User Guide

IPN Variable Reference
Payment Review Using Notifications
60 June, 2009 IPN Guide
Payment Review Using Notifications
If PayPal places a payment under review, PayPal sends messages containing the
payment_status and pending_reason variables. In addition, it sends a
protection_eligibility variable that identifies the kind of protection in force for the
transaction.
The initial IPN or PDT message indicates that the payment is under review:
z The payment_status variable is set to Pending.
z The pending_reason variable is set to PaymentReview.
A subsequent IPN message indicates the resolution of the payment review:
z If the transaction was successful and the payment was accepted, PayPal sends a notification
whose payment_status variable is set to Completed.
z If the transaction failed and the payment was rejected, PayPal sends a notification whose
payment_status variable is set to Reversed.
NOTE: PDTs are only available for the initial status.
reason_code Reason for the case.
Values for case_type set to complaint:
z non_receipt: Buyer claims that he did not receive goods or service.
z not_as_described: Buyer claims that the goods or service received
differ from merchant’s description of the goods or service.
Values for case_type set to chargeback:
z unauthorized
z adjustment_reimburse: A case that has been resolved and close
requires a reimbursement.
z non_receipt: Buyer claims that he did not receive goods or service.
z duplicate: Buyer claims that a possible duplicate payment was
made to the merchant.
z merchandise: Buyer claims that the received merchandise is
unsatisfactory, defective, or damaged.
z special: Some other reason. Usually, special indicates a credit card
processing error for which the merchant is not responsible and for
which no debit to the merchant will result. PayPal must review the
documentation from the credit card company to determine the nature
of the dispute and possibly contact the merchant to resolve it.
Variable Name Description