First Data Global Leasing 4 year contract, no way out! Atlanta, Georgia

I signed up to use their merchant services back in 2008, along with it came the credit card machine. Turns out the merchant services did not work with my software program to charge clients as they were at my place of business. I cancelled the service, no problem. But when I asked where to send the machine too, they told me I was in a 4 year contract, and could NOT get out. I only used it for 1 month, I asked what the payoff would be , (Over $1,000). I about died!...for a $200 machine... they get to lock me into a 4 year contract. So I just pay each month.. $38, for 3 more years. I called to find out how much I had left, and the lady told me that $800 , and that was after paying for 2 years. but said that once my term ends, I can purchase the machine for $1, and could sell it, as it would be mine. So today I called them to payoff the balance, as my contract ends in April, and she said the balance is $215.86., and that she would send me the documentation for my records, and information on where to send the machine back to. I asked why I had to send it back since I have the option to purchase for $1 at the end of the contract. She said the purchase price now is $138 at the end of the contract. Even though they have received $1, 596 from me, and I cannot even use the credit card machine.

I feel that this company is completely sales driven. They send people out to do these low rates on credit card fees, but swindle you into a locked contract. I am once again so frustrated. I have learned valuable lessons here, after dealing with this shady company. Low rates are a HUGE red flag that they are going to do something deceitful, like raise the rates after 6 months, or lock you into a ridiculous contract. (oh and they also charged me a quarterly maintenance fee of $40... when they have never serviced or provided customer service to me for that machine, because it has been stored in a drawer for 3.5 years.).  I dont know how companies like this can continue to grow..... maybe because they take hard working people and business owners to the cleaners with their contracts. I hope this report will save someone from using this shady company. They have lied to me over and over, and I am still stuck paying them.