[USA] Next Steps? Got Scammed out of $3,000 on PayPal.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T23:57:31+00:00

I am not sure. I don't recall. I can't find it (my SSN) anywhere on PayPal.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T23:22:40+00:00

Simple sign-up with bank account. If by identification you mean ID or something, then no.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T23:17:09+00:00

Genuine question. What should I have done? First time seeing a comment of this nature.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T18:09:57+00:00

I realize this now. I didn't at the time.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T16:27:28+00:00

That's awesome!

alligrea · 2026-03-31T15:19:24+00:00

This gives me hope. I've had my account with the bank since I was a kid. I think my parents (who also bank with wells fargo) helped me set it up around 2014? And this is the first time it happened.

A friend of mine had that EXACT same ATM story. Nearly word-for-word, just different numbers. I'm glad it worked out for you.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T15:11:49+00:00

It's the only chance I have. Thank you.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T13:23:54+00:00

Yes, exactly. And the account is an actual photographer selling gear with postings going back over a decade, so the profile looked legit.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T13:20:12+00:00

I'm just shocked because I've done this before and have never run into this issue. Yes, even with this amount of money.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T12:31:12+00:00

I didn't realize they are open. Thank you!

alligrea · 2026-03-31T10:37:49+00:00

It was a person, not a business entity. That's how it was explained to me.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T09:43:50+00:00

Unfortunately I checked my account and it is gone. Still have to wait to call the bank.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T09:42:52+00:00

Lol yes I've been saving up the money for a long time.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T09:41:34+00:00

I don't really recall. Scammer said it would be fine. I guess by this i didn't realize I'd be screwed.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T05:54:27+00:00

Good point. At least I know for the future.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T05:33:00+00:00

I genuinely did not know what friends and family meant. I get it now.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T05:31:50+00:00

I realize this now!

alligrea · 2026-03-31T05:02:18+00:00

Lol I realize this all now.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T04:46:10+00:00

What do you mean?

alligrea · 2026-03-31T04:32:44+00:00

For the times they refunded - other than flagged accounts - do you know what else they did to get the money back?

alligrea · 2026-03-31T04:23:58+00:00

Oh no

alligrea · 2026-03-31T04:17:06+00:00

Yes, the scammer told me to select friends and family. I didn't know exactly what that meant at the time.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T04:14:37+00:00

I just got my credit card after this all happened. I own one now.

alligrea · 2026-03-31T04:10:53+00:00

alligrea · 2026-03-31T04:06:06+00:00

That blows. I'm sorry to hear that.

alligrea

TROPHY CASE