Scam

[HWilli1]

I tried to cancel a transaction that I know was a scam but I can’t. I removed my bank info from the account but it says the money can still be charged. They already took part of the money from my PayPal balance. When I called PayPal, they said it was just an authorization and there was nothing they could do now. How can I protect my info/get my money back?

[OC9]

Its very sad and disappointing. Serious advice, dont buy anything advertised on Facebook. There are many Scams going on, and Paypal fails to conduct any thorough investigation when disputing a purchase. This is how it works: Seller advertises something which is enticing and looks like a good deal, especially with pictures and good description and seeming legitimate. You purchase the product using your Paypal account. Receive all the required notification via email, shipment data and receipt. Apparently many of these sellers are originating in China. So, you waiting for your items you bought. Takes a while, and then eventually you receive a small package with a cheap watch from the seller. You like what is this? You send an email to the seller, and their response is sarcasm. You file a dispute with Paypal. Paypal contacts seller. Seller sends proof of receipt by using tracking number. Paypal believes the seller, your dispute is denied, and you been scammed! Paypal fails to really investigate the company to see whether people receive the correct item advertised. Either it boils down to laziness, or just incompetence. Receiving proof of receipt of tracking number is not adequate evidence

[HWilli1]

Great. Well, I didn’t even think I had gotten to the point that I was actually paying. I just wanted to see the price and the next thing I know I was charged. I have also contacted my bank and they basically said the same thing as PayPal, that because it hadn’t actually been charged yet they couldn’t do anything. Looks like they will have at least gotten $44. Since I removed my bank and card info, do you know if will they be able to get the rest?

[kernowlass]

@HWilli1 

If its pending awaiting authorisation then the funds will time out if your order is not processed by 30 days.

If it completes then you can................

How do I open a dispute with a seller when a purchase goes wrong?

You can open a dispute in the Resolution Centre of your PayPal account within 180 days of payment if:
•You don’t receive the item OR service
•You receive an item but it’s significantly different than the description on eBay or on the seller’s website (or you receive a totally different product).

By opening a dispute, you can communicate directly with your seller to work out a problem transaction.

If you reach an agreement with the seller you can close the dispute. If you're still not happy with the result, you can escalate the dispute into a claim. Paypal will review the claim and decide on reimbursement.

These steps apply to Personal accounts. If you have a Business account, please log in to see the steps that apply to you.

To open a dispute:
1.Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Click on the transaction and use the resolve a problem option at the bottom of that details page.

Note:
•Generally buyers must wait at least 7 days from the date of payment to escalate a dispute for an item not received
•Where an item has not been received, please ensure you have given the seller enough time before opening a dispute

Do not close the dispute until you have a refund or your item.
If a seller states that they can't refund until you have closed the dispute don't believe them.
Escalate the dispute to a claim within 20 days (before it times out), if you need Paypal to get involved.

If you lose because the seller provides a fake tracking number then post back here for more advice.
If the item arrives and its not what you ordered / not as described then make sure you change the dispute quickly from non receipt. If the dispute times out before you can change it then contact customer services to open a second dispute for the new reason.

Activate the below link in case you have to return the item at Paypals request (or the correct one for your country as this is the U.S link).
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/returns

If that does not work then if you funded your paypal payment via a card then contact your card issuer and see if they will issue a chargeback.