Total Merchant Services Deceptive, scam, ripoff, bank autodraft, lies, cons Internet

I received an unsolicited text on my iPhone and although I normally delete these, I saw the Apple name in the body of the text and associated it with my Apple phone and Apple accounts.  I called the number because I have been looking for a new Credit Card scanner for my business.  I was sold on their rates and the monthly fee which covered the free machines and the wireless service needed to run the card swiper, plus a lifetime replacement on equipment and free rolls of adding maching paper.

 They asked for my Social Security number, which I am always very leary about giving out, but again, I thought I was speaking with Apple.  I actually hung up as I was placed on a long hold by Rebekah Gains, the telemarketer handling my account.  She called me back within about 5 minutes.  She apologized for the disconnection and referred me to a confirmation email they had sent me with a link that she walked me through to be sure that I agreed to while she was on the phone.  In the back of my mind, I was thinking this was sketchy, but under the pressure, I quickly clicked the agree button.

She said I would receive an email alerting me that I had been approved and I would receive my equipment in two days.  I have been calling for 7 days, leaving messages, sending emails and no one has called me back.  I finally decided to google the name and associates and lo and behold there were many others who were unhappy with their services.  And several have been charged monthly charges which were not agreed upon during conversatons with the telemarketers.  Very frustrating and so thankful that I did not connect one of my bank accounts with them.  However, I am very concerned with them having my Social Security Number.

Their website states that they are connected to Wells Fargo bank.  © 2014 Total Merchant Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Total Merchant Services is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, CA