bying airline upgrades off of ebay

[smonaco106]

What is the name of your state? CA
Hi, I bought airline upgrades off of ebay via paypal for nearly $1000, but the seller told me my tickets could not be upgraded and doesn't want to refund me the money. So I took it up with paypal, which ruled in my favor, but cannot recoup the money for whatever reason. 2 questions:
1- I was told buying upgrades is illegal. Is that true? If so, does seller have a chance at not paying me back?
2-seller lives in nevada, can I file in small claims court?
Thanks!

 

[dallas702]

If you knew before bidding that buying upgrades was illegal you are SOL.

If the seller knew it was illegal he is guilty of fraud.

Yes, you can file a small claims action in Nevada.

Questions: if the seller knew the use of the upgrades was "conditional", did he put that in his listing? Did you ever contact the seller with questions about that? Did you contact the airlines to see what their rules were....before bidding?

 

[smonaco106]

If you knew before bidding that buying upgrades was illegal you are SOL.

If the seller knew it was illegal he is guilty of fraud.

Yes, you can file a small claims action in Nevada.

Questions: if the seller knew the use of the upgrades was "conditional", did he put that in his listing? Did you ever contact the seller with questions about that? Did you contact the airlines to see what their rules were....before bidding?

What does SOL mean? Because I didn't know it was illegal... and no I didn't check with the airline first. And the listing did ask for buyer's verification, but I am so new at this!
And how can I prove the seller knew it is illegal?