# PayPal thinks I'm a security risk; freezes account. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 17, 2011, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835 "2011-06-17T14:45:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2011, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/41 "2011-08-11T14:01:07Z")
I bet [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=619819) is why PayPal thought I had a second account. Only found out myself by checking my spam folder at work and noticed emails that I had sent to myself at home had been copied to someone else without my knowledge and getting bounced back. PayPal likely would have seen bounce backs as well and thought that person at Yahoo, who also has a PayPal account, is me! Forwarding has since been turned off and my Comcast password has been changed. I just got off the phone with PayPal customer service, having notified them of my suspicions. We’ll see what happens. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2011, 6:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/42 "2011-08-12T06:51:32Z")
My Paypal account’s been permanently suspended because I tried to use it while on holiday in a different country. Their verification system was to have someone phone me - at my landline number in England. And it had to be done within 48 hours. Emails sent to them just got an automated response saying ‘this is how to remove the limitations…’ with the same phone call instructions. Oh, I forgot - there was an alternative method of verification: while on holiday in a foreign country I could send paypal my passport. :smack: A lot of the cheapest sites are paypal-only, so it is going to cost me money. I might end up opening a new bank account just so I can open a new Paypal account. > [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > I bet [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=619819) is why PayPal thought I had a second account. Only found out myself by checking my spam folder at work and noticed emails that I had sent to myself at home had been copied to someone else without my knowledge and getting bounced back. PayPal likely would have seen bounce backs as well and thought that person at Yahoo, who also has a PayPal account, is me! > > Forwarding has since been turned off and my Comcast password has been changed. I just got off the phone with PayPal customer service, having notified them of my suspicions. We’ll see what happens. Someone had access to your emails for two months? That’d be worrying! ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2011, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/43 "2011-08-12T07:02:13Z")
> [@SciFiSam](#): > > A lot of the cheapest sites are paypal-only, so it is going to cost me money. I might end up opening a new bank account just so I can open a new Paypal account. I though Paypal went by email address? When I had trouble with them, I just opened a new account using a different email address. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2011, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/44 "2011-08-12T13:05:05Z")
> [@SciFiSam](#): > > Someone had access to your emails for two months? That’d be worrying! Tell me about it. I don’t think anything sensitive was in there; I’m hoping anything that was got bounced. Google turned up at least five others whose Comcast email was being fowarded to that same person either at Yahoo or Hotmail. That’s a lot of mail. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2011, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/45 "2011-08-12T14:20:40Z")
You think just Pay Pal suspensions are fun, get one of their debit cards. They love to randomly suspend them for ‘unusual activity’ My best friend travels regularly, anytime she uses the card in an airport their is a 50/50 shot the card gets suspended and she’ll have to call them to turn it back on. I have another friend who runs an online business and they keep suspending his card when he uses it to buy postage at the USPS, I mean it’s really suspicious for him to be buying postage and all… ---
**Author:** ![Darkhold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Darkhold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darkhold)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/46 "2011-08-14T11:39:52Z")
I remember once I got scammed on Ebay. I was under some bizarre impression that the point of paypal was to protect me if that happened. I emailed paypal about the scammer and asked for my money back. I was told more or less it wasn’t their problem and I should dispute the charge with my credit card company…so I did. They froze my account and fought the chargeback. The only way to unfreeze my account was to fax them some form with my details on it. I did so and nothing happened. When I asked about it I was sent the forms again. So endless cycle of me faxing the forms and receiving another copy of the forms. I gave up and started a new account which took about 3 seconds. Still didn’t get my money back. Now I only use them when no other payment option is available. ---
**Author:** ![OneMissedPost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8e7dd6/32.png) [@OneMissedPost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneMissedPost)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/47 "2011-08-14T17:26:52Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > No shit! You know what’s also frustrating and inconvenient? A link that that says “Learn how to remove this limitation” but the linked page doesn’t say a fucking thing about how to remove the limitation! Now I get a “permanently limited” notice. What the fuck is this shit? A month of _not_ learning how to remove the limitation and you cut me off just like that? > > Sure, I can still update my account information, add money to my account, add a card, add a bank account, send refunds, and use PayPal logos in my auction listings or on my website, but what good does that do me? I’m not a seller! I’m permanently unable to send or receive money! Hell, I can’t even close my account! All because your stupid security thought I have a second account or something. > > I didn’t. Fuck PayPal security. Stop using PayPal if you are having so many issues with it. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/48 "2011-08-14T19:23:42Z")
> [@OneMissedPost](#): > > Stop using PayPal if you are having so many issues with it. What do you suggest I use the next time I see a “OMG! I must have this!” Buy It Now product on eBay? ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/49 "2011-08-14T19:31:37Z")
A check. ---
**Author:** ![OneMissedPost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8e7dd6/32.png) [@OneMissedPost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneMissedPost)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/50 "2011-08-14T19:36:55Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > What do you suggest I use the next time I see a “OMG! I must have this!” Buy It Now product on eBay? Why do people complain about services and continue to use them? Seriously… See post #23 ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/51 "2011-08-14T19:44:11Z")
> [@Lute Skywatcher](#): > > What do you suggest I use the next time I see a “OMG! I must have this!” Buy It Now product on eBay? > [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > A check. Very few eBay sellers will accept checks any longer. The majority of them only accept PayPal. So I don’t shop eBay any more. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/52 "2011-08-14T19:45:12Z")
Yeah, post #23 is a waste of time as are most of yours. This whole everyone is so spoiled and lazy schtick is dumb. Guess what, people use Ebay and find it useful. It doesn’t matter how many other internet auction sites there are that don’t require paypal if they don’t have the stuff he wants. (Not to mention the fact that the smaller and more indie the operation, the higher the likelihood of them using only paypal increases anyway.) So enough of this crap from you please. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/53 "2011-08-14T19:46:20Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > Very few eBay sellers will accept checks any longer. The majority of them only accept PayPal. You clearly didn’t read the whole thread. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/54 "2011-08-14T19:51:51Z")
I have read the whole thread. I’ve been reading it as new posts appear. I generally don’t go back to the start of each thread and then reread all the posts. I’m guessing that you haven’t tried shopping on eBay lately. Back when I started shopping on it, I used to pay by check or money order all the time. Nowadays, I can’t be bothered to email the seller and ask if I can send a check. Especially if the seller states that s/he only accepts PayPal in the auction. What post are you accusing me of not reading? ---
**Author:** ![OneMissedPost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8e7dd6/32.png) [@OneMissedPost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OneMissedPost)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/55 "2011-08-14T19:52:44Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > Yeah, post #23 is a waste of time as are most of yours. This whole everyone is so spoiled and lazy schtick is dumb. Guess what, people use Ebay and find it useful. It doesn’t matter how many other internet auction sites there are that don’t require paypal if they don’t have the stuff he wants. (Not to mention the fact that the smaller and more indie the operation, the higher the likelihood of them using only paypal increases anyway.) So enough of this crap from you please. Ha, this thread would say otherwise. Right, because not using the service due to being an unsatisfied customer would be too simple. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/56 "2011-08-15T01:51:09Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > It doesn’t matter how many other internet auction sites there are that don’t require paypal if they don’t have the stuff he wants. QFT I do check other sites but eBay, being the most popular, is where I’m most likely to find the collectible that interests me. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/57 "2011-08-15T01:58:29Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > Very few eBay sellers will accept checks any longer. The majority of them only accept PayPal. There are two sellers who regularly have what interests me; one only accepts PayPal, the other seems to be auction only and starts at more than what #1 wants. This is all moot due to me being unable to justify the expense at this time. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/58 "2011-08-15T02:23:42Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > What post are you accusing me of not reading? You treated my check post as if it were serious. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835/59 "2011-08-15T07:04:46Z")
My apologies for taking you seriously, then. I’ll try not to do it again. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paypal-thinks-im-a-security-risk-freezes-account/585835.md?page=2)