Written receipts

[WarronBebster]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a sublet in NYC on craigslist, and one respondant with a promising place is asking for a security deposit over paypal, offering a signed receipt, claiming that if they run of with my money all I need is a signed receipt and paypal will return the money. Is this valid?

[snowshoe]

That not quite right.  You won't have any protection.

We're assuming the person from Craigs List has asked to send the money to their email address.  Once you do that, they will disappear.

If this is a legitimate transaction, the person should send you an invoice for the amount due.  Should you decide to pay, suggest using a credit card.  Should you run into an issue you should contact your credit card issuer for help.   (Note, paying a security deposit using PayPal is not covered for buyer protection as this would be considered a service.)

[WarronBebster]

Okay, well they have sent an invoice via paypal. So you suggest using a credit card to pay the invoice?

[snowshoe]

Yes as services are not covered by PayPal for buyer protection.