United Payment Services Inc. They took more money out of my bank account than was agreed upon Westlake Village, California *EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back into your bank account that someone wrongfully takes it from you!

I signed up with United Payment Services on July 22, 2009 for a merchant account. At first I thought they seemed very professional and seemed to explain the contract in detail and answered any questions I had. I was informed by Rick Eskin, the new accounts manager, that I would only be charged $20 a month. I asked him relentlessly if there were any other fees, such as set up fees, PCI charges, early termination fees, etc  and was told by him that there were none. As a matter of fact that is what attracted me to them.

Imagine my surprise a month later when I find out that they took not $20 from my business bank account, which was the amount we agreed upon, but instead took $123.99. I filed a dispute with my bank immediately and the money was returned to my account.

I called United Payment Services to close my account and talked to Corey, in collections to ask why I was being charged such an astronomical amount. He stated that they were now charging a PCI charge, as well as other hidden fees,  something they failed to inform me about on my statement. He told me that he could drop the price down to $80 a month, which is something I refused to pay since that was not a part of the original agreement. I told him that according to Rick I would not have to pay a PCI charge when I signed up for their service, I was also not told about the hidden charges, and I want a copy of my contract. He said he would email it to me. I never received it. After calling again to ask why I never received it I was told it would be mailed to me. I finally received it after three weeks. However, it was not the same contract I had signed. This one had PCI charges as well as various hidden fees that I was never aware of.

I called Corey and informed him that I wanted to close the account.  He stated that my account would be closed due to non payment anyway. I asked if there would be an early termination fee and was told that once the account was closed they would then discuss that with me. I once again informed him that when I signed up for their service I was told by Rick that there were no early termination fees. Once again he said we would work something out after my account was closed.

A month later I get a letter from a collection company, CRF Solutions, stating that my account with United Payment Services had been turned over to them and that I owed them $399. 00. After numerous threatening and harassing phone calls and letters from Lisa Shields, their Collection Representative, I am now being told that I owe $621.90. I have been in contact with Lisa and am now disputing the charges as I feel that United Payment Services misrepresented their company when I originally signed up for their service.  

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back! HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO: Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E. According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days. If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges. Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent! DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER! Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get. And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state. Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth. If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form. CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here. Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action. And good luck Let us know how you do! ED Magedson Founder RipoffReport.com Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com Rip-off Report PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280