Consumer complaint received 2026-04-10 00:00:00
Product: Money transfer, virtual currency, or money service — Mobile or digital wallet
Issue: Fraud or scam — 
Company: Paypal Holdings, Inc
State: CO

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint against PayPal regarding their handling of a large number of transactions connected to a mobile application known as XXXX XXXX associated with a company referred to as Bubble Gate. These transactions were processed through PayPal and involve over XXXX charges in a short period of time. The purchases were made by a minor without informed consent or understanding that real money was being spent. Initially, I filed my dispute as unauthorized transactions. However, after further investigating the situation, I realized the issue was more complex and involved deceptive app behavior and transactions made by a minor. I made multiple attempts to appeal the decision, provide additional context, and request that PayPal review the case under these updated circumstances. Despite this, PayPal refused to reconsider or meaningfully review the additional information I provided. This app presents itself as a simple game but later introduces tournament-style play involving real money. Additionally, a casino-style feature appears to unlock only after reaching approximately level XXXX or after making multiple deposits. This feature is not clearly disclosed upfront. Users are led to believe they can win or cash out earnings ; however, instead of issuing legitimate payouts, the company refunds portions of prior deposits in small increments. For example, after depositing funds, I received partial refunds ( such as {$7.00} ) rather than actual winnings or transparent payouts. This creates a misleading and confusing transaction structure that obscures what is actually occurring. Additionally, the transactions appear under multiple or unclear merchant names, making it difficult to identify and track the source of the charges. When attempting to contact the merchants using the phone numbers provided, the calls go directly to voicemail without ringing, and the voicemail boxes are full. This lack of accessibility is highly unprofessional and raises serious concerns about the legitimacy and accountability of the merchants involved. Despite these significant red flagsincluding excessive transaction volume, inconsistent merchant identification, deceptive payment/refund practices, the delayed introduction of gambling-style features, and my attempts to update and appeal the disputePayPal allowed all transactions to be processed and denied my claim without providing a meaningful explanation or properly considering the updated information. I believe PayPal failed in its responsibility to : - Properly review updated dispute information and appeals submitted in good faith - Identify and flag suspicious or excessive transaction activity - Ensure transparency in merchant processing and identification - Provide adequate consumer protection in a case involving a minor and misleading app practices I am requesting : - A full and fair review of these transactions under the correct context - A refund of the disputed transactions - A detailed explanation of how PayPal determined these transactions to be valid despite the updated information and circumstances This situation involves unauthorized use by a minor, deceptive business practices, and questionable merchant activity. I am requesting that PayPal reconsider this matter and provide an appropriate resolution. Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation