Consumer complaint received 2025-01-28 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Other banking product or service
Issue: Managing an account — Problem making or receiving payments
Company: Paypal Holdings, Inc
State: GA

Complaint narrative:
I opened a PayPal business account years ago without any issues. I have used the account minimally over the past few years usually for payments from business customers. From time to time, I have been asked to verify my identity, and I have done it. Recently, I was sent a payment from a company that has sent payments to me in the past, but PayPal decided to limit my account features by requesting that I verify my identity and provide a copy of my business license, which means I can not access my money or use it for any purpose until that is resolved. When I spoke to a customer service agent on Monday, XX/XX/XXXX, she indicated that she would remove the restrictions because I explained that I have confirmed my identity previously and to open a checking account for a business a license is not required and therefore I did not see the reason to have to do that when I receive a payment, and upon hearing my feedback she indicated that my money ( {$80.00} ) would be available on XXXX, XX/XX/year>. My money was not made available to me, but instead PayPal put a message in account indicating that they were suspending my account for fear of the potential for fraudulent activity, which there was no such activity from me or the company that sent money to me. In addition, PayPal stated that they would hold my money for 180 days and would let me know after that what steps I could take to possibly get my money. PayPal never contacted me with any concrete evidence or information that would show any fraudulent intent on my behalf or on the behalf of the company that sent the funds. PayPal in essence has stolen my money and refuses to give it to me. They could have tried in good faith to resolve any issues that they perceived as a potential violation of company practices. Obviously, I want my money now and not in 180 days. PayPal is using unfair and unreasonable business practices, and I want to get my issue resolved by engaging the FTC. PayPal should not be allowed to abuse customers by withholding our funds without any legal, legitimate reasons. I will not use PayPal again for any financial transactions as I have heard others speak of similar issues with PayPal. The only activity in my account within the last few months were 2 deposits and neither transaction was fraudulent.

The message that I received from PayPal when I asked why my account was XXXX : You can't use PayPal anymore At PayPal, we value a safe community for our customers to do business. We noticed activity in your account thats inconsistent with our User Agreement and we no longer offer you PayPal services.

Based on this decision, if applicable, you are no longer eligible for PayPal Seller Protection as per our Us
er Agreement. This will apply to all existing and future cases you receive.

Any bank or credit card information linked to your PayPal account can not be removed nor can it be used to create a new account. You can still log in and see your account information but you cant send or receive money. Any money in your balance will be held for 180 days, after which well send you an email with instructions about transferring your money. 

Reference ID : XXXX

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation