I just found out PayPal recently modified their Terms of Service (October 16). Unknown to me, they created a loophole which allows them to take MY money and give it to a crafty and fraudulent buyer, calling it a refund.
Here's the deal: any buyer can simply email PayPal and say they did not receive the item. PayPal will automatically refund the money, taking it out of my PayPal funds (or debiting my bank account or credit card on file), unless I can provide a tracking number for the item the buyer says he didn't get. Problem is, some items don't get tracking numbers. Maybe the buyer chose to avoid paying for insurance and tracking, maybe the package was just sent cheapest method without tracking, maybe it got delayed in transit past PayPal's 30 day reporting window, whatever. So 7 days after the guy reports he didn't get the item, PayPal takes the money from the seller and gives it to the buyer - unless the seller comes up with a tracking number. There are no exceptions allowed. There's not even a provision for explanation - PayPal's response form will not even activate unless a tracking number is filled in. Beware of PayPal. This new "service" is called "Buyer Protection Plan" and if you are a Verified Premier Member you are now participating. You were automatically opted in whether you wanted to provide this service or not. So do not, absolutely do not send any items paid by PayPal unless you have a tracking number. If you don't have a tracking number, the buyer can just say "I didn't get the item" and PayPal gives them your money. And of course they get to keep whatever you sent them. PayPal's decision is final. No appeals. Needless to say, I am no longer using PayPal. -- John Mustarde www.photolin.com
