With PP, Venmo, Zelle you are sending cash. (BTW it's amazing how far behind the US is vs Europe on faster payment services.) I'd never send cash to anyone I didn't trust absolutely fully.
I've used PayPal since it came out both for payment selling and buying. When you don't screw them with Friends and Family BS, it is the safest, securest and easiest way to pay!
When you try and screw any system because you don't want to pay for the security,, 3% no more than a credit card, but way more secure, especially when the payment is with a credit card.
It is INSTANT! as soon as I pay anyways but it is a verified and confirmed account! Cash or CC is in the sellers account instantly! over the internet it's as quick as any payment can be.
I have used the protection more than once to cover my azz dealing with azz holes, never once in over 20 years been scammed the one attempt, took me a couple weeks, but got my money put back in my account! Use it the way it is supposed to be used, and don't try and screw them out of their 3% for assuring a secure payment and no problem!
It only gets this BS bad rap on security because of people trying F*** the system! Over half the sellers I've dealt with on this site alone want friends and family,,, even though that is not allowed for secure payments by PP, and it is against forum rules! But tightwads care less about being ethical!
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Forum Boss: Under PayPal Rules, the no-fee Friends & Family system may NEVER EVER be used for the SALE of ANY Goods or Services. NEVER -- got that? This rule is re-stated on the top of every classifieds page, yet members persist in listing "F&F" in their ads, requiring Admin intervention. I'm getting fed up frankly...
Sellers -- if you use F&F you risk having PayPal shut down your PP account. DON'T DO IT!!