A stranger sent me money I didn’t ask for

[Temp20240717]

I woke up this morning to an email from PayPal saying I received 40 dollars. I logged into PayPal immediately as I wasn’t expecting money. Sure enough some stranger sent me the money. I’m quite sure this is a scam I’m just unsure of how to go about refunding the money without getting scammed.

[kernowlass]

@Temp20240717 

Why would it be a scam rather than someone making a typo in an email address or mobile number and the funds inadvertently transferring to you?

Why not reach out to the sender using their email address and asking if it was an error?

If it was then offer to refund them, check first on the details page of that transaction to see if you were charged a fee, if you were tell them you will do a partial refund minus the fee element (as that is not returned as part of any refund made), as it was their and not your mistake. 

[Temp20240717 · Accepted solution]

I googled it and 40 dollars seems to be a common amount used to scam people. Seems odd that I got that exact amount that others did.

[kernowlass]

@Temp20240717 

Not sure how you can be scammed if you use the refund option but if that is what you think then thats fine.

[kernowlass]

@Temp20240717 

Yeah I checked google and those that were scammed were those that sent funds to a third party or dealt with a third party transaction.

This is not what yours is. However by all means wait until the sender files a dispute when you may be out the 'fee' as well.

So, you're welcome. 

[kernowlass]

@Temp20240717 

Pray tell how the scam works??? The most they can do is file a dispute to get the money back again.

Also paypal agrees with me, this is only one of the many threads on this topic.

But so glad I gave up my time to try and help you, will be adding you to the book to never get help on here again from me.

 https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/Transactions-Archives/Unexpected-Payment-Received-Safe-to-Refund...

Read the bit from the PAYPAL MODERATOR that state ''there is no risk issuing a refund'' although why I am continuing to try and help you when you are so rude .......

Bye then off to add your name to my book oh rude person.

I have given the same advice hundreds of times before and always got a thank you and both sender and recipient were grateful for the advice, then there are morons like you.  😂

[kernowlass]

@Temp20240717 

🤔  😂  🤣

[kernowlass]

@Temp20240717 

🤔  😂  😂

[Temp20240717]

Reported. Again. Want to keep going?

[kernowlass]

@Temp20240717 

Report as much as you like, you were the RUDE person.

I have given you advice which a MODERATOR has confirmed is correct so if you don't believe me then yes you are a moron as the advice is correct.

So keep posting report, it will make no difference.

Most folks on this forum are nice, then you get the odd entitled one like you that is proved wrong and refuses to admit it and take the advice, however bet you have run off and refunded already.     😂🤣