Through a telemarketing call from a local company (Southern Star Merchant Services) now located at 218 East 14th St. Anniston, AL. Tel. (256) 238-9087, I was told I could pick up a wireless credit card terminal from them, that would be free for the first (6) months. If I was not completely satisfied, I could return it at any time with no obligation. When I went to sign the contract, the owner, Joe McCONan was there and explained to me what had already been told to me on the phone. So I said, "Well if there's no risk, I'll give it a try". While his wife, Kim, was writing in the details on a contract, I was reading another contract - Just a blank one of the one I'd be signing. After she was done and I was ready to sign - I really didn't think about it at the time - but Joe kept distracting my attention away from the contract as I began to make sure it was the same contract I had just read over, by asking me several questions, every time I began to read more. After signing, I asked to get a copy of the contract. He stated that I could have a copy of the contract after the approval was made, and could pick it up when I picked up my credit card terminal. This happened on 7/31/08. On 8/6/08, they contacted me to pick up my terminal. They told me my contract was locked in Joe's office and they couldn't contact him, so they would make sure it was mailed to me. On 8/10/08, I realized the terminal would not function. I called them (Southern Star) and was told to contact NPC, the processing center. I did, and was told they would send another. I received it on 8/12/08. It did not function either. I called NPC again and was told I would have another the next day (8/13/08). It never showed up, so I called NPC and they said they have not shipped it yet, so I told them not to bother, as I was cancelling. They said O.K., you need to call Joe & let him know. I did - repeatedly - never a return call. On 8/14/08, I returned the (2) terminals I had to Southern Star, and got a signed receipt for the return. At that point, I considered the matter closed. I returned the equipment, never used. On 8/18/08, I received a letter from Lease Finance Group. I had no idea who they were, but they were claiming I had a contract with them for $79 a month for 48 months. They attached a copy of a contract with my signature on it that I have never seen before. I have already contacted my attorney and closed my bank account they had access to.
My lawyer sent LFG a letter on 8/20/08, letting them know that only he was to be contacted. If they tried to contact me, he would file harassing communication charges against them, and if they report anything to the credit bureaus it will be met with a defamation suit.
On 9/2/08, I received a letter from LFG stating that my company and myself have been released from any obligation to Northern Leasing Systems for contract #*.
After reading all of these reports, I thought for sure this would be an ongoing problem for years, but in my case, I have to say that this situation has been resolved with the cooperation of LFG.
It sounds as if I'm the only lucky one here. I truly wish everyone that's dealing with this, good luck. Something needs to be done with dishonest and corrupt companies, and at this point, it seems that all of the dirty deeds were not done by LFG, but rather Southern Star.
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