Sometimes the “warnings” that we get for online transactions need to be brought to the forefront.

When we make a “friends and family” payment using PayPal, the payment can’t be disputed via PayPal. A payment using Zelle is also an instant transfer that can’t be recovered. These payments also aren’t reported to the IRS, so requiring payments using this procedure may be a form of tax evasion.

I’m embarrassed to say that I ignored those warnings because I was desperate for a service.

A consultant that I learned about online required “friends and family” payments using PayPal and Zelle to accounts that weren’t in her name. She also didn’t explain the process the the estimated cost of the project.

Initially, I thought I could “let it go”. (My BIG mistake!)

After I paid $334.50, $428 and $1,015.76, the consultant asked for an additional “refundable deposit” of $1,530. I decided “enough is enough” and reported a dispute for the transactions to the fraud departments for my credit card company and my bank.

I also requested a refund from the consultant. She refused and offered to accept a smaller deposit and finish the project. She has refused to accept payments to her own account, and hasn’t provided her business address. I do have her email address and telephone number. She has no web site.

I have also reported this suspicious activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Trade Commission and the Internal Revenue Service (using Form 3949-A).

If a business doesn’t explain the estimated cost of its product or service, or requires payments to other people’s accounts, payments using Zelle, or friends and family payments using PayPal, just say “No.” Find another business that operates legitimately.