PayPal ripoff unauthorized withdrawals from checking account Internet

I have used paypal several times to purchase items on ebay. I totally agree with Glenn that all you have to do is pay attention to what you are doing.

As for the original author's comment that he can send checks - well the reason for using paypal is that the recipient can get the money immediately. No more waiting while your check is sent, maybe across the country and then more waiting until the check clears. With paypal the recipient can send your items out sooner.

It is really easy to change any of your default settings.

The person insisting PayPal ripped him off is not paying attention when he uses PayPal. He says PayPal did not have permission to withdraw money from his checking account, but in actuality he authorized it without realizing it. I almost made the same mistake the first time too.

He says PayPal should be charging his AMEX card, however when you verify a bank account with PayPal that bank account becomes your default payment method. If you want to use something else, like a credit card, you have to change it from the bank account to that card for that specific purchase. This is easily done as you are making the payment, but of course you have to be paying attention to the screens. If you just quickly click through the screens, you may authorize payments from a source other than the one you intended.

I have used PayPal for several payment transactions and have never had a problem with them. They seem to be a very safe, secure, and straight-forward company for anyone who pays attention to what he/she is doing.

The bottom line with any on-line money transaction is to make sure you pay attention to what you are doing and read everything carefully before you complete the transaction.