Consumer complaint received 2025-02-13 00:00:00
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Virtual currency
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: Paypal Holdings, Inc
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
Hi, I hope you are having a great weekday and I hope to hear from you soon. : ) On XX/XX/XXXX, I had my XXXX '' email me at XXXX XXXX XXXX with their official XXXX XXXX XXXX. In the email ( which I provided proof of attached in the file section ) they said they were giving away items from a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ) late husband. MY XXXX often gives things away for free to students, especially in the art and education program so this didn't seem out of the ordinary. I have received countless of free items like expensive art supplies, and furniture before with no issue. They said to XXXX XXXX for more details if were interested. 

I reached out via imessage ( proof attached ) and got to talking with the XXXX XXXX ''. She was giving away nice items and XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX I was interested in the XXXX to put in the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX that I XXXX XXXX  as a donation for the kids. As well as a XXXXXXXX XXXX that I would have used for myself. She said the items are available and i would just have to pay {$300.00} for shipping because her things were located in Tennessee. I assumed she was an XXXX XXXXXXXX  which is why shes so far out because again we have XXXX who live far away and just do XXXX XXXX ESPECIALLY since this came from a XXXX XXXX XXXX address that I go to. As a XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX dont make much money at all and for these two items {$300.00} was more than worth it for the market value. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX, requested a payment from me via XXXX and I sent the {$300.00} USD to the user @ XXXX XXXX I realized it was a scam after she asked for money again a couple times for a {$200.00} donation to a foster care home. I thought this was odd coming from a XXXX since they know how broke XXXX XXXX are in the first place. I asked a friend of mine who goes to my college to reach out to XXXX XXXX looking to get the same items as I did and low and behold they were available as long as she paid the shipping. 

I tried asking her for the money back by requesting the {$300.00} again on XXXX to the same user but they of course didnt fulfill this request and ignored all of my messages on XXXX after the initial payment. 

This scammer was posing as my XXXX  and guided me to send money in exchange for goods that I will never receive. XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX were not at all understanding especially XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  who did this for the kids and a chance to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. I reached out to XXXX XXXX times that entire day ( XX/XX/XXXX ) right after the incident happened. Even though I acted fast they were still unable to help me get refunded. I reached out to XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX after being denied by XXXX for a refund and they said they cant do anything because I willingly made the transaction. First off, this was supposed to be XXXX XXXX it came from my XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX that all pXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX I was told I would receive goods that I know now will never show up. I was guided into sending this money under the impression that this was XXXX XXXX and I would get the items I paid for. People who willingly pay for things online, then get their package stolen get refunds so how is this different? I apologize for my slight hostility but this is frustrating. 

I hope there is a way you can please help me figure out a fair solution. 
I appreciate you for your time reading this claim in advance. Thank you.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation