PayPal has been relatively safe for me and I have been using it since 2000 (so about 11 years now). It's safe as long you always access it through the PayPal website and not through links.

However, in my 11 or so years of using PayPal, they have never once actually gave me money (I mean, who would?).

I searched Google for PayPal rebate, cash back and etc. Apparently it has happened to a number of people, so getting $100 and as much as $1000. No one seems to be able to figure out why, but the most plausible explanation is PayPal rewarding customers who has generated a lot of fees for them and hope that you will use their service more.

I don't know. I have no idea. That's why I am asking.