I think you got a scam email. Paypal doesn't hold funds for 21 days. We use them daily and if you do any kind of online sales, from a simple eBay listing to a full blown web site, Paypal is (unfortunately) what you need.
Just to bring this up to date...I appreciate all your apprehension about a scam...and that was my first thought also...which is why I logged on to my Paypal account...only to see the same message on my secure account home page...and, like has been stated, I trust Paypal's security...it is awesome. It would be one heck of a scam to get that far! I have also initiated calls to Paypal (they are very easy to get in touch with)...although, Sarah, their digital helper, didn't have much helpful information for me!
Even though their first email didn't say so...this only applies to Ebay sales...I don't sell much of anything on Ebay (can't remember the last time I did)...so, it probably isn't going to affect me much at all. What I do sell on Ebay will continue to be: described accurately...packaged correctly...shipped promptly...and so on...just like those items I've sold in the past. Is this policy (it IS a new Paypal policy) going to get me to list more items on Ebay, so I can reach 100 feedbacks sooner? No. It will fail in that respect.
This has not affected other deposits into my Paypal account...deposits have been made into my account...and, the money has been available right away...and, my Paypal account, credit card, or bank account have not been drained...
So...it appears that Paypal is changing some policies...it happens all the time in this country...companies change policies.
I think T Cro is more onto the cause of the change...
I don't like the way it is phrased in their communication...but, in the real world, it really isn't going to have much of an effect on my life.
And yes, Jetjock, you are right. Until there is an alternative...if you do any transactions online...you pretty much need Paypal.
Thanks for all the help, support, and concern you all have expressed...it is what it is...and, watch your email!