Consumer complaint received 2025-08-27 00:00:00
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Mobile or digital wallet
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: Paypal Holdings, Inc
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I am filing a complaint regarding a fraudulent {$5000.00} transaction processed through PayPal. 
Between XXXXXXXX XXXX I was targeted in an online scam where individuals impersonated musician XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXt. They used AI-generated videos, fabricated documents, and persistent messaging to convince me to purchase a so-called Silver Membership for {$5000.00}. I was instructed to send two payments of {$2500.00} each via PayPal Friends and Family to a XXXX email address under the name XXXX XXXX. 

The membership and its promised benefits were fictitious. Once I paid, I received vague and shifting promises ( a card, texts, access, etc. ), but in reality I had simply been defrauded. 

Key points : The real XXXX XXXX has publicly confirmed these impersonations are fraudulent, and his team is pursuing legal action under Tennessees Elvis Act ( protecting likeness and image ). 
I have provided PayPal with documentation, including : AI-altered videos, messages from the scammers, and confirmation from XXXX XXXX team that these materials are false.

I filed disputes with PayPal three times ( XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Each time my case was closed in the scammers favor, despite clear evidence of fraud. I am now on my 4th appeal. 
PayPals requirement that I send funds as Friends and Family left me without buyer protection, and despite the fraudulent nature of this case, PayPal has not taken responsibility.

This case involves interstate fraud, misuse of digital payment systems, and
consumer harm. I am requesting : 1. Full refund of the {$5000.00}.

2. Review of PayPals handling of fraud disputes and their failure to act despite evidence.

3. Investigation into how PayPal processes Friends and Family transfers that enable this type of scam.

I have retained all relevant evidence ( messages, videos, screenshots, PayPal case records ) and can provide them upon request. 

Exhibit List CCFB Complaint Filing Consumer : XXXX XXXX. ( PayPal id XXXX Case : Fraudulent {$5000.00} PayPal Transaction ( Silver Membership Scam ) Exhibit XXXX  Payment Records PayPal transaction receipts ( XXXX {$2500.00}, XXXX 2025 ) to XXXX email XXXX XXXX XXXX 
Screenshots of PayPal dispute/appeal cases ( XXXXXXXX XXXX ). 

Exhibit XXXX  Scam Communications Telegram/Email messages from individuals posing as XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX. 
Messages requesting Friends & Family transfers.

Screenshots showing pressure for additional payments ( $ XXXX $ XXXX ). 

Exhibit XXXX Fraudulent Media AI-generated videos of XXXX XXXX sent to me by the scammers.

Comparison screenshot of real XXXX XXXX posting the original, unaltered video publicly ( XX/XX/year> ). 

Exhibit XXXX  Confirmation from Real Management Documentation that XXXX XXXX XXXX confirmed impersonation and is pursuing legal action under Tennessees Elvis Act. 
Contact information for XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ( already provided to PayPal ). 

Exhibit XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX of events XXXXXXXX XXXX including payments, disputes, and management impersonations. 
Perfect heres a concise Exhibit XXXX  timeline summary draft you can attach. It hits the beats without overwhelming, but leaves room for you to drop in more detail if you want : Exhibit XXXX Timeline Summary Fraudulent {$5000.00} PayPal Transaction ( Silver Membership Scam ) XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX Initial contact from individuals impersonating musician XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXnt. Offered a {$5000.00} Silver Membership via AI-generated video and messages. Payment required through PayPal Friends and Family. 

XX/XX/XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX payments of {$2500.00} each sent to XXXX email under the name XXXX XXXX. After payment, I was told I had only purchased the option to spend more for private meetings. Benefits described were vague. 

XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX communication maintained by scammers, blending romantic/poetic messages with management pressure. I was asked about additional large payments ( $ XXXX $ XXXX ). 

XX/XX/year> XXXX XXXX XXXX confirmed the impersonation after being alerted through his colleague XXXX XXXX. He publicly posted the original, unaltered version of XXXX of the AI videos. His team confirmed the scam, provided me with direct contact numbers, and began pursuing legal action under Tennessees Elvis Act. 

XX/XX/year> I filed my first PayPal dispute for the {$5000.00}. Despite documentation, PayPal closed the case in the scammers favor. 

XX/XX/year> XXXX dispute filed with PayPal. Again closed in favor of the scammer. During this period, scammers sent another AI video and additional solicitations ( including an IRS investment pitch ). 

XX/XX/year> Formal PayPal appeal filed. In the appeal, I included confirmation from the real XXXX XXXX XXXX and invited PayPal to contact his VP directly. 

XX/XX/year> Scammers discovered my reopened XXXX appeal. Direct communication from XXXX ceased the same day. Fake management continued sporadic contact. 

XX/XX/year> Fake management resurfaced, claiming XXXX was under medical care, despite his public concert appearances. Silence and manipulation coincided with PayPal appeal activity. 

XX/XX/year> ( current ) Ongoing 4th attempt with PayPal. Preparing to escalate with this complaint and supporting evidence.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation