Complaint Review: TransTech Merchant Group - TMG Lease Finance Group - LFG - Fort Worth Chicago, Texas Illinois

In May 2008, I was contacted via phone solicitation for credit card processing from TransTech Merchant Group (TMG)out of Forth Worth, TX. I was actually in search of a wireless processor and agreed to meet with the sales rep. We met and she gave me prices for processing which were agreed upon. I asked her for something in writing and she gave me a worksheet with charges crossed out and Fees waived. She also informed me that for just $8.00 more per month, I could have the Secure Chex system also. I was given a price of $94.00 per mo. for 60 mos. for both machines. (very high, I now realize) but considering this was wireless, I didn't think that was unreasonable. The TMG Rep then told me that I had a 60 day no obligation trial period. I had signed NOTHING at this point and agreed to the trial.

The Rep then called me and asked if she could "start my paperwork" so she could get the equipment to me. I said yes. What I discovered later was that she was FORGING my name to a Non-cancellable lease agreement with Lease Finance Group (LFG) in Chicago. I didn't even know LFG existed, or was part of this deal at this point in time.

My equipment arrived in just 2 days. When it arrived I literally still had the box in my hand and it was TMG asking if I'd received my equipment and would I like to start training. I told had them call back once I got it set up. In hind-sight I think now this was a ploy to rush you. I also received a call asking me if I understood the terms of the lease, that it would be non-cancellable etc. I was assuming this was TMG because I was UNaware of LFG being involved. Turns out is was LFG. Remember I had NOT signed a THING at this point. So I said, yes I understand the terms also thinking, yes in 60 days once I'd tried the equipment and actually signed something I understood these were the terms. Worry free for 60 days.

I didn't process any credit cards for 2 days. Once I did I will say the equipment worked perfect. I then tried to run a check through the Secure Chex. It just so happened to be a physically large business size check. It would not run through the reader because of it's size, so I called the tech support with training and they informed me that it wouldn't take business size checks nor verify them. I thought this would do me no good. I called my sales Rep to tell her I didn't want this piece of equipment because I couldn't accept business sized checks which I receive about 75% of. She said she wasn't aware it didn't take those. I'm so glad she was up to par on her training. I asked her how I could return this and she said, I'd have to call Lease Finance Group. (LFG) This was the FIRST time I was aware I was now dealing with 2 companies. She gave me the phone number and LFG told me I was not allowed to return the equipment as stated in my lease. I asked, WHAT LEASE, I'm under a 60 trial period? LFG told me that 60 days was only with TMG not them and that was clearly stated in the lease agreement. I asked her to fax me this so called lease agreement. When she did, I discovered that the TMG Rep. had SIGNED/FORGED my name to this lease agreement. I called the TMG Rep and asked her about this and she said, "remember you told me I could start your paperwork." I told her she led me to believe it was an application to start the 60 days NOT sign my name to a lease. Who in their right mind would EVER assume they could sign someone else's name? I called LFG back and told them my name had been forged and they didn't seem to care. They faxed me a forgery report. I then contacted my attorney for advice. He stated how interesting that LFG just happens to have these forgery reports handy? The forgery report consisted of questions about ME. Like I was the criminal. These forgery reports are obviously tailor built to suit THEIR information, not against the sales rep. I then called TMG to let them know their Rep. took it upon herself to FORGE my name to a lease. They didn't seem to care and told me to fill out the forgery report with LFG it wasn't their problem because the lease was with LFG and not them. I was dumbfounded. There is even more to this story ie. TMG had "hidden fees" etc. but the Forgery was my main complaint.

There were several more phone calls. Many run arounds, with both companies. I was referred to this website, and found others having problems with these same two companies.

I will tell you, I Have SUCCESS!

And I wanted to share with you. You must contact the BBB although they do very little to help you, it's still a complaint. I contacted the Federal Trade Commission and filed a complaint.

And most importantly, I contacted Lisa Madigan the IL Attorney General. Her office contacted LFG and TMG and the end result was LFG ended my "non-cancellable" lease. I was able to return the equipment to TMG. It took 3 mos. still cost me approx 500.00 but saved me at least 5 THOUSAND dollars.

BE persistant, contact everyone, and hopefully, these rip off companies will learn to have HONEST business practices, or have enough complaints against them to be investigated.

I've learned a lot, the hard, way but I surely want to help others who may have fallen victim to these companies. If you need specific information or questions about anything please post on here and I'll check back to see if I can help. Remember, BE PERSISTANT and don't give up!

Lmcq06

O Fallon, Illinois

U.S.A.