Beware Paypal

[macosie]

I’m done using Ebay because I’m done with Paypal.

A few weeks ago I purchased Guitar lessons via Paypal. For some reason they limited my account, the transaction was ‘cancelled’ and the money transfer from my account was ‘denied’.
To un-limit my account I had to follow 4 steps, one of which I can’t. Because I don’t have a credit card (one reason I use Paypal), I cannot un-limit my account. I contacted customer service about it, but I keep getting the same automated response, follow the 4 steps, and then we’ll un-limit you. I can't help but wonder why are they so desperate to have a credit card? They pull funds directly from my account, that's should be better shouldn't it?
So, my account is frozen, and there is nothing I can do. But wait! It gets even better. I discovered that the ‘denied’ money transfer for the 'cancelled' transaction was still completed. Isn’t that unusual? So, now they have more of my money. And, because of the ‘limitation’ I can’t get it back; I can’t pay; and I can’t even close my account. So, they stop me from doing anything, and they keep my money. Does that not sound a little crooked to you?
I’ve sent several emails, and customer service is completely useless. I’m currently in Kazakhstan, so I’m not going to bother to phone and waste my money on their infamous phone system. According to other forums, it’s near impossible to get a real person on the phone anyway, it’ll cost me more than what they’ve stolen. That is what they count on, that way my money looks ‘abandoned’.
Before this, I’d used Paypal as both a buyer and seller and was really happy with the service they provided. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered the “dark-side” of Paypal. So now the convenience of Ebay is lost to me; aren’t they the ones who own Paypal? Well they’ve lost a customer, and I plan to spread the word.
I’m not the only one who has lost faith in Paypal. Do a search and you will find several websites and forums dedicated to the “scam that is Paypal”.
I didn't do anything wrong, but still I've been treated like a criminal, and have had my money stolen. Check the sites out, and beware using Paypal.

[Buggles]

I know how you feel!

I bought a ticket to a conference for work using paypal, and they limited my account because the transaction was suspect...

I had to enter all kinds of information (information I didn't have with me at the time) before they unlocked it again. In the mean time they refunded my money (less the costs incurred for Paypal changing the currency from pounds to dollars, twice), so now I hadn't paid for the ticket.

Thankfully, the organiser of the conference was very patient with me and we sorted it out. I prefer Google checkout, they do a much better job.

Paypal is ****e

JB

[Whealie]

Agree - all this has happened to me, except I want to use my credit card and they keep trying to make me use my bank account.

There is a telephone number you can eventually get through on but they do hide it well.

[pbekkerh]

What has this got to do with motorcycles? You're even spammimg other MC sites.

[Mervinh]

What has this got to do with motorcycles? You're even spammimg other MC sites.

??????

[StumpyFingers]

What has this got to do with motorcycles? You're even spammimg other MC sites.

A lot of people here tend to use E-bay and Pay Pal for items required for their bike. If this goes on it makes the whole system useless and a waste of time.

[AlanH]

I didn't do anything wrong, but still I've been treated like a criminal, and have had my money stolen. Check the sites out, and beware using Paypal.

Well, if I was PayPal and someone registered in Canada (I presume that's where you're registered as in your profile) was buying guitar lessons from an IP address in Kazakhstan, I'd think it was a bit suspicious too. Their procedure to unlimit/unlock the account needs to be challenging or it wouldn't work. Unfortunately in your case, it relies on a credit card as you can't confirm via your phone number. If you can't do that then the only other option is to speak to someone. Yes it's a pain in the backside but, as you are in the minority that don't have a credit card or access to their registered phone number, what else can you do? PayPal isn't really geared for the international traveller - more the armchair shopper.

It's not like PayPal are really stealing the money from you is it. All you need to do is explain the situation. Yes it's inconvenient but there have to be checks otherwise there would be plenty of fraudulent overseas transactions going on. Their charges are so stupidly high anyway that they really don't have the need to concoct obscure ways to fleece people.

As for your plan to spread the word - be careful as you may end up sounding like one of those raving nutters that doesn't seem to have anything better to do with their time other than rant online about PayPal and bark at passing cars

[macosie]

What has this got to do with motorcycles? You're even spammimg other MC sites.

I have bought a lot of parts, including the motor for my RD03, using Paypal.
I'm choked that they've done nothing to settle the problem. They don't respond to emails. They didn't respond to the automated survey they sent me. I figure posting this is a way to warn people. I used to think Paypal was great, not anymore. The nice thing, is people will see this, and maybe think twice about using them. Also, people are responding with other reliable options.

As for accusing me of spamming:
Forum spam is the posting of advertisements, abusive, or unwanted messages on Internet Forums. (definition care of Wiki)
I'm not advertising. I'm not being abusive. And, it's about a service many people on this forum use.
Forum is a venue or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged.
This particular thread is on Recommended Dealers/Service Providers. My particular view is that the Service Provider, Paypal, is not something I would recommend using.

I don't think it's an inappropriate post. I have put it on several sites I frequently use, which all have other users who use the same service. I hope that clarifies why I posted it.

[FatFergie]

All you need to do is explain the situation.

It sounds so easy .

Paypal is no longer in my world for similar reasons.

[African Simba]

I had the same problem after 4 long years using paypal, I had my account froze for one small transaction.
I played hell with them at time but they explained their position that, during 1 month, I had that many transaction, they had to froze the account and demanded docs to re-activate my account again.

phone calls & e-mails, etc resulted in nothing. I had to wait 6 month before I got my money back, less admin charges of course.

Eventually I had to give in and now I have my account activated again.

I hope you will resolve it soon