PayPal Inc., a subsidiary of eBay, has restricted my account and withheld funds sent to me from a buyer since October 26, 2008. They claimed that my account had "high risks" activities. I still have no idea what is high risk about selling an item I no longer need at a lower price. I already spent an entire week consistently contacting PayPal representatives, responding to their many email requests for seemingly a non stop amount of confirmations and requirements for even more documentations. I agree with the fact that they attempt to protect the interest of buyers from frauds and scams. I totally agree with that. But in my case, it's absolutely outrageous. After spending money making out-of-state fax trying to fulfill their requirements of multiple documentations (most of them being very personal), nothing good has happened.

Actually, they manage to lose my fax after all that(I have a transmission log from Staples to prove that I've sent it to them). I then had to upload my files again to them with great difficulties. I constantly called in over the past week to find out what's happening, what do they need, and how I can be a active member in solving this problem as painlessly as possible. Yet, I felt like I was kicked around and played by them. They still refuse to un-restrict my account and release the fund as of today. I've spent money on things that even my buyer did not request such as mail delivery confirmation just so that I can provide one to PayPal as they requested.

What insanity? Making things worse, after they received confirmation that the buyer already received his item, they still would not let go off my account and release the funds that I deserve. I've been waiting patiently, responding to every one of their requests promptly, and working with them closely. I even went as far as putting out funds from my own pocket in order to solve the issue. Yet here I am, sitting in front of my computer once again being asked by them to prove my address once more.

I honestly sent in all the proof that I possibly could. I've tried my best to be proactive in this situation. And I've taken steps that cost me which I'm definitely not going to be reimbursed for in order to help. PayPal already charged me service fee for using them to accept the payment from my buyer. How dare they held my fund, and restrict my account after they've gotten their fees? If there are "high risks" activities as they claimed on my account, they shouldn't have touched any of the money at all to begin with no? How can they simply take my money first, then tell me that my account is a possible danger to others? Their actions in taking care of this issue is obscene, and extremely irresponsible. I feel like I'm in a maze hearing voices that misguide me time and time again, asking for more and more, and I'm unable to get out.

I've lost money in order to prove my innocent to them while I consistently get brushed off by their staff with their different requests and little actions. More information is requested, more stress on my part trying to tailor to their every need, and funds are still held. I don't know what else can be done. It's sad that I look as if I'm begging them for help. It makes it worse that they simply sit there and push me around. I'm not even sure about getting the funds back anymore, because PayPal has let me down time and time again. But at least I want the justice. I've lost more than I've gained in this situation, and I just want a fair response. I've already filed complaints with the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, as well as several other public consumer protection sources. I'm young, but at the very least, I can spot injustice when it's right in front of my eyes.

I have an odd feeling that my complaints might fall upon deaf ears when I've filed my complaints with the major agencies. But something has to be done towards the mal treatment and injustice PayPal put forth towards the consumers.