Paypal
$3,000 Deficit After Chargeback on Gold Sale to Japan

I used eBay in the past, in fact from the beginning. I always accepted checks and money orders, and then eBay introduced PayPal. The relationship advanced much further than that: eBay bought the PayPal business! Then, of course, what followed was pure manipulation. eBay changed their payment requirements 'for the safety of the eBay community' and forced you to accept PayPal payments. This manipulation was done solely with the intent of 'double-dipping' their business. eBay gets paid on every end.

I sold many items via eBay and usually had people contact me to purchase collectibles because they had seen my previous auction ads. One such occurrence has left me with a $3,000 deficit because PayPal charged back my account.

The collectibles I sold were two one-ounce gold pieces. Someone had emailed me from Japan wishing to purchase the gold. I should point out that it is not unusual for people outside the United States to purchase gold and silver in these difficult financial times. Paper money is becoming worthless and obsolete.

I had sold many of the one-ounce gold pieces previously, but this was the first time outside the country (Japan). I thought I would have to take many precautions to be safe. I did not know I would have to take precautions against PayPal.

I sold the item and it was paid for. PayPal sent me an email verifying that the transaction was complete. They did hold the funds a few days until I got this verification. I emailed the buyer that it was my policy to clear the funds, send them to my bank and withdraw the funds to make sure we're dealing with 'real money' and not just some wire transfer.

I did all of the above. After taking what I thought was every precaution, I mailed the item by Federal Express to Japan. I still have the original mailing documentation. After the item was received, about a week passed and I received an email from PayPal. They were reversing the charge, claiming the credit card company would not pay. The card company said the card was used without consent and/or stolen. PayPal said they would do everything to 'stand behind me'. I said I expected that, as I am an eleven-year customer.

Needless to say, they explained that chargebacks are my fault. I responded with, 'Who is responsible for the card? If it was not reported stolen prior to the alleged false use, the card bearer should be responsible.' They could not even tell me which credit card company it was. So much for 'being in my corner'.

Because of PayPal's neglect in telling me the purchase was verified, my account remains at -$3034. They have sent it to a collection agency and are trying to harass the money out of me.

Going forward, I cannot use eBay because the two companies are tied together.

PayPal and eBay have joined hands to rip off many people. eBay is not what it once was, 'the world's largest garage sale'. I would like to hear from anyone else who has been charged back a significant amount of money, as I have. There is a website dedicated to more ripoffs. Where is the class action suit?

Company: Paypal
Country: USA
Site: paypal.com

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