FRAUDULENT CONCERT TICKETS! HELP!

[kellyannharris1]

HELP!! I purchased concert tickets 5/25. BEFORE purchasing, I advised seller I only would purchase if I could receive the actual physical tickets that corresponed w/ the electronic versions she would email. Seller verified that she would send me physical tickets. She stated that once payment was made she would email the electronic tickets & send the physical tickets via certified mail. After 2 weeks I received the certified mail package (after several unanswered texts & emails trying to check on mailing status) but what I received ARE NOT THE AUTHENTIC TICKETS from Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster also advised the tickets were transferred to another person's name who had purchased them as resells from the original seller. I contacted the ticket agent for the venue & was told the tickets cannot be verified as authentic. What the seller sent me are courtesy passes for the venue itself. For example, to visit its bars/restaurant. When I contacted the seller & stated the issue, she advised no refunds & that she isn't responsible for "whatever I did to **bleep** up the tickets". I politely waited a few days & contacted her again stating the issue & requesting a refund. Now she doesn't respond to me & blocked me from social media contact. The concert is tonight & I'm basically SOL bc she refuses to refund me. When I tried to open a claim via the Resolution Center, I'm advised I can't file a claim bc my $300+ purchase wasn't for a good or service. WTH?? Do I contact PayPal via phone or contact my bank (USAA) ? Thanks in advance!

[kernowlass]

@kellyannharris1

Sounds as if you used the friends / family option to pay?

>>

A “gift” (or personal payment) is intended as a transfer of funds from family or friends to one another. For this reason, there is no processing fee when payment is made with bank or PayPal balance.

On the other hand, as it is a “personal” payment, there is also no Buyer protection as no goods or services should have been exchanged.

If he was not a close mate or family member you should never use that option as it enables the seller to evade his paypal fees and negates your buyer protection at the same time. Scam sellers often ask for payment that way as they know this.

You also risk having your account limited for using this option when you are purchasing goods.

Your only hope is if you funded your paypal payment via a credit card then contact your card issuer and see if they will help you.

[kellyannharris1]

Thank you! There were fees associated with the payment. I suppose I'll be calling my bank as soon as they open.

[kernowlass]

@kellyannharris1

If you paid using the friends / family option but with a debit card then you would pay a fee.

Its only free if you funded it via bank transfer or funds in your paypal balance.

Not sure if it was a debit card you will have much luck but certainly worth a shot.

If you don't then maybe small claims court?

[kellyannharris1]

It was via our bank card. Thankfully, I kept all our messages & correspondence.