Consumer complaint received 02-06-2017 about Bank account or service (Other bank product/service) with First Data Corporation (DE).
Issue: Account opening, closing, or management

Complaint: I am complaining about First Data 's false advertising. Bogus contracts that I have never signed and poor customer service. I inquired about services XXXX of XXXX. I was referred to First Data through my bank XXXX. I received help from a sales person XXXX XXXX Who told me all about the equipment and the benefits, however, he never told me about a contract. He stated that I can cancel services whenever I want with no obligations. I never even signed a contract nor received XXXX. In fact I received the register in the mail and had to set it up myself. Often times I had to call because there were so many different fees coming out of my account and I questioned it. I was either being charged because of different payments I received from my clients, service charges, taxes, etc. Before even closing my account I was notified by my bank that fraudulent activity was occurring on my account and they needed to change my account. When having concerns with the machine I was told to call my salesperson XXXX XXXX Which was fired because he was doing false advertisement of the machine and taking funds from consumers. At this time I was closing my business account anyway. I tried to contact First Data on numerous occasions since XXXX XXXX to find out the process of cancelling my services. I was told that I needed to return the equipment and I could not cancel services because I was signed to a contract. If I wanted to buyout I had to pay for 40mths of {$73.00}. I told them that I never signed a contract and they needed to investigate the sale because the salesperson never told me about the terms or conditions nor sent me a contract. The salesperson told me he would mail me out a contract for me to sign and I would have to mail it back in. I never received a contract, however, First Data was continuing to debit my account. However, once I closed the account in XXXX I kept calling to make them aware that the account was closed, I no longer needed services and they would not receive payment. Every time I called they would give me the run around to say that they would send me the contract I supposedly signed and will give me a dispute letter, I still have not received anything. When I asked to talk to the manager, they manager said the same them. I never received a call back, contract, or dispute form to fill out. However, they did give me instructions on how to return the equipment with leasing number XXXX, which I returned the first week of XXXX. I had to pay {$45.00} to mail the equipment back. I tracked the package and emailed First Data letting them know the equipment was being returned with tracking number. After they received the equipment they did not confirm they received it. However, I noticed my credit score dropped because First Data sent me to collections for not making monthly payments on my so called contract. Today I called again and spoke with XXXX. She stated I was on a 48 mth contract and regardless what the salesperson told me or if my business account was closed I was still responsible for payments. I asked her to email and mail me my signed contract and dispute letter. Which she could not confirm that she had. I asked her to email and mail so there would not be any confusion that I did not receive it. She stated she could not do both it had to either be email or mail. So I said email because I figured I would receive it faster. I have been waiting since XXXX to rectify this situation and have not received anything. I just believe this company is a scam and they do not own up to their end of the bargain. Due to there being no contract signed by me I do not owe them anything. Once I reported the company they sent me a contract ( XXXX ) with my signature that was copied and pasted from something else. I never signed a contract, I only signed to receive equipment.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation