“I Was Almost Scammed!”

Earlier this year, I was told my processing terminal warranty was expiring. I was also told I needed to pay $199 for an "extended warranty" - or my credit/debit card transactions could no longer be processed.

Luckily, I didn't fall for it. Turns out the company that contacted me -Merchants Services of America (MSA) - was falsely claiming to be from Heartland Payment Systems, the real company that processes my transactions. Operating out of the Dominican Republic, MSA was facing charges of telemarketing fraud.

Just recently, a federal court in New Jersey entered a final judgment that permanently prohibits MSA and its owner from, among other things, misusing Heartland's name and trademark and contacting its merchants. The judgment also requires MSA to discontinue the marketing and sale of terminal equipment "extended warranties" in the United States. MSA is required to pay Heartland a fine of $10,000 for violation of an earlier court order.

Business Owner, Freemont, OH