I haven't yet been quite exactly ripped off by Paypal, but what they're now demanding, sure sounds like they're trying to set-up another 'mark': I removed a defunct credit card linked with my Paypal account, and replaced it with a good credit card. Unsure if the system was going to work, I made a small [2-digit] payment to my contractor, to make sure it got through OK. It went through immediately....well, sort of....the Card account shows the debit, and Paypal lists it as paid out. But the amount is still being FLOATED [delayed in actual completion]. Next day, when job was done, tried to pay the larger balance due [4 digits]. NOT WORKING. Granted, I had not used my Paypal in a long time. Account was now LOCKED. I should be able to call them, and straighten this out sensibly. Called Paypal several times, trying to resolve the issues. Each time got different customer service rep in Ireland or Phillipines --they said it could be in any country; the only way to get one in the USA, was to just keep calling back, and maybe I'd get lucky to get a USA rep.... At NO TIME, did ANY Rep ask for my Security Questions to help verify I am myself! Customers are supposed to be verified by their security questions. And, they are supposed to be able to get transferred immediately to a USA Rep when they ask for thaat. PayPal Reps were sounding VERY BOGUS, for missing both these requirements. Actually, the first Rep did say she could switch me to a Rep in the USA...but didn't...it disconnected. I became suspicious of the Reps and of PayPal. The first few calls, I was told I had to submit a proof of address...they suggested a utility bill copy. I did that...sent them a copy of the bill slip. Account still locked. Next Rep didn't like the bill, as it was only addressed to my POB, not street address. Later Reps demanded I link my bank account to Paypal. I balked....too much personal information, and, my bank account has been compromised twice this year already --I told them that made that account unsafe to link anywhere. They started making threatening tones of voice that they required this for Homeland Security. I told them, where we live, there is NO street delivery--bills only go to the POB--and Paypal also has that--they seemed to understand that. PayPal reps I later called said, that it was banking law, and for Homeland Security, for me to link my bank account to them. BOGUS! PayPal worked FINE linked only to an active, good credit card. Suddenly they require a link to my bank account? And fail to ask Security Questions to verify I am myself?? My Paypal account remains locked. I wrote the contractor a check instead, to pay them. That contractor is going to quit PayPal...he said he'd set up a different method of credit card payments, instead of Paypal. He was previously unaware of the games PayPal has been playing. I knew I had to take steps to protect my credit card from PayPal. I then tried to delete the credit card now linked with Paypal, to make sure no other debits were charged. BUT... Because PayPal Locked my Paypal account, they also blocked my using the same card in 'just a credit card' transaction, ANYWHERE else Online, IF the vendor uses Paypal to handle their transactions. This is wrong in so many ways, it's nauseating. In light of the accounts others are sharing, it surely looks like PAYPAL, or IT'S Representatives at Service Centers, are doing illegal things. It sounds like Paypal is FLOATING money from people's accounts, holding it a few or several days to earn Interest, which they are NOT entitled to, then put the money where it belongs. PAYPAL is NOT A BANK. PAYPAL LACKS even the bit of security found in Banks. IF they are taking it from people's bank accounts as reported, when no purchase has called for it, that is THEFT. By Floating money for a few days, before completeing a transaction, or returning money to an account, it's also BOGUS, because IN TODAYS WORLD, ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS ARE INSTANTLY DONE. FLOAT that delays a transactions' completion, is an OLD EXCUSE to hide that they are harvesting big money world-wide, in Interest....regardless who is doing it, every time they Float money on transactions. Done worldwide, it could be billions or trillions of dollars daily. PayPal has it's electronic hands into too many data bases; It surely seems, based on complaints, and my experience, that NO ONE's personal information or finances are safe while linked to PayPal. Caveat Emptor! Paypal is NOT what it once was.
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