I try to avoid Paypal but I have never had problems with the following methods. I have only used it as a buyer.

1. I am verified. I use a checking account with $117 deposited that is only used for Paypal.
2. I always use my AMEX account to make payment. If anything goes awry, and I have had an issue or two with untrustworthy sellers, AMEX has refunded my funds w/o my having to deal with Paypal and their tiresome policies.

Side rant: I have found my bank's Visa service does not provide anywhere near the level of protection as AMEX. YMMV with Visa....