Got screwed using Paypal What to do?

I will not use Paypal. If you look into the organization, IMHO, it looks like Raptor or Jedi.

If a seller requires Paypal and won't take my check even after contacting them, I pass on the unit.

Any experience with shieldig components?

Just curious what products did you try to purchase? I saw some Levinson equipment on Ebay which were listed way below cost without any reserves. The seller had many positive feed backs, but there were all purchases of sport cards which were relatively cheap. I could see this person being extra careful by investing a few hundred bucks to buy cheap items on Ebay while building a reputable feedback list. Once he gets you bait, he'll real you in for the big one. Just be careful folks.

I am surprise Paypal doesn't have any person back ground information on this person. In order for this person to except such large amount he/she had to have beens verified member of Paypal. If you get personal info of this person, can yo persue him or her? Can you tell your credit card company that you didn't not receive the goods you had purchased or because you went through Paypal it complicates things.

One of me college friend works at Paypal. I'll ask the company can do if any.

As much as I am sorry to hear of your loss, it is the seller who would have ended up screwing you one way or the other. Had you not used Paypal and sent a check, either personal and certified, the seller, I am sure would have simply deposited your check and STILL not sent your equipment.

What site did you make the purchase through? I don't know if it's any easier to perpetrate a fraudulent sale by taking Paypal than by taking other forms of payment, but some virtual places are definitely better to shop at than others.