Here's why you shouldn't choose the 'family and friends' option when using PayPal

Consumers are being pressured to purchase goods and services through PayPal's 'family and friends' option - but it's putting them at risk.

Thousands of online shoppers use PayPal every day to purchase goods and services online from websites like clothes marketplace, Depop.

However, according to MoneySavingExpert, many shoppers are being encouraged by online sellers to opt for PayPal's 'family and friends' option when making a payment. Choosing this option leaves consumers without payment protection, and has resulted in some shoppers losing cash.

Buyer Protection

On PayPal's system, consumers can choose between making a payment for 'goods and services' or 'family and friends'. The former comes with Buyer Protection in case something goes wrong, but the latter is essentially just a money transfer, without protection.