purchased on gumtree paid for on paypal, but I think Ive been cheated

[michael_scutter]

I agreed to buy an item on gumtree and pay through paypal
I paid by sending money directly as the person asked! He said it would otherwise take 7 days to clear and if I wanted it sent soon I should do it directly.
It was a credit card transaction though.
The person continued to advertise after I had paid for two days and when a friend contacted him he said it was still for sale.

I challenged him and he replied he was just joking. Oh Yeah!!!!
It has not turned up and he keeps saying he has sent it but says he does not have a receipt of the postage.
I can't see a way I can dispute this transaction as a good not received.

It only gives me the unauthorised transaction option. WHAT DO I DO PLEASE?

[kernowlass]

@michael_scutter 

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 his paypal fees and negates your buyer protection at the same time. That is also why you would be unable to open a dispute apart from an unauthorised transaction (if your account was hacked and used without your consent).

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

Your only hope is if you funded your paypal payment via a credit card then contact your card issuer and see if they will help you but unfortunately again as it was a 'gift' of money they may decline as well.