posted on April 3, 2002 09:39:08 PM new
Well... the problem ran a bit deeper than explained. I was not aware that my Paypal account defaulted to my checking account once I verified. To add to that, once you verify Paypal gives you this quickpay option on future purchases. I used that option, not knowing that it came from my checking account. I had a problem with a seller and filed a complaint. The seller contacted me and offered a refund, which I agreed to. They then got back to me to inform me that Paypal instructed him NOT to give me a refund. When I asked Paypal for an explanation, I got no return email. I called my bank to find out what rights I had, and they informed me that a credit card wasn't used, but instead it came out of my checking account. I explained the situation, and they told me that I could file an ACH stop payment, but it had to be within 30 days. Paypal clearly states they make no promise to get your money back. In addition, they tell you that you have no rights after 30 days, I elected to stop the payment. (And stop all future Paypal debits.) By stopping the payment, it simply moved the amount to my credit card. Since I had more protection with my credit card, I left it there until Paypal found the seller at fault and gave me a credit.
I feel that there were many problems with how Paypal handled this. It started with it not being clear that your bank account became your default method of payment. (Especially if you had used your account when it only had your credit card on file.) It's continued being frustrating when I've tried to discuss this with Paypal to help correct the confusion. Their own telephone customer support people told me that they have gotten similar complaints. But Damon and Paypal only continue to quote policy for each item, and seem to refuse to look at the whole situation. This behavior has continued for almost three months now. Of course... Damon will tell you that all you have to do is fax your life history and a form giving them the right to do the whole thing again. (If they made an attempt to fix it... I might consider giving them that right!)
