Fraudulent Seller that PayPal is backing

[Bluseadaze]

I purchased a commemorative axe (a weapon) with a military logo for my husband from a man who represented himself under a fake name and living in Arizona. The item arrived from Pakistan and didn't look at all like the advertisement. I requested a return label and a refund. The seller said absolutely not so I filed a dispute. Then the seller said he would refund my money if I shipped the axe back to Pakistan (approx $60 and requiring a security check). When I disputed this resolution - why should I be out the expense and go through the hassle of returning an item that the seller admits he falsely advertised - PayPal said that if I filed a claim with the Internet Crime (IC3) and forwarded the form to them, they would probably simply refund my money and forget having me to return the axe to Pakistan. I did. I jumped through every hoop PayPal required, provided them with photos of the ad and the actual product, and sent them messages from the Seller. Now they are back to I have to ship the item overseas at my expense. This feels grossly unfair that they are taking the side of a seller that falsely advertised both his product and himself. Do I have any other recourse?

[sharpiemarker]

@Bluseadaze 

Call PayPal customer service and explain the situation to have the matter escalated/appealed. If PayPal still rule against you, you can fall back on your chargeback rights through your card issuer if you paid with credit card.

[Bluseadaze]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I already tried customer service and spoke to someone with an accent so thick that I could not understand her (obviously a call center overseas). In all fairness, my Southern accent caused her confusion as well. I paid the vendor by PayPal and of course, now I will owe PayPal for the transaction. And hence my disappointment with PayPal's support of a seller who is clearly fraudulent. I have learned my lesson not to trust PayPal except with vendors that I personally know. PayPal's ethics are in the toilet right along with corrupt sellers.

[HTucker1]

I have a similar issue.  There are two gmail accounts which are both being used to collect money fraudulently.  Whoever these people are - they are hacking Facebook accounts and posting videos and photographs of Yorkie puppies claiming they are free except for a $200 rehoming fee.  I got scammed by them because I thought I was talking with someone that several of my other friends know.  And, we do know the person who owns this particular Facebook account - except this person had been hacked.  Paypal needs to shut down these accounts.  I would love to get my money back but now I'm looking to just warn others and shut these scammers down.

[Bluseadaze]

I've come to accept that PayPal simply doesn't care. They talk a good talk but that's about it. I posted my "adventure" on multiple social platforms and the stories I've heard back are incredible. Long and short of it, PayPal is a business and their goal is to make money. If they **bleep** over some folks in the process, oh well, plenty of other takers out there.

[kernowlass]

@HTucker1 

Why can't you open a paypal dispute for non receipt of item ie puppy?

That is why paypal give you buyer protection so you can get your money back if the seller does not send you the item.

Unless of course you used the friends/family option and negated your buyer protection by sending a 'gift' of money to someone for a puchase?

[Bluseadaze]

It is very frustrating, I agree. This is certainly not offered as a solution to the fraud you've been subjected to but while you are warning folks away from buying ANYTHING advertised - and I mean ANYTHING - also tell them that if they are looking for a purebred dog to check the breed rescues. Wonderful dogs get surrendered all the time, often because of the death of caretakers, financial hardship, moving overseas, you name it. And again, I have learned, buy nothing that is advertised on Facebook and don't count on anyone to get your money back for you.