Posted on December 29, 2011 by Brent Lorentz
People obviously purchase substantial volumes of products over the holiday season. As much as this is a boon for legitimate retailers and manufacturers, it is also a boon for those unsavory Scrooges that choose to operate on the wrong side of trademark tenets. Let’s call them Counterfeit Clauses.
Click Here to read the rest of the story.
Defending The Republic, Not some Democracy, and enjoying some of life's rewards along the way.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Warranty Facts, What You Need To Know
Warranty Facts
This topic is based on facts on warranties for consumers from the Federal Trade Commission;
(http:/www.ftc.gov). Before you make a major purchase, there is an important promise you should read. It is called the warranty: the manufacturer's or seller's promise to stand behind a product. Warranties vary in the amount of coverage they provide. So, just as you compare the style, price, and other characteristics of products before you buy, you also can compare their warranties.
The Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975 requires that warranties be available for you to read before you make a purchase.
(What retailer is in compliance with this law)?
Something to take into consideration, if you are returning a product back to a retail store and they charge a restocking fee, you may be able to get them to drop the restocking fee because they were in violation of the above act. It's one way to fight back when dealing with unfair policies, but that is assuming what you are taking back normally would have a warranty such as electronics. This will not work with clothing.
Written Warranties
Written warranties come with most major purchases, although this is not legally required. (In other words, a manufacturer is not required to provide a warranty on their product('s)). The protection offered by written warranties varies greatly, so it is important to compare warranties before making a purchase. Here are some questions to keep in mind when comparing warranties.
·What parts and repair problems are covered by the warranty?
·Check to see if any parts of the product or types of repair problems are excluded from coverage.
·Are any expenses excluded from coverage? Some warranties require you to pay for labor charges.
·How long does the warranty last? Check the warranty to see when it expires.
·Does the warranty cover "consequential damages"? Many warranties do not cover consequential damages. This means that the company will not pay for any damage the product caused, or your time and expense in getting the damage repaired. For example, if your freezer breaks and the food spoils, the company will not pay for the food you lost.
·Are there any conditions or limitations on the warranty? Some warranties only provide coverage if you maintain or use the product as directed. For example, a warranty may cover only personal uses _ as opposed to business uses of the product. Make sure the warranty will meet your needs.
·Who do you contact to obtain warranty service? It may be the seller or the manufacturer who provides you with service.
·What will you have to do to get repairs? Look for conditions that could prove expensive, such as a
requirement that you ship a heavy object to a factory for service.
·What will the company do if the product fails? Find out if the company will repair it, replace it, or return your money.
Spoken Warranties
Sometimes a salesperson will make an oral promise, for example, that the seller will provide free repairs. However, if this claim is not in writing, you may not be able to get the promised service. Have the salesperson put the promise in writing, or do not count on the service.
This topic is based on facts on warranties for consumers from the Federal Trade Commission;
(http:/www.ftc.gov). Before you make a major purchase, there is an important promise you should read. It is called the warranty: the manufacturer's or seller's promise to stand behind a product. Warranties vary in the amount of coverage they provide. So, just as you compare the style, price, and other characteristics of products before you buy, you also can compare their warranties.
The Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975 requires that warranties be available for you to read before you make a purchase.
(What retailer is in compliance with this law)?
Something to take into consideration, if you are returning a product back to a retail store and they charge a restocking fee, you may be able to get them to drop the restocking fee because they were in violation of the above act. It's one way to fight back when dealing with unfair policies, but that is assuming what you are taking back normally would have a warranty such as electronics. This will not work with clothing.
Written Warranties
Written warranties come with most major purchases, although this is not legally required. (In other words, a manufacturer is not required to provide a warranty on their product('s)). The protection offered by written warranties varies greatly, so it is important to compare warranties before making a purchase. Here are some questions to keep in mind when comparing warranties.
·What parts and repair problems are covered by the warranty?
·Check to see if any parts of the product or types of repair problems are excluded from coverage.
·Are any expenses excluded from coverage? Some warranties require you to pay for labor charges.
·How long does the warranty last? Check the warranty to see when it expires.
·Does the warranty cover "consequential damages"? Many warranties do not cover consequential damages. This means that the company will not pay for any damage the product caused, or your time and expense in getting the damage repaired. For example, if your freezer breaks and the food spoils, the company will not pay for the food you lost.
·Are there any conditions or limitations on the warranty? Some warranties only provide coverage if you maintain or use the product as directed. For example, a warranty may cover only personal uses _ as opposed to business uses of the product. Make sure the warranty will meet your needs.
·Who do you contact to obtain warranty service? It may be the seller or the manufacturer who provides you with service.
·What will you have to do to get repairs? Look for conditions that could prove expensive, such as a
requirement that you ship a heavy object to a factory for service.
·What will the company do if the product fails? Find out if the company will repair it, replace it, or return your money.
Spoken Warranties
Sometimes a salesperson will make an oral promise, for example, that the seller will provide free repairs. However, if this claim is not in writing, you may not be able to get the promised service. Have the salesperson put the promise in writing, or do not count on the service.
Billing Errors on Credit Cards, Gloucester, VA News You Can Use
Now that Christmas is over, it's that time of year that credit card bills are now starting to come in showing you what you spent. We strongly advise you to look over your bills closely and make sure that there are no billing errors. Errors do happen and you do not want to be stuck paying for something that isn't yours. You have a limited amount of time to do so, so please look over the following with care to know your rights and responsibilities.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises you to review your billing statements with care.
Credit card billing errors do occur, but they are simple to resolve if you know how to use the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). Under this law, you must send the creditor a written notice about the problem to avoid paying for any charges you dispute. Many consumers forfeit their rights under this Act because they rely on calling the company to correct a billing problem. You may call if you wish, but phoning does not trigger the legal safeguards provided under the FCBA.
To take full advantage of your rights under the law, this is what you need to do. Write to the bank, the financial institution, or retailer who issued the card. Your letter must be received within 60 days after the issuer mailed you the first bill containing the error. In your letter include: your name and account number; the date, type, and dollar amount of the charge you are disputing; and why you think there was a mistake.
Be sure to send the letter to the special address for billing inquiries, as designated by the card issuer. You frequently can find the proper address on your bill under a heading such as "send inquiries to." Do not put your letter in the same envelope as your payment. To be sure the card issuer receives your letter, you may wish to send it by certified mail.
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This is what the creditor is required to do.
· Acknowledge your letter in writing within 30 days after it is received, unless the problem has been resolved within that time.
· Conduct a reasonable investigation and, within no more than 90 days, either explain why the bill is correct or correct the error.
· Include documents showing that the charge was correct, if the creditor states the bill is correct and you asked for "proof" in your letter.
· Under the FCBA, the card issuer cannot close your account just because you disputed a bill under the law.
· If you continue to have problems with the card issuer, you might wish to seek legal advice or contact your local consumer protection agency.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises you to review your billing statements with care.
Credit card billing errors do occur, but they are simple to resolve if you know how to use the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). Under this law, you must send the creditor a written notice about the problem to avoid paying for any charges you dispute. Many consumers forfeit their rights under this Act because they rely on calling the company to correct a billing problem. You may call if you wish, but phoning does not trigger the legal safeguards provided under the FCBA.
To take full advantage of your rights under the law, this is what you need to do. Write to the bank, the financial institution, or retailer who issued the card. Your letter must be received within 60 days after the issuer mailed you the first bill containing the error. In your letter include: your name and account number; the date, type, and dollar amount of the charge you are disputing; and why you think there was a mistake.
Be sure to send the letter to the special address for billing inquiries, as designated by the card issuer. You frequently can find the proper address on your bill under a heading such as "send inquiries to." Do not put your letter in the same envelope as your payment. To be sure the card issuer receives your letter, you may wish to send it by certified mail.
This is what the creditor is required to do.
· Acknowledge your letter in writing within 30 days after it is received, unless the problem has been resolved within that time.
· Conduct a reasonable investigation and, within no more than 90 days, either explain why the bill is correct or correct the error.
· Include documents showing that the charge was correct, if the creditor states the bill is correct and you asked for "proof" in your letter.
· Under the FCBA, the card issuer cannot close your account just because you disputed a bill under the law.
· If you continue to have problems with the card issuer, you might wish to seek legal advice or contact your local consumer protection agency.
Consumer Handbook to Credit Protection Laws
Introduction
The Consumer Credit Protection Act of 1968, which launched the Truth in Lending, was a landmark piece of legislation. For the first time, creditors had to state the cost of borrowing in a common language so that you,the customer, could figure out exactly what the charges would be, compare costs, and shop around for the credit deal best for you.
Since 1968, credit protections have multiplied rapidly. The concepts of "fair" and "equal" credit have been written into laws that outlaw unfair discrimination in credit transactions; require that consumers be told the reason when credit is denied;
Let borrowers find out about their credit records;
Set up a way to settle billing disputes.
Each law was meant to reduce the problems and confusion surrounding consumer credit which, as it became more widely used in our economy, also grew more complex. Together, these laws set a standard for how individuals are to be treated in their financial dealings.
The laws say, for instance:
·That you cannot be turned down for a credit card just because you're a single woman;
·That you can limit your risk if a credit card is lost or stolen;
·That you can straighten out errors in your monthly bill without damage to your credit rating;
·That you won't find credit shut off just because you've reached the age of 65.
But, let the buyer be aware! It is important to know your rights and how to use them. This handbook explains how the consumer credit laws can help you shop for credit, apply for it, keep up your credit standing, and, if need be, complain about an unfair deal. It explains what you should look for when using credit and what creditors look for before extending it. It also points out the laws solutions to discriminatory practices that have made it difficult for women and minorities to get credit in the past.
The Cost of Credit
You get credit by promising to pay in the future for something you receive in the present.
Credit is a convenience. It lets you charge a meal on your credit card, pay for an appliance on the installment plan, take out a loan to buy a house, or pay for schooling or vacations. With credit, you can enjoy your purchase while you're paying for it--or you can make a purchase when you're lacking ready cash.
But there are strings attached to credit too. It usually costs something. And of course what is borrowed must be paid back.
If you are thinking of borrowing or opening a credit account consumer leasing disclosures can help you compare the cost and terms of one lease with another and with the cost and terms of buying for cash or on credit.
The Finance Charge and Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Credit costs vary. By remembering two terms, you can compare credit prices from different sources. Under Truth in Lending, the creditor must tell you, in writing and before you sign any agreement, the finance charge and the annual percentage rate.
The finance charge is the total dollar amount you pay to use credit. It includes interest costs, and other costs, such as service charges and some credit--related insurance premiums. For example, borrowing $100 for a year might cost you $10 in interest. If there were also a service charge of $1, the finance charge would be $11.
The annual percentage rate (APR)is the percentage cost (or relative cost) of credit on a yearly basis. This is your key to comparing costs, regardless of the amount of credit or how long you have to repay it:
Again, suppose you borrow $100 for one year and pay a finance charge of $10. If you can keep the entire $100 for the whole year and then pay back $110 at the end of the year, you are paying an APR of 10 percent. But, if you repay the $100 and finance charge (a total of $110) in twelve equal monthly installments, you don't really get to use $100 for the whole year. In fact, you get to use less and less of that $100 each month. In this case, the $10 charge for credit amounts to an APR of 18 percent.
All creditors banks, stores, car dealers, credit card companies, finance companies-must state the cost of their credit in terms of the finance charge and the APR. Federal law does not set interest rates or other credit charges. But it does require their disclosure so that you can compare credit costs. The law says these two pieces of information must be shown to you before you sign a credit contract or before you use a credit card.
A Comparison
Even when you understand the terms a creditor is offering, it's easy to underestimate the difference in dollars that different terms can make. Suppose you're buying a $7,500 car. You put $1,500 down, and need to borrow $6,000. Compare the three credit arrangements on the next page.
How do these choices stack up? The answer depends partly on what you need.
The lowest cost loan is available from Creditor A.
If you were looking for lower monthly payments, you could get then by paying the loan off over a longer period of time. However, you would have to pay more in total costs. A loan from Creditor B--also at a 14 percent APR, but for four years--will add about $488 to your finance charge.
If that four-year loan were available only from Creditor C, the APR of 15 percent would add another $145 or so to your finance charges as compared with Creditor B.
Other terms--such as the size of the down payment--will also make a difference. Be sure to look at all the terms before you make your choice.
Cost of Open-End Credit
Open-end credit includes bank and department store credit cards, gasoline company cards, home equity lines, and check overdraft accounts that let you write checks for more than your actual balance with the bank. Open-end credit can be used again and again, generally until you reach a certain prearranged borrowing limit. Truth in Lending requires that open-end creditors tell you the terms of the credit plan so that you can shop and compare the costs involved.
When you're shopping for an open-end plan, the APR you're told represents only the periodic rate that you will be charged--figured on a yearly basis. (For instance, a creditor that charges 1% percent interest each month would quote you an APR of 18 percent.) Annual membership fees, transaction charges, and points, for example, are listed separately; they are not included in the APR. Keep this in mind and compare all the costs involved in the plans, not just the APR.
Creditors must tell you when finance charges begin on your account, so you know how much time you have to pay your bill before a finance charge is added. Creditors may give you a 25-day grace period, for example, to pay your balance in full before making you pay a finance charge.
Creditors also must tell you the method they use to figure the balance on which you pay a finance charge; the interest rate they charge is applied to this balance to come up with the finance charge. Creditors use a number of different methods to arrive at the balance. Purchases are not counted. This is called the adjusted balance method.
Another is the previous balance method. Creditors simply use the amount owed at the beginning of the billing cycle to come up with the finance charge.
Under one of the most common methods-the average daily balance method--creditors add your balances for each day in the billing cycle and then divide that total by the number of days in the cycle. Payments made during the cycle are subtracted in arriving at the daily amounts, and, depending on the plan, new purchases may or may not be included. Under another method, the two-cycle average daily balance method, creditors use the average daily balances for two billing cycles to compute your finance charge. Again, payments will be taken into account in figuring the balances, but new purchases may or may not be included.
Be aware that the amount of the finance charge may vary considerably depending on the method used, even for the same pattern of purchases and payments.
If you receive a credit card offer or an application, the creditor must give you information about the APR and other important terms of the plan at that time. Likewise, with a home equity plan, information must be given to you with an application.
Truth in Lending does not set the rates or tell the creditor how to calculate finance charges it only requires that the creditor tell you the method that it uses. You should ask for an explanation of any terms you don't understand.
The Consumer Credit Protection Act of 1968, which launched the Truth in Lending, was a landmark piece of legislation. For the first time, creditors had to state the cost of borrowing in a common language so that you,the customer, could figure out exactly what the charges would be, compare costs, and shop around for the credit deal best for you.
Since 1968, credit protections have multiplied rapidly. The concepts of "fair" and "equal" credit have been written into laws that outlaw unfair discrimination in credit transactions; require that consumers be told the reason when credit is denied;
Let borrowers find out about their credit records;
Set up a way to settle billing disputes.
Each law was meant to reduce the problems and confusion surrounding consumer credit which, as it became more widely used in our economy, also grew more complex. Together, these laws set a standard for how individuals are to be treated in their financial dealings.
The laws say, for instance:
·That you cannot be turned down for a credit card just because you're a single woman;
·That you can limit your risk if a credit card is lost or stolen;
·That you can straighten out errors in your monthly bill without damage to your credit rating;
·That you won't find credit shut off just because you've reached the age of 65.
But, let the buyer be aware! It is important to know your rights and how to use them. This handbook explains how the consumer credit laws can help you shop for credit, apply for it, keep up your credit standing, and, if need be, complain about an unfair deal. It explains what you should look for when using credit and what creditors look for before extending it. It also points out the laws solutions to discriminatory practices that have made it difficult for women and minorities to get credit in the past.
The Cost of Credit
You get credit by promising to pay in the future for something you receive in the present.
Credit is a convenience. It lets you charge a meal on your credit card, pay for an appliance on the installment plan, take out a loan to buy a house, or pay for schooling or vacations. With credit, you can enjoy your purchase while you're paying for it--or you can make a purchase when you're lacking ready cash.
But there are strings attached to credit too. It usually costs something. And of course what is borrowed must be paid back.
If you are thinking of borrowing or opening a credit account consumer leasing disclosures can help you compare the cost and terms of one lease with another and with the cost and terms of buying for cash or on credit.
The Finance Charge and Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Credit costs vary. By remembering two terms, you can compare credit prices from different sources. Under Truth in Lending, the creditor must tell you, in writing and before you sign any agreement, the finance charge and the annual percentage rate.
The finance charge is the total dollar amount you pay to use credit. It includes interest costs, and other costs, such as service charges and some credit--related insurance premiums. For example, borrowing $100 for a year might cost you $10 in interest. If there were also a service charge of $1, the finance charge would be $11.
The annual percentage rate (APR)is the percentage cost (or relative cost) of credit on a yearly basis. This is your key to comparing costs, regardless of the amount of credit or how long you have to repay it:
Again, suppose you borrow $100 for one year and pay a finance charge of $10. If you can keep the entire $100 for the whole year and then pay back $110 at the end of the year, you are paying an APR of 10 percent. But, if you repay the $100 and finance charge (a total of $110) in twelve equal monthly installments, you don't really get to use $100 for the whole year. In fact, you get to use less and less of that $100 each month. In this case, the $10 charge for credit amounts to an APR of 18 percent.
All creditors banks, stores, car dealers, credit card companies, finance companies-must state the cost of their credit in terms of the finance charge and the APR. Federal law does not set interest rates or other credit charges. But it does require their disclosure so that you can compare credit costs. The law says these two pieces of information must be shown to you before you sign a credit contract or before you use a credit card.
A Comparison
Even when you understand the terms a creditor is offering, it's easy to underestimate the difference in dollars that different terms can make. Suppose you're buying a $7,500 car. You put $1,500 down, and need to borrow $6,000. Compare the three credit arrangements on the next page.
How do these choices stack up? The answer depends partly on what you need.
The lowest cost loan is available from Creditor A.
If you were looking for lower monthly payments, you could get then by paying the loan off over a longer period of time. However, you would have to pay more in total costs. A loan from Creditor B--also at a 14 percent APR, but for four years--will add about $488 to your finance charge.
If that four-year loan were available only from Creditor C, the APR of 15 percent would add another $145 or so to your finance charges as compared with Creditor B.
Other terms--such as the size of the down payment--will also make a difference. Be sure to look at all the terms before you make your choice.
Cost of Open-End Credit
Open-end credit includes bank and department store credit cards, gasoline company cards, home equity lines, and check overdraft accounts that let you write checks for more than your actual balance with the bank. Open-end credit can be used again and again, generally until you reach a certain prearranged borrowing limit. Truth in Lending requires that open-end creditors tell you the terms of the credit plan so that you can shop and compare the costs involved.
When you're shopping for an open-end plan, the APR you're told represents only the periodic rate that you will be charged--figured on a yearly basis. (For instance, a creditor that charges 1% percent interest each month would quote you an APR of 18 percent.) Annual membership fees, transaction charges, and points, for example, are listed separately; they are not included in the APR. Keep this in mind and compare all the costs involved in the plans, not just the APR.
Creditors must tell you when finance charges begin on your account, so you know how much time you have to pay your bill before a finance charge is added. Creditors may give you a 25-day grace period, for example, to pay your balance in full before making you pay a finance charge.
Creditors also must tell you the method they use to figure the balance on which you pay a finance charge; the interest rate they charge is applied to this balance to come up with the finance charge. Creditors use a number of different methods to arrive at the balance. Purchases are not counted. This is called the adjusted balance method.
Another is the previous balance method. Creditors simply use the amount owed at the beginning of the billing cycle to come up with the finance charge.
Under one of the most common methods-the average daily balance method--creditors add your balances for each day in the billing cycle and then divide that total by the number of days in the cycle. Payments made during the cycle are subtracted in arriving at the daily amounts, and, depending on the plan, new purchases may or may not be included. Under another method, the two-cycle average daily balance method, creditors use the average daily balances for two billing cycles to compute your finance charge. Again, payments will be taken into account in figuring the balances, but new purchases may or may not be included.
Be aware that the amount of the finance charge may vary considerably depending on the method used, even for the same pattern of purchases and payments.
If you receive a credit card offer or an application, the creditor must give you information about the APR and other important terms of the plan at that time. Likewise, with a home equity plan, information must be given to you with an application.
Truth in Lending does not set the rates or tell the creditor how to calculate finance charges it only requires that the creditor tell you the method that it uses. You should ask for an explanation of any terms you don't understand.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
MS Media aka North American Bancard Potential Scam Alert
MS Media aka North American Bancard aka ??
Recently I put my resume up on a number of sites including Linked In and have since been bombarded with a number of questionable business proposals. The most outstanding one is by people claiming to be MS Media aka North American Bancard. First I want to point out that what I have been able to trace so far is that North American Bancard is a legitimate company but has recently been hijacked by some very clever scam artists. I'm going to detail all the information here and I want to point out that the CEO, Mike D Menzel also from the legal department by the way, (Yeah, sure why not), has threatened to sue me if I write this article. I'm sending him a link now that this is posted.
Here is the deal, someone named Skyler Weitzel, aka Jason Troup contacted me via a phone call, his phone number is 303-219-6399 and was pitching me about selling merchant card services. The claim that this person made was that MS Media was contracted by Wells Fargo Bank as Wells Fargo Bank's only contractor and provider of of merchant credit card services. He claimed that Wells Fargo was not handling their own merchant accounts. I sent him a screen shot photo of the Wells Fargo Bank's merchant services credit card processing systems and the tune changed to that the contract was that MS Media aka North American Bancard had an exclusive contract from Wells Fargo Bank on the nation's lowest rates.
(Let me interject that the potential scam here is that they try to collect a $500.00 fee for training, 1,000 leads and back end support. I offered them a 24 hour 2 new accounts in exchange for the $500.00 fee. Nope, they needed the $500.00 fee. So then I offered them a 24 hour 2 new accounts plus 4 days to add 5 more new accounts in exchange for the fee. Nope, they tried to get me to pay at least $250.00 up front).
When I explained to him that I had a friend at Wells Fargo Bank and wanted to verify the claim that MS Media aka North American Bancard was making, the conversation got real ugly real fast. (Not a good sign). He hung up on me after calling me a few choice words. Thinking that this may be a legitimate company yet, someone higher up in the company would surely want to know about how rude one of their sales people was to me. I sent an email to the company complaining about this guy and that if I were to do a story on this, it would not look good for them.
Then I received the voice mail message, (CLICK HERE to download the actual message from the CEO) threatening me with a lawsuit if I actually post a story on this. He then called me a second time and threatened me yet again saying that it would cost me at least $20,000.00 to defend myself against his lawsuit and that he would take me for everything. I told him to go ahead. I'm saying it here as well, go ahead. I have filed complaints with the Virginia Corporation Commission, the FTC, and the USA Better Business Bureau. Then I contacted Wells Fargo Bank's national headquarters. Gee, to my surprise they never heard of MS Media or North American Bancard. Neither was listed as a partner, a 3rd party vendor or any type of corporate relationship.
I went back to the site for MS Media. The first page is still the same but they have changed the look of their secondary pages that look stolen from a legitimate site. (It's easy to do, you just have to bounce a web page and copy the code, then re post it on your hosting site). The site no longer matches up. These guys are running ads over on Sales Gravy and I have contacted a friend over there to report a potential fraud from these guys.
Here is a list of email addresses and names as well as phone numbers from these guys. I am also sending this info to the FBI next. I am 90% convinced that this is a scam. Not 100% convinced as I do not have all the details yet. On my last check, I called one of their phone numbers late at night and got a generic answering service.
info@mymsmedia.com
sweitzel817@gmail.com Skyler Weitez aka Jason Troud
mikedmenzel@gmail.com (CEO and Legal Department)
James@multi-merchant.com James Shepard phone 814-515-9526 and 814-217-6795
Now even though that Mike, the CEO also from the legal department said that he was from the legal department and also the CEO??????, He also told me that I would be hearing from his attorney, Warren Domanque. A cross reference of attorney's throughout the nation did not yield one result for any attorney with that name. Another surprise. Now take a look at the above email addresses, do these look like email addresses that professionals would use in business? The Info at mymsmedia is very generic, so again, no it does not.
Other phone numbers for this group;
303-219-6392
303-219-6366
303-570-0478 Skyler Weitz Cell Phone
Again, I am 90% convinced that this is a scam, there is still a 10% chance that maybe it isn't, so I am continuing my research and following up on all the complaints to get to the bottom of all of this. I do not want to see people being burned on well crafted scams, so I will report on anything that really stinks. This one sure smells nasty too.
Recently I put my resume up on a number of sites including Linked In and have since been bombarded with a number of questionable business proposals. The most outstanding one is by people claiming to be MS Media aka North American Bancard. First I want to point out that what I have been able to trace so far is that North American Bancard is a legitimate company but has recently been hijacked by some very clever scam artists. I'm going to detail all the information here and I want to point out that the CEO, Mike D Menzel also from the legal department by the way, (Yeah, sure why not), has threatened to sue me if I write this article. I'm sending him a link now that this is posted.
Here is the deal, someone named Skyler Weitzel, aka Jason Troup contacted me via a phone call, his phone number is 303-219-6399 and was pitching me about selling merchant card services. The claim that this person made was that MS Media was contracted by Wells Fargo Bank as Wells Fargo Bank's only contractor and provider of of merchant credit card services. He claimed that Wells Fargo was not handling their own merchant accounts. I sent him a screen shot photo of the Wells Fargo Bank's merchant services credit card processing systems and the tune changed to that the contract was that MS Media aka North American Bancard had an exclusive contract from Wells Fargo Bank on the nation's lowest rates.
(Let me interject that the potential scam here is that they try to collect a $500.00 fee for training, 1,000 leads and back end support. I offered them a 24 hour 2 new accounts in exchange for the $500.00 fee. Nope, they needed the $500.00 fee. So then I offered them a 24 hour 2 new accounts plus 4 days to add 5 more new accounts in exchange for the fee. Nope, they tried to get me to pay at least $250.00 up front).
When I explained to him that I had a friend at Wells Fargo Bank and wanted to verify the claim that MS Media aka North American Bancard was making, the conversation got real ugly real fast. (Not a good sign). He hung up on me after calling me a few choice words. Thinking that this may be a legitimate company yet, someone higher up in the company would surely want to know about how rude one of their sales people was to me. I sent an email to the company complaining about this guy and that if I were to do a story on this, it would not look good for them.
Then I received the voice mail message, (CLICK HERE to download the actual message from the CEO) threatening me with a lawsuit if I actually post a story on this. He then called me a second time and threatened me yet again saying that it would cost me at least $20,000.00 to defend myself against his lawsuit and that he would take me for everything. I told him to go ahead. I'm saying it here as well, go ahead. I have filed complaints with the Virginia Corporation Commission, the FTC, and the USA Better Business Bureau. Then I contacted Wells Fargo Bank's national headquarters. Gee, to my surprise they never heard of MS Media or North American Bancard. Neither was listed as a partner, a 3rd party vendor or any type of corporate relationship.
I went back to the site for MS Media. The first page is still the same but they have changed the look of their secondary pages that look stolen from a legitimate site. (It's easy to do, you just have to bounce a web page and copy the code, then re post it on your hosting site). The site no longer matches up. These guys are running ads over on Sales Gravy and I have contacted a friend over there to report a potential fraud from these guys.
Here is a list of email addresses and names as well as phone numbers from these guys. I am also sending this info to the FBI next. I am 90% convinced that this is a scam. Not 100% convinced as I do not have all the details yet. On my last check, I called one of their phone numbers late at night and got a generic answering service.
info@mymsmedia.com
sweitzel817@gmail.com Skyler Weitez aka Jason Troud
mikedmenzel@gmail.com (CEO and Legal Department)
James@multi-merchant.com James Shepard phone 814-515-9526 and 814-217-6795
Now even though that Mike, the CEO also from the legal department said that he was from the legal department and also the CEO??????, He also told me that I would be hearing from his attorney, Warren Domanque. A cross reference of attorney's throughout the nation did not yield one result for any attorney with that name. Another surprise. Now take a look at the above email addresses, do these look like email addresses that professionals would use in business? The Info at mymsmedia is very generic, so again, no it does not.
Other phone numbers for this group;
303-219-6392
303-219-6366
303-570-0478 Skyler Weitz Cell Phone
Again, I am 90% convinced that this is a scam, there is still a 10% chance that maybe it isn't, so I am continuing my research and following up on all the complaints to get to the bottom of all of this. I do not want to see people being burned on well crafted scams, so I will report on anything that really stinks. This one sure smells nasty too.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Gloucester VA Social - New TTC Media Site Preview
http://gloucestervasocial.blogspot.com/
Click the link to see a preview of our newest site now under construction. This is a preview and we are not done with all of the design work yet or the uploads of free stuff we are offering to everyone. The official launch is coming in 2012. But we are happy with where we are that we are ready to let people start viewing the site now. We will be adding more games, software downloads, video downloads, apps, tools for your cell phones and more. We are working at designing the future site for Gloucester's social media. These two sites will be cross linked and between these two sites, you will get more than you could ever hope for. Cool stuff for free and more cool stuff for free. We hope you enjoy the new site.
Click the link to see a preview of our newest site now under construction. This is a preview and we are not done with all of the design work yet or the uploads of free stuff we are offering to everyone. The official launch is coming in 2012. But we are happy with where we are that we are ready to let people start viewing the site now. We will be adding more games, software downloads, video downloads, apps, tools for your cell phones and more. We are working at designing the future site for Gloucester's social media. These two sites will be cross linked and between these two sites, you will get more than you could ever hope for. Cool stuff for free and more cool stuff for free. We hope you enjoy the new site.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Gloucester, VA Best Christmas Eve Entertainment
We have put up the best Christmas Eve entertainment for you here on Gloucester Links and News. Santa tracking, Trans Siberian Orchestra and Jeff Dunham videos for your entertainment. We could do this all night but it's time to go spend time with our own family. Merry Christmas everyone.
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Jeff Dunham Holiday Tips For Gloucester, VA
Merry Christmas. Enjoy the Jeff Dunham Video Gloucester.
Jeff Dunham and Bubba J Christmas Carols For Gloucester, VA
Taking Christmas to an all new level right here in Gloucester, VA.
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