Date Received: 2021-08-31
Issue: Other service problem
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: Venmo blocked me from using their services because of my " recent activities '' even there was none recently. They said they have an internal monitoring system that they can't reveal any further details or reasons why they decided to terminate the service. The bottom line is that they never provided any justification on why they ended the service. This is a very upsetting experience since there was nothing wrong with my past activities. I am a XXXX with a spotless record, and this is not acceptable that Venmo behaved in such manner.
Company Response:
State: TX
Zip: 770XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-08-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-08-31
Issue: Managing, opening, or closing your mobile wallet account
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: I was trying to send money to someone using Venmo and discovered that my account was frozen. From some of the reasons shown for a frozen account I thought that it was because they were not sure my bank would release funds. Therefore I transferred {$500.00} to the Venmo account and after it cleared I tried to send the money again. It said it wouldn't send because the account was frozen. After chatting online I was told that I received an email around XX/XX/2021 about the account. I no longer could access an email that old if in fact I got one. They re-sent the email stating that to unfreeze the account I would need to take a selfie of me holding my driver 's license and send it to them. This sounded fishy to me and I was not comfortable doing this. I then tried to transfer the money back into my checking account but it was refused because the account was frozen. Note that Venmo had no problem accepting the transfer to the frozen account but would not transfer it back. Their help agent said that this could only be handled by the account department who you can never talk to directly but have to work out only by email. The accounts department has not released my funds and have not contacted me but when they do I'm expecting them to send the same request that for the selfie which I will not do. XXXX transferred {$500.00} to Venmo from bank account XXXX chatted with Venmo customer service XXXX called Venmo customer service
Company Response:
State: TX
Zip: 76013
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-14
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-08-31
Issue: Managing, opening, or closing your mobile wallet account
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: I opened my PayPal account towards the end of last year after reading online that they were great if you like online gambling. This proved to be true as I regularly used the account to make deposits and withdrawals to my casinos accounts easily and quickly. As well as funding my online gaming accounts, I use the account to send money to friends and also to withdraw funds to my bank account. A bank account that I have linked and verified with the PayPal account. I have used PayPal the account several times a week for the past few months without issue, until last week when I received an email stating they have limited all the features of my account. I received the email on XX/XX/25. To regain full access they requested a bank statement and an explanation of the transactions. I did not think much of this as I imagine I utilize the account more than most, and it's fair that they would run some checks every now and then. I responded the following day giving an explanation of what I use the account for and my bank statement from XXXX. The following day I received an email stating that I have two options. One, to refund my customers their money and have my account closed. Or two, to have my money frozen for 180 days and my account closed! I have no idea what is going on. I do not have customers and have never sold any goods or services. I informed PayPal of this but they still accused me of doing so. I replied to their email last week explaining the situation again, but they have ignored me and not responded. The balance of my account is {$31000.00} and I can't lose access to my money. I have not broken any of their rules and I don't know why they're not listening to me. Your assistance with this will be greatly appreciated because I don't know what to do and I don't believe they have the right to seize my money.
Company Response:
State: NJ
Zip: 08859
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-08-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-08-31
Issue: Fraud or scam
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: To whom this regards, My name is XXXX XXXX. I hope you are doing well. I've been a private customer withPayPal ( XXXX ) XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX, until my recent random account closure and limitation thisyear during XXXX - XX/XX/. It makes no sense, my account was fully verified via my Passport ID as seen, and I had added my address and verified it via documents uploaded many times Paypal had asked me to. After a month of countless emails and enquiries, Paypalhas still yet to reply to my emails or contact. I'm writing to you with regards in hopes of receiving aresponse, about possibly fraudulentbehaviour and an inefficientsystem affecting me. In fact this could be said on behalf of the many others Paypal have abused over the years.Anything I received was an automated response from an email called " PAYPALXXXX '' clarifying no reason for my account problems such as freezing my account and stealing my funds amassing over {$1400.00}. First of all ( i ) Paypalhas failed to acknowledge the fact it banned/closed my account with no valid reason, while it continued to discreetly remove funds from my account. My account was closed while all my funds and financial information were frozen on the account.I was given a case ID called XXXX. The automatic system then sent an email describing the money would be frozen for 180 days. As a student, I was reliant on my balance and now Paypal has taken my monthly rent allowance. Unfortunately this has happened to many others, where problems are submitted via XXXX and otherplatforms due to the factcustomer service is almost non-existent.NowPaypal also sent an email saying my funds were being held on " Reserve '' and would be available for withdrawal. In other words, they were being released back to me after they had used it for " Float '' or whatever investing purposes. I had then thought my faith was restored inPaypal but upon logging in my funds had immediately been taken and actually have disappeared completely from the hold page on my balance. This would prove Paypal 's contradictory and false behavior, as they literally claimed my funds were available to be returned after weeks of hold. Secondly ( ii ) PAYPAL had also closed a recent dispute of mine prematurely, taking advantage of the fact my account was initiating a closure. The ID was XXXX in which I was sold an inauthentic item. The necessary thing was to opena dispute to ask for a refund and I was required to submit evidence. Paypal asked to ship and return the item to the seller 's address as given on the dispute page. If a human and not a computer checked the tracking, it showed that it was processing and was on bound for delivery or waiting for the seller to collect the item. However, the automatic system for disputes failed, because it was only on my native postal site that the item did not update while every other site did. Paypal closed the case while the item was still in transit which is illogical and illegal because I had complied and was eligible for buyer protection. They breached their own fiduciary duty and buyer protection policy. It was then reopened kindly but now has been stuck for weeks and the resolution date keeps getting pushed back, even though the item is waiting for the seller to collect it. The transaction was high and totalled around $ XXXX so this is severely impacting. The case needs to be resolved and it would be correct to refund me because, currently the seller has their product back and my money in which I trusted Paypal with. In the current state, both Paypal and the seller have committed fraud in this transaction as Paypal has kept their fees for the transaction, while the seller has the item and my money back. I have tried to email them telling them the seller is circumventing Paypal 's Policy, but still have not received any response. Paypal has made grave errors with my account, and I'm hoping you can assistin amending this. Escalation to an executive department or authority is the only necessary method forced to take. It's extremely disappointing as I have been using paypal for 3 Years as a loyal customer. I hope you understand my issues, and if you have any solutions that would mean everything to me and the countless others who have faced similar problems. I look forward to your response. Kindest regards, XXXX XXXX
Company Response:
State:
Zip: XXXXX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-08-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-08-31
Issue: Unauthorized transactions or other transaction problem
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: XXXX XXXX XX/XX/2021, Paypal transferred the amount of {$6700.00} without my consent. I believe that I was deceived by PayPal as they failed to provide the payment service promised taking advantage of me as their customer to steal my money in a clear case of unjust enrichment. I need Paypal to return my money immediatly.
Company Response:
State: CA
Zip: 91007
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-08-31
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-08-31
Issue: Fraud or scam
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: I was trying to sell my XXXX XXXX on XXXX! This person came to me to buy it, so she sent to me {$430.00} through venmo, but this money never dropped in my account. Then i received an email saying that i had to send more {$570.00} to upgrade my venmo account to a business account and then i could receive my money. I did it but when i found out it was a scam i already had sent the money and the watch!
Company Response:
State: MO
Zip: 65802
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-09-29
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-08-30
Issue: Money was not available when promised
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: My daughter sent me {$1000.00} she owed me through Venmo on XX/XX/21. I set up an acct. on their site with XXXX of my debit cards to transfer the money. When I went in to do the transfer it was locked so I tried entering the bank acct the cards are attached to but Venmo wouldn't let me. I've called their customer service multiple times every day. I've had to send them a picture of my drivers license, copy of bank statement and even had a rep from the bank talk to them. I sent them a letter from my bank verifying the acct. and they still won't release the money. You can't talk to anyone from the dept that fixes the issues only email but they don't respond. I've emailed the service dept 10 times .I 've talked to customer service 5-6 times and supervision 3 times but all they do is raise the priority for the tech dept. My wife and I are both XXXX VETs living on a fixed income and need this money ASAP.
Company Response:
State: ME
Zip: 040XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-08-30
Issue: Other features, terms, or problems
Subissue: Other problem
Consumer Complaint: I am receiving what I believe are illegal emails from someone trying to steal money from me. I received an email on XX/XX/2021 ( attached ) stating I authorized a charge of {$690.00} to " XXXX '' for the purchase of a cell phone. I did not authorize any such payment ; I don't have a credit card or loan thru PayPal ; this was the first I heard of this. Believing it was from PayPal, and without thinking, I foolishly called the phone number in the email to dispute the transaction. The individual I spoke to ( male, middle-eastern accent, couldn't understand his name ) said he would have to report this to his fraud department, and then put me on " hold. '' The same individual came back on and said they would investigate the matter, however, I'm still going to be responsible for the payment. I asked him for details on what this was about, and he said I took out a PayPal credit card ( or loan? ) for this purchase -- making me responsible for payment. I told him I don't have a PayPal account, and I do not have any credit card or loan with them. He asked if I've had any problems with any other sites or banking institutions, and if so, who are they. I told him I had my debit card compromised by someone in California trying to purchase a game app. However, I contacted my bank, they cancelled that debit card and issued me a new one ; no money left my account. Then this fake individual passed this info to someone he was working with. He said he would need to confirm who I really say I am, and he proceeded by asking my name, SSN, email and phone number -- and I confirmed his info. That's when I suddenly realized this is not PayPal, the info in the " from '' line of the email should have alerted me -- but I was too surprised to figure it out. I immediately hung up the phone. However, I'm worried because he has this info. I immediately closed out my PayPal account and forwarded the email to PayPal fraud department. I also called PayPal, and they confirmed the emails are phishing ; there is no credit card or loan with them in my name. Then on XX/XX/XXXX, I received another email ( attached ) telling me the charge has been processed. I did not respond to that email, but I forwarded it ( again ) to PayPal. I feel better that PayPal has confirmed the emails are false ; to disregard them. But I feel what these people in these emails are doing is illegal and someone needs to be aware this is suddenly happening to me. I am XXXX years old, worked for 40 years and don't want someone thinking they can mess with my hard-earned money. I'm still kicking myself for not realizing they were phishing emails. I retired from XXXX XXXX and we get trained on this stuff! How could I not recognize it?!
Company Response:
State: CO
Zip: 809XX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-08-30
Issue: Unexpected or other fees
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: On XX/XX/2021 PayPal confiscated all the money in my account, {$7200.00}, claiming I was in violation of their acceptable use policy, and that the money they confiscated was for " damages ''. I have had an account with PayPal for over a decade, first selling books, and then selling tools and firearm parts on my website for over four years. I was not aware that PayPal had an issue with gunsmithing tools and firearms parts until I recently read their acceptable use policy. I was never told what part of PayPal 's Acceptable use policy I was in violation of, but according to PayPal 's acceptable use policy, under the AUP, which provides that " you may not use the PayPal service for activities that... relate to transactions involving... ammunition, firearms, or certain firearm parts or accessories, or... certain weapons or knives regulated under applicable law. '' I assume the issue was because of the firearms related items I sell, however I did not sell anything illegal, I did not sell any firearms or ammunition through my PayPal account. Under the AUP, " certain firearms parts or accessories '' are against the AUP. Which firearms parts are against the AUP, and how can the benign tools I sold possibly damage PayPal, and by what accounting method were these damages calculated? According to the AUP, certain firearms parts are acceptable, but some are not. Is the AUP purposely vague? I maintain that Papal is illegally confiscating their customers money, without warning or explanation. Even PayPal 's shareholders are concerned with this illegal practice, and have filed complaints with the SEC. There are now attorneys working on a class action lawsuit to get the millions of dollars back to the innocent people that PayPal has stolen from. I find it incredible that a financial institution would risk getting the reputation of taking their customers money without warning, and without recourse, and on a very vague and non-specific policy. Why would anyone take a chance on having money in a PayPal account when it can be arbitrarily confiscated?
Company Response:
State: CA
Zip: XXXXX
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Date Received: 2021-08-30
Issue: Unauthorized transactions or other transaction problem
Subissue:
Consumer Complaint: I opened a venmo account around XX/XX/XXXX. I managed to make a payment with no problems using PayPal. To my understanding, PayPal is no longer a trustworthy and/or unreliable company, I decided to link my XXXX account with venmo. Ever since I made this transaction I've been having serious problems with : adding/removing my funds from venmo. Every time I made an attempt to add money, it stated that an error was made. About a week or two I received an email from venmo letting me know that I've been restricted from using venmo, without any explanation. I finally figured out how to add money into venmo, after so many attempts and disregarding the above message, I decided to add {$400.00} dollars in the account. Now my venmo account is frozen and I can't find any way to withdraw the funds or transfer them to a bank. In other words, I can't take the money out my venmo account or transfer it to another account. What can I do to resolve this issue?
Company Response:
State: NY
Zip: 10033
Submitted Via: Web
Date Sent: 2021-08-30
Company Response to Consumer: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A