To pay villa owner direct via paypal or use home and away?

[Deleted User]

We were looking at a villa on home and away and asked the owner if available. The owner then directed us to their own site that accepts bank transfer or paypal with 3% charge. It is still a LOT cheaper than going through home and away but I am worried if I’m covered. He has great reviews through home and away. Should I just pay the extra 400-500 and use home and away?Or am I covered through Paypal????? Help!!!!

Voyager2002

You have some cover through Paypal (what you must not do is pay by bank transfer) but read reviews of Paypal to decide whether you want to rely on it.

dj1471

This is how a lot of scams start. Are you 100% sure you're dealing with the legitimate owner via a legitimate website?

You pay your bargain price then the website disappears along with your money, you complain to the owner who tells you they don't have a website...

In theory you'd have some recourse via PayPal if and only if you pay as a purchase rather than sending money to an individual as a friends and family payment.

Voyager2002

[quote=[Deleted User];discussion/5945899] that accepts bank transfer or paypal with 3% charge.[/QUOTE]


The extra charge for Paypal makes me suspicious: obviously encourages punters to use the less secure payment method. And yes: Paypal does charge significant fees to the seller but passing these on is unprofessional.


In your situation I would have a conversation with the owner (or "owner"), and would also expect him to be trying to vet you as a good person to look after his property. Ask all the questions you would want to ask about the villa and the area, and see if you get the feeling that you are talking to the real owner or an imposter.