On Sunday June 5th I purchased a high value item on eBay. Before attempting payment with my CC, I waited until Monday June 6th to call my bank and pre-authorize payment so there wouldn't be any issues. When I attempted to pay for the item using my CC through eBay's system I immediately received an error message saying the payment method was unavailable. I contacted eBay Customer Support, and was told PayPal had blocked the transaction because of "suspicious activity" on my account. They said I would have to contact PP directly to release the hold.
When logging into my PP account I encountered a message saying my account had been restricted and I would have to complete a 2 step verification process. I completed step 1 without a hitch, but step 2 required that I verify my CC with them before proceeding. Problem is whenever I try to follow their prompt to verify the card, I receive another error saying "The Credit Card Verification System used by PayPal is currently unavailable." I've been receiving the same message since Monday.
I've tried every possible method of communication to try and reach someone in Customer Support who can help. I called their number on two different days and was on hold for 4 hours the first day, 2 hours the next. I tried sending an email on Tuesday the 7th, never received a response, then on Thursday the 9th I received an automated PP email requesting feedback for my "recent customer service experience" with their email support team. I even tried sending a private message through their Facebook page, which has yet to be answered (that was 3 days ago). At this point I'm starting to wonder if I'll ever be able to reach someone who can help.
Right now my account is locked and all but useless. I can't make payments or purchases, nor can I withdraw the money from my recent eBay sales. PayPal has suddenly turned from a convenient payment processor into a nebulous black box with my money in it. I'm at my wits end and I have no idea what else to do. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly welcomed.
