This all started when I tried to sell my Apple Macbook Pro laptop computer on Ebay. On July 1st, an Ebay member purchased the computer using the Buy it Now option. Using a Paypal account registered under the same name, the computer was paid for in full. The purchase total was $2015.00. I received two emails from Paypal, one saying the payment was made and a second saying the funds had been released.
That very same day the buyer contacted me using Ebay messaging and asked me if I would use the buyer's FedEx account to ship the computer overnight. I was only offering 2-3 Day shipping through the auction, and considering the buyer was offering to pay for it I agreed to use the label. Again through Ebay messaging, the buyer sent me an overnight FedEx shipping label. After printing the label, I shipped the computer using this specific label via FedEx. The package was delivered and signed for on 7/3/2009.
On July 2nd, I was contacted by Paypal that the payment I had recieved was now being investigated because the buyer issued and "Unauthorized Account Access Claim." I provided Paypal with documentation to backup every buyer communication as well as document shipment and delivery of the computer. Despite all this evidence, Paypal ended its investigation because the buyer's bank reversed payment. Please note that they did not conclude their investigation. They informed me that I now owed them the balance of the transaction minus their fees ($1,956.26).
I have since spoken to Paypal and they refuse to provide me with any logistical or financial assistance because I did not ship the item to the confirmed Paypal address, even though I can provide irrefutable proof that the buyer instructed me otherwise. They state that they do not consider outside documentation because "it can be forged." I should mention that all of my buyer communication was through Ebay Messaging. If you didn't know Ebay owns Paypal, meaning that all of my documentation is actually internal to their organization.
I now am at a loss for my computer and fighting this debt with Paypal. Please, pass this story along to everyone you know. I would not only appreciate the publicity of my situation, but I would also take solace in the fact that my story might prevent someone else from being scammed in the same way. Also, please leave comments with your support and own stories of Paypal misadventures, specifically about selling. The more publicity the better.
