Complaint Review: First Data Merchant Card Processing

On November 21, 2007, I contacted First Data through the information given on the Sam's website for 1.64% + $.19 processing fees, a waiver of monthly processing fees and free card printer with Business Plus membership as stated on their website. II told the sales person Terry White that I did not need check processing service and gift cards if there was a charge due to the nature of my business. I asked if the equipment could be charged to my Discover so that I could received my cash rewards from Discover several times and was simply told "Let me get you approved, first" each time.

I received the machine and printer which set up and worked well. Cards were processing and all was well until January 4, 2008 when $701.41 was drawn from my bank account. It was then that I was told that it was for the card machine, printer and other charges. I was now told that the charge could not be taken from my Discover. I incurred bank overdraft fees due to the unexpected overdraft.

I was charged a monthly service fee of $25 in addition to $125 for the pin pad as well as a $6.41 shipping and $6.75 monthly fee for gift cards. (Total $163.16 over the advertised and contracted fees) I tried numerous times to contact First Data regarding these charges and was always told they would look over my contract and get back with me. January 6, 2007, January 30, 2007, and February 5, 2007 are some of the dates. In response to one of the dates, I believe, it was January 7, I received an email from the rep Terry White, telling me that I should sell the machines on EBay if I did not like it. On February 5, I was told by Cindy, an account specialist that the pin pad cost and monthly service fee would be reimbursed. She even gave me a confirmation number for my records regarding this reimbursement. But that she had to look at my contract regarding the gift cards. Several days later, February 11, I received a copy of "my contract" in the mail with no cover, no explanation. It had been changed dramatically. The gift card area had now been filled out and a monthly fee added on one page. The cost of the equipment had been changed from $499 to $623. On the first page a pin pad and price of $125 had been added to the contract. Every single page of the contract had been altered. On one page more than 20 check marks had been added.

My contract had been sent to them via a Fax Service who has a copy of the contract that I sent on file so there is that dated contract in addition the copy which I kept for my files proving that there is contract fraud on the transaction. I immediately called corporate at Sam's and made a report. They sounded helpful and gave me a case number.

In addition, the equipment fees, terminal and keypad purchase taxes and gift card monthly fee show as charged to me on both the December and January payment. (Total fees for December $$713.85 and January $701.41.) This is for a small retail store that takes in from $1000 to $2000 a month.

Use Extreme Care with this company. There IS a cancellation fee in their contract contrary to any promises and the agreement, did not match that advertised by Sam's

Patricia
Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.