Merchant Services Protection Plan Rip off artist ... Merchants beware Internet

I sold my restaurants over 7 months ago and cancelled my Merchant Services (credit card processing) accounts.  Each month I was still being charged $29.95 with Merchant Services as a descriptor to the charge.  I naturally assumed that my previous Merchant Services company failed to cancel one of my accounts.  After 7 months of calling my former provider, they were able to inform me that the charge was not coming from them but a company that offers Merchant Services Protection Plans

When I called the company to find out what was going on they said that Francis Nowicki authorized them to sign me up for the protection plan service back in 2007.  I never heard of this company, I never had a Francis working in my restaurants  nor is there anyone in my family named Francis. 

I have no idea who this company is nor how they got my information.  I have heard it may be through Discover Card so they will be next on my hit list of companies to try and track down this fraud.  They were kind enough (and very quick to offer) a 7 month refund but I figure they have taken over $2000 from my account with no authorization.

Anyone that has a Merchant Services account, take a look at your charges and if you see a $29.95 charge from MSPP8005112896 ... your in the scam.