United Payment Services Inc. Took $500 without rendering any services. The rep. said no money would be taken until we used their services. We never used their services but they still took $500 from our checking account. Santa Monica, California

In Aug. of 08 we contacted United Payment Services when we were thinking of starting an online jewelry company. We asked to see how their payment system works. The rep said we needed to sign an agreement to get software and codes etc. so we could get the full range of what they offer. I specifically told him we were not in business yet and would not be for many months. His response was "you don't pay until the first transaction".

A couple months after we initially contacted them I noticed they were taking money from our checking account, $42.50 each month. I called them and told them we did not have a business yet and to stop deducting money. The rep said she would cancel the account. Soon after we decided the business would not pan out and put all plans on hold. We spent the next year deciding what type of business to start.

Fast forward to Aug. 09. Our checking account was still open but never used the entire year since we put all business plans on hold. In Aug. of 09 we decided to start another business. We logged onto our banking account and learned that United Payment Services never canceled the account and were still taking $42.50 each month from our account. I sent email and asked for our money back. No response.

I called the next morning and the rep. said there was nothing she could do.  I talked to the manager and got nothing but attitude. He basically told me tough luck and he wouldn't refund our money.  The rep. actually told me this has happened before to other people!

They took our money and absolutely NO services were rendered. 

From what I understand, it is illegal to take money without rendering service.