Have I made a mistake where I can't get my money back?

[AngelJay]

I feel like I've made a huge mistake and that I'll be unable to get my money back for it. I found something I wanted to buy on Instagram from a page and I sent this person money for the shoes which ended up being $130 but then I had to pay $70 in shipping and taxes and now this person wants me to pay $60 for confirmation fee in order to ship what I purchased. I've asked for a refund and they won't give me one. The reason why I fear I won't be able to get my money back is because the person asked me each time I sent money to choose that I was sending money to family and friends. I realize that now that was completely stupid on my part. Can someone just tell me if I've lost out? I honestly feel like I have.

[kernowlass]

@AngelJay 

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), which 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.