Consumer complaint received 2024-06-13
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Mobile or digital wallet
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: Paypal Holdings, Inc (RI)

On XX/XX/year>, I was the victim of fraudulent transactions totaling {$2300.00} USD sent to users suspected to be operating under false names. Details of the Scam : I initiated contact with XXXX XXXX online through XXXX in regards to meeting in person to start a relationship. We planned to meet in Rhode Island initially, but XXXX XXXX claimed they were unable to travel. Instead, they proposed I visit them in XXXX XXXX Florida. 

Believing this would solidify the legitimacy of the arrangement, I agreed to travel to Florida to meet XXXX XXXX. Prior to the meeting, I had XXXX sign a legal contract that included their name, IP address they used at the time of signing, and their approximate location in XXXX. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving in Florida XXXX ceased all communication with me. I suspect they never intended to meet and used the prospect of a meeting to facilitate the fraudulent transactions. 


PayPal Transactions : On XX/XX/year>, I experienced the following fraudulent transactions through PayPal : A mobile payment of {$550.00} sent to XXXX XXXX with email XXXX ( Mobile Payment ID : XXXX ). A general PayPal debit card transaction of {$550.00} sent to XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX ( Transaction ID : XXXX ) followed by a reversal for the same amount. Another mobile payment of {$750.00} sent to XXXX XXXX with email XXXX ( Mobile Payment ID : XXXX ). On XX/XX/year>, a mobile payment of {$200.00} was sent to XXXX XXXX with email XXXX ( Mobile Payment ID : XXXX ). Another mobile payment of {$50.00} was sent to XXXX XXXX with email XXXX ( Mobile Payment ID : XXXX ). On XX/XX/year>, a general card deposit of {$720.00} was received, possibly related to a fraudulent transaction ( General Card Deposit ID : XXXX ). XXXX XXXX Transactions On XX/XX/year>, a XXXX XXXX transaction of {$150.00} was sent to XXXX XXXX from XXXX XXXX ( # XXXX ). On XX/XX/year>, a XXXX XXXX transaction of {$660.00} was sent to XXXX XXXX from XXXX XXXX ( # XXXX  ). 

Actions Taken : I have reported the fraudulent activity to XXXX XXXX on [ XX/XX/year> ]. I have filed a police report with the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX on [ XX/XX/year> ]. I have contacted my bank regarding the fraudulent transaction on [ XX/XX/year> ]. 


Current Situation XXXX XXXX has denied my request to recover the funds related to the transactions on or around XX/XX/year>. My bank was unable to recover the funds. Law enforcement is currently investigating the case. 

Given the difficulty in identifying the scammers and their potential location outside the US, what are the chances of recovering the lost funds through a civil lawsuit? Can I explore legal options against XXXX XXXX for failing to prevent fraudulent transactions under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act ( EFTA ) and any applicable state or international laws? Are there any other legal avenues both civil or criminal I can pursue to hold the scammers accountable or recover my funds? I have attached copies of PayPal and applicable XXXX statements aling with bank statements for the month, the legal contract I had her sign among other relevant evidence. 


Sincerely, XXXX XXXX