I think "scam" is a bit strong then - that implies intentional deception. More to the point, these sorts of pre-authorised and/or recurring transactions are al

I think "scam" is a bit strong then - that implies intentional deception. More to the point, these sorts of pre-authorised and/or recurring transactions are also an issue with credit cards - it's not particular to Paypal by any means, and it's publicised and policed at least as badly with credit cards as with Paypal.