Friends and family

[kirstiduffin]

my Friend asked me to Paypal money to someone for her who she bought something from Instagram. I’ve sent it friends and family without thinking. The item never arrived and the girl who sold the item is saying won’t refund until 10 working days to open a Royal Mail claim as an item isn’t missing until then. I’ve sent her a couple of money requests which she’s declined and I’ve emailed her but the girl has basically told me not to contact her again as sale wasn’t with me it was with my friend. Can I contact the police about this or is there any way to get the money back?

[kernowlass]

@kirstiduffin 

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 option is for hacked accounts so would be closed as you had authorised the transaction).

You also 'risk' having your account limited for using this option when you are purchasing goods as its against Paypal user agreement.

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