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    PayPal for Seniors

    Safe online payments — if you know the rules.

    Why use PayPal

    • Card # never shared with merchant.
    • PayPal Buyer Protection — 180-day money-back.
    • Disputes mediated by PayPal.
    • Pay friends easily without sharing bank info.
    • Works on most sites.

    Setup safely

    • Sign up at paypal.com (NOT through email link).
    • Use a unique strong password.
    • Turn on 2-factor authentication (Settings → Security).
    • Link a credit card (NOT debit) — better fraud protection.
    • You can also add bank account but credit card safer.
    • Enable email + text notifications for activity.

    PayPal scams to know

    • Fake "invoice" emails — "You authorized $500." Don't click. Log into paypal.com directly.
    • "Refund" phone scams — "We accidentally sent you $, send back." Hang up.
    • Phishing texts — fake login pages.
    • Fake buyers — pay for item, then claim "not received".
    • Friends/Family vs Goods — Friends/Family has NO buyer protection.

    CRITICAL rule

    • Buying from stranger? Use "Goods & Services", NEVER "Friends & Family."
    • Goods & Services = PayPal protects you.
    • Friends & Family = ZERO protection. Money gone forever.
    • Sellers ask for Friends/Family to avoid fees — SCAM RED FLAG.
    • Pay extra fee (3%) for protection — worth it.

    Buyer Protection covers

    • Item not received.
    • Item significantly different than described.
    • Counterfeit items.
    • 180 days to file dispute.
    • NOT covered: cars, real estate, gambling, prepaid cards.
    • Take photos when item arrives.

    If you suspect fraud

    • Log in at paypal.com (not email link).
    • Resolution Center → Open Dispute.
    • Contact card company too (double protection).
    • Change PayPal password immediately.
    • Forward phishing emails to spoof@paypal.com.
    • Report to FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov.

    Other safe payment apps

    Apple Pay — most secure (see /tools/apple-pay-setup-seniors). Zelle — bank to bank, fast but NO buyer protection (use for trusted only). Venmo — like Zelle, careful. PayPal Goods & Services = best for unfamiliar sellers.