PayPal swipes $11k from county SPCA for “damages” caused by fundraisers; fire co.’s receive warning
PINE GROVE – One of Schuylkill County’s two Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals locations is out a hefty sum of cash after PayPal took objection to fundraisers they conducted.
Additionally, they and other non-profits, fire companies, and ambulance associations are suspending online raffles as the Commonwealth issues stern warnings against them
The Ruth Steinert SPCA posted to Facebook today the response they received from PayPal after the company, one of the largest online payment systems in the world, took $10,914.33 from the non-profit on Sept. 25.
Like most other non-profits and other community organizations in the region, the SPCA, based in the southwestern portion of the county, has been reliant on online fundraisers and raffles to make up for the loss of in-person fundraisers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
A common fundraiser in Schuylkill County is a gun raffle, many of which have been held online. They are legal in the Commonwealth provided certain rules and stipulations are met.
Despite this, PayPal, according to the email received and posted by the SPCA attributed to “Brian” with their Executive Escalations office, took the money anyways, citing violations of PayPal’s “Acceptable Use Policy,” and claiming them as “damages” done to the company.
“We believe PayPal acted in good faith and in accordance with the User Agreement when denying you access to our services and debiting you Account Balance as reasonable measures to recover damages in accordance with our AUP,” Brian wrote to the SPCA.
The proceeds the SPCA received and lost went towards their medical fund, which covers the costs of surgery for the animals they received. They posted yesterday, seeking donations to help one dog receive surgery, which they said would cost between $2,400 and $2,800.
That post mentions that “it’s our understanding the state is now not allowing online raffles,” sharing a sentiment that has been spreading like wildfire across eastern Pennsylvania.
Fire companies on the western end of Schuylkill County have begun suspending their online raffles as a result of receiving “information pertaining to this small game of chance.”
“This information includes loss of profits for the organization, fines, and loss of licenses,” the Muir Volunteer Fire Company near Tower City wrote. “We strive to continue to provide the most professional fire and rescue services to our citizens and surrounding communities. We do not want there to be a negative effect on our organization.”
The North End Fire Company expressed similar sentiments, suspending raffles and calling on the state legislature to move forward on House Bill 2764 that would legalize such online raffles.
“Several of our neighboring departments have received letters from the State threatening fines, loss of Small Games of Chance, and seizure of funds raised through on line raffles,” the North End wrote.
“As everyone is aware, fire companies and non profits across the state have found a way to raise much needed funds since the impact of Covid 19 has arrived,” the North End continued in their post, quoting an unnamed individual. “Raffles are everything good all rolled into one. Fun, competitive, affordable and they serve their purpose raising much needed funds to allow individual fire companies to provide their communities with the unwavering protection everyone has become accustomed to. Not every company or department gets local or state assistance. Some companies manage to provide coverage by raising their own money. To protect the community. That’s right, they raise money to continue helping YOU in your time of need. The current fundraising and, many believe it to be the future of fundraising, is suddenly under attack by our wonderful state government.”
“For whatever reason, disrupting this socially distant, covid acceptable way of raising funds is being ripped away from those of us who do desperately need it. I’ve discovered that there is indeed a House Bill 2764 that is dead in the water. The bill would legalize and allow us to continue raising money in this way. Why is it dead? The state gaming board is done meeting for this year. In our darkest hours, where are they and why aren’t they helping us? We’re in unprecedented times folks. Public safety is a foremost priority. The same government telling us all what to do, how and when to do it is failing us. They preach safety yet hinder those of us trying to help keep you safe,” the added.
Local fire companies, like the Polish American in Shenandoah, the West End in Mahanoy City, and the Ringtown Valley Fire Company all had turned to online raffles for fundraisers as the pandemic progressed and sidelined their in-person bingos, crab fests, and breakfasts.
A meeting is being organized for next Thursday for fire company officials to voice their concerns. The meeting will be at 7pm Nov. 5 at the Llewellyn Hose Co. in Branch Township. Organizers are asking that only one representative per company or department attend, and attendees are asked to RSVP via a Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/794562994449228/
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so where does the 11k PayPal took go?? is it given back to the donors?? the State?? or does PayPal keep it?
Be nice to hear where the money goes…how are they affected and gives them the right to take money from non profit companies??
Be nice to hear where the money goes…how are they affected and gives them the right to take money from non profit companies??
PayPal’s Acceptable Use Policy is their new way of scamming people’s money. They have taken money of thousands of users accounts for no reason. They make your account balance ZERO and don’t provide a valid reason at all. If you are not sure search on google “PayPal AUP”. And check their stock prices. They are doubled in (from about 80$ to 200$+) in less than a year! SCAMMERS!