Complaint Review: Smart Card Merchant Services

I, too, feel totally scammed and defrauded by Smart Card and indirectly First Data.  We signed up with Smart Card mid December, 2016.  Although I was able to cancel  the contract with Smart Card January, 2017, First Data is the contract we’re disputing. First Data is willing to let us out of this contract – Smart Card simply has to write a letter – which they’re refusing to do.  

When the Salesperson came to the $49.99 / month fee for the credit card machine I told him “stop right there – not interested.”    I just purchased a new credit card machine which is chip compliant.  He stated that the fee wasn’t just a rental – but included free paper and unlimited software updates throughout the life of the contract (written on contract).  Nothing was stated that Smart Card provided the paper and updates.  The pitch also included how new government mandates were making security more strict and my machine didn’t have the latest software updates, which made it possible to incur fines. With these two additional services, I felt the $49.99 fee was somewhat fair.  Not to worry about security and ordering paper  with all the credit card breeches seemed worth the little extra money. 

When contacting First Data regarding the paper and updates I was told they don’t provide such services.  I was told by First Data if the fraudulent remarks could be had in writing, they would cancel the contract.  I did that then was told they needed a letter on Smart Card’s letterhead to cancel.   We’ve been advised by Mr. Jamie Estrada, Customer support, they will not be writing the letter. 

I was told by Anthony Matthews, Director of Sales Support that his Salesman, Jorge Gonzalez “didn’t lie – he just omitted some information”.  I can’t say that I was totally ignored, however, as in the previous complaint.  Mr . Matthews did allow me to break the contract with Smart Card themselves of which I am grateful.  Paying $2300 for a $199 credit card machine, however, especially when I specifically told them I wouldn’t pay a rental only fee,is outrageous. 

If this company won’t do the right thing and enable my cancellation of the First Data contract, I want to warn others:  Learn from my mistake and stay away from both these companies