How do I dispute an unauthorized cashout on my PayPal account?

1. What counts as an “unauthorized cashout” and what is disputable

PayPal distinguishes true unauthorized transactions (someone used the account without permission) from “friendly” or non-disputable activity (for example, someone given the password), and the latter category may be treated as authorized by PayPal’s systems and therefore denied on review ^{[4] [5]}. The buyer-protection and unauthorized-transaction tracks are separate in PayPal’s rules, so it matters whether the problem is a merchant dispute, a billing error, or an account takeover ^[3].

2. First concrete steps inside PayPal: use the Resolution Center

Log into the PayPal account, open the Resolution Center, click “Report a Problem,” select the transaction, choose “I want to report unauthorized activity,” and follow the on-screen prompts to file the claim — this is PayPal’s primary workflow for disputing unauthorized transactions ^{[2] [6] [7]}. PayPal says once an unauthorized transaction is filed they will investigate it and notify other parties involved to help resolve the claim ^{[1] [2]}.

3. Customer service and timelines: phone options and the 180‑day window

If the Resolution Center route is impractical, PayPal also allows reporting by calling customer service; regional numbers are published for some countries and PayPal warns operators’ international charges may apply ^[2]. Importantly, there is a 180‑day deadline from the transaction date to report unauthorized activity for most cases, and missing that window limits PayPal’s ability to help ^[2].

4. Evidence, outcomes, and what to expect during the investigation

When a dispute is opened, PayPal will investigate, may notify banks/merchants, and can issue a temporary refund while the case is under review — a refund that may become permanent if the claim is resolved in the account holder’s favor ^{[2] [3]}. PayPal can also deny claims when it finds valid authorization or insufficient evidence, and merchants and payment processors can present counter-evidence that affects the result ^[5].

5. Where disputes get complicated: friendly fraud, chargeback tactics, and limits

Advocacy reporting and mediator experience show some “unauthorized” reports are flagged as non-disputable when account credentials were shared or when PayPal’s fraud algorithms determine the activity is traceable to the account holder, so not every unauthorized‑sounding claim will succeed ^[4]. Merchants and fraud guides also caution about schemes that exploit dispute processes (e.g., overpayment-and-refund scams) that can complicate outcomes for both buyers and sellers ^[8].

6. Legal fine print and escalation options

PayPal’s user agreement governs dispute remedies and contains clauses about arbitration and liability frameworks that users accept when they open accounts, meaning some disputes may be subject to contractual procedures rather than court suits ^[9]. If funds were taken from a linked bank account and a case has already been filed with the bank, PayPal still requires a separate dispute with PayPal for the portion paid from the PayPal balance, so dual filing may be necessary ^[10].

Conclusion: practical checklist and realistic expectations

Open the Resolution Center report immediately, document and upload any supporting evidence, consider calling PayPal if needed, remember the 180‑day deadline, expect an investigation that may include temporary refunds, and be prepared that some claims—especially those involving shared credentials or ambiguous authorization—may be denied under PayPal’s rules ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}. Reporting quickly and preserving clear evidence gives the best chance of reversing an unauthorized cashout, but the contractual and fraud-detection frameworks built into PayPal’s platform will shape the final outcome ^{[9] [5]}.