Hi Pat
Paypal
Never link your bank account
when buying always pay by credit card. dont use debit or your balance (draw this off first unless paying someone you trust)
Then paypal are knackered as they have to refund any dodgy or unsatisfied transactions from a credit card.
when returning goods always get a recorded delivery and if not possible a certificate of posting.
paypal disputes open immediately (even if being sorted) as they expire after 30 days
and persuade your credit card company to start a dispute clawback right away if it looks like fraud or a con. (be warned they will tell you to wait 30 days) funny that. this is two separate means of attack. the latter always wins but get the dispute going inside the 30 days.
if the seller blanks you (dont return the goods, its not authorised). you get to keep the goods and get a refund!
Hope this helps
Pete