paying via family and friends

[Sampack]

I paid a guy for an item using family and friends--he said he didn't want to pay the fee for payments for goods. He hasn't sent me what I paid for and I'm worried he scammed me. Is there any way I can get a refund now through Paypal or am I **bleep**?

[kernowlass]

@Sampack

A friends / family (or gift payment) is intended as a 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 “gift” 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 you are enabling the seller to evade his paypal fees and negating your buyer protection at the same time. Scam sellers often ask for payment that way as they know this.
You also risk having your account limited for using this option when you are purchasing goods.

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.