Over the internet, Mermeris, Inc. charged me $98 to get me a Federal Tax ID. (I did not know that this was a private company, as their email includes the words "federal papers"). I found out (before signing and sending the form) that the Federal Gov't. gives our a Federal Tax ID (EIN No.) out FREE, so I knew this was a scam.
I immediately faxed to cancel the transaction (this was done within 24 hrs.). They emailed that they would charge me a $50. processing fee--when I hadn't yet signed or filed (sent via snail mail) the application to process! They said I had checked off a box which allowed this charge; the "catch-22" is that the box had to be checked off before I could print off the application to sign and send, which they required to complete the ordering process.
This is, if not illegal, unethical--and a ripoff!
Patricia
Carlsbad, California
U.S.A.