Paypal stole $3,683 from me and froze my account. Beware! san Jose, California

..in my last reply I stated eBay Motors "lost" a lawsuit. Actually, they "settled". But either way they must have done something wrong. I skimmed through the suit and do not really fully understand it..and most of the charges were dismissed by the Judge..but either way as I stated all along in my replies on this thread..a lawsuit is sometimes the only thing they understand.

I am going to get some money back so I am okay with that. And I will still continue to use eBay and PayPal to conduct a good portion of my online business until something better comes along.

If PayPal ever holds any funds without just cause, I would look to a class action as the only recourse. For some reason after over 10 years using them, the few times I had holds placed on the account were for just reasons and the funds were released within the time period they promised and as per their terms and agreements.

If anyone is really having funds held for months and were not given a reason, I would imagine a class action lawsuit will be a slam dunk. Keep us posted.

1) I do not spend all of my time here attempting to rival anyone. I come here in my spare time and state my opinion as a consumer. Sorry, but that is allowed here.

2) I do not work for PayPal, and I would have no trouble debating any of my points face to face..however I do fear some here as they come off as psychopaths and my life is worth more then to have a stalker or sicko come after me or my family just because I have an opinion that they do not agree with or an opposing viewpoint.

3) What point did I state that is invalid? Did I conclude or say that PayPal has no flaws? Did I really come off as angry? I think the attacks and unfounded accusations against me are the result of others anger towards PayPal, or perhaps me personally..but I can assure you I do not work for those assholes..I simply think some of the complaints against them are unfounded..and I was provoked by the fact that this report was ADDRESSED to me in the FIRST line. Why was my name even mentioned? What the hell did I do to this poster to be called out in the report like this?

The solutions were clearly posted. And I should state as well, I have defended eBay on several occasions..but just today I got an email that eBay Motors lost a class action lawsuit and has to return almost 7% of all eBay motors seller fees since 2005. I did not even know there was a lawsuit or that I was being ripped off in any way but you know what?? THIS just proves that lawsuits and the "system" sometimes work against these giants. I expect a nice piece of change as I have quite a bit accumulated in eBAy Motors seller fees from 2005 until present.

You are a loser who spends all of his time attempting to rival others over the internet for thrills. This is because your not much of a p***y to vent your anger to people face to face or you simply work for paypal (unlikely). I have read this entire report, reading each sides argument,attempting not to favor eitheryou or them (trying to keep a level head). But all I got from this post is that paypal has some flaws and Ronny G is a moron.

I'm not here to provide a solution I'm just here to share my opinion. Steve and Robert have valid points. You do not.

...once AGAIN proves he has in fact, devoted his dying days to this website...but only to try to discredit me and my businesses/ past jobs..and insult my intelligence.

He seems to find my "claims" far fetched. That I was a teacher, that I am in the electronics industry, and specialize in 12v automotive technologies, restore old cars, and sell stuff on eBay. Why would I lie about that? Why would Robert care so much even if I was..who is HE helping here? No one but HIMSELF, because HIS career choice seems to be..to internet stalk ME here, and troll for any posts I respond to, and slander me.

Now, since Robert really does not give a rats as about the OP or anyone who may of had problems with PayPal, but is ONLY replying to discredit me personally ..let me state this again for the record.

PayPal can KISS MY a*s
Their customer service is outsourced, and it SUCKS.
They DO freeze accounts if there are red flags due to the nature of the transaction, or a dispute..yes..there are "risk" levels.
They DO hold funds of new sellers, or even established sellers if they had long periods of inactivity, or sell something not in the normal scope of what they have a history of, and is very expensive. No one wants to assume the responsibility of a potentially risky transaction
PayPal will indeed, hold funds and/or freeze accounts if there is a dispute.
Changing account or personal information as well..can be considered a red flag, and subject the seller to holds.

EVERY SINGLE seller on eBay is subject to these rules and issues..like it or not. It is NOT arbitrary, and there are criteria. I do however feel that if PayPal is freezing any accounts and not telling a seller why..they need to be sued again or change that policy.

Now apparently, there have been lawsuits...most 8 years old. There are new ones as well.

You have choices. Do not use paypal of course, and sue them if they are ripping you off. I notice on most complaints that some important info is left out. Those complaining generally only state that paypal did this and that..but will not tell us the type of transaction, if there was a dispute, or if the reason paypal froze the account is perhaps a valid reason. So I question.

But, do what others have and sue them. If you have a case, you may win..or maybe PayPal will settle again and not admit wrongdoing, but just refund instead of deal with it. Seems to work well against big giant companies better then attacking me and expecting to get a dime or help anyone.

I have no problems listing, shipping and getting instant payment via PayPal. If they ever screw me, I will sue them as well. In hindsight it probably is a waste for me to respond here..as when someone is mad at PayPal, they will not listen to reason. But if there is a real ripoff happening by a business I use for my business..I have concern, and have EVERY right to question the accusations.

I am not sorry if this bothers Robert..actually due to the way he stalks me here and try to discredit me at EVERY and ANY chance since he has nothing better to do, I hope it makes him miserable. Why he has such a personal vendetta against me is unknown, but it certainly is reason for concern. Not for me..this is fun sometimes..but he may be a nut case and require evaluation.

Maybe your one of those people who is hired to clean up their messes !!

Nope.  He has "internet businesses."  One has to wonder when was the last time this "business owner" filed a 1040ES with the IRS.  Oh, wait, recently he posted "I'm just a small time seller."  Go figure

Or you just like being an INTERNET RAMBO !!! 

Closer.  He likes to humiliate others on here.  Said so himself!  He just likes to harass folks, especially folks who complain about PayPal/Ebay and Best Buy.

People dont waste your time by responding to Ronnie G.

BANG!  You drove that nail with one hit!

If you have some time and need a good laugh, ya can read some of his nonsense.

This one is too funny.  You aren't the first one to realize what The Great and Powerful Roz is all about:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/auto-repair-service/american-honda-motor/american-honda-motor-co-inc-3ab39.htm

A shorter, but equally funny, posting that shows why his reading comprension skills are woefully lacking is here:

http://www.ripoffreport.com/websites/price-shuffle/price-shuffle-scam-149-95-a-faf28.htm

Enjoy Branson!

Ronnie G in my opinion you are 1 of the BIGGEST CHEERLEADERS (PRO PAYPAL)  How come everytime someone has a complaint against Paypal your right there with a rebuttal for each and every complaint?  Curious minds want to know!! Either you work for Paypal either directly or Indirectly. Maybe your one of those people who is hired to clean up their messes !! Or you just like being an INTERNET RAMBO !!! 

People dont waste your time by responding to Ronnie G.

Contact your State Attorney General or do an internet search for Law Firms who actively have cases against Paypal...

posted by greedy bank defender Robert # 2...

"There have been reports that says Paypal has required either positive feedback or a tracking number to release the funds.  Yet I couldn't find anything in the terms that listed that requirement.  So perhaps someone can locate that for me..oh and this is a serious question because I honestly couldn't find anything."

This is NOT in their terms as a "requirement". Since you know so little about PayPal I do not know what grounds you have to reply..but let me clear this up based on my PERSONAL experience with PayPal..as a SELLER..

The TERMS are CLEAR. However, they do provide options, in certain cases. This is NOT "arbitrary" as some claim...but based on the history of the seller, and the type of item/transaction. Because yes..PayPal has a little experience at what they do..and some transactions are riskier then others.

Now,..I will use my example. I sold an expensive old guitar on eBAY. Regardless of the fact that I was an established "seller" with all positive feedback, I had never sold an expensive collectors item/vintage instrument before on eBay.

But..when the item sold...I assumed the funds would be in my PayPal account instantly, and then I would then ship the item..as that is how it was always done.

But not the case. Because I did not have a history of selling expensive vintage guitars, PayPal placed a hold on the funds. I called PayPal and told them I needed them to release the hold..or at the very least, the shipping portion as that was what I intended to use as funds to ship the item the buyer really wanted..and me of course as the seller, wanted to sell as agreed. The shipping was to be paid by the buyer.

They essentially told me no..but...if the buyer was willing to leave a positive feedback, or I produced proof of shipping..they "may" release the funds right away.

I communicated with the buyer..and gave the options as per what PayPal stated. The buyer chose to trust me, leave a positive feedback before I shipped the guitar, and PayPal did in fact, release the funds in two days.

I do not know if they will do this in every circumstance, or for every seller, and as well, it is NOT in their written policy. I was fortunate perhaps..and had earned a degree of trust and had no other "red flags" so to speak. Still, the buyer did take a risk, but my case..it all worked out.

...of the bank defenders..both Roberts..idiots..

First to Robert #1 from Buffalo..the internet stalker who can not even spell my name correctly..please PRESENT PROOF I am a hypocrite. Maybe the McDonalds report????..LMFAO!!! This Robert the buffalo a*s is a coward..He will NOT confront me one on one on this website to debate an issue..he just posts my resume and thinks this concludes anything. He is NOT a man of integrity..he is a d****e-bag plain and simple.

Now to Robert #2 of Irvine..

How can you compare this to what the banks did?

These complaints are by SELLERS....people who are using PayPal to PROFIT, and hence..correct, have to understand the terms of PayPal if they wish to use them. A bank is assumed to be trusted..a PayPal account is a business decision and privilege if one CHOOSES to except payment this way.

The banks on the other hand, were ripping off depositors and checking account customers, and fleecing victims of hundreds of dollars or more unjustly. Hard working class American taxpaying citizens who simply opened an account to keep their money "safe", to have their direct deposits done, and have checking/debit card use.

If I read any evidence posted of how PayPal is ripping off any customers, I will advise on the ONLY course of action that works against the greedy giants..lawsuit...just like I did with the banks when SOLID CLEAR evidence was produced...and hence...class action status was granted..Wells Fargo LOST in California...and I expect as well..ALL the lawsuits that have been consolidated in Miami against many banks from many states will conclude..that indeed , they were ripping customers off...not SELLERS or anyone out to make a profit..but just simple Americans that were fleeced by greed and deception.

AGAIN I STATE, if any solid evidence presented here concludes anyone innocent of wrongdoing was ripped off by PayPal, I will help in any way I can..to sue the crap out of them.

Robert from NY you are a bit behind the times my friend.  The current "User Agreement" as of Nov 1st is now 27 HTML pages(34 if you print the PDF).

https://cms.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/marketingweb?cmd=_render-content&content_ID=ua/UserAgreement_full&locale.x=en_US 

Yet I still couldn't find anything in the UA that states under what conditions they can hold a SELLERS funds even though they still require the item to be shipped.  Now, there are terms that state that they may "hold" a payment, but that is because they are verifying the funding source.  In that case they notify the seller to NOT send the item until they finish their investigation.  

There have been reports that says Paypal has required either positive feedback or a tracking number to release the funds.  Yet I couldn't find anything in the terms that listed that requirement.  So perhaps someone can locate that for me..oh and this is a serious question because I honestly couldn't find anything.

I also do totally agree on the hypocritical nature of certain people.  If someone even suggests that a person has to abide by the "Terms" at a bank they go "crazy"(for lack of a better term).  Yet they make it quite clear in this post that if you use Paypal you have to abide by their terms.

It is also very interesting how they claim that "millions and millions" of people use Paypal without drama or issues.  Yet millions and millions of people use bank accounts without issues, and we all know their feelings on the small minority that do have issues(and almost always self-caused).

As for a couple other comments.  I do not believe that Paypal itself is a "bank" and it is not FDIC insured.  But even if they were FDIC insured that only covers the account holder if the bank goes "under".  It does not cover any issues such as theft.

Now for purposes of the PayPal "Credit Card" or "Debit Card" those are covered under various regulations.

Even though I am sure this is going to be replied to.  I am not going to turn this into any sort of debate on banks, just some observations.  People can read all of the posts and decide for themselves.

"Paypal IS now a bank.

Therefore, they MUST comply with all federal and state banking regulations."

Are you sure Steve?  I must have missed that announcement.  I'm aware that in the European Union they are a regulated bank stationed in Luxembourg, but I must have missed any announcement of them being declared a bank by the Fed or any of the States.

I'm also aware that as the result of some lawsuit settlements reached in the past, they agreed to abide by the regulations governing EFT and credit card chargebacks.  We've seen how well they've abided by that.

Ya gotta wonder about any service that has a 25 page "user agreement" and when a user requests documentation of their account their reply is "not without a court order or subpoena."

OH!  Welcome back!

Paypal IS now a bank.

Therefore, they MUST comply with all federal and state banking regulations.

Filing your complaint with all applicable banking regulators which you can get at FTC.gov, and file a claim with the FDIC for the THEFT of your funds as they are insured.

I have been down that road as well with Paypal and have experienced the frustration.

I would never do any major transaction with Paypal again. Strictly small time.

Good luck!

Steve.  I suggest you pass the following information to your attorney or you may wish to retain the attorneys listed in the complaints. 

In the meantime, ignore The Great and Powerful Roz (AKA Ronny G).  Hes been polluting ROR for over a year.  Hes our self-anointed color commentator, defender of PayPal/EBay, defender of Best Buy, Caped Consumer Crusader and Hypocrite Extraordinaire.  If you search ROR for Ronny G and read some of his exploits youll get the idea.

Good luck.

Paypal holding money litigation.  This is a recent lawsuit brought by the firm of Freed & Weiss.  You can read about it here:  http://www.freedweiss.com/Current-Cases.shtml

Northern District Court of California, CV 10 2046.

Lawsuit for holding funds.  Details of the lawsuit and the attorneys information is here: http://www.girardgibbs.com/paypal.asp

Lawsuit for denying complete refunds of transactions to buyers (denial of charge back rights) is covered by the Steele Settlement and complete details are here:  http://www.steelesettlement.com/faq.php3 - Q4

This lawsuit alleges that PayPals policies and practices constitute deceptive trade practices, fraudulent inducement and misrepresentations, and breach of the PayPal User Agreement. The lawsuit also alleges claims against Essex, a company that sold goods through eBay, arising out of alleged misrepresentations about Essexs goods and services.

Lawsuit against Paypal brought by the NYS Attorney General and 27 States.  Details are available from the NYS AG website http://www.ag.ny.gov/media_center/2006/sep/sep29a_06.html

No, I am not familiar with that firm.

Ronny, ok...you know what... I'm done going back and forth with you.

Paypal is holding my money for no reason, and I would not advise anyone to do business with them. 

This is my final word because I have better things to do with my time. Just thought I'd voice my concerns with Paypal because that is what ripoffreport is for.

Goodbye

Would that be Steven Scott of Scott, Maccabe & McGuire?

From "steve" and I quote..

"Ronny, it seems like you are getting paid to represent Paypal in these disputes. I hope they pay you well, because honesly... you sure do have a lot of time on your hands to respond to all the rip off reports for Paypal."

Time? Well how much time did it take you to reply? A few minutes? I do not understand how you conclude I am representing PayPal in these disputes. I am just questioning some who are complaining of being ripped off by PayPal, and not only refuse to submit proof, but can offer NO suggestions of what PayPal should have done differently to protect themselves as a business, and/or the buyer. Remember, the SELLERS are USING PayPal to profit...so of course a dispute will tend to lean towards the buyer. The confidence of the buyer using PayPal is PARAMOUNT to the financial success of all involved. If a seller can not conduct a transaction as per the rules, or can not deal with a tough buyer via communication skills, then yes..the dispute process is what it comes down to, and there will be a winner, and a loser...the loser will certainly not be happy.

"Who has that kind of time? Well, besides you. So, if you are that interested in defending Paypal, I hope they pay you well....because they are a billion dollar company. I hope you are not their cheerleader for free."

It did not take me that much time. How many PayPal reports do you think I have responded to in the 2 years I have been replying on this site..as well as lodging complaints myself? Even if I responded to 50 PayPal reports in two years (but I do not recall replying to more then a dozen maybe)...divide that by the number of days in two years..and it is not that much time. I do not "cheer lead" for PayPal, but since I use them in my business transactions, it is certainly in my personal best interest to get to the bottom of an accusation such as the ripping off of customers.

And as well, I offered to assist in a lawsuit if any evidence can be posted. Nothing so far but complaints about a policy..not a SHRED of evidence of a rip off I could use in a lawsuit. As well..not a SINGLE response to my question on how or what PayPal could and should do differently to protect online transactions. We would NEED this evidence and suggestions as a basis for a suit..without it...well it just looks like a disgruntled customer. Can't sue for that..and the FTC, FBI, CIA, President Obama or Mrs. Obama, the USPS or phone company..well they will simply file it under..."waste of time". Do you understand?

"I'm just saying. They are screwing everyone else...don't defend them for free. See if you can get an interview or something with them if you going to be defending them that much.lol"

Who is "everyone else"? A few thousand customers out of millions and millions who can not seem to conduct online transactions without drama and issues? And how do you define "too much"? A handful reports here that took me a few minutes a month to reply to?

"Because...for the record....you are full of it!"

"For the record"..is this VERY forum. Posts are supposedly not ever edited or deleted. So we are now BOTH on record. Debate my points or statements if you feel I am "full of it"...or just ignore me. But to insult, implicate and falsely accuse.. then run..is a coward and potentially fraudulent... and loses ALL credibility by default.

Truth Detective, what is your point in posting on my thread?? You are not even saying anything positive or relevant to my situation. Go post on some other thread, because your words are useless to ANYONE. I'm sure Ronny could even agree with that.

Futhermore, I have filed with the proper authorities.

I even filed with the FBI- Internet Scams Unit and White Collar Crimes Division.

I have an attorney, Steven Scott, who is a class action attorney in Illinois also working to compile evidence and complaints against Paypal so that we can win in court.

So, you see, I am taking legal steps because of Paypal's Theft, of not just my money, but of thousands of people's money.

RIP OFF REPORT- again- IS FOR CONSUMERS TO COMPLAIN ABOUT A BUSINESS.

That is what we are here for. Please understand that, and stop posting on my thread with your nonsense. You are wasting your time, and is not helping anyone.

I do not get paid from PayPal to reply here. PayPal probably does not even know I exist..I am SMALL time.

I have stated PayPal can kiss my a*s.

I have stated that I have not always been happy with their decisions.

The only thing I asked..was if ANYONE can leave a suggestion of a better way to protect PayPal or a buyer from fraud, to simply post it.

I still hear nothing.

I list an item, buyer pays, I ship item..done.

I have clearly posted here several times..and I will even say "please"..present any EVIDENCE that PayPal has ripped you off..and I can advise on how to file suit.

If you think your only recourse is to come here and accuse me of working for PayPal and that it will do any good..or to leave advice to the websites of your congressman and FTC...go for it.

I know what these assholes understand. If you CHOOSE to throw blame at me..or anyone else rather then deal with reality..then more power to you. As I stated, I will continue to use PayPal because I ENJOY instant payment. But I had to EARN it..and I had to endure the EXACT SAME policies and terms as anyone else who CHOOSES upon their own God given free will..to use PayPal.

There are CERTAINLY other methods of payment and no gun to anyone's head to use PayPal. But please please please...if you can post ANY evidence that PayPal ripped you off..post it for the good of the millions and MILLIONS of customers who use PayPal every day.

I don't have an issue with Paypal. Just issues with people. They will do anything for money itself even by lying about it. I am not saying everybody is bad but a few transactions will be very bad.

If PayPal "stole" money from you, your next move is to contact law enforcement and file theft charges against PayPal.

...or, if you wish to amend your whining to reflect the fact that they are holding your funds without cause and NOT stealing them, then a lawsuit should do the trick.

If you feel you have been wronged, take your complaint to a higher court. Crying on a blog that you have been wronged is useless and unproductive.

Oh, BTW... coining those who challenge your assertions as "employees" of said company is childish and poor form.

Thank you Steve and Lorie. Your message is loud, clear and understood. As for Ronny G., yes he has "telegraphed" his motivations.

Truth Detective- I'm sure Ronny and I really DON'T CARE who you believe. The truth is the truth. He has never had a problem with Paypal, and Paypal has stole $3,600 from me.

We've both clearly stated our points. You, on the other hand, what exactly is your point?

I'm just trying to voice MY issues with Paypal.

Lets stay on that subject. If you can't give me any pointers/advice on how to help people who have been screwed by Paypal, then you are not helping anyone.

I told Ronny to get an interview with Paypal because he is a supporter of them. This is RIP OFF REPORT. We (consumer) are filing reports AGAINST Paypal.

I would think that the only people defending that bogus company would only be Paypal employees.

But, hey, what do I know..

I was not being childish, I was showing some reasonableness. Time is money. I personally wouldn't post on almost EVERY thread defending a company unless they were paying me. Again, who has that kind of time?

But,  that's just my opinion. I'm just trying to voice my complaint with Paypal who is unlawfully holding thousands of dollars of mine.

Ronny is the calm, civil party to this discussion. He has made his points and experience clear as day.

You, on the other hand, have responded with vitriol similar to that which a child would sling.

Who to believe? Wow...tough decision.

Oh, and before you childishly call ME a "PayPal employee" as well, go read some of the ROR banking threads. You'll see that Ronny G and I have clashed many a time.

Ronny, it seems like you are getting paid to represent Paypal in these disputes. I hope they pay you well, because honesly... you sure do have a lot of time on your hands to respond to all the rip off reports for Paypal.

Who has that kind of time? Well, besides you. So, if you are that interested in defending Paypal, I hope they pay you well....because they are a billion dollar company. I hope you are not their cheerleader for free.

I'm just saying. They are screwing everyone else...don't defend them for free. See if you can get an interview or something with them if you going to be defending them that much.lol

Because...for the record....you are full of it!

What Lorie is saying is unfair. The OP brought me into this...read the FIRST line of the report. I only asked the OP to present proof of how he was ripped off. None provided so far. Like you he just seems angry, him because the account was frozen, you because of the dispute process.

It does seem PayPal froze the account in the OPs case. Since PayPal makes it's money by KEEPING customers, and allowing transactions to be conducted..it would seem in all logic that in an attempt to profit and survive as a business...that they either KEEP customers and ALLOW transactions to continue..OR, they feel the transaction or customer is too risky, and will of course take precautions and/or freeze accounts.

Now as far as your case Lorie, I am not a witness to any of this so I will go by what you posted. I fortunately have never dealt with a buyer like that so all I can do is put myself in your shoes. I would be angry as well...very. The few problems I have had with transactions were settled between the buyer and myself without requiring a case. I once had a seller not send an item or respond to emails so I lodged a dispute and was refunded. All these processes took time, but NEVER was I ripped off as a result.

 I CHOOSE to use paypal, I understand they often side with the buyers, I understand they hold funds and can take funds if there is a dispute..and I continue to use them without this ever happening. I am going on over 10 years using them to buy and sell. I also have the buyer credit and a paypal visa.

In your case it seems paypal asked you to send an item..and then you start with "if" and something about paypal keeping the item. If you can present proof that paypal has kept an item you sent them and they have no intent of returning it or paying you for it...I will offer advice on how to find recourse or the steps towards forming a lawsuit. As I stated previously..this is the ONLY course of action that companies this big can relate to. Unless you enjoy hours on the phone with India where they simply read the exact terms from the paypal website over and over until you want to vomit.

As well, if you can post any recommendations of how paypal should or could have handled this in a way that fully protects them...and the buyer, it would really help make your case. In other words..you can't make a case over something just because you feel it is right..or just because it is what YOU "want".it has to be fair to the business you chose to deal with. Remember , paypal is not a charity or a consumer protection agency..they are a BUSINESS. And what is the object of a business? You should know.

I understand your frustration and completely agree with you.  Ronny has an ulterior motive to KEEP posting to this site AGAINST what you are saying.

I sell on ebay and have over 1600 transactions with nearly 100% feedback.  I do whatever  I can to make my customers happy, BUT there are always people out there who will try to rip you off and paypal doesnt help.

A few months ago, I sold two nutrition learning games to a woman who had them over a week then complained the package was WET when she got it and demanded a full refund without returning the items.  First of all, everything was packed in a plastic bag, in the original boxes and then boxed in a larger box, so there is NO WAY, the package was wet inside.  I said I would refund her money anyway if she would send them back.  She filed a claim with paypal who immediately TOOK THE MONEY from my account and HELD it.  It took them OVER A MONTH to decide she was entitled to a refund IF she shipped the items back.  She shipped ONE back (which incidentally was NOT wet or water damaged, but HAD obviously already been used.) When I contacted paypal, they made me go to a notary and swear before them that I only received one item back. I faxed all that paperwork.  ANOTHER MONTH passes with them HOLDING the money and they inform me that they want me to send THEM the ONE ITEM the customer returned.  Ok, if I SEND THEM this item and they decide in my favor to refund the price of the one she didn't return, I'm still out the one item that PAYPAL now has, OR I CAN JUST TAKE IT UP THE a*s and LOSE my one items PLUS the money.  What would paypal do with the item????? Resell it?????

DONT try to tell me I did anything wrong because I didnt.  It makes no sense.  I'm out all of this money, the scam artist has a free product.  PAYPAL BLOWS.  I immediately switched all of my listings to 'another company' which was a lot of work, but gave me IMMENSE satisfaction.  I still keep paypal for that rare occasion when a customer just cant use the other company, BUT AS SOON AS I have $ in the account, I withdraw it. 

NEVER LET YOUR PAYPAL ACCOUNT GET OVER $200!  They are a crappy company that DOES RIP OFF people OVER AND OVER.

Even though you have not posted the specifics..I will reply to what little info you did leave, and see if it helps..

Guess what Ronny! I sold two items, and received positive feedback. Imagine that!!
HHmmm, according to you, -if you sell something, ship it, and receive good feedback from that customer...Paypal shouldn't freeze your account. Right?

Its that simple, huh?

Yes it is..but you still need to establish yourself. Read the terms from PayPal. They are very clear and easy to understand. The number of transactions you conduct, and the amount of the transaction will determine if they place a hold or not. Understand, the scammers think of every loophole possible to get over on paypal and buyers...so the policies just are a defense, not a rip off.

For example...I could easily open an eBay account..and sell a few small items.ship it..get paid and get my positive feedback..right? Simple?

But, what is to stop me from then listing a $2,000 item..get paid, and never ship it? What paypal told me when I first sold an expensive item and they wanted to place a hold..was the only way to get the hold released quicker, was to present proof of shipping. Problem was, at the time i did not have the funds to ship it.

So they said the only other option, was if the buyer left a positive feedback they would release the hold. Now what this does, is then place the responsibility on the BUYER to trust me. Why should paypal trust me and then get stuck if I am a scammer? PayPal does not know me from a hole in the wall. They did not check police records, or take DNA/drug tests..or ask for 3 forms of picture ID etc..do you get it?

I was able to get the buyer to do this by good communication..and paypal did release the hold before I shipped. In hindsight, the buyer took a big risk..so if this policy has changed..I can understand the reason. But that is how they worked with me.

Once I established trust as a seller by conducting several larger transactions over time with positive feedback, I now get instant payment on any item I sell, up to an amount so high I will probably never even get a hold again. So yes it was a bit of a hassle at first, but I was certainly never ripped off or subject to any terms that everyone else was not. I was not happy with them at first, but understood the reasoning, and now I am very happy with the way it works. I sell, ship and get paid..every time. That simple, no rip of.

THEN WHY IS MY ACCOUNT AND THOUSANDS OF LEGIT SELLERS ACCOUNTS FROZEN??

I'll tell you why-

1. Paypal will freeze your account if you even use a public computer that links to a frozen account.   NOT YOUR FAULT

It's not their fault either. If an account was frozen..it is suspect. That to me is a good reason to hold funds. The only way they have suspect would be by the IP address of the computer. So I would suggest not to use a public computer to conduct transactions. Once again, this is not rip off..it is a safety measure. Do you have a better suggestion?

2. You are a new seller who has made over $2,000 in a single transaction. (which is not against their rules)

It is not against the rules. But ANY new seller with a transaction this large is subject to a hold. Would you trust a stranger with a transaction like this? If not, what would you suggest to protect yourself if you were held responsible? No rip off.

3. You change ANY of your information in your account (not against the rules)

Again it is not against any rule to change your information. But somewhere in the rules it will certainly state, that doing this is suspect, and hence...may subject you to a hold. no rip off.

4. If you sell an item considered high risk ( not your fault or against the rules)

Again not against the rules..but the "rules" clearly state what a high risk item is. If YOU choose to use PayPal for a high risk item...then you are subject to the hold. No rip off. What do you think the term "risk" means. What do you think PayPal should or could do to decrease the risk?

5. SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY FEEL LIKE IT.

I am sure there is something in the rules that give them discretion, after all it is their job to make online transactions safer... but "they" do not handle millions and millions of transactions per day based on "feelings". The place the holds based on criteria, and if any exceptions are to be made, that is certainly up to them..and in that case they can go on "feelings". Either way, it would only be to protect themselves or the buyer..not to rip anyone off.

6. Or any of the other billions of unreasonable reasons that a red flag is raised.

I doubt there are really billions and billions of reasons..but for every "reason" PayPal has to place a hold..there are probably more scammers and dishonest sellers trying to figure out ways to get around it. What you feel is "unreasonable", would probably not seem so unreasonable if YOU were the one who had to protect the transaction. Is it possible for you to mentally put yourself in that place?..or at the very least offer a suggestion that can keep the transactions safe and be more "reasonable" and fair to all parties?

Hopefully you will never become a Paypal victim, but at lease try to sympathize with people who has.

If you present evidence of an actual victim of a rip off..not just someone disgruntled with the rules and/or terms of use that every other user is subject to, I will not only sympathize..but as stated, help with the steps required to sue the pants off of PayPal.

Now to your case. Tell us the exact specific reason they gave you for freezing the account. Accusing me of working for paypal will not help you...but being forthright may.

..I have been down the same road. I swear on a stack of bibles there was a time when I wanted to reach through the phone, and choke the living s**t out of a PayPal CSR...but really all they were doing, is reading off a list of the EXACT SAME POLICIES, that are already posted on the PayPal website...and that EVERY SINGLE user of PayPal is subject too.

In other words..it is not like a company such as PayPal which deals with MILLIONS of transaction at any given time..has some employee hired just to bust your chops or "decide" to hold your funds.

Whatever the reason is they are holding your funds...will be settled in YOUR favor if you did nothing wrong.

You have yet to post the specifics, or evidence of how PayPal is ripping you off. I stated I will help you to sue the crap out of them if you do. You have not.

Whenever I am in a debate process over this same discussion..I always have to ask..what do you suggest as a better way for PayPal to protect THEMSELVES, as well as a buyer regarding an online transaction that would be safer, and more fair to all parties?

No one EVER, not ONE SINGLE TIME..has answered that question.

I know thousands of customers have complaints...but I have yet to hear ONE, that concludes PayPal did anything wrong, other then have crappy customer service because of the outsourced language barrier, and/or the person complaining simply did not like the answer they were given.

I am sorry, but a company that deals with millions and millions of transactions per day, and in this land of scam rip offs known as the internet where they have the job of making online transactions safer (I would NEVER want that job for those who think I work for PayPal) and has a few thousand complaints, in my eyes does not conclude a rip off. If I ever see any real proof of a rip off, I make this pledge..I will advise on the ONLY course of action these giant companies can relate to...LAWSUIT.

Ronny, I understand that you are "PRO PAYPAL" because you have not had any problems with them, but have you read the reports of thousands of people who have?

Are you that narrow-minded as to believe that EVERYONE of those people must have did something wrong?

Guess what Ronny! I sold two items, and received positive feedback. Imagine that!!
HHmmm, according to you, -if you sell something, ship it, and receive good feedback from that customer...Paypal shouldn't freeze your account. Right?

Its that simple, huh?

THEN WHY IS MY ACCOUNT AND THOUSANDS OF LEGIT SELLERS ACCOUNTS FROZEN??

I'll tell you why-

1. Paypal will freeze your account if you even use a public computer that links to a frozen account.   NOT YOUR FAULT

2. You are a new seller who has made over $2,000 in a single transaction. (which is not against their rules)

3. You change ANY of your information in your account (not against the rules)

4. If you sell an item considered high risk ( not your fault or against the rules)

5. SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY FEEL LIKE IT.

6. Or any of the other billions of unreasonable reasons that a red flag is raised.

Hopefully you will never become a Paypal victim, but at lease try to sympathize with people who has.

But I assure you I do NOT ..nor have I ever worked for PayPal.  PayPal can KISS my A$S for all I care.

I just do not understand why it seems so difficult for someone to post an ad for an item...get paid via PayPal, Schmay Pal, GhayPal..Visa ..Weezer..whatever....and simply send the freeking item as agreed to and AS DESCRIBED. Or, issue a FULL refund if the item is returned.

How is this too complicated for some sellers to abide by????

HOW on EARTH can ANYONE mess up something this SIMPLE?

I don't know how many millions upon millions of people use PayPal per day...but it seems a few can not conduct an online business properly, or perform a simple online transaction without drama and issues..

As far as I am concerned..don't use PayPal...who the hell is forcing you to use them? Tell PayPal to go pound sand up their a$s.

I will continue to utilize them because I enjoy instant payment when I sell an item. Nothing more..nothing less. If they ever screw me over (which for some reason they have not after using them to buy and sell for many years) I will only accept or purchase via credit card...I rule and CONTROL my life, I and I alone, am in control and in charge of my domain.. and business..not PayPal, or ANYONE else.

Oh..did I mention, I do not nor have I ever worked for PayPal. I am just a customer of theirs who has had no problem conducting simple online business transactions..but I, like EVERYONE and ANYONE else who chooses to use PayPal upon their own free will, has to abide by the rules and their terms... not a very complicated process.

Now if PayPal did rip you off...sue them, report them here and to complaints board and EVERYWHERE, go to the FTC, write your Congressman,Congresswoman, Senator, Superintendent, Secretary of State,  dept of sanitation, Attorney General, the Attorney Generals Mother, board of health, PTA, electric company, cell phone service provider etc.. whatever, it will not effect me in any way.

If PayPal ripped you off, present the evidence and I will leave you some good advice on how to use it to sue the crap out of them.

All you did was rant without describing what the problem is. PayPal could care less about your issues however ex PayPal employees often will comment on how things are handled.

You've provided no relevant information that's going to help anyone.

Having the name or supposed name of one paypal employee isn't anything.