2. misc-audio
  3. 187113-19093

PayPal imposed draconian security blocks AFTER I sold my unit

I have been relatively happy with PayPal for the small number of transactions I have made over the last 15 years or so. However, they overstepped the mark this last transaction - requiring about 6 forms of proof that I was not a business - culminating in a passport picture. Bank statements, enhanced drivers ID, receipt of sale, of original purchase were also needed, including confirmation that I have no stock room or store.

i called their live support Sunday and was offered some hope that they could see past the AI and see the simple history of a hobbyist. Not to be, I gave them their pound of flesh so I could get my money transferred to my bank. If they had notified me when listing I would have not used PayPal. Moving forward I will refrain from using PayPal unless absolutely necessary. It amounted to cyber blackmail.

 

ryanvt
jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,444 posts
 

I agree! I no longer use PayPal because when I got a new phone and number in March they wouldn't let me access my account without draconian proof of who I am! Required was a screenshot of my State Photo ID card - which was then 7 years old and a screenshot of my face. Due to age the two pictures no longer matched and the PayPal AI kept rejecting me despite several attempts. After years of trouble-free use of PayPal I have switched to Cash app.

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,036 posts
 

What is downside of paypal calling you a business>?

czarivey
5,946 posts
 

I suggest you contact law enforcement and explain the situation of forcing to share an excessive personal information in order to receive funds belonging to you.

I think feds bite cyber-blackmailing. It could be coming from person (employee) handling your case within PayPal. You should ask to speak to supervisor and copy every piece of your WRITTEN conversation.

geof3
1,129 posts
 

Credit cards are now doing the same thing. Welcome to the wonderful of cyber crime and prevention. I needed 4 forms of ID to use a credit card from a bank I’ve used for years. They don’t tell you upfront, only when you try to use the card for the first time. I went through the same issue with PP as well after years of much use including high dollar transactions etc. if you haven’t used the system for some time and a purchase/sale gets flagged it’s hoop time. If you use PP regularly it won’t happen. It will also flag you if the item you sell or buy is out of the “norm” in any way.

More to discover