Recipient refuses to refund me

[apoon33]

Hello.

I sent payment to an event holder to "friends and family" rather than "goods or services" stupidly (didn't realize that was a choice until later), and when I tried to dispute the action it says: "We're sorry, but this transaction cannot be disputed because it is not a purchase of goods or services. Please contact the recipient directly." The recipient already accepted the payment.

I contacted the event holder wanting to cancel my space rental, but she refuses to refund me when there was no warning before I paid that the fee was non-refundable. 

I am not sure what to do because I am out of money for not being able to get refunded. I am not going to the event and she recieves the "free" money making me feel scammed. I appreciate any advice on this since it's been distressing me.

[kernowlass]

@apoon33

Hi, “gift” or “personal” payments are intended as transfer of funds from family or friends to one another. For this reason, there is no processing fee when payment is made with bank or PayPal balance.

On the other hand, as it is a “personal” payment, there is also no Buyer protection as no goods or services should have been exchanged.

If he was not a close mate or family member you should never use that option as it enables the seller to evade his paypal fees and negates your buyer protection at the same time.

Scam sellers often ask for payment that way as they know this.

Your only hope is if you funded your paypal payment via a credit card then contact your card issuer and see if they will help you.