I bought non existent services from a fraudster via PayPal ! Help!

[David1900]

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

[BankFodder]

I expect that the only thing you can do is put in a dispute to PayPal. As you have already appreciated, you haven't acted very wisely and so if PayPal turn you down then it's probably best to accept their decision and not to get into conflict with them because they are generally a useful company.

I'm not sure what else to suggest

[ericsbrother]

services not covered by Paypal's guarantee so unlikely you will gte money back. You can try doinga chargeback via the bank if you paid using debit card attached to account rather than money taken directly from bank account.

[David1900]

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

[ericsbrother]

well they have changed their tune then!

i hope it works out for you.