First American Payment Systems Complaint

FIRST AMERICAN PAYMENT SYSTEMS RUINED MY CREDIT! - Credit Card merchant processing

zamalek's Picture Reviewed by zamalek
Complaint
 +1

I opened a very small business in a mall in Atlanta in May of 2007, and I signed a one year lease. A representative of First American Systems convinced me to accept credit cards through their company. I signed an agreement, thinking I was signing for one year only. I was given only a three-page agreement. I closed the business when my lease expired, because I was exhausted after working 363 days, 11 hours a day.

I then discovered that First American had charged my business account about $150.00 for a new system they have with Discover. When I contacted them to protest the charge, they referred me to Discover, who told me that they had sent me a letter advising me of the charge some time in March 2008. I never received this letter, nor would I have ever agreed to this charge, because I knew that my lease was for one year only, and was about to expire. When they refused to refund the money, I decided to close my bank account to keep First American from further unauthorised charges and I closed my merchant account with them. I was told that I had signed a three years contract and that there would be a termination fee. I asked for a copy of the agreement, and they faxed me several ilegible pages which were never given to me by the representative with whom I signed the agreement.

I then got a phone call from First American Systems demanding that I pay them $460.00 ($300.00 for early termination penalty, an additional $100.00 for early termination of wireless service, and $60.00 for the two returned items fee from my bank). When I tried to explain to the Collections Specialist Crystal Whitehill that I thought I had a one year contract, that I could not find anything in the agreement about an additional $100.00 (I did find a statement in the fine print about a $300.00 for early termination), she kept interrupting me and would not give me a chance to explain that I had to close my account because of the unauthorised fee related to Discover. I told her that I would only be willing to pay $300.00. Of course, I would first want a refund for the unauthorised $150.00 Discover fee. She would not let me finish and demanded $460.00 and threatened that if I did not pay, "things would only get worse from now on".

And apparently, they did.. She called me again to settle with me for $330.00. I told her that I would, if she would sent me a letter that I would be paid in full, and look in to the Discover matter. At that point she stated that American Systems had already reported me to the Credit Bureaus. I told her that I could not believe that she offered to settle AFTER they reported me, and that I would not pay anything until they removed the bad credit report; she refused. Things got even worse after that.. Apparently, they ruined my perfect 40 years credit. American Express - which I paid faithfully on time for thirty seven (37) years - wrote me a letter advising me that they were suspending my "flexibility", and that I could no longer use their extented payment option. Another credit card wanted to raise my interest rate; I opted out, however, if I have any new charges on this card, the new rates would apply!

I just received a letter from Ms. Whitehill, stating that " First American Payment Systems will pursue this debt aggressively through third party for appropriate actions", that "all collections cost and Attorney's fees will be added to the balance of your account", and that "this debt has been reported directly to the Credit Bureaus".

I wish I had never heard of First American Payment Systems. This is a ruthless company that hides behind the fine print of their agreements, and that does not even provide it's customers with all the pages of the agreement when they sign up. They will ruin your credit without even trying to listen to you, and after they have messed you up really bad, they have the nerve to ask you to settle for what you had offered in the first place.

PLEASE BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL BEFORE SIGNING A MERCHANT CREDIT CARD PROCESSING AGREEMENT WITH FIRST AMERICAN PAYMENT SYSTEMS. MY ADVICE IS TO HAVE THE AGREEMENT REVIEWED BY A LAWYER BEFORE SIGING ANYTHING. THEY WILL OFFER YOU LOW DISCOUNT FEES, BUT WILL HIDE EARLY TERMINATION FEES AND OTHER FEES IN THE FINE PRINT, AND THEY COULD DEBIT YOUR BANK ACCOUNT FOR UNRELATED CHARGES WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION; THAT'S TANTAMOUNT TO STEALING, IN MY OPINION.

Apparently, I am not the only one who had a bad experience with FIRST AMERICAN PAYMENTS SYSTEMS. Here is what the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU had to say about them:
"Based on the BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the bureau for failure to correct the underlying reason for complaints. Complaints processed by the BBB in our three-year reporting concern selling practices and customer service issues. Specifically, consumers allege the service was misrepresented and others allege the company continued to debit the complainants bank account after the service was canceled. The company has responded by furnishing a signed copy of the contract. The contract includes a cancellation fee."

Thank you for your time.

Lee
Atlanta, Georgia

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Comments - Consumers and Companies Connect by Commenting


Jenna12 says: (1 month ago)
 0
STAY AWAY FROM FIRST AMERICAN PAYMENT SYSTEMS LIKE A FIRE! I been a small merchant for 8 years now and I never experienced such business practices ever. I had the same processing company for years and compared to others I had decent fees. Over the years I noticed that my fees were slightly going up so I decided to try another company. The rep came from American Payment systems and he look like decent person. He reviewed my statements and said he can do better with lower fees. I know how to read the processing statements since I have been dealing with that before I owned couple stores. My mistake was that I filled out the application with them. After a day I found some reviews about this company and I decided to back off. I called the rep and I asked him not to set-up any accounts for me. It was literally 12 hours later. He wanted to me to sign up and talked "crap" for 10 minutes. I said sorry - no. Close the account. Well, funny thing is that I have received a statement from my bank today and I see a draw of $465 and $100 for closing fees. I called them immediately and it was confirmed that they ILLEGALY drew money out of my account. WHAT TYPE OF PRACTICES ARE THOSE? Nothing was set-up due to my cancellation. I have a copy of my application and I asked that the rep writes at the bottom - CAN CLOSE ACCOUNT AT ANY TIME AND NO CLOSING COSTS. I have disputed the draws with my bank and I am sure I get my money back. I am posting that for info and warning for others - watch out those people are plain thiefs and there should be a action lawsuit so someone can stop them. This is a 100% legit story that just recently took place.

shannonryan says: (3 months ago)
 0
Hey, if anyone is starting a class action on First American Payment Systems or TransTech, email me shannon.ryan33@yahoo.com. Oh I know that I will be getting some haters emails also. That's fine too if that will give you more high blood pressure ;)

shannonryan says: (3 months ago)
 0
zamalek,
I am experiencing the same thing. They are charging me $698 for early cancellation, that $595 plus interest, so I was told. My lease was over so I decided to close the business down 3 months ago. I asked the manager to call and cancel because the company was charging at least $37 dollars a month which averages between 20%-40% of the money that was coming into the account from TransTech Merchant Group. every month. The manager told that there's a cancellation fee of $595 (not sure the exact number, but it's around there). It was a surprise because there wasn't supposed to be any cancellation fee. My manager told me that the sales man told him that there wasn't going to be any cancellation fee when he signed up (I didn't know he signed up for a new company). The manager said that he'd specifically told the salesperson that the business will most likely close when the lease is over which was approximately 10 months down the road. The salesperson convinced him that there will no cancellation fee just like the old company which was Chase and will save more money than Chase. I told the manager to deal with them.
A month or so later, I received a collection letter from First American Payment Systems for $698.
I called the number on the letter spoke to Ryan Bear (if that was his real name). I asked him to fax me the contract and list down the charges. But refused to "waste" his time doing it because I told him that if the charges are unreasonable I'm not going to promise that I will pay them. I told him that I personally didn't sign the contract the manager must have gotten sucked by his salesman and signed it. Not to mention that the manager has just got out of a month long coma in the hospital and when he communicated with TranTech's salesperson. Ryan's reply to me was than it's fraud and if it's fraud you need to give me back $2000 (something like that) that was credited into the account. If my numbers are correct the total credited into my account was around $2000 and my total charges from First America Payment Systems is around $1000 if not more. So what legitimate credit card service company charges almost 50% of the merchant's sales? After arguing for about 45 minutes or so, I told Ryan that I didn’t call to argue about the same thing over and over. He said he was going to sue me, ruin my spotless credit, and I’d better be willing to go to Texas for court. I didn’t understand why I would be going to Texas when my business wasn’t in the state of Texas. Anyway, I thanked him for talking to me and have a nice day.
Today I checked my mailbox and received another from First American Payment Systems accused me of not answering to their “attempts” to resolve the matter. Which attempt was that I wonder “the send me cashier check next week or I will take you to court!” ?
Those of you that are reading this: Did you get the letter from them with the cc: Shannon, Gracey, Ratliff & Miller – Attorneys at Law?
I found this site http://www.protectingtheconsumer.com/contact.php . I think they are attorneys that would take class action if the case is worth while for them. If you guys are interested, lets put a group together. Not sure it would help, but hopefully we helped prevent future victims.

privateguy says: (3 months ago)
 0
I want to make a Comment about first american. I am very disappointed the way they handle there customer. I wanted to Close my account for serving the FASP and paid my share that i agreed to pay even though i did not use there Services for a 1 Yr and I want to end it i was told i waited to long need to sent in writting that i want to cancle there service 30 Days before Anniversary no I am Stuck for another year of Paying $40.00 a year for nothing .
I hope that First American can sleep good at night .

idiots says: (5 months ago)
 0
lol

idiots says: (5 months ago)
 0
u guys a a bunch of idots, read your contract before u agree and sign something, sure u got fucked, but its entirely your fault.. u bought the sales mans shit an now u must eat it.. it is simply what u get. after all is done and said for i bet u feel like the dumbest mother fucker..

Hatetranstech says: (9 months ago)
 0
Similar story...all happened to me in Urbana Illinois...Will try to contact Greg Abbott (texas states attorney)...jason jwhitch@yahoo.com

Hatetranstech says: (9 months ago)
 0
LEE, it was like I was talking to my self...Your story happened to me...letter for letter..:( I am calling Greg Abbott (texas States attorney)

zamalek says: (11 months ago)
 0
I would like to thank Jeff and Tarrantcounty for their comments. First American Payment Systems has referred my case to a "collections" outfit which has sent me another threatening letter. Of course, I intend to fight them to the bitter end in order to clear my name. Also, I will lodge complaints with the FTC and take any other legal action to expose this deceitful and fraudulent company.
Thanks gain!
Lee

TarrantCounty says: (11 months ago)
 0
Concerning the comment that"jackkeebler" wrote. Apparently he is an employee of FAPS (First American Payment Systems). I WAS and employee in the System Implementation department - that department is in charge of calling merchants who have either received equipment from FAPS or have switched over to FAPS and needed to have their equipment reprogrammed. Many times, I have heard from merchants that they were told to 'sign here' so that we can get you started to see what they're rates would be for processing. Little did they know that they were signing a contract. Most Sales Representatives will lie and tell you what you want to hear just to make a deal. FAPS has many third party Independent Sales Offices (ISO's)APPSTAR FINANCIAL
Eliot Management
FIRST ADVANTAGE
MERIMAC CAPITAL
Summit Merchant Solutions
TRANS TECH
TRANSTECH MERCHANT GROUP
If a merchant originally signed up with, let's say for example, Transtech and they have a 3 year contract and an Appstar Sales Rep told that same merchant that he/she could get them better rates. If the original contract with Transtech was in it's 2nd year, then the merchant will have to pay a closing fee. Once the merchant realizes that, he will call to cancel the contract with Appstar - but guess what? Appstar will require a 'closing fee' of about $500 - now mind you, Transtech and Appstar, among others, all process with FAPS - FAPS doesn't care that the merchant has to pay a fee or make any exceptions.

Another problem I found is that their "Research and Development" group is a joke - they put out equipment that really hasn't been tested like it should nor does the Technical that oversees the R & D have the smarts of what is going on with the exception of 1 young lady in that department - Yvette.

Another issue with FAPS is that early in 2008, the company identified approximately 1000 merchants that had been double billed. These merchants could have been refunded on their next bill but instead, Management decided that it would ONLY REFUND the merchant ONLY IF that merchant caught it and called in about the billing problem. If the merchant did not call, then they would not be refunded. The over charges could not have amounted to a few thousand dollars but because of THEIR GREED and uncaring just for the sake of money. I guess this is how Neil Randall, the owner of FAPS is able to build a home in 2007 in an exclusive part of Fort Worth, TX. Ever hear of the originator of Radio Shack - his family live in this exclusive area.
Just thought you might want to be aware.

TarrantCounty says: (11 months ago)
 0
Concerning "jackkeeble" reply - apparently he's a FAPS (First American Payment Systems) employee. I WAS

Jeff123 says: (11 months ago)
 0
Dig a little, it's easy to find a lot of dirt on First American Payment Systems.

http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/28257/

Small Business Fights Back as Merchant Credit Card Provider Scam Strikes Again

NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Oakland, CA, United States, 01/10/2008 - First American Payment System-Merimac Capital and Affiliates has been accused-yet again-of fraudulent billing, deceit, and not honoring its non-cancelable lease agreements with customers. Small business owner fights back.


Dallas, Texas based merchant equipment provider, First American Payment System-Merimac Capital and Affiliates has been accused-yet again-of fraudulent billing, deceit, and not honoring its non-cancelable lease agreements with customers.

In March of 2006, Body Bar shop owner, Triche Christmon, signed a 48 month non-cancelable lease with First American for a “Way 2 Pay” wireless merchant credit card machine. “From the beginning there were issues” claims Christmon.

Several months into her contract, she says the device wouldn’t power on and the charger stopped working completely. After contacting Merimac Capital’s technical support about her troubles, Christmon says they replaced their charger but her problems with the machine itself still persisted.

“It was like they completely ignored us. We told them about the problems we were having with the machine and we still didn’t receive assistance in repairing or replacing our equipment.” stated Christmon. They began losing revenue and were forced to turn away customers who wanted to use their credit or debit cards to pay for purchases.

“Our business has really suffered. We’re losing money and to make matters worse, they have the nerve to continue to bill us. There are no merchant charges because the equipment doesn’t work, so what are they billing us for?” demands the angry shop owner. “We feel as business consumers that Merimac Capital should provide adequate working equipment. That is what business owners are paying for."

The problems with First American Payment System-Merimac Capital only escalated from there. Body Bar experience double debiting from there Bank of America Business Account, and Crystal Whitehall of Merimac Capital refused to honor the contract by providing Body Bar with replacement equipment unless they continued to pay monthly fees on the lease. When no agreement could be made Crystal Whitehall sent Body Bar to collections for the full amount of lease.

Christmon says that she will take her fight public until the company acknowledges their wrong doing.
According to Christmon, her recent research into the companies past business dealings has turned up less than favorable reviews. She found that in 2005 The Federal Trade Commission settled a lawsuit against First American Payment Processing, Inc. the FTC alleged that the defendants violated the law when they helped fraudulent telemarketers by electronically double debiting consumers bank accounts.

Body Bar has been forced to take further recourse due to Merimac Capital’s failure to perform their obligation under its non-cancelable contract. Body Bar filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and plans to file in small claims court.

Jeff123 says: (11 months ago)
 0
Just look at First American Payment Systems BBB report...The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgment on the validity of complaints filed.
Number of complaints processed by the BBB
in the last 36 months: 225
in the last 12 months: 114
Complaints Concerned:
Selling Practices (58 complaints)
53 Resolved
5 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve

Service Issues (39 complaints)
35 Resolved
4 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve

Customer Service Issues (2 complaints)
2 Resolved

Credit or Billing Disputes (42 complaints)
37 Resolved
5 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve

Delivery Issues (2 complaints)
2 Resolved

Refund Practices (9 complaints)
6 Resolved
3 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve

Product Quality (5 complaints)
5 Resolved

Contract Disputes (65 complaints)
56 Resolved
8 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
1 The parties could not provide sufficient information to support their positions nor agreeable to make reasonable efforts toward resolving the issue of the dispute

Repair Issues (2 complaints)
1 Resolved
1 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve.

Be very wary of this company and all of thier alternate names which are APPSTAR FINANCIAL
Eliot Management
FIRST ADVANTAGE
MERIMAC CAPITAL
Summit Merchant Solutions
TRANS TECH
TRANSTECH MERCHANT GROUP

zamalek says: (1 year ago)
 0
This is an insensitive and uninformed comment by jackkeebler. First American Payment systems did NOT provide me with all the pages of the agreement at the time of signing. How was I to know that there was another four pages of fine print, which to this day they have not provided me? They faxed me illegible copies when I complained about the unauthorized charges and never mailed them to me when I complained that I could not read them. I would suggest that you read the complaint carefully before you pass judgment on my behavior. First American Payment Systems has a long history of hiding behind the fine prints of their contracts, only with me, they did not even bother to hand me all the fine print! Also, First American Payment Systems debited my bank account with Discover Card charges that I did not authorize; when I complained, they referred me to Discover Card, who refused to reverse the charges! It's easy to make general comments about reading the agreements carefully before signing, etc., but if the company is deceitful, they have a way of hiding the clauses which they know will raise a white flag with their prospective customers. In my case, they did not even bother to provide all the documents at the time of signing. By the way, I am not the only one who complained about First American Payment Systems. If you look up their name on the Better Business Bureau site, you will find out that this company has a long history of deceitful practices, and mnay complaints by merchants. I have signed many agreements in my 34 years in business and never defaulted on any of them. First American Systems did ruin my credit history by reporting me to the credit bureaus, and my credit was reduced by several thousands of dollars by at least two credit cards companies. I have disputed these reports, and for as long as it takes, I will keep fighting them to clear my name, to reimburse the unauthorised charges, and to expose them so that will think twice before deceiving other merchants.

jackkeebler says: (1 year ago)
 -1
Alot of people want to put the blame on the first american or other processing companies that the ruined this and ruined that. It is the merchants fault do they know not how to read a contract after all it is their business they do not have to get forced in to anything. Almost all credit card processing companies charge closing fees not just first american if merchants would learn how to read it would save alot of these ridiculous posts. Stop putting the blame on other people when you could have read the terms and conditions and asked all of the appropriat questions.




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