(my account is being closed) Am I able to change my name?

[skkkkrrrrrrt]

Hi guys,

bare with me please, I am now realizing i'm pretty stupid for doing this.

So when I made my paypal account I used a fake name. I guess paypal found out that I used a fake name so they are closing my account. I have money in the account and the only way to withdraw the money after 180 days is  through bank transfer. Of course you can only add a bank account which matches the last name on the paypal account (mine does not)

So, am I able to change the last name on my paypal account to my real one, so that I'm able to withdraw my money?

I realize it was stupid I just thought it wouldn't matter much and now I'm going to be losing hundreds of dollars. Please let me know. 

If I'm not able to change my name is there another way I can do this? Any other ways to get the money out?

[DPCreations]

Only PayPal customer service can answer specific account questions.

So you created a PayPal account in the name of a non-existent person.  How do you think PayPal could even identity you as this non-existent or fake person?  The money belongs to a fake account.

What proof do you have that you are this fake person?

[skkkkrrrrrrt]

You should've only posted the first line because that was the most useless reply i've ever witnessed. 

[DPCreations]

But my comments and questions got to the root of the problem, correct?  What would you expect when you created a fake account?

[skkkkrrrrrrt]

It got to the root of the first question yes, but I figured it should still be possible since paypal states that a valid reason for a name change would be 'creating an account with a fictitious name'. Yes, the name on the account is different, but the card used is in my name and so is the address so there is of course supporting evidence showing its mine.

[DPCreations]

My comments were more to get you set up for a non-resolution wirth PayPal unless you could come up with rational answers to the questions.  When you make a phone call you wil need to answer questions about your identity as recorded on PayPal.  You need to prove your identity before you could even get access to your account to make any changes.

If you can already log onto your account and see the profile, that is to your advantage. If you cannot even log onto your account, then the problem is worse.

You won't know the specific answer until you call.

Actually, I would be interested in knowing the outcome.  You are not the first person to post here with such a problem and no one has reported back as to whether access could be granted again.

[skkkkrrrrrrt]

Oh okay I see..

Well I live in Switzerland but my French isn't fluent and so I had some trouble properly explaining the issue to customer service here. The guy just kept repeating that you could only make name changes if it is 1 or 2 letters. Even though thats false ( I mean it says otherwise on the website?) So that was useless.

Every time I call customer service they ask for first name/lastname and email address. What kind of info do they ask for in order to make changes like you mentioned? Just wondering so I'm ready.

I can fully access the account thats no issue at all.

I'll try calling on monday and try to find an English speaking employee 

[DPCreations]

Curious, is your English or French better?  Your English seems OK.

Since you can access your account, what happens when you go profile and try to change your name because it it incorrect?

I've never tried to chang a name, so I can only speculate.

When you call they need to identify you as the account holder.  How did you verify your account previously, bank and credit card?  How did you manage with a fake name?  Did you need a national ID number to sign up?  Is your account address correct?

Even so, suppose I would know all your public identity information and your fake name and call in and claim to be you, how wold PayPal know the difference?  I don't know what they will ask.  No one can know what all security screenings they will do; they won't disclose that either as it would allow strangers to bypass security.

[skkkkrrrrrrt]

Yeah fair enough.

My English is far better.

Yeah so basically when you want to change your name it gives you three options which refer to the reasons for changing the name (marital reasons, typo, and incorrect name (mine))

After I pick the incorrect name thing it asks how significant the change is, I say pretty **bleep** significant

It then requires you to upload files, it asks for a utility bill to confirm the address, a passport/national ID photo. 

I uploaded a utility bill, a passport photo, a residence permit photo for switzerland (includes the address so this would help on the address thing), and a credit card statement.

I confirmed my credit card on this account. The credit card is with my true name. I wasn't really thinking at the time and just figured I should confirm my card and forgot that it was a fake name on the account lol so yeah. That is clearly what threw up the red flag for paypal after I confirmed a card which had a different name.

Didn't need a national ID to sign up. Address is indeed correct.

[DPCreations]

I get by with French but English is native.

I think you have a lot of good supporting documentation, but I'm not PayPal. 

All I can say is good luck when make the phone call.