How To

How to Dispute a PayPal Transaction

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

PayPal transactions can be disputed under two circumstances: when you think a transaction was an unauthorized use of your account or when an item you purchased wasn't as described or was never received. The process isn't difficult to initiate, though a dispute that is escalated to a claim can sometimes take a long time to be resolved. Regardless, if you are within the allotted time frame and have concerns, it's best to begin the process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • PayPal account
  • Transaction details

    Open an Item Dispute

  1. Step 1

    Gather relevant information for the transaction with which you have an issue, including the transaction ID and the date on which it occurred.

  2. Step 2

    Choose the "Resolution Center" tab on the "Account Overview" page of your PayPal account. Click on the "Report a Problem" link in the Resolution Center.

  3. Step 3

    Select "Item Dispute" for a case in which you didn't get an item or the item is not as it was described.

  4. Step 4

    Enter the transaction ID and tell PayPal in detail about the problem. You will then post a message to the seller, which PayPal will send along with an email stating that a dispute has been opened.

  5. Step 5

    Watch your eBay or PayPal account for messages from the seller and log in to the Resolution Center to read them.

  6. Step 6

    Keep an eye on the deadline in the Resolution Center as you try to negotiate a reasonable solution with the other party. Either party has 20 days to escalate a dispute to a claim before the dispute closes.

  7. Step 7

    Close the dispute if you work out a satisfactory agreement with the other party. File a claim if you have not been able to resolve the issue. Filing a claim takes the dispute out of your hands, making PayPal the deciding entity.

  8. Open an Unauthorized Transaction Dispute

  9. Step 1

    Select " Unauthorized Transaction" after clicking on the "Report Problem" link in the Resolution Center.

  10. Step 2

    Provide detailed information about the transaction and submit your claim. Change your security question and password when prompted.

  11. Step 3

    Look for a confirmation email from PayPal indicating an investigation has been opened.

  12. Step 4

    Keep up to date on investigation activity by visiting the Resolution Center regularly.

Tips & Warnings
  • Disputes can only be filed within 45 days of a transaction and for the purposes of reporting problems with a buyer, seller or an unauthorized transaction.
  • Once a dispute has been opened, all communication with a second party should go through the Resolution Center.

Comments  

Flag This Comment

on 11/19/2008 hi i got an e-mail from green m jess $89.15 for something that i did bid on. the nunmber is 922-116.
the transaction id. 9875242566FG486722N.
PLEASE TAKE CARE OF THIS because i will not pay for something that i did not bib on.
THANK YOU
funnyface54801@hotmail.com

Flag This Comment

on 11/19/2008 hi i got an e-mail from green m jess $89.15 for something that i did bid on. the nunmber is 922-116.
the transaction id. 9875242566FG486722N.
PLEASE TAKE CARE OF THIS because i will not pay for something that i did not bib on.
THANK YOU
funnyface54801@hotmail.com

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