Paypal/eBay Issue

[sward6]

What is the name of your state? CA

Here's my dilemma: Three months ago I sold my Xbox and games for $250. Three weeks ago I received an email from paypal stating that they have frozen my account pending an investigation. They asked me to give them a variety of information regarding the sale: Tracking number, etc...

I immediately cooperate with paypal, fearing that I would not only lose my merchandise (seeing the eBay buyer still has this item), but also, that I may be held liable for the amount in question.

I sent them the requested information; I also included multiple phone numbers in which they could contact me for any further information. I also stated that I would like to be informed of how the investigation is going.

Three weeks later: I get an email saying that my account is no longer frozen, and I quickly go to my account and see that I'm -$250! Let the frustration begin...

I call up Paypal, "we have no record of your email."

I responded back, "well I sure as hell do, it's in my outbox. Would you like me to send it again?"

They basically told me the case is close, the investigation has been completed, and I must pay the fees or have it pinned to my credit report. %&#*%*&^#$&%$&!

They say their investigators don't make phone calls, they are a "inbound call center only."

They then said that I should consider to take legal action to the seller.

Number one, I'm a college student; $250 can make or break me. This could be the difference of eating food, or spending time at the homeless shelter bumming food.

Number two, I obviously can't go after the big Giant - paypal, the buyer will not respond to my emails -- I have no other contact info outside of their home address. I tried to tell them I'll be taking legal action if I don't receive the money, or the item that I sold them. What else could I use to scare them?

Number three, should I consider small claims? Better Business Bureau? Any other options I'm missing?

Any, and all information will be greatly appreciated!

 

[janedoe23]

First off, why was the claim opened and what was the reason Paypal awarded the refund to the buyer if you supplied all info? Also was it a claim directly through Paypal or was it a chargeback from the buyer's credit card?

You can send a certified, restricted letter with signature confirmation telling them of your intentions if you don't get the item back in the same condition it was sent or recieve full payment plus any fee's.

 

[divgradcurl]

If the buyer is located locally, you can sue them in small claims courts.

 

[sward6]

First off, why was the claim opened and what was the reason Paypal awarded the refund to the buyer if you supplied all info? Also was it a claim directly through Paypal or was it a chargeback from the buyer's credit card?

You can send a certified, registered, restricted letter telling them of your intentions if you don't get the item back in the same condition it was sent or recieve full payment plus any fee's.

1) The claim was opened because the buyer claimed that someone else used his credit card -- it was a credit card charge back.

2) Unlike my request, Paypal never kept me informed about the investigation. When I called their call center, they say they never received an email from me.

3) Your idea sounds good. This question may sound dumb, but how to you make a registered/restricted letter? I know the post office offers certified mail, is that the same thing?

 

[sward6]

If the buyer is located locally, you can sue them in small claims courts.

The buyer is located in Texas, and I'm located in California. So I guess SCC is out of the question?

 

[JenniK]

Don't know if this helps, but I had 'someone' send me a spoof email saying my account had been frozen also unless I verify my information. I sent it onto eBay as a spoof email ([email protected]) They replied that it was in fact someone trying to get my information. But nonetheless, my account had somehow been accessed by someone and the PW changed. I was able to finally get someone to call me from eBay and we got it resolved. But any charges were taken care of by eBay because it was obvious it was someone else. It happens a lot when hackers get into things like PayPal and eBay. Here is the number I have for eBay, maybe you could call and talk to someone there to fix it? PayPal and eBay are now 'partners' or owned together, they merged. If you get anymore emails asking for info like that, ignore them or forward them to the email address I wrote above. Tell your friends too. eBay would never ask for personal information through email, or for you to 'verify' any. PayPal is the same. Here is the number 801-545-1800 I hope this helps?

 

[janedoe23]

1) The claim was opened because the buyer claimed that someone else used his credit card -- it was a credit card charge back.

2) Unlike my request, Paypal never kept me informed about the investigation. When I called their call center, they say they never received an email from me.

3) Your idea sounds good. This question may sound dumb, but how to you make a registered/restricted letter? I know the post office offers certified mail, is that the same thing?

Ouch!! I hate to say it but it doesn't look good.

The post office has the certified, restricted, signature confirmation you are looking for. Certified is for making sure the mail is delieverd by hand to the house and that you know someone actually recieved it. If you add restricted on to that then it will go to ONLY the person who it is meant for. So say Bob answers the door and the letter is for Mary it will not be delivered until Mary can accept it. I would add on the signature confirmation to that and what that does is after the person who it was intended for you will get a card back with his/her signature.

Keep in mind this might not work and can cost up to $10 to send a little letter but I think sometimes after people see all what they have to do in order to see your letter gets them a tad bit nervous.

You also don't want to come out in the letter and say I'm going to kick your a@# if I don't get my stuff back, you have to be professional and don't make any spelling errors.

 

[divgradcurl]

The buyer is located in Texas, and I'm located in California. So I guess SCC is out of the question?

You could travel to Texas to sue them in Texas small claims court. You can't sue someone out of state in California small claims court.