Fraud transaction and refund

[ITurn]

Hi

I purchased items through an Instagram page. I have not received any comms, shipping info, tracking or photos. The Seller on Instagram has deleted the account page. I've reported fraud to Instagram(no response). I paid the trader 2 separate amount using Paypal / friends and family transfer which the seller requested. I'm 100% certain that I've been scammed - not something I thought would happen to me.

I realise I've made a mistake....

I raised a case with paypal to at least try and hold the funds. Paypal reviewed case and told me that they're unable to do anything to help.

When I go back into the resolution centre, I'm unable to report a problem with these transactions.

I don't appear to be able to report this issue to anybody at paypal, I guess my question to the community is do I have any hope of recovering lost funds or is it 'file in the lessons learnt' pile?

Appreciate any help here please

Thanks

Ian

[kernowlass · Accepted solution]

@ITurn 

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.
However 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 it enables the seller to evade paying his paypal fees and negates your buyer protection at the same time.

You would also not be able to open a dispute apart from one citing an unauthorised transaction but that would be automatically closed as you did authorise the initial payment.

Be careful as using that option for purchasing goods is against Paypal rules and can lead to account limitation.

If you funded your paypal payment via a credit card then contact your card issuer and see if they will help you but unfortunately they may decline as well as it was a gift payment.