I run a toy store. My bookkeeper noticed that more than once I'd had an automatic deduction from HSOLUT UMG*MERCHANTTEC. I had no idea what that could be, nor had I ever authorized anyone to deduct $49.95 a month from my account. No phone number was listed on my bank statement, but the bank came up with one — 800-653-6433. When I called, the man who identified his company as Merchant Technical Solutions offered to cancel my account and refund $98. He did it so quickly that I told him I get the feeling phone calls like mine are commonplace. No comment.
I asked what services Merchant Technical Solutions offers. He said discounts on Microsoft software and technical support. I asked how I got signed up for this without my knowledge and he said I would have spoken to a telemarketer. Wrong, wrong, wrong. I'm a Mac user and hate Microsoft products; I have all the tech support I need; I hang up on telemarketers. And I would never in my life give my bank account number to a telemarketer.
The policeman who came to take a report recommended telling the bank to stop payment on any other attempt by this outfit to extract money from my account, and to call if they try again. I'd prefer that the source of this scourge be found and convicted. My bookkeeper deserves the credit for alerting me to this fraud.
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