If a purchase turns out to be fraud, am I protected and guaranteed my money back?

[DrSinji]

I found a good deal on an expensive item, half the normal price at $2500. 

If I buy this item and don't receive it, for example, they take the money and run, or they never ship the item, etc., Is my purchase protected and refunded by PayPal?

It would be nice if PayPal would hold and reserve the money until I receive my item, therefore if there are any problems, I wouldn't be chasing down the scammer. 

The only reason I ask is because its a lot of money to be lost. Will PayPal stick to their guarantee and protect the buyer rather then the scammer?

[kernowlass]

@DrSinji 

That depends on many factors all listed in Paypals buyer protection policy for you to read so you can risk assess your transactions.
Legal (bottom right of Paypals pages) > user agreement > buyer protection.

[PayPal_Tricia]

Hi @DrSinji, 

That's a great question! 

We do offer Buyer Protection for most transactions. 

I hope this information helps!

Thanks, 
PayPal_Tricia