- Report: #191909
Complaint Review: First Data Merchant Services - Greenwood Village Colorado
-
Author Confirmed
Why?
First Data Merchant Services
6200 South Quebec Street Greenwood Village, 80111 Colorado, U.S.A.
Phone:
800-588-7545
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Business Rating:
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Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good?
First Data Merchant Services took $500 unauthorized from my checking account after I cancelled my contract without warning me that there was a penalty for cancellation. Would not return it. Hagerstown, Greenwood Village Colorado *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account!
I cancelled my contract with First Data Merchant Services in March 2006. I do very small credit card volume. They had been my vendor since September 2004. I had not incurred any penalties when I switched from my previous vendor to First Data or for a change previous to that so I had not reason to believe that switching would be a problem.
While their discount rate has been stable, over the time they had been my vendor they kept tacking on all kinds of fees such that I was paying 4-5% on credit card transactions even though all transactions were clean and with the card present. I decided to switch to a different vendor. I called First Data. They were polite and helpful and the phone. At no time did the customer service person mention that my contract had or might have a $500 penalty for termination prior to three years service. Clearly, this would have been well known in the company as this page is loaded with similar complaints.
I discovered a $500 withdrawal when I received a month-end statement from First Data. My total transactions for 2006 were only $3335, making this a 14% When I called them they told me that I should have looked at my policy. I followed the instructions previously written in Rip-Off and called my bank. They told me that First Data had taken the money in such a way that I could only dispute it within the first 24 hours. They did agree, however, to fax me a Federal Form E and have me fax it back to their ACH department. This was Wachovia Bank which is possibly the best customer service business bank in America. Anyway, they do not know if they will be able to help me but at least they will try.
Amy
Glastonbury, Connecticut
U.S.A.
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!
HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:
Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!
Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD
If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.
And good luck Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
[email protected]
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.
We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate
WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists
We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers
CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
While their discount rate has been stable, over the time they had been my vendor they kept tacking on all kinds of fees such that I was paying 4-5% on credit card transactions even though all transactions were clean and with the card present. I decided to switch to a different vendor. I called First Data. They were polite and helpful and the phone. At no time did the customer service person mention that my contract had or might have a $500 penalty for termination prior to three years service. Clearly, this would have been well known in the company as this page is loaded with similar complaints.
I discovered a $500 withdrawal when I received a month-end statement from First Data. My total transactions for 2006 were only $3335, making this a 14% When I called them they told me that I should have looked at my policy. I followed the instructions previously written in Rip-Off and called my bank. They told me that First Data had taken the money in such a way that I could only dispute it within the first 24 hours. They did agree, however, to fax me a Federal Form E and have me fax it back to their ACH department. This was Wachovia Bank which is possibly the best customer service business bank in America. Anyway, they do not know if they will be able to help me but at least they will try.
Amy
Glastonbury, Connecticut
U.S.A.
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!
HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:
Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!
Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD
If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.
And good luck Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
[email protected]
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com
Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!
We are not lawyers.
We are not a collection agency.
We are Consumer Advocates.
...the victims' advocate
WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists
We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency
...by consumers, for consumers
CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
A
Maryland,Maryland,
U.S.A.
Signed Contract / Online Agreement
#2UPDATE Employee
Sun, April 01, 2007
Merchant Services & FDGL are two separate companies. I work for Merchant Services, and am not too familiar with the lease process. There are only two ways to set up a merchant account. Signed contract or Online Agreement. When you fill out the Online Agreement and click "I Agree", you are entering a binding contract. Clicking "I Agree" is just as binding as signing a contract.
Tracy
Akron,Ohio,
U.S.A.
How can you read the contract when you never signed?
#3Consumer Comment
Wed, March 28, 2007
Question to Employee.... How can you read a lease contract you have never seen or signed>? My friend has a small business, and called Telecheck to get an updated machine to take credit cards and checks. He signed a lease contract with Telecheck. Less than a month later, he gets a letter from FDLS that says First Data has taken over the lease. FDLS then begins to take out money that my friend never agreed to. The letter says, "Subject to section 4B contained in your lease agreement, you are required to reimbuse us an amount of $74.48 to cover applicable sales tax due for the term of the lease". There IS NO SECTION 4B in the Telecheck lease contract he signed!! he asked me to look into it. LO and BEHOLD< I do some digging on Firstdata.com. I put in a search for "leasing equipment contract". I get a hit, the very first one. But it does not say contract for leasing equipment. It says (anyone who has not been able to get a copy, listen up!) It is the very first hit, and in blue font, it says " mircosoftword-e#9FD0333REV08.05AB.DOC click on it and you will get a copy of FDLS's leasing contract, which by the way, HAS A SECTION 4B!!! FDLS is making people fo by thier contract when they have NOT sent it to the consumer who's leasing contract they have bought. They will tell you they have your signature, when they have copied it from the orignal contract they got when they bought it. If they did that with my friends, they are in for a surprise. The guys SECRETARY signed it (his name), not him. So the signature that my friend uses will NOT MATCH what thier copied signature. I would suggest that anyone who wants a copy of the FDLS lease do it quick. I am sure that First Data will delete it as soon as they see this entry.
A
Maryland,Maryland,
U.S.A.
Read Before Signing
#4UPDATE Employee
Sat, November 25, 2006
Please read all the information before signing an agreement. Your contract would have stated that by signing, you were agreeing to have received, understood, and except the terms of the Merchant Program Guide. The Program Guide would have advised you of the Termination Terms and any cancellation fees. If you did not receive the Guide, or did not agree with the Terms, you should not have signed the contract. Also, by signing the contract, you agreed to ACH debits, which authorizes them to debit all valid fees from your checking account.
