PayPal’s anti-fraud practices under investigation

PayPal, the e-payment company acquired by internet auctioneer eBay, is under investigation for possible violations of USconsumer protection laws.

The firm, which recently opened offices in Europe, has been criticised by ex-customers for freezing accounts without warning when a fraud is suspected, and not providing contact telephone numbers.

This is the first time that PayPal has apparently been under formal

investigation in the US.

In a statement, PayPal said that as a result of customer complaints,

it had received enquiries regarding its restriction and disclosure

practices from the Federal Trade Commission and the attorney general in a number of US states.

"If PayPal's processes are found to violate federal or state law on

consumer protection and unfair business practices, it could be subject to an enforcement action or fines," the statement added.

EBay declined further comment, but the company has said previously that fraud levels account for under 0.5 per cent of its

transaction volumes.

www.paypal.com