I think I've been SCAMMED!!!!

[Napito10]

Hello I'm new at this Forum, but I need some help. Basically as said at the tittle "I think I've been SCAMMED!!!" It all started on April 1st when I used this app called SOLD that I found in the App Store. I bought an item from an item from an online seller. Basically this app is a "buy & sell" app, and when I found this particular item for a good price I pressed the checkout button. But when I clicked it said "failed if you are a customer trying to buy an item, please contact seller", so I thought this was weird. So I contacted the seller and the seller told me to send the money through PayPal Family, so I did. On April 7th the seller told me she was from the UK and she send the item and even gave me tracking number but didn't gave me currier name so I can track it. So I used a bunch of those automated tracking sites to see what currier the seller used to send the item. Basically the response always got was "invalid tracking number" so everyday I've been trying to contact the seller through the app and no response. Today is April 26th almost a whole month has gone by and STILL no answer. I called PayPal and told me that because it was sent through PayPal Family they couldn't do nothing. So what should I do??? Please help, anybody. Thank you. P.S. Later on I figured out this app I used is very SUSPICIOUS!! What I mean is that ... 1. The developer website for the SOLD app doesn't EXISTS. 2. There is a customer help link in app that directs you to NOTHING!!! 3. Why would this app have checkout button that gives you a message saying "contact seller if you are a customer trying to buy an item" ??? Anyone can take advantage of all customers in taking their money. 4. I've done a little research on the SOLD company, and what I found out is that a few years back they joined the Dropbox company. The online file storage. Anyway they posted a message saying "they no longer giving SOLD services" so why is their app in the App Store then? Did someone else bought the rights from them? Is it under new management? So many questions that need answers.

[kernowlass]

@Napito10

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.

[Napito10]

Well I payed by using debit card will that effect anything?

[kernowlass]

@Napito10

Ask your card issuer, you would be covered with a credit card but sometimes debit card issuers will help you as a ''goodwill' gesture, you can but try.

[Napito10]

What do you mean by "goodwill" gesture?

[kernowlass]

@Napito10

They don't HAVE to reimburse you but sometimes they will do so if you are a good customer etc as a goodwill gesture.

[Napito10]

Oh I see, I understand now. I do have another question, when I open a dispute with my bank, how long is the dispute going to take ? and also I read that banks do investigations, what do they investigate on ? I'm sorry just feel asking because this is all new to me and I never open a dispute before. This situation has NEVER happened to me, believe or not. Lol

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@Napito10

Sorry I can only help with working your way around paypal, i have no idea how banks work.

Good luck anyway.

[Napito10]

That's alright, you helped as much as you could thank you very much for all your help.