Called PayPal and raised dispute. Sounds like I was protected as I was told the onus was on the payee to prove they have provided the services. i will reply with conclusion for the benefit of others once there. thanks

I will be seeking help from my doctor for falling for this, but in the meantime I would appreciate any help in reclaiming my losses. I conversed with a long standing user (let’s call him Sam) on a software development website forum. I paid Sam (actually technically his PayPal “company” name) £300 via PayPal via my debit card for help on my website. It transpires a fraudster had acquired Sam’s account and masqueraded as him to obtain my money by deception. As well as private messaging system on the forum, I had been exchanging text messages with a North American mobile phone number. Having done more due diligence after handing over money (as I said, doctor visit imminent) it’s obvious I was scammed (purported website showcasing his work was created only a month before first contact, advertised phone number goes to inactivated voice mail, no longer returns messages etc). The red flags were there but in my enthusiasm I stupidly ignored them. what recourse do I have? I will of course contact PayPal, threaten chargeback etc, but advice (“be more careful next time” or “why should your stupidity be refunded” is not desirable) still will be beneficial because I don’t want to go down a path that ultimately leads to disappointment. Thanks David