[SERIOUS] Suing Paypal [/SERIOUS]

[Siddharth Rout]

Contact the Better Business Bureau. File a complaint with them via the net, they will harrass them a little bit for you. Either pay pal replies to your complaint or they don't. If they don't, they get a bad mark from the BBB. Not a huge deal, but can sometimes be effective in making the company respond. I've done it several times with good results. (not against pay pal, but similar situations)

http://sanjose.bbb.org/Home.aspx

Well that is something to start with...

Something from their website...

First, please be aware that we can process complaints only on companies which operate within our service areas of in Santa Clara, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey If your complaint meets this requirement, please continue with this form.

If your complaint is against a business outside our service area, please click here.

Do I need to click 'click here' Not too good with US Geog.

[kleinma]

My opinion is you are still totally wasting your time with any efforts to try to bring legal action (or any action) against paypal. I don't think they are trying to steal your 260 bucks. There obviously is something else going on. Why did they lock out your account?

[Siddharth Rout]

Why did they lock out your account?

No explanation given and that is the best part!!!!

The explanation which I was given initially was that my account is not activated. They told me to activate it using the Credit card or by registering my bank with them. I don't have a credit card and they won't let me register my bank( I tried 3 different International Banks) and they won't tell me why can't I register... Their website says it does... The email from the CSE mentioned that I can.... After that they never replied back to me... I sent them at least 5-6 emails....

Edit: BTW it is not locked... It has transaction restrictions.... i.e I can receive money but cannot buy anything... cannot withdraw it... cannot send it to anyone...

[storm5510]

I recently sold a Netbook on eBay and accepted a payment into my Paypal account. Paypal told me the payment would be held for up to 21 days. After a couple of days of them not replying to my email's, I filed a complaint with the BBB. My payment was released yesterday. Paypal sent me a long apologetic message via the BBB.

Paypal is catching a lot of flack because of their new policy. Some are accusing them of withholding payments so they can pad the bank accounts with extra interest.

If I understand this properly, only those with low selling activity on eBay get restricted in this way. Once a person sells enough, the delayed payments end. Don't quote me on this...

[Siddharth Rout]

@Storm: Any comments/Suggestions on post 41?

[demotivater]

I don't know California, but googling brought up that BBB site. Maybe MartinLiss knows??
Barring legal action, BBB is your best alternative. Can't hurt to send them an email and ask if that BBB office is the correct place to start.

[storm5510]

@Storm: Any comments/Suggestions on post 41?

When I filed my complaint, I typed in the company name, Paypal, and a list came up. The nearest BBB office was in Silicon Valley, CA. That's where my complaint went. The BBB appears to have areas of responsibility. So, there's nothing wrong with it going to CA.

[Siddharth Rout]

Thanks Storm. I have submitted my complaint... Let see now what happens....

[EntityX]

My best advice is try not to be too bothered by having that $ 261 tied up. I don't think you're going to lose it. I think eventually you'll be able to get access to it again. The more money one has the less an amount like that should bother you but if finances get tight and you need the money then it can be difficult. I've been in situations where I had almost no money in the bank and bills to pay. That's the kind of situation where I could see $ 261 would make a big difference. There are some people that might have a lot of money in the bank, everything is paid for and they have no debts and they are still bothered by something like that. I would tell them don't be so concerned about money. That doesn't mean abandon your right to the money but just relax a little. Anxiety won't help the situation even in the slightest. Think about someone who is penniless and be grateful for what you have.

[baja_yu]

I still think calling them by phone would get you answers and a solution much quicker.

[Siddharth Rout]

...That doesn't mean abandon your right to the money but just relax a little. ...

I think 5 months is more than relaxing What say?

@baja: I am still toying with the idea...

[Nightwalker83]

Do I need to click 'click here' Not too good with US Geog.

Yes, then you need to submit the form that appears.

[Siddharth Rout]

Yes, then you need to submit the form that appears.

Thanks NW. I have already done that. See post 48.

[Siddharth Rout]

Update:

@demotivater/Storm: Thanks to you... I am finally pleased. BBB has forwarded my case to Paypal and Paypal actually has replied!!!

These BBB guys are amazing!!!!

Will keep this post updated...

[Milk]

excellent news, good luck.

[Siddharth Rout]

Thanks mate...

[demotivater]

Good stuff, hope it goes well.

[akhileshbc]

Hey sid, I got a news for you.

I was having a Paypal account(which was not verified/linked with a bank) and I got about 230$ in my paypal account (for doing some jobs).
After that, I went for linking it with my bank account (it's UCO bank). And upon linking, they said that, they have deposited 2 small deposits in my account for verification. I need to check my bank account and enter those amount that PayPal had deposited, in PayPal website for confirming the account.

When I checked my Bank account, I found that, there's a single deposit by NEFT and the amount is Rs. 2.08
So, enquired about it via email to PayPal and they responded that, the bank might have converted the money and entered it as a single deposit in my bank account. And told me to ask about this to the bank.
So, I went to the bank and the manager checked the account and told that, it's true. PayPal have deposited 2 small deposits. One is Rs. 1.02 and the other is Rs. 1.06.

Then I went back to my home and logged into my PayPal account. But the "Confirm Bank account" was not there in the Paypal site. So, I asked about it via a mail to PayPal and they said that, it was a technical problem and they will be solving it soon. And the only option for me is to use the Debit/Credit card for linking. I was sad and went to the bank after two days and applied for a Debit card and I got one. They told that, it will take about 5 days for the activation of the card. So, I was waiting and yesterday, when I logged into my PayPal, the old option "Link/Confirm Bank account" option was available.
I used that option and entered the two amounts (1.02 and 1.06). And I got my account as verified one !

I have used the "Withdraw" option yesterday itself, for withdrawing an amount of 160$. It is expected to be credited in my account within 5 days (May 26th). So, I'm waiting for that..

I got replies to all the mails that I've send to them. I will post the status after May 26th. ie. whether the money is credited into my Bank account or not.

Did you got your money back ? What's the position of your case ?

[Siddharth Rout]

http://sanjose.bbb.org/UpdateComplaint.aspx

[akhileshbc]

http://sanjose.bbb.org/UpdateComplaint.aspx

I don't see anything !
All labels and fields are empty. May be it requires logging in for viewing it !

[Siddharth Rout]

No you don't need to login...

I can view it... Anyways here is the pdf...

[NeedSomeAnswers]

Have they given you any indication of which banks can / cannot be linked to your account ?

Were you able to ask if your particular banks were unable to be linked, and if any different banks in India would be able to be linked to paypal?

[Siddharth Rout]

I am so disgusted that I have applied for a credit card! I don't like Credit Cards but seems like I have to get myself one...

[DeanMc]

Respond via the BBB and ask which accounts they do accept?

[Siddharth Rout]

Thnx. I will wait for another week before doing that. Waiting for the Credit Card...

[InvisibleDuncan]

I am so disgusted that I have applied for a credit card! I don't like Credit Cards but seems like I have to get myself one...

Is it worth trying a debit card instead? That way it's still direct to your bank account...

[Siddharth Rout]

I have already tried it. Doesn't recognise my debit card! I have DCards from three different International Banks

[akhileshbc]

Can you tell me the name of those Banks ? Then, I will ask PayPal about it via mail.

Hey, forgot to mention one thing. Now it's mandatory to include the PAN number and Mobile number in our PayPal accounts. Did you tried updating those datas ?

[Siddharth Rout]

Can you tell me the name of those Banks ?

Standard Chartered
Kotak Mahindra
Axis Bank
SBI

Did you tried updating those datas ?

Yes I have.

[akhileshbc]

Ok. I will send a mail to them....

[akhileshbc]

Here's the reply from them:

Thank you for contacting PayPal in regards to some banks. My name is
Jose Luis.

Unfortunately we don't have a list with the bank that supports PayPal.
In this case I recommend you to ask those banks directly. Hope you have
a nice day.



Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We value what you have to say,
and we know situations like this can be difficult. If you have more
questions, visit our Help Center by clicking "Help" in the top right
corner of any PayPal page.

Sincerely,
Jose Luis
PayPal, an eBay Company

Copyright © 1999-2010 PayPal. All rights reserved.
Consumer advisory - PayPal Pte. Ltd., the holder of PayPal's stored
value facility, does not require the approval of the Monetary Authority
of Singapore.  Users are advised to read the terms and conditions
carefully.

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Form  Message
customer  subject:  Do  you  support  these  Banks  ?
customer  message:  Additional  Information:  'A  friend  of  mine  has  a
PayPal  account.  And  he  tried  to link/confirm his PayPal account with his Bank account.  But  he
wasn't  able  to  link  with  any  of  these  banks:

Kotak  Mahindra
Axis  Bank
SBI

Are  those  banks  not  supported  by  PayPal  ?  He is  also  from  India.'

I got this reply within an hour !

[akhileshbc]

Company's Response
Company's Initial Response - Posted 04/22/2010

Dear Mr. Siddharth Rout, RE: BBB Complaint # 16045562 I apologize for any difficulty you encountered while
using PayPal. The company values your business, and I want to do everything possible to resolve your complaint. I
have reviewed your accounts and your inquiry to the Better Business Bureau. Please allow me to offer an
explanation. A review of your PayPal account shows it was limited on November 20, 2009, due to suspicious
activity. At that time, PayPal requested you link and confirm a Debit or Credit card and add and confirm a bank
account to verify your identity. I understand you are stating you do not have a Debit or Credit card and you were
unable to add your bank account to your PayPal account after three attempts. I found one attempt to add a bank
account, which was not completed on February 27, 2010. Please login to the resolution center of your PayPal and
add your bank account to lift the limitation. PayPal requires either a bank account or a Credit card be attached to
your Account to use our service. As such, you do not have means to withdraw the $267.23 USD balance in your
PayPal account without having a bank account added. As you state you cannot add a Credit card to your Account,
please provide your government issued proof of identification by fax to 1-402-537-5765. Please send it to my
attention (Vanessa) and notate Case # PP-000-825-655-068. Once you do this and add a bank account, I can lift
the limitation on your PayPal account. We appreciate the feedback and I offer my sincere apology regarding this
situation. If you have any further questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly at
[email protected]. Sincerely, Vanessa Executive Escalations PayPal, an eBay Company
Initial Response Summary
I would like to help you lift your Account limitation. I have provided two conditions to do so. Please let me know how
I can be of further assistance.

What have you done at that time ?

[Siddharth Rout]

Unfortunately we don't have a list with the bank that supports PayPal.

Thanks for chasing it up for me...

BTW I have seen their replies. This one simply confirms it!!! Their English is really pathetic or probably they are simply using pre-formatted replies like the way they did in the link that I gave above.

I has goods english thens them!!!

What have you done at that time ?

That's nothing... One of their gimmicks to not pay me!!!!

[akhileshbc]

Here's a reply I got for my question, yesterday:

Dear Akhilesh B Chandran,

Thank you for contacting PayPal.

I hope all is well with you. I checked the account and seen that there
will be no problems if you would use this bank to make withdrawals on
your PayPal account.

If you require more information other than what I have provided, you can
also give us a call at 1-888-221-1161 and we will try our best to give
you immediate answers. Thank you for choosing PayPal for your online
payment needs. We appreciate your business.

Sincerely,
Maria

PayPal Consumer Support
PayPal, an eBay Company

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Form Message
customer subject: My account type is SavingsBank account
customer message: Last four digits of your bank account: '####'
Additional Information: 'I have successfully verified and linked my
PayPal account with my bank.
But my account is a "Saving Bank account".
Will there be any problem with that on withdrawals ? Because, when I
tried withdrawing some money, PayPal mentioned it as a "Current" account
type. But it is actually "Saving Bank" type.'

They have included a phone number. I think it's a Tollfree number. Try that too...

[akhileshbc]

Thanks for chasing it up for me...

BTW I have seen their replies. This one simply confirms it!!! Their English is really pathetic or probably they are simply using pre-formatted replies like the way they did in the link that I gave above.

I has goods english thens them!!!



That's nothing... One of their gimmicks to not pay me!!!!

Yeah...

May be you have created the account several months before and because of not linking the Bank, they may have added restrictions to your account !

[Siddharth Rout]

May be you have created the account several months before and because of not linking the Bank, they may have added restrictions to your account !

Yes that could be a possibility...

[Lord Orwell]

I recently sold a Netbook on eBay and accepted a payment into my Paypal account. Paypal told me the payment would be held for up to 21 days. After a couple of days of them not replying to my email's, I filed a complaint with the BBB. My payment was released yesterday. Paypal sent me a long apologetic message via the BBB.

Paypal is catching a lot of flack because of their new policy. Some are accusing them of withholding payments so they can pad the bank accounts with extra interest.

If I understand this properly, only those with low selling activity on eBay get restricted in this way. Once a person sells enough, the delayed payments end. Don't quote me on this...

this is not by any means a new policy. It has been in effect for years and it is a max of 21 days. If the person buying the item marks it "received" OR leaves you a positive feedback it will be released sooner. If you have a paypal plus account, you can request "instant payment"

I have already tried it. Doesn't recognise my debit card! I have DCards from three different International Banks

This is not the only way you can get money out of paypal. they do the "request a check" yes, but there is a third option. I have a paypal debit card. I no longer have to request money to be transferred to any bank as i have instant access to it when purchased. Note that the free paypal account only lets you get $500 a month. If you do more business than that you will have to upgrade to the plus account, which is free also but charges a small percentage for funds transfers. I don't remember for sure but i think it's 3%.
Also the paypal debit is not the same thing as the paypal credit card.

[akhileshbc]

I have a Premier account. Whenever I receive money, PayPal will take some fees from that.
Eg: Money received = 170$ ; fees = 7$ (approx.)

[Lord Orwell]

I have a Premier account. Whenever I receive money, PayPal will take some fees from that.
Eg: Money received = 170$ ; fees = 7$ (approx.)

ebay fees are much higher. I paid $10 for a $75 sell. Only two of it was for the listing.

[akhileshbc]

ebay fees are much higher. I paid $10 for a $75 sell. Only two of it was for the listing.

Oh! I was thinking about selling something in Ebay. But I am not gonna do that anymore....

Recently, I bought a "John Cena wrist and head band" from an US seller in E-bay, for about 18$, for my brother - he's a crazy JohnCena fan
It is expected to reach here in a week or more (before the end of May).

I think, E-bay won't take money from buyers, as fees. Only sellers have to bear the pain...