How to I retrieve money I sent to the wrong PayPal account using friends and family?

[Linasc]

How to I retrieve money I sent to the wrong PayPal account using friends and family?

I sent money to the wrong PayPal account using Friends and Family. The account belongs to an elderly family member who is not using it and cannot gain access to it and issue me a refund. (The account is locked and is linked to a phone number that does not exist. The individual is elderly and does not want to speak to PayPal reps who can verify the account because he is afraid of fraud and identity theft. ) How can I get my money back or reroute it to the correct PayPal account.

Thank you for your help in this matter. 

[mhelmntrs · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately, retrieving money sent via PayPal Friends and Family can be challenging. In this situation, your best course of action is to contact PayPal support directly. Provide them with all relevant details, including transaction information, the incorrect account details, and your attempt to resolve the issue with the account holder. PayPal support may be able to assist you in investigating the matter and potentially recovering the funds. Be prepared to provide any additional information or documentation they may request to verify your identity and the transaction. Remember to remain persistent and patient during the process, as resolving these issues can take time.

[kernowlass]

@Linasc 

If the account is locked then the funds should not have completed, so what does it say on the transaction in your paypal account?

Is it sent / completed or pending/unclaimed?

[Linasc]

It's unclear what the status of the account was when the funds arrived. It may not have been locked then. I think the account holder may have tried to log in and then gotten locked out. It says pending on the transaction.

[kernowlass]

@Linasc 

Does it say pending or pending unclaimed on your (not their) paypal account?

If unclaimed then the funds have not transferred yet and as long as they remain as pending/unclaimed they will time out at return to you at 30 days.

However if you funded that payment via a bank account and it shows pending with a clearance date then its an echeque that would clear in 5-7 business days.

So if it does complete/clear then the funds were sent to an active paypal account. The recipient would need to contact customer services and request that they refund the payment if they can't access the account via the lost password option and do so themselves? 

[Linasc]

Thank you. This is very helpful.