05 September 2005

PayPal Blocks Relief Efforts

Wow. I have issues with PayPal, but nothing like this:

...humor site SomethingAwful collected over $29,000 for Katrina's victims in less than 9 hours - until PayPal froze the funds. Since their credit card processing had been down due to the hurricane, SomethingAwful founder Rich Kyanka asked visitors to donate to the Red Cross from a temporary page explaining the situation.


Kayanka was then told he would need to fax in three pieces of ID and it would take 3 to 5 days to unlock the account. But here's the real kicker:

Another PayPal representative called Kyanka Sunday afternoon, offering to help resolve the problem. However, she also delivered some bad news: PayPal was unable to directly donate to the Red Cross. Due to prior agreements, the United Way is PayPal's relief organization of choice.


OK, I understand the need to have one designated agency for unfocused relief donations, but why on earth should that preclude individuals from selecting their own designated agency?

Grrrr.

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