How to Stop PayPal From Stealing Your Money After 180 Days of Blocking and Limiting Your Account

PayPal is a widely used payment platform that facilitates online transactions. However, some users face significant challenges when their accounts are blocked or limited, especially when funds are held for 180 days. Understanding the steps to safeguard your money is crucial to avoid losing it due to PayPal’s policies. Here is a detailed guide to ensure you can recover your funds without complications.

1. The Problem With PayPal’s 180-Day Policy

When PayPal blocks or limits an account, the funds in the account are typically held for 180 days. After this period, PayPal sends an email inviting the user to transfer their funds. However, a critical issue arises if no payment method (such as a bank account or Visa card) was linked to the account before the block. In such cases, users are often unable to link a payment method after the 180-day hold, leading to potential loss of funds.

PayPal’s support team may offer solutions, but many users report that these are ineffective. In some cases, PayPal deducts the entire balance under the pretext of “damages caused by Acceptable Use Policy violations,” leaving the user’s balance at zero.

2. Preventive Measures to Protect Your Funds

The key to avoiding this issue lies in proper account setup and preparation. Here are the steps you should take:

a. Link a Payment Method Immediately

As soon as you create a new PayPal account, complete the following steps:

  • Confirm Your Email Address: This is mandatory for account activation.
  • Link a Payment Method: Add a bank account or Visa card to your account. Ensure that the payment method is verified to avoid issues later.

b. Keep Your Payment Method Active

Ensure that the linked bank account or card remains active and accessible. If PayPal blocks your account, having a previously linked payment method will allow you to transfer your funds after the 180-day hold.

3. Steps to Take After 180 Days

If PayPal has blocked your account and 180 days have passed, follow these steps to recover your funds:

a. Check for the PayPal Email

PayPal will send an email notifying you that your funds are available for transfer. Ensure you have access to the email associated with your account.

b. Use the Pre-Linked Payment Method

Log in to your PayPal account and transfer the funds to the payment method you linked before the account was blocked. Since new payment methods cannot be added after the block, having a pre-linked method is essential.

c. Avoid Common Errors

Do not attempt to link a new payment method at this stage, as PayPal’s system will likely reject it. Contacting support may not resolve this issue, as reported by many users.

4. What to Do If Your Funds Are Deducted

If PayPal deducts your funds under the “Acceptable Use Policy violation” clause, consider the following actions:

  • Contact PayPal Support: Request detailed information about the deduction and appeal the decision if possible.
  • Seek Legal Advice: If a significant amount is involved, consult a legal professional familiar with online payment disputes.
  • File a Complaint: Report the issue to consumer protection agencies or financial regulators in your country.

5. Conclusion

To prevent PayPal from withholding or deducting your funds after 180 days, it is essential to link a payment method when creating your account. This proactive step ensures you can transfer your money without complications. If your funds are already held, rely on the pre-linked payment method to recover them. By following these steps, you can protect your money and minimize the risks associated with PayPal’s account limitations.

Sources:

  1. PayPal
  2. CODARAB
  3. Reddit
  4. Trustpilot PayPal Review
  5. WcPay High Risk Payment Gateway For WP
  6. Why PayPal Take My Money After 180 days

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