Unknown funds in paypal account

ColuGav

Someone has just deposited a sum of money into my paypal account, looks like they paid for something off ebay but either the seller used the wrong email account, or the buyer made a mistake.

Now my paypal balance is what they sent minus the paypal fees.

Is it wise to refund this persons money? (I have no intention of keeping it as I know it's not mine), but I don't want to do anything that will ultimately end up costing me.

I didnt click the link in the email, instead opened separate browser and typed in paypal, so no rogue websites or anything like that.

Summary... How do I return this guy's money without it costing me?

Lith

Depends how much ?

when you are 'paid' by someone in paypal it will list an email and the username etc... so why not email him ? and ask what the hell is going on ?


now.. if it was 500+ i'll keep my mouth shut.. (but hey thats just me lol)

zxspeccy

I am also sure that if you "refund" the money then paypal will refund the charges so the person that sent it get every penny back.

But it would be best to email them first to see what has happed, I am sure they will be very grateful you did.

ChiefGrasscutter

Any chance this is some form of scam?
what do other forums members think....

Say for instance original transfer is a fraudalent one. account hijacked whatever.
You then refund, but later paypal reverses the fraudalent transfer against your account making you worse off by the entire sum of the original transaction less fees.
Meanwhile the original dodgy recipient has made off with your "refund" never to be seen again.

RetiredInThailand

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

Meanwhile the original dodgy recipient has made off with your "refund" never to be seen again.

Precisely. Very common on PayPal and other internet payment systems.

I would be inclined to contact PayPal informing them of the situation and letting them decide what to do with the deposit. That way the account holder should never be out of pocket regardless of what happens.

dtaylor84

If you click the "Refund" link in paypal (rather than manually sending them money), you are reversing the original transaction -- PayPal cannot then take the money away again.

ColuGav

This is the one reason why I haven't directly refunded it.

I have just sent paypal an email asking for their opinions...

I'm somewhat curious now!