How Does PayPal Work?

Overview
PayPal is a method for sending and receiving funds.
Definition
PayPal is a service that enables a person to send and receive payments over the Internet when selling or purchasing goods or services or making online donations. PayPal prides itself for being secure, and most online services accept payment through PayPal. PayPal is an effective and secure way to do business over the Internet.
Getting Started
First, you need to open a PayPal account. All you need is an email address to get started. From the PayPal home page, click on the “Sign up” link and follow the instructions. Once you have set up a PayPal account, then you are ready to send and receive money over the Internet.
Linking to Bank Accounts
You can link your PayPal account to your bank account so that you can transfer funds between your personal or business bank account and your PayPal account. The PayPal website provides instructions for how to do this. PayPal charges no fees to transfer money in or out of your bank account, and most banks do not charge for this service either. You can also link your PayPal account to a credit card, although many websites will not accept this form of payment because the website must pay higher fees for this service.
Sending Money
If you want to send money from your PayPal account, you can do this in two ways. One way is to click on the PayPal icon on a website. Most large websites provide PayPal as a payment option. Once you select what you want to purchase, you can click on the PayPal icon and follow the instructions. The other option is to enter the email address of the person you want to pay. As long as that email address is linked to a valid PayPal account, the money will transfer from your PayPal account to the other person’s PayPal account.
Drawing Funds
You must have funds linked to your PayPal account to cover the cost of your purchases. If you link your PayPal account to a bank account, then PayPal will automatically withdraw the funds from your bank account to pay for your purchases. Alternatively, PayPal will charge your purchases to the credit card that you link to the PayPal account. You can set up your PayPal account in either manner.
Receiving Funds
If you want to receive money into your PayPal account, you can do this by asking the other party to send you a payment using your email address. You can link multiple email addresses to one PayPal account, so there is no need to open multiple accounts if you regularly use more than one email address.
PayPal Fee
PayPal charges a nominal fee to the recipient of the funds. If you ask a person to pay you $100 through PayPal, you will see a small fee deducted from the amount you receive. There is no fee for the person who is using PayPal to pay for goods or services.

How to Request Donations on a Website or Blog Using PayPal

1. Open your preferred Web browser and navigate to the PayPal donate button page. Click the "Create your button now" link.
2. Enter a name for the donation in the "Organization name/service" field. Click the "Customize text or appearance" to see the customization options. Change the appearance of the button as you want while viewing the preview on the right side.
3. Click the option to let visitors enter their own donation or suggest an amount. Click the "Log in" button if you aren't logged in to PayPal. Click "Create Button" to create the code.
4. Copy the code provided. Enter the code on your website using your preferred Web design program.

How to Refuse a PayPal Payment

1. Log into PayPal using your user name and password. Before refusing a PayPal payment, you’ll need to find information pertaining to the transaction, especially if the user has an unverified account.
2. Find the payment you need to refuse. If you have a number of different transactions, narrow down your choices based on the date of the payment or look through your most recent transactions. Typically, if you need to refuse a payment, it’s listed at the top of your transactions.
3. Look for the button next to the transaction labeled "Claim/Refuse." When an unverified user sends a PayPal payment, PayPal places a button next to the transaction that lets you either accept or refuse the payment. This may also occur if the transaction comes from a different country. If the account isn’t verified, simply press the "Refuse" button.
4. If the account is verified, send a message to PayPal. Give PayPal the transaction number, the name of the buyer, the email address associated with the account and the date of the transaction. Let PayPal know that you need to refuse the payment and send it back to the seller.
5. Wait five to 10 minutes after logging out of your account to log back in and check your account, if you manually refused the payment. The payment information should now be removed from your account and the funds sent back to the buyer. For verified accounts, it can take up to 30 days for the information to leave your account.

How to Print Postage With PayPal

1. Hook your computer up to a printer using the USB port. Turn the printer on.
2. Go to PayPal and register or sign in with your email address and password to start the process of printing postage. If you're not registered, do this now.
3. Click the 'Payments Received link' toward the middle of the page. Click the 'Print Postage' button in the seventh column of the payments received history.
4. Make sure all the shipment information is correct, such as the name, address, city, state and zip code of the recipient. Also, verify that their email address is current. A shipping confirmation will be sent to that email address.
5. Weigh your package with a small scale and input the weight in pounds and ounces into the proper PayPal field.
6. Choose your shipping preference from 'Media Mail,' 'Standard' or 'Priority.' Click the 'Insurance' button and select the insurance amount, if desired.
7. Verify that all the information is correct. Click the 'Print' button and wait for your postage to come out of the printer. Check it for errors immediately. Affix the postage to your package and place in a mail receptacle.

How to View Payment Source in PayPal

Viewing Payment Sources on File
1. Go to the PayPal homepage and enter your user name and password to obtain access to your account. If you need to setup a PayPal account, click on the 'Sign Up' button and follow the on-screen instructions.
2. Place your cursor over 'Profile' in the 'My Account' menu to display your profile options.
3. Click on 'Add or Edit Credit Card' to view or make changes to your payment sources. Here you will see all of the payment sources on file with PayPal and which payment source is currently set as your primary funding method. This primary credit or debit card is used to fund purchases made through PayPal when there is not enough funds in your PayPal account. You may also use a secondary funding source.
4. Select the 'Edit' or 'Remove' option to delete a payment source or view the full credit card number associated with the payment source.
5. You can add a new payment source by clicking on the 'Add Card' button and enter the details for your Visa or MasterCard. Once PayPal confirms the address on the card, you will be able to use it to send PayPal payments.
Viewing Payment Sources by Transaction
6. Go to the PayPal website and log in to your account.
7. Click on the 'Overview' tab in the 'My Account' menu to see a list of your recent transactions. If you want to view the details of a transaction outside of the current transaction window, click on the 'View All of My Transactions' option at the top of your recent activity window.
8. Click on the 'Details' link beside the transaction you wish to view to see the payment source information for that individual purchase. On the transaction details page, you will find information regarding the payment date and the source of payment used. Your full credit or debit card number will not be displayed, but you will be able to view the credit card type and the last four digits of the account number.

How to Find a PayPal Debit Card Receipt

Finding PayPal Debit Card Receipts
1. Log in to your Paypal account at PayPal.com.
2. Click on the "My Account" tab, then choose "Overview."
3. Select the "Debit Card" link on the "My Recent Activity" menu.
4. Sort through all debit card transactions, or set terms by clicking on the "Select" button above the transaction list. Choose a time frame from the drop-down menu. Once you have made your selection, the page will automatically reload and display the desired results.
5. Get your receipt by clicking on the "Details" link of the transaction in question. You can print a copy by using your browser's printing tools.
Getting Instant PayPal Debit Card Receipts
6. Set up your PayPal account to send instant receipts to your e-mail account each time you use your PayPal debit card.
7. Go to the "My Account - Overview" menu and choose "More Options" from the drop-down list under "Profile."
8. Choose "Notifications" from the "Account Information" menu on the "Profile Summary" page.
9. Check the box beside "I make a purchase with my PayPal ATM/Debit Card" in the "Payment Notifications" box. This will allow PayPal to send a copy of your receipt via e-mail each time you use your PayPal debit card.

How Do I Ship Using PayPal?

Function
After you open an account with PayPal and link it to a bank account, you can process payments and collect contact information from buyers. When a payment is made, PayPal produces a record of the transaction, accessible to buyers and sellers who have an account.
Features
PayPal interfaces with the U.S. Postal Service website to calculate postage based on the contact information indicated on the transaction. Using your PayPal account balance, checking account or credit card, you can pay for postage and print an address label with postage on your home printer from PayPal's website.
Considerations
The U.S. Postal Service has specific regulations for mailing packages over a certain size and weight and for sending international packages. You can print mailing labels but may need to take larger and special packages to the post office for mailing.

How Do I Change My Surname on PayPal?

1. Sign into your PayPal account.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the PayPal page and click the "Contact Us" link located between "About Us" and "Legal Agreements." A new page will open with options for contacting a PayPal representative.
3. Look to the "Email us" section of the contact options and click the "Send us" link so you can email PayPal and request to change your surname. A page will open asking you to select the reason you want to contact PayPal.
4. Check the box next to the "My Account" category. When the list of options opens below "My Account," check the box next to "Name Change."
5. Enter a question in the box below "Summarize your question in one sentence." For example, you may want to type "I want to change my surname." After you enter the question, click "Continue." A new page will open that requests information about your name change.
6. Check the box next to "Personal Name" beneath the "Which type of name would you like to change?" question.
7. Enter the name currently on your PayPal account under "Current Name" and then type your first name and new surname under "New Name." Click "Continue" to send the name change request to PayPal.

How to Dispute a Charge Through PayPal amp; Credit Cards

Disputing a Charge Through PayPal
1. Check that you have a cause to file the dispute. If you're not sure if you recognize the charge, check the corresponding note. It will say what it's for. If you're certain you didn't approve of the charge, contact PayPal immediately on 888-221-1161.If the goods you received didn't match your expectations, check if they match the seller's description.
2. Click on 'Resolution Center' tab.
3. Click on the 'Dispute a Transaction' button.
4. Fill in the required information. PayPal will e-mail the seller and ask them to respond. If the seller doesn't refund your money, continue to Step 5.
5. Escalate the dispute to a claim. You must do this within 20 days of filing the dispute. PayPal will investigate your claim and make a ruling. You may have to provide additional information, such as photos, to back up your claim.
Disputing a Credit Card Charge
6. Phone the customer service number on the back of the card.
7. Ask the customer service agent for a form to dispute a charge. It will come in the mail.
8. Fill in the form.
9. Send the form back to the credit card issuer, along with any supporting evidence that you have.
10. Wait for the credit card issuer to investigate your dispute claim and make a ruling.

How to Send Money to a PayPal Account

1. Sign in to your PayPal account. Select the 'Send Money' tab.
2. Enter the email address or mobile phone number of the person to whom you wish to send the money. Select the amount of money you wish to send and the currency you wish to send it in. As of May 2010, PayPal supports 23 different currencies.
3. Select whether this money is payment for a purchase or for personal reasons. Click 'Continue.'
4. Select to send your money from your PayPal account, credit card or from your bank account in the form of an e-check.
5. Enter an optional message in the message box at the bottom of the page. A message lets the account holder know who you are and why you're sending him money.
6. Click 'Send money.' PayPal redirects you to a confirmation page, letting you know your money was successfully sent.

How Does PayPal on eBay Work?

Creating a PayPal Account
To use PayPal for purchasing items on eBay, a bidder must first create a PayPal account. This can be done quickly and easily by visiting www.PayPal.com. The user must provide a name, address, phone number and email address, then choose a log-in name, password and the answers for two security questions. Although the addition of a credit card or bank account information is optional, one of these funding sources must be added to the PayPal account for items to be purchased via PayPal on eBay. An email is then sent to the user with information about terms of use and account verification procedures.
Paying With PayPal on eBay
After an eBay auction has ended, the winning bidder is directed to a payment page that indicates the available options. The user may select PayPal, and will then be redirected to the PayPal site to confirm the payment amount. Depending on the items being purchased, other information may also be confirmed, such as the shipping address and instructions to the seller. After the payment is made, PayPal emails the buyer and the seller with a record of the transaction. This information is also available for viewing in the 'Account History' tab of the seller's and buyer's accounts.
How Money is Transferred
When a PayPal payment is made for an eBay purchase, PayPal deducts the money from the buyer's PayPal account. These funds are taken from either a bank account or charged to the buyer's credit card, depending on the options selected by the buyer when the account was created. The money is then deposited in the seller's account, minus a small transaction fee that PayPal charges the recipient of transferred money. There is no charge to the person sending the money (in this case, the buyer). The payment remains in the seller's account until it's used to make online purchases or withdrawn into a bank account.

The Best Way to Send Money to Mexico

Bank Transfers
A secure way to send money to Mexico is through a banking account transfer. To utilize this method, you must have a bank account and the individual in Mexico must have an account as well. Gather the information needed to make the transfer, such as the recipient's bank name, address, ABA code and banking account number. Funds usually arrive within five business days, and may cost up to $45 per transaction.Certain banks make transferring money as convenient as possible. For example, Banamex has a deal with Wells Fargo that allows individuals to transfer money to Mexico, and if you pay a $10 annual fee and a $10 additional transfer fee for each transaction, a Banamex account will automatically be opened for your receiver. Other banks that provide money transfer services to Mexico include Bank of America, Armed Forces Bank and Bank of the West.
Western Union
Western Union is a U.S.-based company that provides international money transfers. There are a few options when considering sending funds this way.The first option is sending money that will be available in minutes. If paying by cash, you must go to an authorized agent. If paying by debit or credit card, you may transfer funds by phone, online or at an agent location. You will need the name, address and telephone number of your recipient. The fee to receive funds within minutes normally starts around $16, and increases with the dollar amount that you are sending.Western Union also offers a next-day service transfer in which the funds will arrive the following day. You must provide the same information as you would when sending same-day funds, but the fees will be less. Fees, however, still increase as the money you send increases. When sending by next-day service, you must do it in person through an authorized agent.Other wire transfer services can be found on a consumer Internet site offered by the Mexican government called Profeco. This site is updated monthly.
PayPal
An alternate, secure and convenient way to send money to Mexico instantly is through PayPal. The online service allows people to send and receive money in multiple currencies. You and your recipient must both have a PayPal account, an e-mail address, Internet access, and a checking or savings account linked to your PayPal accounts.To start, go to PayPal's secure website. After you log in, click on the 'Send' button and enter the recipient's e-mail address and the amount of money to send. Press 'Send' again and the money will instantly be in your recipient's PayPal account. Your receiver in Mexico may then transfer funds to their bank, which usually takes four or five business days.

How to Verify My Address for PayPal

Enter Your Credit Card Information
1. Click on the 'My Account' tab at the top of your PayPal account screen and place your cursor over the 'Profile' heading.
2. Select the option to 'Add or Edit Credit Card' from the drop-down menu.
3. Click on the orange 'Add a Card' button and enter your credit card information exactly as it appears on the card. Double check the information and click 'Add Card' to add the credit or debit card to your account. Once your information is entered, PayPal will verify the accuracy of the information. If the information is found to be correct, a 'confirmed' tag will appear next to your PayPal address.
Apply for PayPal Credit Card
4. Click on the 'Products and Services' tab within your account
5. Select the option to 'View All PayPal Products' and click the PayPal Extras MasterCard link. This will bring you to the main information page for the PayPal credit card.
6. Click on the orange 'Apply Now' button and fill out the application details in the provided fields. Once complete, review the terms and click on the 'Agree and Continue' button to process your application. PayPal processes most applications within 30 seconds.
Confirm by Mail
7. Click on the 'Security Center' link in the upper right corner of your PayPal account page.
8. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the 'Seller Protection.' The link is located in the blue-shaded box, titled 'All Security and Protection Topics.'
9. Click on the 'Address Confirmation' tab on the left side of the screen and select the 'Alternative Address Confirmation.' This will bring you to the page where you can request that PayPal verify your address through the mail.
10. Read the requirements for Alternate Address Confirmations to make sure you are eligible to verify your address using this method. According to PayPal, you must be a United States resident, have a Buyer Reputation number of at least 10, have a verified bank account attached to your PayPal account and have had your PayPal account for more than 90 days.
11. Fill out the form with the address you want verified and click on the 'Confirm Address' button. You must enter your home billing address. Post office boxes are not accepted.

How do I Use PayPal to Pay the IRS?

1. Apply for a PayPal Debit MasterCard (see References). Log in to your PayPal account and click the 'Products & Services' tab, select 'View All PayPal Products' and click the link for 'PayPal Debit MasterCard.' Select the 'Apply Now' button and follow the prompts to apply for a PayPal Debit MasterCard.
2. Navigate to an e-pay company that is accepted by the IRS. Official Payments Corporation, Link2Gov Corporation and RBS WorldPay, Inc (see Resources). are the three companies from which the IRS accepts electronic payments. Each company charges a convenience fee of $3.89 or $3.95 per transaction for debit card payments.
3. Complete the e-pay transaction using your PayPal Debit MasterCard. You must submit information regarding whether you are paying personal or business taxes, the type of tax form you used--such as a 1040 or 1065--and the tax year you wish to pay. You must also supply your personal information and your billing information. After you have submitted your information, review it and submit your payment.

How to Setup Recurring Billing in PayPal

1. Log on to your Paypal account, then click 'My account' and then click 'Profile.'
2. Click 'Recurring Payments' at the bottom right of the screen, under 'Tools.'
3. Click 'recurring payments' from the options list.
4. Click 'Create a new Profile.'
5. Type a name for the product or service you want to sell in the 'Product/Service' text box.
6. Enter the card information in the 'Card Information' section. For example, if you want to bill a person's Visa card periodically, select 'Visa' from the drop-down box, then type the card number into the 'Card number' box, type the expiration date into the 'Expiration date' box and then type the three-digit CSC number into the CSC box. The three-digit CSC nunber can usually be found on the back of the card.
7. Enter the person's billing information, including name and address, into the 'Billing information' area.
8. Select the number of failed payments you are willing to accept in the 'Failed payments' section. For example, if you want to keep on trying to bill the person with no limit, check the 'No limit' radio button.
9. Enter the date you want billing to start in the 'Start payments' text box.
10. Fill out the payment cycle in the 'Regular recurring payments' area. For example, if you want to bill $20 per month, type '$20' into the 'Amount' text box and then select '1 month' from the 'Frequency' drop-down menu.
11. Click 'Continue'.
12. Press 'Submit' to complete the profile.

How to Open a PayPal Account From Non Listed Countries

1. Register for a PayPal account as you would if you were in your home country. Visit PayPal.com and click 'Sign Up.' Select your country of citizenship from the list, then choose whether you'd like to open a 'Personal,' 'Premier' or 'Business' account, and click 'Get Started.' Enter your email address, a password of your choice, your first and last name, your address and contact information and click 'Let's Go.'
2. Enter the details of a checking account from your country of residence. Verify the information you have entered and click 'Submit' to complete your registration.
3. Being using your PayPal account, keeping in mind that PayPal may restrict your account from time to time because of IP address conflicts. If this happens, call PayPal at 001-402-935-2050 and inform the company that you are simply traveling or temporarily residing in the country in question. After verifying your identity using questions from your credit or background report, PayPal will restore access to your account.

How to Transfer Money to the Ukraine

1. Decide which company that you want to transfer the money through. The procedure of sending and receiving the money is essentially the same with all of them, but the fee structure is different.
2. Go to the website of the company that you have decided to send the money with (see Resources).
3. Register with the website and provide information such as name, email address, country, contact number, and payment information (credit card/debit card/bank account).
4. Click on 'Send Money' once you are registered with the company.
5. Enter the recipient's email address and indicate the amount you want to transfer. Select 'Ukraine' as the recipient's country.
6. Confirm that you want to transfer the money by clicking 'Send'/'Submit.'
7. Notify the recipient that the money has been sent. The recipient will receive an email from the company you used. The email will guide him on how to sign up on the website for depositing the transferred funds to his bank account.

How to Use a Credit Card to Add Funds to a PayPal Account

1. Login to your PayPal account and make sure that you are on the 'Account Overview' page. Mouse over the 'Profile' option in the account menu and choose 'Add or Edit Credit Card.'
2. Click the orange 'Add Card' button to open the new card form. Enter your credit card information and double check for accuracy. Click the 'Add Card' button when you are finished.
3. Click 'Edit' under the Action section next to the credit card that you just added. Check the 'Make primary card' check box. This ensures that, when your PayPal account balance is too low, this card is used for backup funding automatically. Click the 'Save' button.
4. Make sure that your PayPal balance is $0 before you make your next purchase. Whenever you buy something online and your PayPal balance is too low, your credit card will be billed. This allows you to effectively use a credit card to fund your PayPal account.

How to Redirect Back to Website After PayPal Payment

1. Log in to your PayPal account. Click the 'Merchant Services' tab to access PayPal's tools for online merchants. Click the icon labeled 'Buy Now Button.' A new page will load containing the options to create a PayPal button that lets your customers purchase an item using credit cards or their PayPal balance.
2. Fill out the 'Step 1' options that explain what the item in question is and set a price for it. Select a button type, choose tax and shipping amounts if applicable for the item you're selling and customize the button if you wish using the provided customization options. Set your preferred merchant account ID as the default for the purchase or select an email address associated with your account from the drop-down list.
3. Click the 'Step 2' section to expand it and access your tracking options. The option to save the button to your PayPal account is selected by default, though you can unselect it if you wish. You can also choose to track both inventory and profits or loss using PayPal sales through the button.
4. Click the 'Step 3' section to set optional advanced features. Answer the questions in the section to add features such as a need for the buyer's address or an option for buyers to give you special instructions.
5. Check the 'Take Customers to This URL When They Finish Checkout' box to enable the page forwarding option once their payment is complete. Enter the address of the website you want to redirect your customer to in the text box. You may also add the option of directing them to a specific web page if the checkout process is canceled as well.
6. Click the 'Create Button' button to have PayPal generate the code for the button you've created. Paste this button on the website of your choosing to create a PayPal payment option that redirects your customers back to the page you specified once their payments are complete.

How to Pay Bills Online in Foreign Currency

1.
Use a website that will convert the currency for you.
Calculate how much you will be paying out by using an online currency converter such as XE or Currency Source. Most online currency converters are free and are updated daily according to the current exchange rates. Using a currency converter will give you an accurate calculation of both the amount of money you will be spending in your own currency as well as the foreign currency requested by the recipient.
2.
Decide whether to use PayPal or a credit card.
Specify a method of payment. The two common payment methods for online international payments are by credit card or by using PayPal. PayPal allows you to make payment without disclosing your credit card details to a third party. With PayPal you will process the payment yourself.
3.
Use a credit card to pay a bill online in foreign currency.
Make your payment by using your credit card. The recipients will deduct the amount from your credit account in their currency. On your billing statement the deduction will show in your currency.
4.
Use PayPal without disclosing your information.
Pay your bill using PayPal instead. You will be able to specify in which currency you want to make your payment. To complete the transaction, sign into your PayPal account. Click on the 'send money' tab located near the top left of the page. Type the amount you previously calculated using the currency converter into the box labeled 'amount.' Use the drop down menu directly to the right to select in which currency you want to make your payment. Click on the tab labeled 'personal' and select the option 'payment owed.' Click 'continue.' A confirmation page will open. PayPal will do the currency conversion for you. Both the amount in the foreign currency as well as the amount in your own currency will be displayed. Make sure the information is correct. If it is, click the button labeled 'send.' PayPal will complete the transaction and the amount will be deducted from your account instantly. You will be able to see the payment made in your recent activity located in the 'overview' tab.

How to Start an Online Business With PayPal

1. Register a domain name for your business. A domain name is the web address you type into your browser to reach your intended website. For example, PayPal.com is a domain name. Domain registrars can charge anywhere from $1 to over $14 per year. Choose a domain name that is catchy and memorable.
2. Locate web hosting for your website. A web host has servers that maintain content and traffic for multiple websites and can charge as little as $3 to $100 per month for web hosting. Choose a less expensive web hosting package to minimize your expenses as your business grows.
3. Sketch out the description, price, and any images for the items you will sell. Use word processing software to explain your product or service and check for grammatical and spelling errors. You can also copy and paste information over to your website once it is created.
4. Register with PayPal as a business. Registration with PayPal takes minutes and you can be up and running within minutes. Visit PayPal.com and click on the blue link requesting you to sign up. You need a unique password, email address, business name, and address. You also need to link a debit or credit card and checking account to your PayPal account in order to become verified. PayPal will deposit two transactions of less than 20 cents into your bank account that you will need to verify. You will also need to input the details of each item or service you are selling as PayPal will issue you a unique code to integrate into your website so payment will go into your account.
5. Hire a freelance web designer to design your website. You can hire freelance web designers by going to sites like guru.com, elance.com, or getafreelancer.com. You may also design your own site by using free or paid website templates, some of which will integrate with PayPal. Be sure to take the coding that PayPal will provide to you for each product or service you are selling to integrate into your website.

Who Accepts Paypal?

Online Auction Sites
Online sellers at auction sites accept PayPal as a secure form of payment for goods and services.
Online Merchants
Online merchants that accept PayPal will display the service logo under payment methods accepted. PayPal has a feature that generates a one-time use credit card number with an expiration date and security validation code. This allows you to use PayPal at online merchants that don't accept the service for payment.
Friends and Family
You can send money to any friend or family member who has an email address. You can even send monetary birthday presents and loan repayments overseas.
Charities
Non-profit charities accept one time PayPal donations from contributors online as well as monthly recurring donations.
Considerations
Merchants who accept PayPal pay a percentage fee on any payment you fund with a credit card. Merchants may mark up prices or increase shipping and handling costs to cover this fee.

Can Someone Take Their Money Back Through PayPal?

Chargebacks
Chargebacks are also called charge reversals, and occur when the buyer asks a credit card issuer to reverse a completed transaction. These charges occur on PayPal only when the buyer has used a debit or credit card. Most users ask for a chargeback only when the purchased item or service didn't arrive, was never completed, or was not as advertised. They may also ask for a chargeback when someone else used their credit or debit card numbers to buy an item they did not authorize.
Unauthorized PayPal Transaction
Unauthorized transactions that don't involve a debit or credit card can still be disputed. When a hacker breaks into a PayPal user's account or obtains the password via a phishing scam or similar means, the user can file an unauthorized transaction report. This report contains the specific transaction numbers and the reason for the problem, which must be reviewed by a PayPal customer service representative. PayPal requires users to report unauthorized transactions within 60 days of completion.
Unauthorized Debit Transaction
PayPal also issues a special PayPal debit card. Users who experience unauthorized transactions on this card can also file a report, but need to use a different method than for a regular PayPal transaction. PayPal debit card owners must fill out a report using the specific transaction details, then print and mail a copy of the report to PayPal's Debit Card Department, where it will be investigated by PayPal personnel. Users must dispute inappropriate debit transactions within 60 days, just as they must for regular PayPal transactions.
Considerations
Sellers can reduce the risk of buyers taking their money back via PayPal by communicating clearly with their customers at all times and providing clear return policies. If a chargeback or other dispute occurs, sellers have the option of disputing the claim by providing all transaction records and other information relating to the sale or service. PayPal and any related credit or debit card companies will consider this information in deciding the dispute.

How to Compare Personal Premier and Business PayPal Accounts

1. Review the differences between the various levels of PayPal accounts in the Help section of the PayPal website.
2. Examine your needs as they pertain to your online banking. If you are going to need to accept credit or debit card payments from your customers with any type of volume then you will need a Premier or Business account.
3. Monitor your PayPal monthly fees. If you have a Personal account you are allowed to accept a small number of credit card or debit card transactions but the fee you are charged for each transaction is greater than the fee per transaction on Premier or Business accounts. If you are accepting the maximum allowable number of credit card transactions each month on your Personal account you might actually be paying more in fees that you would if you upgraded the account.
4. Evaluate the merchant services and auction tools that are provided for Business and Premier accounts. These benefits are not available to Personal accounts. Determine if the services would benefit you and if so upgrade your account.
5. Consider having two PayPal accounts. Depending on your individual needs it might be beneficial to have a Personal account as well as a Premier or Business account.

How to Set Up Tenants to Pay Rent Online

1. Sign up for a Paypal account, which is free, or a regular merchant account, which will require a deposit and monthly fees.
2. Decide if you want to accept credit cards or e-checks, or a combination of both. Many landlords prefer to receive rent payments from a drafted checking account as opposed to a credit card payment, which could be disputed and charged back. Select your desired payment options on your merchant account application.
3. Set up a small, one-page website with a web hosting service that offers a free shopping cart. This is the website that tenants will visit to make rent payments online. Once you have your credit card or e-check merchant details, you will enter your merchant account number into the shopping cart software to set up payment capabilities. (Paypal has a built in shopping cart system that is very easy to use--you do not need a merchant account number; only an email address and bank account.)
4. Include information about your real estate company or contact details for renters (your mailing address, name, phone number, and email address) on the web page. Create a large, conspicuous link on the page that directs tenants to 'Pay Rent Here.' (This link will be provided by your shopping cart service or Paypal.)
5. Direct each tenant to enter his name and unit number with the online payment. There is an optional comment text box that is displayed on most online shopping-cart systems where this information can be typed. Once the renter enters payment details--credit card or e-check information--and clicks 'Submit,' the rent payment will be sent to your merchant account processor and eventually to your bank account.

How to Change a PayPal Password

1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Click on the "Profile" link in the menu across the top of the account page.
3. Scroll down the My Profile page until you see "Password" in the list of account information. Click on the "Change" link to the right.
4. Select the "Password" button among the change options, and then click "Edit."
5. Follow the prompts to verify your account. PayPal may ask you to input your full bank account number associated with your PayPal account. Click "Submit."
6. Enter your current PayPal password in the field provided. Then enter a new password. PayPal requires that you re-enter the password for verification.
7. Click "Save."

How to Send A Gift Payment On Paypal

1. Sign into your PayPal account as you normally would.
2. Once there, click on the 'Send Money' tab.
3. Complete the form including adding the recipient's email and how much you wish to send. At the bottom of the page, choose the 'Personal' tab. Select the best option available, such as 'Gift.' This will allow you to mean no fees for the organization you are donating to. When done, press 'Continue' and the transaction will be complete.

PayPal Risks

Stolen Paypal Account
While most Paypal transactions are legitimate, others are not, and there have been instances where a Paypal account has been hijacked and used to purchase items on eBay and elsewhere. One of the best ways for Paypal users and eBay sellers to protect themselves is to ship only to verified addresses. Shipping to a verified address protects you in the event of a dispute and helps to ensure that your package makes it to the intended recipient.
Frozen Account
In some cases Paypal has been known to freeze accounts when fraud is suspected, and Paypal users sometimes have problems getting their accounts unfrozen. If you find that your funds have been frozen, it is important to contact Paypal immediately. In many cases the freeze is triggered by a legitimate transaction coming from a country known for fraud, such as Russia and others in Eastern Europe. Once the legitimacy of the payment is verified, the freeze should be removed and the funds in the account will once again be available.
Chargebacks
One of the things people like the most about paying with Paypal is that the service allows buyers to purchase products and services with a major credit card. This provides buyers will all of the protections inherent in credit card transactions, including the ability to challenge charges for products that were never received, items that arrived in poor condition or services that were never rendered.While this type of protection is important to the buyer, ,it is also a risk for the Paypal seller. An unethical buyer could purchase a product from you, pay with Paypal, and then claim that the item never arrived and initiate a chargeback. Shipping via UPS, FedEx or another trackable shipper is the best way to prove that the items you sent did indeed arrive at their intended destination.

How to Use PayPal on My Website

1. Navigate to the PayPal website (see Resources) on your Web browser and log in using your username and password.
2. Locate the "Merchant Services" tab at the top of the homepage. Click on it.
3. Click on "Buy Now Button." This will launch a form for you to fill in.
4. Complete the online form. Enter what you are receiving payment for, the product name, the price and the currency. Also enter shipping and tax information.
5. Click on "Create Button." Select the "Website" tab to get the HTML code for the "Buy Now" button.
6. Select the entire code by pressing "Ctrl"+"A" and copy the code by pressing "Ctrl"+"C."
7. Press "Ctrl"+"V" to paste the code on the HTML editor you are using to edit the website. Click "Save."

How Do I Electronically Deposit Money Into Someone#039;s Bank Account?

Online Electronic Deposits
1. Log into your account at PayPal or other payment site.
2. Check your account balance. You may not transfer more than is in your online account.
3. Click on the link for money transfer. This may be labeled as "Money Transfer" or something like "Send Money" or "Transaction Options."
4. Enter the name of the bank that will receive the deposit, along with the account number or email address of the person accepting the transfer.
5. Enter the amount of the deposit.
6. Type in the date on which you would like the deposit to occur. On some websites, you will be charged a higher fee for same-day or next-day deposits.
7. Click the "OK," "Done," "Confirm," "Send," "Transfer," "Authorize," "Make Payment" or "Continue" buttons to authorize the deposit. You may need to do this twice, as some websites provide a second page that asks if you are sure you want to make the deposit. Fees should be listed prominently through the confirmation process so you know what the cost of the transfer service will be.
In-Person Electronic Deposits
8. Visit the branch of the bank at which you have the account from which you'll make the deposit.
9. Tell the teller you would like to make an electronic deposit. Give him your account number and the account number of the person into whose account you want to make the deposit. The teller probably will ask you to write this information on an electronic transfer or wire transfer slip. Ask what the fee will be for the deposit.
10. Pay the teller any fees associated with the electronic deposit. The fee will vary by institution, and the facility may charge higher rates if you want same-day or next-day completion of the transfer. Many banks charge a flat rate, while some charge a percentage of the money transferred. Because you have an account at the facility, you probably will be able to have the teller deduct the fee directly from your bank account instead of paying for the transfer in cash, by money order or by check. Some facilities will accept credit cards as payment.

PayPal Business Vs. PayPal Personal

Personal Account Features
The primary function of PayPal is the secure transfer of money. Users can receive money from other PayPal users through their registered email account. The money is transferred to the account and then can be either transferred to their bank account or withdrawn from a PayPal debit card, or they can receive a paper check days later.Users can also pay bills or send money to friends and family using money in their PayPal account or with either a debit or credit card that is linked to their account.
Personal Account Extras
PayPal offers users international money transfers, the option of receiving a PayPal credit card and online shopping through the PayPal store. Users can also open up a student account for their kids and budget and monitor the money that is put into the account.PayPal offers also offers the ability to accept credit cards through the eBay auction service. This gives buyers several options to pay for goods and services.
Business Account Features
PayPal Business gives its users the ability to accept credit card payments through a variety of means. The free option allows users to purchase goods and services provided they have a PayPal account. For $19.99 per month---as of 2010---consumers can buy products from a PayPal-enabled website without needing a PayPal account.The Pro feature is an all-inclusive merchant account that allows consumers to purchase goods and services without having to exit to the PayPal website to complete the purchase. This service costs $30 per month---as of 2010---and can be linked with several different online shopping carts for consumers to complete their purchase.
Business Account Extras
PayPal Business also allows customers to complete purchases over the phone or by emailing an invoice to PayPal.PayPal Business can be used to accept donations to a nonprofit organization, to collect money for educational needs or as a fundraising tool for governmental campaigns.
Considerations
Users should note that PayPal is not a bank and does not adhere to the rules and regulations that banks do. PayPal has the right to freeze a user's account for any number of reasons. Also, there have been reports of difficulty reaching customer service for account problems.

How to Do Multiple Refunds at Once in PayPal

1. Download a trial of Genesis Circle's PayPal Bulk Refund System. It is a client-side Web application that allows you to perform multiple refunds in one click. It supports Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 computers, and it can perform refunds based on either dollar values or percentage points.
2. Gain unlimited access to Genesis Circle's Paypal Bulk Refund System by paying $25 as of the date of publication. You will be able to download and install the full version, after which you can use it an unlimited number of times.
3. Sign up for MassRefunds. It is a Web-based service that integrates with your PayPal account, after which you can search for refundable transactions, issue multiple refunds and complement each refund with a personal memo. Since it is Web-based, it cannot be downloaded. As such, you must pay $19.99 a month to access it as of the date of publication.

How to Cancel a PayPal Money Request

1. Log in to your PayPal account, using your personal email address and password.
2. Scroll to the bottom of your personal PayPal account homepage.
3. Click 'Cancel' button next to the person's name whom you requested money for via PayPal.
4. Read the message on the subsequent page.
5. Scroll to the bottom of the Cancel page.
6. Check the box at the bottom of the Cancel page if you do not want to send a Cancellation Notification to the party. If you would like a notice to be sent, leave the box unchecked.
7. Click the 'Cancel' button on the page. The PayPal Money Request has been canceled.

How to Find Your PayPal Account

How to Find Your PayPal Account
1. Access the official PayPal website (see Resources). On the home page, you will see two data forms in the left region of page when it loads.
2. Click on the 'Email Address' and/or 'Password' link to retrieve which portion of information you have replaced. You will be prompted to enter your name, zip code, phone contact, bank account information, if applicable, to retrieve the email address that is active for your login address. If you have misplaced your password, simply enter your email address and your password will be sent to that address.
3. Open your email acount to retrieve your password. You will see an email in your inbox from PayPal's automated service. Click on the email and access the link that will be displayed in the email to reset your password. A PayPal popup window will appear and you will be prompted to enter a new password in the designated data forms that will be provided. Select the 'Save' option to update your account information. You will then be redirected to the PayPal homepage.
4. Enter your login information in the email address and paypal password data forms. Click on the yellow 'Login' button to access your account portal. When the page loads, you will see two navigation menus. One menu will be horizontal and the other will be vertical.
5. Click on the 'Edit Profile' link that can be found directly below the horizontal navigation menu. When this link loads, all of your internal account information and functionalities will be visible and accessible for review and alteration.

How to Substitute a Home Address With Paypal

How to Substitute a Home Address With PayPal
1. Access your PayPal account. Log in to PayPal; your account overview page will appear on the computer screen. The account overview will include the recent activity on your account and an updated balance in your account.
2. Click 'Profile.' The Profile button is located in the upper-right corner of the page. A drop-down list will appear. Click 'add or edit street address.' You can have 30 addresses associated with your account. Once the page is loaded, you will see the current address or addresses you have on file with PayPal.
3. Click 'Add' in the bottom right corner. This allows you to add an additional address. The new page will tell you how many addresses you currently have on file. Fill in the information for the substitute address. Click 'Save.'
4. Click 'Make Home.' After you save the address, the page will load with your list of current addresses, including the new address. Click the circle to the left of the substitute or new address. Now click 'Make Home' and the new address will become your home address.
5. Enter a credit card. If you wish to associate a credit card with the new home address, make sure your credit card has the same address. Simply click the edit button for the new address. When the page appears, click 'Profile' and 'Add or Edit Credit Card.'

How to Send Money With Google

1. Go to Checkout.Google.com and click on "Sign Up." Enter the requested information, including your credit card information. Click the button "Create my account. Time to shop!" You will receive an e-mail confirmation with your new account information and a link to activate your new account.
2. Click the link located in your e-mail confirmation to activate your Google Checkout account. You need an active account to make a funds transfer and receive a funds transfer request or invoice from the person you want to send money to.
3. Log on to your Google Checkout account with your account information from Step 1. Verify that your account is active and your payment information is accurate. If your account is active, you will see your name address listed in the upper-left corner, followed by your credit card information.
4. Direct the person you wish to send money to to create a Google Checkout account and then a seller's account. A business name is required, but he can use his given name as the business name.
5. Direct the intended recipient of the funds to log on to the Google Checkout account he created in Step 4.
6. Instruct him to click the "Tools" tab and then click "Send an invoice." He should enter your name and email address and the amount of money he is requesting you to send, then click "Send invoice email."
7. Open the e-mail invoice from Google Checkout. Click the link "Pay now through Google Checkout."
8. Log on to your Google Checkout account and confirm the transfer of funds. The intended recipient will automatically receive the funds from your Google Checkout account.

How to Use PayPal at an ATM

1. Obtain a PayPal Debit Card. Sign into your PayPal account. Select 'Products and Services' and click on the 'PayPal Debit Card' link. You will need to verify your account, upgrade to a Premier or Business account, as well as fill out a short form to confirm your address. Make sure you have an additional credit card linked to your account for this purpose. Teens who open a Student Account with the help of their parents will have automatically applied for a Student Card as part of the package.
2. Activate your PayPal Debit Card by clicking the 'Profile' link on your account page. Click 'PayPal Debit Card,' select 'Activate Now' and follow the directions. Activate your Student Card by clicking 'Account Permissions' on your account page and following the directions.
3. Bring your PayPal Debit or Student Card to an ATM. Swipe your card or insert it into the machine. Enter your 4-digit pin number. When asked which account you would like to use, select 'Checking.' Enter the amount you would like to withdraw and confirm to complete the transaction. The funds will be deducted from your PayPal account.

How to Transfer a Gift Card to a Bank Account

1. Activate your gift card online. This allows you to purchase items online. You can activate your card by calling the number on the back of the card and following the instructions or visiting Giftcards.com to activate your card electronically.
2. Sign up for a Paypal account. You will be asked to fill out your important details and add your bank account details. To verify that it is your bank account, Paypal will deposit a small amount of money into your bank account within a few days. You must check your bank account statement and return to the Paypal site to input the amount deposited into your account. This will verify your bank account.
3. Add a credit card to your bank account by choosing “Add funds” at the top of the Paypal homepage once you are logged in. Add the amount that is on the gift card.
4. Click on “Transfer Funds” at the top of the Paypal homepage and transfer the amount on the gift card into your bank account. It will take three to five days before the funds arrive in your bank account.

How to Apply for a PayPal Credit Card

Apply for a PayPal Credit Card
1. Familiarize yourself with the benefits of the PayPal Plus credit card. It's a Mastercard created specifically for PayPal members and offers additional protection on purchases beyond that of a traditional PayPal account, including zero liability for proven unauthorized charges. Additionally, you won't have to pay an annual fee.
2. Learn the difference between a PayPal credit card and PayPal buyer credit. A PayPal credit card is a material card that can be used just like any other, while buyer credit is a credit account that allows buyers to make monthly payments on their PayPal balance.
3. Know your credit history and credit score. It's recommended that your credit score be at least 675 to apply and be approved for the PayPal Plus Card. However, if your credit card application is declined, PayPal will automatically consider your information for the buyer credit program.
4. Create a PayPal account or log in to your existing account. On the 'Account Overview' page, click the 'PayPal Plus Credit Card' link. Alternatively, you can click the 'PlusCard' link that can be found at the bottom of any PayPal page.
5. Read the information thoroughly. The initial page gives you the option to compare products as well as read the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section and the Terms and Conditions of the card. The 'Terms and Conditions' section includes important information about finance charges and the issuing financial institution.
6. Print a copy of the 'Terms and Conditions' section for your records, using the provided 'Print a Copy' link.
7. Click one of the many 'Apply Now' links to get to the application form. Your name, email address and home address will already be filled in based on your account preferences.
8. Confirm that the contact information PayPal has provided is correct and decide whether you want to be enrolled in the 'Account Security' program.
9. Agree to the Terms and Conditions of the card, submit your application and wait the required 30 seconds to see whether or not you have been approved.
10. Begin using the credit line even before you receive your card in the mail. PayPal will immediately add it as a funding source to your account.

How to Change the Message in PayPal Checkout

1. Open your Custom Payment Page Styles page by first logging into your account. Once you arrive on the My Account Overview page, select the 'Profile' tab to bring up your Profile Summary. Select 'Custom Payment Page Styles' from the Selling Preferences column.
2. Select the 'Add' button to create your custom page. Your PayPal page will automatically be selected, and while an Edit button is available, you cannot edit the PayPal page style, since it is permanent, so you will need to add your own.
3. Enter your 'Page Style Name' up to 30 characters long. You can use letters, numbers and the underscore symbol, but no spaces or other symbols.
4. Create your 'Header' Image by linking to a valid URL from a secure server for your company banner. This banner should be a maximum of 750 pixels wide by 90 pixels high.
5. Change the colors in the message. Enter a Header Background Color, Header Border Color and Payment Flow Background Color using HTML hex code. This code is a six-digit number for the different colors just like web code, but do not include the # symbol in front of it. For example, black would be 000000 instead of #000000.
6. Preview and save your page, then make it your primary page. This will apply your new, co-branded checkout message page to all your transactions. Go once again to the Custom Payment Page Styles and select the 'Make Primary' button.
7. Add your customer service number to your page from the Customize Your Payment Page under the options tab. Select the check box for 'Display your phone number to customers under the Merchant service' options heading and click 'save.'
8. Add a survey to better understand your customers from the Merchant service options tab by checking the box for 'Add a customer service survey.' Questions -- such as 'How did you hear about us?' -- can help you better control your marketing strategies.

How to Use Visa Buxx With PayPal

1. Obtain your Visa Buxx card by applying at the bank in your area that provides the Visa Buxx. For example, Wachovia and US Bank are providers of the Visa Buxx card. You will need to link a credit/debit card or checking account to the Visa Buxx card to add money to the account.
2. Visit PayPal.com. Under the e-mail address and password login click 'Sign up' if you do not already have a PayPal account. Enter the e-mail address and contact details to set up your PayPal account. Click 'Add credit card' to attach the Visa Buxx card to your PayPal account.
3. Sign into your PayPal account when making purchases, and use the Visa Buxx card as your method of payment. For example, if you are purchasing an item from eBay, sign into PayPal, click 'Send money' and input the recipient's e-mail address and the amount which will be retrieved from your Visa Buxx card.

How to Complain Against PayPal

1. Read all of the links shown in the 'Legal Agreements for PayPal Services' page located on PayPal's website. Focus on the pages directed towards all users particularly the 'Closing Accounts and Limiting Account Access,' 'Buyer Complaint Policy,' and 'Fees Policy.' The information listed may address some of the PayPal complaints or explain why the unfortunate action by PayPal took place.
2. Visit the 'PayPal Help Center' by clicking on the 'Contact Us' link found on the bottom of the page and click the 'Ask the Community' button. Click the 'Post a topic' button and post your complaint by stating the problem. End it with a question asking for advice on the best way to resolve the issue. Top off the complaint by supplying a good title that best summarizes the complaint.
3. Go back to the 'PayPal Help Center' and click the 'Ask Now!' button found under the 'Ask Sarah' box. Virtual assistants are interactive, so take advantage by asking all the questions you can and opening up any concerns regarding PayPal. These assistants may point you to useful resources or redirect you to another help channel that helps settle the PayPal complaint.
4. Head to the 'PayPal Help Center' again and send an e-mail containing your PayPal complaint. Choose the best topic that matches your concern and use the same techniques applied in step two. Expect a reply within the same week. This method is effective for posting longer complaints that highlight more serious situations, like fraudulent transactions.
5. Back at the 'PayPal Help Center', click the 'Call us' link. Dial the number displayed on the page and a customer service representative will listen to your complaints and give you feedback.

How to Transfer Cherry Credits Into PayPal

1. Go to Exchange.CherryCredits.com and log in with your log-in ID and password.
2. Click the link that says "Top-Up CC."
3. Click on the PayPal icon to select it as your method of payment.
4. Read the terms and conditions for using PayPal and click the "I Agree" button to accept them.
5. Pick what currency you want to use to pay for Cherry Credits by clicking the arrow on the right of the pulldown menu and then clicking on the appropriate currency.
6. Enter the amount of Cherry Credits you want to buy in the "Quantity" box.
7. Click the "Next" button.
8. Log into your PayPal account with your email and password when you are directed to the PayPal website.
9. Confirm that the credits have been transferred under the "My Recent Activity" screen.

How to Make Money With PayPal

1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Type in "Merchant Referral" in the search box.
3. Learn the different ways to get a referral bonus under "How do I start earning Merchant Referral Bonuses?"
4. Read how to make money under "How do I make money with the Merchant Referral Bonus Program?" PayPal explains step by step how the program works.

How to Use PayPal Without Opening an Account

1. Choose the PayPal payment option on the merchant's site. You may need to click a separate button labeled 'Check out with PayPal' or choose PayPal from a drop-down or selection menu.
2. Click the 'continue checkout' link under the section labeled 'Don't have a PayPal account?'
3. Input the credit card information and your personal information into the fields provided. Submit the information and follow the on-screen instructions from the business to finalize the order.

How to Remove Shipping Addresses From PayPal

1. Log into your PayPal account.
2. Hover your mouse over the 'Profile' menu and choose 'Add or Edit Street Address' from the drop-down menu.
3. Find the address you wish to remove.
4. Click on the blue 'Remove' link. This will remove the address from your PayPal account.

How to Receive PayPal Credit Card Payments

Payments from Web Site
1. Create a PayPal button on your web page for payments (see your account level for options).
2. Access payments received by logging into your PayPal account and reviewing the Overview page under the 'My Account' tab.
3. Select the 'Details' link for the transaction summarized in the list, 'My recent activity' to confirm payment was received.
Request Payments Via E-mail
4. Log into your PayPal account and click the tab, 'Request Money.'
Option: Click the link, 'Create an Invoice' to prepare a professional invoice with details.
5. Type the payer's e-mail address under 'Recipient's email address' and type the amount due in the field, 'Amount.' Confirm the currency is set to 'U.S. Dollars' and select the service type (for example, 'Goods'). If you are creating an invoice, select a template and add the items and descriptions in the corresponding fields, in addition to the above details.
6. Click the 'Continue' button to review your request or invoice. Click 'Send' or 'Send invoice' to transmit your message.
7. Look for an email notification from PayPal that you've received a payment from your payer. Access your PayPal account to review the details of the transaction under 'My recent activity.'

How Does Paypal Seller Protection Work?

General Features
All Paypal account holders in the United States are automatically eligible for Paypal Seller Protection. The protection covers sellers on any transaction Paypal determines as fraudulent on the buyer's side or involving shipping issues, at no cost to the seller and no annual limit on coverage.
Transaction Eligibility
To be eligible for Paypal Seller Protection, the item must have been shipped within 7 days of payment receipt. The item cannot be in a digital format or consist of services, and it must not have been delivered in person or picked up by the buyer. The seller's Paypal account must be linked to a bank account verified through Paypal. Proof of delivery or proof of shipment is necessary, depending on the type of claim filed.
Types of Claims
There are several ways a buyer can initiate a transaction dispute. He can file a challenge to a payment made directly through Paypal, or a charge back challenging a payment filed with a credit card company. He also can file a reversal, which challenges a payment made through a bank. A reversal also can be initiated directly by Paypal. The buyer may claim the package never arrived, that the item was significantly not as described, or that an unauthorized payment was made, meaning that someone else made the payment and was not authorized to do so.
Documentation Requirements
Proof of delivery is allowed for documentation if a buyer files a claim for an unauthorized payment or a package not received. The seller must provide online tracking documentation from a shipping company which verifies the date of delivery and the address of the recipient. For payments of $250 or higher, the recipient's signature is required to confirm delivery for the transaction to be eligible for Paypal Seller Protection. Proof of shipment is acceptable for Paypal Seller Protection coverage if a buyer states the package was not delivered or that there was an unauthorized payment. This document, such as the seller's delivery confirmation receipt, must show the status as shipped and the date of shipment, along with the buyer's address.
Transaction Review
After a claim is made, Paypal puts a temporary hold on the seller's Paypal account for the amount in dispute while reviewing the case. If the transaction fits the requirements for Paypal Seller Protection, Paypal releases the hold. Even if the package did not arrive, the seller is not responsible for issuing a refund, which Paypal handles on its own.

How to Buy Movie Tickets With PayPal

1. Register with PayPal and fund your account. You can link your PayPal account directly to your checking account, enabling easy money transfers between the two.
2. Apply for the PayPal debit card. You can find the application and information about the PayPal debit card, which works the same as most bank debit cards, by clicking on the link below to PayPal's debit card user agreement.
3. Once you have received your PayPal debit card, you can purchase movie tickets online with your card. This is particularly useful when buying tickets for large groups or for movies that might sell out. Sites like fandango.com sell movie tickets in advance for many theaters in different areas.
4. If you don't want to buy tickets online, use your PayPal debit card at any movie theater that accepts MasterCard. Just like other debit cards, there is no additional fee for making purchases with your PayPal card.
5. Check if theaters near you offer discounts for using the PayPal debit card. Many large theater chains work with PayPal to offer discounts at the box office and sometimes even free tickets.

How to Receive Payments on PayPal

1. Sign up for a PayPal account if you have not already done so. Choose one of the available account types. You will require a Business account if you plan on receiving payments under a company or group name, accept all payment types for low fees or accept payment from customers who are not PayPal members. Opt for a Premier account if you need to receive credit card payments or expect the account to have a high transaction volume.
2. Check your email inbox for a message from PayPal. It will contain a link to the PayPal website. When prompted, enter your password and your email address to confirm your account.
3. Link your PayPal account to a bank account or credit card to which you can transfer the funds you receive. Click on the 'Profile' within the 'My Account' tab at the top of the window. Select the 'Add or Edit Bank Account' or 'Add or Edit Credit Card' option.
4. Provide the parties from which you will be receiving payment with the email address linked to your PayPal account.
5. Check if a payment has been deposited into your PayPal account by logging in to your account and selecting the 'Overview' option from the 'My Account' tab. Any received payments will appear in the 'My Recent Activity' field.

How to Transfer Money From a PayPal to a Bank Account

1. Sign in to your PayPal account with your email address and PayPal password.
2. Take note of the amount of money that you have in your PayPal account by locating it in the "My PayPal Balance" box below the heading, "My Account Overview." Decide how much of that balance to transfer to your bank account.
3. Click on the "Withdraw" link on the gray toolbar below the navy blue taps toward the top of the page.
4. Select the "Transfer money to your bank account" option from the available options chart.
5. Enter the amount of money to transfer to your bank account from your current PayPal account balance in the amount box, using both dollars and cents.
6. Click the "Continue" button and review the information on the next page to make sure that everything is correct.
7. Click the "Submit" button and wait for the confirmation page to load. Read the information on the confirmation page. It confirms again the bank account to which the money is being transferred as well as approximately how long it will take to be deposited, typically three to four days.
8. Log out of PayPal by selecting the "Log Out" option at the right corner of the page. This closes the secure connection.

How to Get Paid With Paypal, Clickbank, amp; A Merchant Account

1. Getting paid online can be done through a merchant, paypal, or clickbank account. The most popular of the three is PayPal. They are the biggest payment processor online. They are the primary payment processor for Ebay. Each type of account allows you to accept credit cards and checks online. You can get paid online by selling of your website through PayPal or Ebay. They allow you to set up a account with your bank account and credit card. With PayPal you can request for funds to be sent to your bank account after a sell.
2. Clickbank is a big affiliate site. You can use clickbank to sell your products or to sell a product off clickbank and earn a commission. With clickbank you set up an account using just your address. A check is sent out monthly for your earnings.
3. A merchant account is set up through a payment processor that enables the funds to directly deposit automatically after each sale from your website. This account is used mostly by big businesses.

How to Verify PayPal With a Prepaid Credit Card

1. Launch your Web browser and navigate to paypal.com
2. Click 'Sign Up.' Type in your contact information when prompted and click 'My Account.'
3. Select from opening a 'Personal' or 'Premier' account. With a 'Premier' account, you can set up 'Subscription' links if you sell a service and want to offer PayPal as a payment method for your subscribers.
4. Click 'Get Started' and click 'Profile.' Click 'Add or Edit Credit Card,' 'Add Card.'
5. Type your prepaid credit card information in the fields provided. Click 'Link and Confirm My Card,' 'Continue.' Paypal will charge $1.95 to your card and a four-digit code to verify it is available for use.
6. Click 'Profile,' 'Credit/Debit Cards.' Click 'Link and Confirm My Card.' Type in the four-digit Paypal code. Click 'Submit.'

How to Accept Payments at Trade Shows

1. Obtain portable merchant hardware to accept payments at trade shows. You can get this from your bank. Applying for a hardware swipe machine can be done in person or online. The account creation approval time varies, but once approved, you have funds placed into your bank account within 24 hours, usually. Transaction fees will be associated and possibly some monthly fees.
2. Use a virtual terminal merchant account to receive payments when out in the field. You will need your laptop and a secure wireless connection. Simply log-in to your merchant account and input the credit card information to accept a payment at a trade show. To learn more, you can refer to PayPal.com as an example.
3. Use your smart-phone to accept payments securely at trade shows. iPhone and some Android users benefit significantly from the applications created to help mobile entrepreneurs conduct business more effectively. For instance, smart-phone owners can swipe credit cards with the addition of small add-on accessories. These accessories are small devices that read the card information and complete the transaction on the spot. MerchantPlus.com is among the industry leaders in adapting to smart-phone users doing transactions on the go.
4. Accept payments by any cell phone at a trade show. For business owners who don't have a smart-phone such as the iPhone, you can use a simple dial-in system to accept payments. Best of all, there is nothing to set up and it is really convenient. Cell Charge is an example industry leader that caters to this market.

How to Pay a Smaller Percentage to PayPal

1. Tell people who send you money to mark their payments as "Personal." To receive money without a fee, the recipient has to specify to the sender that when they complete Paypal's "Send Money" form, the funds should be sent under the tab marked "Personal." Once they click the "Personal" tab, the sender has five options: "Gift," "Living Expense," "Payment Owed," "Cash Advance" (from a credit card) and "Other." Payments made under these options are free.
2. Ask clients making a one-time purchase to make payments under the "Personal" tab and mark them "Payment Owed." For business use, the "Payment Owed" option is limited, but still a viable option for avoiding fees, particularly if it's for a payment for a service, not tangible goods. Services are not eligible for Paypal's buyer protection coverage anyway, so a client isn't jeopardizing their payment security by paying via the "Personal" tab--they're just saving the recipient from incurring any fees.To receive funds on PayPal without these options, as of January 2010, PayPal charges between 1.9 and 2.9 percent of the transaction amount plus 30 cents per transaction. When individual clients make one-time payments owed via the "Personal" tab, this can save the recipient hundreds, even thousands of dollars over time.
3. Avoid funding your Paypal transaction with a credit or debit card. Sending money via PayPal to anyone is free unless funded by a credit card, debit card or PayPal credit card. In this scenario, PayPal charges 2.9 percent of the transaction amount to send money, plus another 30 cents per transaction. The sender must decide if he will pay the fees, or if the recipient will be responsible for them. To avoid these types of sender's fees, fully fund the money transfer with either your PayPal balance or with a funds transfer from a bank checking account.
4. Time your payments to bump your monthly sales volume into a lower fee bracket. Paypal charges merchants based on the amount of money that flows into their accounts each month. Merchants who bring in more than $3,000 in a month can apply to have the percentage PayPal charges per transaction dropped from 2.9 to 2.5 percent for the next month. If they make more than $10,000 in a month it could drop to 2.2 percent and if receipts are more than $100,000 in a month the percentage falls to 1.9 percent. The additional 30-cent fee never decreases.

How to Change an eCheque

1. Log in to your Paypal account.
2. Click 'Send' money and then enter the required information like seller's name and item number.
3. Click 'More funding options' and then click the appropriate radio button. For example, click the 'Credit card' radio button.
4. Click the 'Send' button to complete the payment.

How to Add an Authorized User to a PayPal Debit Card

1. Log in to your PayPal account at PayPal.com. Click the 'Profile' link at the top of the page.
2. Locate the 'Financial Information' section of the Profile screen and click 'PayPal Debit Card' to access the management panel for your PayPal debit card accounts. Locate the 'Card Requests' section of the Financial Information panel.
3. Click the 'Request Additional Cards' link to submit a request for a second card.
4. Enter the full name and address of the person you want the card issued to in the spaces provided. Click 'Submit' to process the request and have the additional card issued.

How to Create a Different Name on PayPal

1. Log into your PayPal account. Go to the PayPal website and enter your email address and password. Click the Log In button to access your account.
2. Highlight the Profile menu option. Select 'Add or Edit Email.'
3. Add a new name. Click the button that says 'Add.' Enter a new email address and click 'Save.'
4. Confirm your new name. Log into your email account and look for a message from PayPal. Click on the confirmation link to verify your email account.
5. Set your new name as the primary email address. Select email and click 'Make Primary.' Enter either your full credit card or bank account number, then click 'Submit.'
6. Remove the old address. Select your old email address and click 'Remove' to delete it from your PayPal account. This is completely optional and is not a requirement for your account.

How Much Money Can I Fund My PayPal Account Using MoneyPak?

PayPal
PayPal was designed to make online purchasing and money transfers easy and safe for consumers. The company allows users to send and receive money from almost any where in the world. Users also have the option of linking their debit or credit card to increase the amount they can transfer, or as a back-up method when their PayPal funds are low, or do not cover the total cost of a transaction. PayPal users can use their account to buy directly from online retailers. There is no cost to open a PayPal account.
MoneyPak Limit
PayPal account holders can add money directly to their account via money transfer, a bank account, debit or credit or by using a MoneyPak. If you use a MoneyPak, the maximum amount that you can add to your account is $250 a year, as of 2011. This amount can be increased to $2,000 a month if you verify your identity by providing your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number online. This type of verification is often required to prevent those with dishonest intentions from illegally transferring money from one country to another.
Benefits
Using a MoneyPak to add funds to your PayPal account can provide you with a certain degree of security. When you make an online purchase, you are using only the funds in your PayPal account. This means that your credit or debit card information is not accessible to those who may be in a position to misuse them. Likewise, the retailer with whom your purchase is transacted, only has access to the amount of money in your PayPal account, which means that you cannot be excessively overcharged or receive unwanted continuous billing.
Re-loading
MoneyPaks can be purchased at almost any major retailer, including pharmacies, convenience stores and grocery stores. One MoneyPak costs approximately $4.95 or less, as of 2011. The value on the MoneyPak card can be added to you PayPal account by logging in and selecting the 'add funds' tab. Funds from your MoneyPak card immediately appear in your account and can be used the same day.

How to Accept Donations Through PayPal

1. If you do not already have a PayPal account, visit the PayPal website to sign up for free. You will need to supply your email address, which will be used to log into your account, as well as your personal information. This includes your first and last name, business or charitable organization if applicable, and your address, phone number and Social Security number. If you are setting up a donation fund for a charity, you will also need to provide proof of your charity's 501(c)(3) or Section 509(a) status, and you may also be asked to divulge your charity's exemption identification number.After checking your email to confirm the creation of your new account, you can then log in and start using your account. You will need to provide your, or your charity's, bank account information so you can transfer donations from your PayPal account, and a credit card to verify your account to lift your account's monetary limitations.
2. Once you have signed up and logged in, click the "Merchant Services" tab. Here, you will find a section where you can create a new donation button. You can type in your organization or charity's name in the first box. If you are creating a button for a charity, and want to give donators your charity ID number, you can also include that here.If you want to use the standard PayPal donation button, you do not need to make any changes with the button wizard. If you would rather upload your own custom donation button, or you want to customize other aspects of your donation button -- such as what link donators are redirected to after donating -- you can use the button wizard to do so.
3. There are two options you can choose for your donation button: a fixed amount, or a fill-in amount. A fixed amount means you choose what amount of money can be donated by clicking the donation button; most donators would shy away from this option, and it can lose you a lot of smaller donations you would have otherwise received. Instead, most people choose the fill-in amount option, which allows each donator to specify the amount to donate.
4. When you are done customizing your button, click "Create Button." You will be redirected to a new page, where you will find the code for your PayPal donation button. To select the button code, click inside the code box and press "Ctrl" and "A," then "Ctrl" and "C." The code will then be copied to your clipboard. You can paste the code on your website, blog or profile, wherever you want the button to be displayed. Press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the code, and remember to save your changes.Once your button has been added to your website or blog, donators can click the button and start contributing money to your cause any time they want. Donations will be deposited directly into your PayPal account -- minus any applicable fees, if donations are made by credit card or check -- and you can then transfer donations directly into the bank account you have on file with PayPal.

How to Buy Fresh Email Leads With PayPal

1. Search for an email leads supplier. Popular email leads suppliers include National-Leads.com, Pro Email Leads and All About Lists (see Resources below).
2. Choose the type of leads you want. Email leads range from residential prospects to business executives. You can refine your selection using data such as geographical location, age and income of the prospects.
3. Register for an account. Some email leads retailers do not allow the use of free email address accounts, such as those hosted by Yahoo!, Google and Hotmail. For such websites, you will need to use an account provided by your Internet service provider.
4. Proceed to checkout and examine payment options. If the supplier shows a PayPal logo, you can pay with any of your PayPal financial products, including your PayPal account balance and your PayPal buyer credit. If the PayPal logo is absent, you can select the MasterCard payment option and then use your PayPal debit or credit card.
5. Submit your payment information. If you are paying with the balance in your PayPal account or your PayPal buyer credit, this action will take you to PayPal's website where you can complete your transaction.

How to Make a Donation Form That Works With PayPal

1. Use your preferred web coding to make your Donation page or copy a template from websites that offer coding advice.
2. Use the HTML code provided by PayPal to create a 'Donate' button for your page.
3. Specify the information in the code to include your PayPal email address and the amount you want users to donate. The sample code PayPal provides shows exactly where to put that information. Find a link to the button code in the Resources section.
4. Upload the page to your website.

How to Create a Recurring Payment With PayPal

1. Log into your Paypal account. Click the 'Merchant Services' link at the top of the home page.
2. Click 'Add to Cart' on the 'Merchant Services' page.
3. Select 'Automatic Billing' from the drop box beside the 'Button Type' heading.
4. Enter a name for your product and customize the way your 'PayPal' button will appear.
5. Enter the amount you will be charging customers for each recurring payment through PayPal in the text box labeled 'Billing Amount Each Cycle.' Select how often the billing cycle will take place and how many cycles should take place before billing will stop.
6. Click 'Create Button' and an HTML code will appear in a text box on the next page. Copy and paste this code onto your Web page to embed a PayPal link for setting up recurring payments for your customers.

How to Change Your PayPal Address

Change Street Address
1. Open a Web browser and visit the PayPal website.
2. Log in to your PayPal account.
3. Click the 'Profile' link at the top of the PayPal page.
4. Click the 'Street Address' link under the 'Account Information' column.
5. Click the 'Add address' button at the bottom of the screen.
6. Type the new address into the text boxes.
7. Click the 'Save' button to save the changes on your PayPal account.
8. Click the 'Make Home' link next to the new address, if you want this address to be the default address for your PayPal account.
9. Click the 'Remove' link next to any addresses that are no longer valid.
Change Email Address
10. Click on the 'Profile' link at the top of the page from the main PayPal screen on the website.
11. Click the 'Email' link under the 'Account Information' column.
12. Click the 'Add' button on the bottom right side of the PayPal Account Information page.
13. Type the new email address you want to use with your PayPal account in the text box.
14. Click the 'Save' button to save the change to your PayPal account.
15. Select any email addresses that are no longer valid for use with your PayPal account.
16. Click the 'Remove' button to remove the email address from your PayPal account.

How to Make Recurring Donations With PayPal

1. Visit PayPal.com and sign into your PayPal account. If you do not own a business account, click 'Profile' and select 'Personal/Business information.' Click 'Edit' and enter your business information, such as business type, business URL, date your business was established and category. Click 'Upgrade.' Your account is now upgraded to a business account.
2. Click the 'Merchant Services' tab. Click 'Subscribe' under 'Create Buttons.' Enter the recurring payment information and button information. You can customize certain features of the button, such as changing the size, adding a text field and adding a drop-down menu. You must enter the donation amount, how often the recurring donation occurs and whether the recurring donation will stop after a certain amount of time.
3. Click 'Customize Advanced Features' if you'd like to add advanced features to the button, such as adding advanced variables and requesting the donator's shipping address.
4. Click 'Create Button.' The button's HTML code will appear. Click 'Select code' and press 'Ctrl' and 'C' on your keyboard. Paste the code into the desired location of your website's HTML code. You can now create more recurring donation buttons if you wish.

How to Put a PayPal Button in Flash

1. Select the "Sell On Your Website" option from the "Get Paid" drop-down menu within the "Home" tab on the PayPal home page, then choose "Create a Button Now." Select the name of the button you want to create -- "Add to Cart," "Buy Now" or "Donate" -- from the left navigation pane.
2. Choose "Create Your Button Now," then input the required details. For "Add to Cart," for example, PayPal requests the name of the item, the number in stock and the price of the item. Click "Create Button."
3. Drag your mouse over the HTML code that appears, then right-click and select "Copy."
4. Open your site's "File Manager" in a separate tab or window, click the name of the page where you want to insert the button, then click "Edit" to open the file in an HTML editor.
5. Right-click at the point within the HTML document where you want the button to appear, then select "Paste." Save the document and open the page in a new tab or window to verify that the button works.

How to Transfer Money Using a Credit Card into Your Bank Account

Transfer Online
1. Visit your online banking website and inquire about transferring money using your credit card. Many online banks allow the customer to use a credit card to transfer funds into his or her account or make a deposit into another person's account.
2. Select the option to send money. You can either send money to yourself or to someone else.
3. Follow the prompts and use your credit card to complete the transaction.
Use PayPal
4. Use www.paypal.com if your bank does not offer this service.
5. Set up a PayPal account and send yourself an invoice or money request. You will receive an email requesting money.
6. Open the email and follow the directions. At the payment screen, put in your credit card information and you will see the funds deposited in your PayPal account within seconds.
7. Choose to withdraw your PayPal money by requesting a wire transfer into your bank account. You must firm confirm your checking or savings account information. PayPal does this by wiring you a few cents. PayPal then asks how much it sent. Look at your online bank account statement to confirm this information.
Use an ATM
8. Use the ATM to take out a cash advance on your credit card.
9. Place you credit card in the ATM. Use your PIN and withdraw cash from the machine.
10. Deposit the cash into any account you want.

Alternatives to PayPal in the UK

RBS WorldPay
RBS WorldPay is probably the best-known UK-based PayPal alternative. They require a merchant to have an internet merchant account (IMA) number, which you can apply for through their site. The £19.95 a month fee on the basic account includes 350 transactions. Other plans are available, ranging from a setup fee of £75, then £15 a month plus a percentage of each transaction. WorldPay accepts all major credit cards and PayPal payments, and provides multiple currency support.http://www.rbsworldpay.com/
Google Checkout
Google Checkout charges fees based on your monthly sales. For sales of less than £1,500 a month, Google charges 3.4 percent of each transaction plus 20p. It accepts all major credit cards, including PayPal payments, and allows you to transfer funds directly to your UK bank account. You can also set up an automatic monthly bank account transfer. Google Checkout also integrates with Google Analytics to provide statistics.http://checkout.google.co.uk/
SagePay Go
Formerly called Protx. SagePay Go charges a flat fee of £20 per month for up to 1,000 transactions, with a 10p per transaction charge thereafter. It accepts all major credit card types as well as PayPal payments, and supports multiple currencies. They also offer 24/7 UK-based customer service.http://www.sagepay.com/
Nochex
Nochex does not charge a monthly fee, but instead charges 2.9 percent plus 20p per transaction for most accounts, plus a one-time £50 setup fee. They provide 24/7 UK-based tech support, and a dedicated account manager for questions. They do not require customers to log in to the website in order to process a payment, which can help conversion rates. They accept all major UK credit cards but no PayPal payments. Facilities for accepting international credit cards require an extra charge based on transaction volume. The maximum allowable transaction is £1,000.http://www.nochex.com/

How to Find Tracking Numbers through UPS on PayPal

1. Go to the PayPal.com homepage.
2. Enter your PayPal email address and password, and click the 'Log In' button.
3. Click the 'Details' link to the right of the listed transaction you want to track.
4. Click the UPS tracking link located on the transaction details page. The UPS tracking website will open in a separate window and will display the detailed tracking information for your package.

Problems With PayPal Echecks

Setup
Your Paypal account cannot use the eCheck option unless you have a checking or savings account associated with the Paypal account. It may take a few days to get a bank account associated with your Paypal account as Paypal verifies accounts through a small deposit. The bank account is not completely associated with the Paypal account until the person enters in the exact amount deposited in the account. After the setup is complete, transfers to and from the bank account are allowed. eCheck is also enabled on your account after setup.
Processing Time
The eCheck process works the same way that any bank transfer does. An ACH transfer moves the funds from the bank account in to your Paypal account, or to the Paypal account of the person receiving the eCheck. The processing time associated with the ACH transfer varies depending on the bank. A typical time frame is approximately two to three business days. It may also take several days for your bank account balance to reflect the transfer.
Automatic eCheck
If you do not have a backup funding source associated with your Paypal account, and you don't have enough Paypal funds to pay for an item, the payment is sent as an eCheck. You can also choose to send an eCheck specifically, using the "More Funding Options" selection available on the Paypal checkout screen. The payment processing time is the same whether you explicitly choose the eCheck option or Paypal has to use this option.
Considerations
Vendors and businesses may not complete an order until the eCheck is completely cleared in their Paypal account. An eCheck won't successfully complete if insufficient funds exist in the bank account. The eCheck payment lists with an uncleared notation until the funds have successfully been pulled from the bank account. You may need to wait for the payment to clear before you receive the item you paid for. If you need an item immediately, such as in the case of a digital download, you'll need to use an instant transfer method or Paypal balance.

How to Keep Your PayPal Account Safe

1. Log out of PayPal immediately after you finish using the site. This is especially important if you ever access the site using a public computer at a library or Internet cafe. If you remain logged in, the next user has access to your PayPal account -- and your financial information.
2. Change your password frequently to lessen the chances of someone else guessing it. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, rather than a word or phrase someone could associate with you.
3. Avoid transacting with users you don't know or who aren't verified by PayPal. Doing so not only puts your account at risk but if you purchase something from an unverified user, you may not ever receive the product or service.
4. Inform PayPal of domestic and international travel plans before your departure date. Otherwise, PayPal 'limits' your account as soon as you attempt to access it from an IP address its system doesn't recognize. Conversely, if your account access becomes limited while you're at home, PayPal has thwarted a potential attack on your account. In either instances, you must call PayPal and answer a series of security questions to regain full access.
5. Never agree to completing a PayPal transaction not using PayPal -- a bank account transfer, for example. Doing so not only requires you to share sensitive personal information, but also removes PayPal from any liability in the event that the transaction goes awry.
6. Don't click links in emails purporting to be from PayPal, but which ask you to provide account credentials, bank or credit card account details. These are malicious, impostor emails and result in 'phishing,' where a third-party gains control of your account.

How to Avoid PayPal and Craigslist Scams

1. Pay attention to language that sounds formulaic and repetitive when browsing Craigslist. Real job posts will state the name of the company and provide legitimate contact information, such as a website and phone number that you can use to verify the company's authenticity. Poor spelling and punctuation are often tip-offs. If you come across a phrase that sounds fake, do a quick Internet search--the spammer has probably used it more than once. Avoid offers from individuals claiming to be desperate or implausibly endowed with wealth, fame, etc. Never respond to requests to wire money, especially to someone in another country. (See References 1) It goes without saying that anything that sounds too good (or bad) to be true almost certainly is.
2. Be on the look out for email scams. Scammers will often send emails falsely claiming to be contacting you from PayPal. (See References 2) These may contain requests for you to provide personal information (password, credit card, Social Security number, etc.) or contain instructions to download an attachment. They may also contain a link that, if you click on it, will take you to a fake version of the site where your personal data can be stolen. To avoid this, make sure that when navigating to PayPal you always open a new tab or page in your browser and type in the URL yourself.
3. Use the security functions on your browser to verify that the sites you visit have active certification and that they use up-to-date encryption software. For instance, on Mozilla's FireFox, verified websites are marked in the address bar by green highlight. Clicking on the highlight will give you more information about the site and the company running it, i.e., 'You are connected to paypal.com which is run by PayPal, Inc.' You should also note that PayPal's website is always preceded in the address bar by 'https' which indicates secure socket layer encryption.