The Ultimate Guide to Getting Permanently Banned by a Provider (And When Not To)
Are you tired of dealing with a provider and want to ensure you’ll never have to interact with them again? While we don’t recommend this approach, we’ll share a controversial method that’s been known to work. But first, let’s set the record straight: this tactic should only be used in extreme circumstances, and we’ll outline when it’s justified.
The “Nuclear Option”: Initiating a PayPal Chargeback
If you’re unhappy with your VPS or dedicated server provider, you might be tempted to reach out to them directly to resolve the issue. However, if your goal is to get permanently banned, that approach won’t work. Instead, you can use the dreaded PayPal chargeback as your “express ticket” to a permanent ban.
Here’s why it’s effective:
- When you initiate a chargeback, the provider is hit with a substantial fee, which can exceed a year’s profits on a $5/month VPS.
- The provider must appeal to PayPal, provide documentation, and risk losing the dispute. Often, PayPal sides with the consumer.
- The financial hit is immediate, and the provider may also lose future business from you.
- If the provider accumulates too many chargebacks, PayPal may terminate their account.
When to Use the Chargeback Option (And When Not To)
Before you consider using the chargeback tactic, ask yourself:
- Have you given the provider a reasonable opportunity to address your concerns?
- Is the issue a legitimate case of fraud or gross negligence?
If the answer is no, or if the issue is minor, it’s best to avoid the chargeback option. Instead, try to resolve the issue amicably with the provider.
However, if you’ve been a victim of clear fraud, such as a “pump-and-dump” scheme, or if the provider has refused to refund your money after closing their business, then a chargeback might be justified.
A Personal Anecdote
In nearly 20 years of purchasing VPS services, I’ve only initiated a single PayPal dispute. It was for a legitimate case of fraud, where the provider had advertised a $5/year special, only to close their business shortly after. I got my $5 back, but it was an exceptional circumstance.
In Conclusion
While we don’t recommend using the chargeback tactic as a first resort, it can be an effective way to get permanently banned by a provider. However, it’s essential to use this option responsibly and only in cases of clear fraud or gross negligence. Always try to resolve issues amicably with the provider before escalating the situation.