Paypal wants money back even though it was blackmail

[ajp121]

Hi all...

 

My friend was blackmailed by someone in france (she's in London)-

 

this was a healer type of person..

. they even came to London and threatened her to pay them more money..

in total over 12k was transferred via paypal.

. they threatened her with mental and threatening words/behaviour and said her life was in danger..

 

She was going through a bad time and was really vulnerable..

 

Once I (her partner ) found out

 

I explained that She had to go to the police and report this..

 

I told paypal it was fraud and

 

the same day She got her money back and

 

We went to the police who are now investigating everything..

 

The problem is now

 

paypal says they shouldn't have given her money back and

they now want her to pay them back..

 

they say that because She transferred it to him herself that it is not fraud

and She now owes paypal 12k...

She is so scared now..

 

The police were even pleased She got it back and said it is blackmail/fraud that went on..

. so what can She do now?

 

Her paypal account is under a different name also.

[kirkbyinfurnesslad]

I would close any bank account that is linked to PayPal first of all so they can't try and take it.

There is not a lot PayPal can do apart from trying to sue you

[rebel11]

Hi ajp

 

Welcome to CAG

 

I would get some free advice from a solicitor. Also if threats are made then it's a police matter. You could see if you can get a crime reference number and pass that on to Paypal, but get legal advice first.

[andydd]

It would be wise to see what the police say. Normally PP dont puruse matters but as its a very large amount then they may start some sort of legal action, I know banks are told to be aware if people suddenly withdarw large sums in situations like this, I wonder whether Paypal are ?. It would certainly ring alarm bells with me.

[rebel11]

I'm fairly sure that Paypal set a limit on individual accounts, I'd need to have a look.

[ajp121]

I'm fairly sure that Paypal set a limit on individual accounts, I'd need to have a look.

 

We have all the crime reference number etc..

 

The detective is still not sure whether the cps will pursue it

 

but he said it is blackmail/fraud and the case is quite strong

 

as these people actually came to London and forced her to pay.

 

Paypal said it's not unauthorised but

 

I said to them if someone forces you how can that be authorised but

 

they didn't want to discuss that example obviously.

 

They said only if a court finds the seller guilty

 

they will not want the money back from her.

[andydd]

Paypal are idiots and know nothing of the law in the real world, they like to think everything resolves around their T&C's, where in reality they have often lost when they do pursue legal action.

 

It would appear there is little you can do at the moment, you only need to wory if PP do indeed pursue legal action.

[ericsbrother]

Just make sure that any link between Paypal and bank account/debitcard/credit card is removed and inform the bank that no authorisation exists.

[Purpleflowers 2]

how on earth did you have £12000 in your paypal account in the first place - having that much money would be a RED FLAG! that something is not right!

 

1. Remove your credit card and bank account linked to your ebay account

 

2. Get a crime reference number

[havinastella]

how on earth did you have £12000 in your paypal account in the first place - having that much money would be a RED FLAG! that something is not right!

 

1. Remove your credit card and bank account linked to your ebay account

 

2. Get a crime reference number

 

And sorry if I sound harsh, WHY would they come all the way over here to blackmail him/her and get them to make the payment via PP??

 

Why didn't they just get them to go to the bank and get cash?

[letsgetitsorted]

would it be worth getting a statement from the police saying it is blackmail/fraud that can be passed to paypal. might also be handy to have should paypal do take it further

[andydd]

how on earth did you have £12000 in your paypal account in the first place - having that much money would be a RED FLAG! that something is not right!

 

1. Remove your credit card and bank account linked to your ebay account

 

2. Get a crime reference number

 

You dont have to have the money in your paypal account, you just have a link to your bank and/or card and the money would be debited directly from the bank account, now whether the bank and/or paypal would allow such a large sum to be paid without asking a few questions is another matter.

[ajp121]

It's complicated.

 

I know people will think she is mad but she was just vulnerable as she has had the worst year ever including losing a child.

 

These people are french nationals but not originally french.

 

Yes her bank is linked to her paypal and

 

they were different transactions obviously so it wouldn't look too suspicious.

 

She was totally brainwashed and terrified,

 

they even attempted murder but still unsure if police can deal with the paypal side of it.

[andydd]

Due to the seriousness of this, I suggest you stop seeking advice here and see what the police say, it wouldnt suprise me for a sum this large that paypal did intend to pursue the money but it really is beyond the scope of anyone here.

[kirkbyinfurnesslad]

Possible trolling....

[rebel11]

Seek a solicitor that deals in fraud matters.

[citizenB]

If the police are now dealing with this then as advised it might be in your interests to deal with them and any solicitor you engage. As your issue really is beyond the scope of anyone on CAG, I am closing the thread. If and when there is a resolution in this matter, we will be pleased to reopen so you can update.