!@#$!@ PAYPAL

[MaryAnn]

Well, Paypal says I have about run out of the amount of money I can send without getting "verified." Now, it was perfectly ok to spend the first $10k (!!!!!) over however many years it has taken, without being "verified," but apparently the fact that I was good for that amount of money is of no consequence.

So it looks like I'm going to quit buying anything that requires paypal, because I am NOT:
a) going to link to a freakin' bank account
b) going to apply for their freakin' credit card

Both of which appear to be a means of getting enough info to steal what's left of my financial identity.

MA

[Donn]

I'm surprised they're still pulling that stupid trick.

When I "ran out", I raised a little bit of a stink - I forget what, probably just an email or two to their support alias decrying the stupidity of this policy and declaring my intention never to let them get their paws on my bank account. They set me up - "verified" me, I guess - and I haven't had any trouble since then.

[Rick F]

I haven't used PayPal in several years. I skip any item on ebay that states 'paypal only'.

[Tubaryan12]

I like PayPal. The only problem I've ever had with it was my own fault. I am verified, and it is linked to an account who's only purpose is to purchase stuff on the web. There's never that much in it at any one time. PayPal make buying and selling easier. As for identity theft, I would be more worried about this than PayPal:

Copier hard drive story

Now that's scary.

[scottw]

I like PayPal. As for identity theft, I would be more worried about this than PayPal:

Copier hard drive story

Now that's scary.

Yes, I saw that! I had no idea this was happening. Yes, scary.

[Rev Rob]

Our digital security to privacy is only as strong as the weakest link of a chain we didn't make or have any control over.

[MaryAnn]

I'm surprised they're still pulling that stupid trick.

When I "ran out", I raised a little bit of a stink - I forget what, probably just an email or two to their support alias decrying the stupidity of this policy and declaring my intention never to let them get their paws on my bank account. They set me up - "verified" me, I guess - and I haven't had any trouble since then.

Thanks, I'll try that, and if it doesn't work, well...back to my original intent which is to not use them. I'm retiring, apparently in September, and will be spending a LOT less frivolous money. Anybody want violin lessons?

MA

[MaryAnn]

Well, yes, I am a Person Of Color. Probably by most people's view it is Pink, but if I go out in the sun for a few weeks it tends more towards Golden Pink.

MA

[tubbba]

Well, yes, I am a Person Of Color. Probably by most people's view it is Pink, but if I go out in the sun for a few weeks it tends more towards Golden Pink.

MA

Sad that we have to resort to issues of color.

I would have thought that the only color you would have to remind them of is the GREEN of your money ...

[jamsav]

greetings- forced into the verification process a few yrs back, I opened up a second "free" checking account that is the only account i have that is linked in anyway shape or form to the internet . I fund the account only by transferring money in as needed ( leaving only a minimal balance to keep it opened) . I then have the ability to immediately send money and recieve same thru PAYPAL. I never leave a balance in the PAYPAL escrow account, although at one point in time, they were actually paying more interest on the balance then my bank was . They do have the annoying habit of floating money for a few days after you have requested to transfer it out but this way, credit balances are protected and my only exposure is the amount of money that I leave in the account. I dont leave any credit card info anywhere ( actually , I think I have a card on file with Bloke- but Tuba Tinker says I can trust him ) .
You may all already know this, but whenever entering credit or bank info, be sure the website you are in is secure - https - the " s " is an indicator of a degree of encrypting ...or so I have been told....jamsav

[MaryAnn]

The https does not guarantee that your own computer does not have keystroke-recording malware on it, but so far I haven't had to use my own computer for online purchases. I use the computer at work, where there is a robust firewall and anti-virus.

Personally I like the idea of threatening them with racial discrimination. Puts their money where their mouth is, and I could be green and from Mars for all you know!

MA

[tubbba]

The https does not guarantee that your own computer does not have keystroke-recording malware on it, but so far I haven't had to use my own computer for online purchases. I use the computer at work, where there is a robust firewall and anti-virus.

Personally I like the idea of threatening them with racial discrimination. Puts their money where their mouth is, and I could be green and from Mars for all you know!

MA

Good thing you're on Earth now (as far as we can tell). Shipping to Mars would be a b!+c#.

[tubaforce]

Hello! I use the minimal bank account at a different bank than my "real" checking and savings are at!Also I use a green dot re-loadable visa card for most of my purchases!Even if my # is hacked, it's not gonna affect my credit report, and I still have the visa protection in case of loss! I'm not sure about how much money can be loaded on the card, but I've made purchases of several thousand dollars using the card! I imagine one could just deposit the amount needed in the "decoy" account if the card ceilings out! While we're getting racial, I have a tip for those long waits on hold when phoning! I dated a lady who worked as a bi-lingual operator, and she told me just to hang up, and press "1", or whatever for spanish! The operators can't discriminate against you, and I can tell you EVERY TIME I tried this trick, I've received an IMMEDIATE reply! Se habla ingles, por favor? Al