Buen Camino App: Fraudulent PayPal transaction

[Sue L]

Not the fault of the people who run the Buen Camino App but I wanted to alert Pilgrims to a fraudulent PayPal transaction that occurred when I tried to purchase the "Northern Route" within the App. I clicked on "buy the route for $9.99" and was directed to PayPal. I logged in and received a receipt from PayPal for $9.99. However I couldn't open the Route and couldn't get through to Buen Camino when using the contact email provided. I clicked on their contact info to send a query but the send button was greyed out. I tried emailing from another device to the address provided, but no reply. I sought help from Apple support and then PayPal trying to get them to reimburse the $9.99 cause I couldn't access the Route. Both experiences were useless and sent me into a vortex of automated message replies. I tried deleting and reloading the App many times - still couldn't gain access to the Route. At this stage I checked my bank account and saw an unauthorised withdrawal for $301.50 and no sign of a PayPal payment for $9.99. Have cancelled that card. Finally got through to Buen Camino App people via their Wot's App number. They said they'd not heard of this occurring before. I undertand a "false" PayPal page can somehow or other be overlaid on the genuine page...... All too techno for me. Too nervous now to try to use the Buen Camino App (such a pity as reports on the forum have been very positive about it) and too freaked out to continue with PayPal. Have others had similarly traumatic experiences in cyber space? ((I'm hoping the bank will reimburse the $301.50))

 

[chinacat]

Have you changed your PayPal password?
If not, you really need to do so.

Have you withdrawn the account as a funding source for PayPal?
Was the money taken through PayPal or directly from your bank account?

This happened to my daughter once, when she purchased something from China, via them. Her bank noticed and refused the payment.

 

[Sue L]

Ah thanks no I hadn't changed the Password. will do so now. Yes I've delinked this and one other account . I'm a bit confused about how the transaction occurred. It came from the account but I think through the PayPal portal??

 

[chinacat]

Ah thanks no I hadn't changed the Password. will do so now. Yes I've delinked this and one other account . I'm a bit confused about how the transaction occurred. It came from the account but I think through the PayPal portal??

Can you see it on your Account page? (on PP)

 

[Sue L]

Yes there is a debit of $9.99 on my PayPal account but $301.50 in my bank account.

 

[chinacat]

Btw, have you tried getting the money back through PP?
‘Phoning them always seems to get better results, even though it can be a tortuous process getting through to the page

 

[chinacat]

No $301.50 on Paypal?
Is there a PP reference number on your bank account ... with the payment?

PS you’ll be able to claim the $9.99 back, under their guarantee .... then you can get them to look for the $301.50. They must be linked somehow.

 

[Sue L]

Thanks I've lodged (another) request for the $9.99 with them (the bank is looking at the $301.50).It's in resolution with PayPal...apparently....but I hadn't tried phoning. Buen Camino App people said they've emailed Apple Support for me.....

 

[Sue L]

No $301.50 on Paypal?
Is there a PP reference number on your bank account ... with the payment?

No not on PayPal but references to "MasterCard PrePaid". I did nothing else over that period so it has to be the attempt to buy the Route. Very odd

 

[chinacat]

You could also check with your bank as to where the payment went (ie the payee), and if it went through PayPal.

Good luck!