I was searching on Grailed for a Supreme Expedition Jacket( Black Or Blue). I had found a black one for $575. Which is reasonable I thought. I texted him for better pictures, everything had checked out. He told me he would give me a discount if I went through PP directly because Grailed fees are extremely high.(The price would be $460) He wanted me to pay though friends and family. I instead sent the money as a buyer so I would be protected. After I sent the money he blocked me. Next day I called Paypal and filed a claim. Later on in the day the seller texts me and gives me a story that he is in the hospital but he sent out the jacket. I ask him for a tracking number and then he said he hadn't sent it. I responded saying then refund me my money. He then saids he sent it out. So I ask for the tracking number and he doesn't provide one. So 10 days pass and I call PP asking when will I get my money. The representative states he has provided a tracking number earlier in the morning. The package comes in the mail. I have my girlfriend record me opening it. It is a pair of Pajama Pants....... I call Paypal explain what just happened. The representative states the seller has been asked to provide information on what happened, and has to do so in 10 days. Now a few days pass and I receive a text message from the seller stating I am trying to scam him, He sent the coat , it would be in my best interests to cancel the claim. I immediately call paypal and explain again what happened. They tell me the seller had sent in evidence/ screenshot of a txt message stating "I had received the coat.... ". (With an iphone you can change someone contact info to a phone number and txt off that number as if it is that person) Now the case is under review by a specialist. Has anyone been through the same situation? Or had a bad experience like this?
I hope you funded your purchase with a credit card. When a seller tells you to send payment as friiends and family, you know now that's a red flag. From the get they trying to cheat someone, PayPal out of their fee so the seller can receive money. You should mention that to PayPal the next time you call them.
My best advice is better go to another online transaction company, like Amazon or Walmart. PayPal customer protection policy is very limit and really doesn't protect the buyer like the others company do. When you do a claim, it take forever to have the solution. Not like Amazon that on a few minutes is resolved.
