay someone, but the ONE and ONLY time I used it to collect money, I had a problem!

I sold something on e-bay and collected the money through paypal. Then when I went to get the money out, I selected the option of using the money as an online credit card. When I tried to use the online credit card, I couldn't use it anywhere because it didn't have that special 3-digit number that's on the back of a real card! When I called to get it straightened out, I got all kinds of hassles, but finally did get the money back after waiting. My biggest gripe was that they shouldn't even offer the online credit card as an option of you can't use it with any of the vendors! (walmart, amazon, big places like that)

 

[gr8tpanther]

I use paypal for alot of things, not just ebay. I only had a lock out once due to the "hacker" so I KNOW the agony of trying to get it back. HOWEVER, as much as I USE it and sell/buy on ebay, use it for shipping and have also used it to buy other things as well online that weren't ebay, I can tolerate the side step. I just don't let my $$ sit, soon as I sell and have $$ I pull it out. Most of my paypalling is from my bank account.

 

[hiwaygal]

I've bought and sold off ebay, and pay-pal is the quickest, easiest thing to use for that! Loved it...until I was getting messages every other day about someone trying to hack into my account (most of them are spam, but who wants to leave that to chance?). I finally called pay-pal and got things straightened out...but it's a pain, and really too nerve racking to keep dealing with.

 

[klmall]

I'm still debating; just not sure how to deal with the situation other than to close my account. Their Customer Service is so worthless and personal accounts are their lowest priority.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[tink2020]

Did anything come of this? Because my mom got a similar email "warning", but not until AFTER they had taken $1700.00 out of her bank account for a laptop she didn't order!!! The person who attempted to take this money is unable to access it, but it is still coming out of the bank and staying somewhere in limbo until the investigation is over. Meanwhile, my mother is dealing with bank fees, etc as the account didn't have $1700.00 in it

Anyone ever get the emails warning of fraud, contact paypal (via the phone, as she didn't want to take any chances), and still have this happen?

Do we just wait it out?

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Paypal can be a royal PITA. I've had my account frozen once, because I tried to change my password and wouldn't recognize anything I typed in. I never could get that account reopened, despite sending them the requested information twice. Lost just under $100 there. Recently I had some problems with them reversing a payment I made that I accidently sent to an incorrect email address. Dealing with them over the phone was a nightmare, and after several phone calls, emails and two dispute resolutions, I finally got it resolved. My problem with them is that they have no problem taking your money under any situation, but make it darn near impossible to retrieve your money when they believe your account has been compromised. I've never been hacked in all the years I've had them, but sometimes I wonder about the common "Asia" hacker scenario - I've heard that it happens alot and it makes me wonder if it's something Paypal creates in order to lock your account and keep your money. I understand safety measures, but Paypal takes it above and beyond with unreasonable requests for copies of this and that in order to reaccess your account, all the while continuing to accept money.

 

[ChristmasElf]

I have a different question regarding PAY PAL.

I have bought sveral items on Ebay using PayPal every time except once when the seller didn't offer it.

I bought an item a couple weeks ago from a seller that described the item as being in good condition -and sold AS IS. Okay fine. However, when the item arrived (late and not packaged well) it was NOT in the condition he stated, it was not made the date he stated (he said 1966 when the item clearly said 1967) had a slight crack on the bottom and magic marker stains he failed to disclose.
I paid $55 dollars for an item that he was saying was different than what showed up at my door in every way. PLUS an additional $10 for shipping.

WHAT SHOULD I DO? How would I dispute this with PAy PAL?
I don't want to give the seller negative/nuetral feedback until I have figured this out! ANY OPINIONS?

 

[kbkids]

And here's my PayPal question. I have a PayPal account that always has a zero balance. I use it only to buy things off eBay, and the money is deducted from my credit card. Now, PayPal does have my checking account number, but I never use it to buy things through PayPal.

I sell sporadically on eBay, but I absolutely will not use PayPal to collect the money - heard too many stories, not willing to risk it. It's check or money order with me - that's your only choice. I know I lose buyers that way, but I don't care.

So, here's my question. Would PayPal ever (through a hacker/whatever) be able to take money out of my checking account? Or is the money that is in your PayPal account the only money that is at risk?

 

[ChristmasElf]

I would set up a seperate account at another bank just for PAYPAL and not put my everyday checking account at risk.

Could someone please give me advice on my PAYPAL question????PLEASE!

 

[S. C.]

Someone had posted a link on this site before about paypal and all of the trouble people have with it. After reading that i don't think i ever want to use paypal.

 

[C.Ann]

Knock on wood Paypal has always worked well for me - except for a problem that was due to the Post Office swiping my card over and over because their machine was broke - which then resulted in a zero balance in my PP account.. (I was attempting to pay for postage for items I was shipping out and then was having the balance transferred to my bank account..) I called them immediately and the money was restored immediately - no hassles at all..

I use a separate bank account for Paypal.. I don't leave money laying around in my PP account - it's gets transferred right over to my special bank account and then I withdraw it with my debit card.. They can't freeze or take what isn't there.. At most they could probably put a hold on my PP account until the issue was cleared up, but at least they wouldn't have my cash..

I still feel that Paypal is the easiest and quickest way to pay for and collect money for items on ebay..

 

[lynxstch]

YES...you should file a claim with paypal..one of the choices will be 'item not as described'...then you will have to repack and resend the item to the seller...make sure you use return reciept requested or delivery confirmation..or any other way that you can prove they received the package back...then ..if you are lucky...they will refund your money..haven't used paypal in awhile..but they 'used' to withhold that amt from the seller being able to withdraw it...you only have 30 days to file a complaint I believe..and just remember..that the seller also has the option of leaving you bad feedback if you leave it for them..good luck!

 

[Mari annie]

I closed my account ( I only used once) 2 years ago.
I have since tried to get nearly 22.00 back to no avail!;-(

I ordered a State of MA afagan from a woman, and I contacted her to make sure it would be the home town I needed in the State of MA. She said yes.
I got the town from another State, I think Wisconsin.
Pretty Afagan, but it was a Anniversary gift. So I mailed it back.
I never got my money!;-(

I have written to Paypal several times faxed them.
I told them to close my account. It is closed by they have my money.

I am only using my debit card for now on.
No more paypal OR ebay. They aren't so hot either!!!

 

[ChristmasElf]

YES...you should file a claim with paypal..one of the choices will be 'item not as described'...then you will have to repack and resend the item to the seller...make sure you use return reciept requested or delivery confirmation..or any other way that you can prove they received the package back...then ..if you are lucky...they will refund your money..haven't used paypal in awhile..but they 'used' to withhold that amt from the seller being able to withdraw it...you only have 30 days to file a complaint I believe..and just remember..that the seller also has the option of leaving you bad feedback if you leave it for them..good luck!

I used PAY PAL and I used my AMEX card which I am thinking AMEX will go to bat for me. The seller listed the item AS IS so I was wondering if I was stuck.
I read the PAYPAL area, but I read it like I will be penalized as well. Am I mistaken on this?

I appreciate your reply! Thanks!

 

[Calliaz]

I used PAY PAL and I used my AMEX card which I am thinking AMEX will go to bat for me. The seller listed the item AS IS so I was wondering if I was stuck.
I read the PAYPAL area, but I read it like I will be penalized as well. Am I mistaken on this?

I appreciate your reply! Thanks!

First, have you contacted the seller and attempted to clear up the matter? If you have made contact and they are refusing to accept a return, then you need to start the dispute process.

IME, you are penalized by Paypal if you don't go through their dispute process and, instead, contact your credit card company. You should really start with the Ebay and file a complaint and then they will direct you to Paypal to file a parallel complaint with them.