Venmo/Zelle Payment Dispute — Etsy holding funds for 45 days

I'm dealing with a situation and need some guidance.

Etsy holding funds for 45 days. I've been dealing with this for about 6 weeks now and the situation isn't improving.

The amount being held/disputed is approximately $35,325. I have tried contacting their legal department 6 times with no resolution.

Should I hire a lawyer for this or try to handle it myself?

Licensed attorney — a few thoughts. Here's my take on the legal issues.

The key question is whether the applicable statute of limitations has run. Depending on your jurisdiction, you typically have state consumer protection laws years for this type of claim.

Before taking legal action, consider sending a formal demand letter. In many cases, this alone resolves the issue.

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

NAL, but from what I've read, you should check your state's specific laws. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

I've dealt with this before.

What worked for me was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter. It took 2-4 months but was worth it.

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

I ended up having everything documented, which cost about $3-6 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

NAL, but from what I've read, you should document everything. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

I ended up filing with the appropriate government agency, which cost about $4-8 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

I've dealt with this before.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is having everything documented. I'd recommend keeping a detailed timeline instead.

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

Been there. Here's what I learned.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is filing with the appropriate government agency. I'd recommend gathering evidence first instead.

Been there. Here's what I learned.

What worked for me was filing with the appropriate government agency. It took 4-8 months but was worth it.

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

Been there. Here's what I learned.

I ended up escalating to a supervisor/manager, which cost about $1-3 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

I work in this industry and unfortunately this is very common. The good news is that when people actually push back with legal representation, companies usually settle.

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

What worked for me was escalating to a supervisor/manager. It took 1-3 months but was worth it.