After answering a “work at home” ad, I was called by a representative of Merchant Referral Solutions, a company based in Phoenix. They claimed I could make money selling credit card machines to new businesses and that they would “sell” me the names of new business owners to contact. I was quoted a fee of $259; when I balked at this, the caller, Wayne Morris (probably not his real name), said he would deduct $100 from his own commission and I could get started for $159. He claimed that because he worked with/for VISA, he already knew all my credit card numbers and read off the first four numbers of each of four credit cards I own. Whenever I expressed doubt, during our long conversation, he would pressure me by insisting that time was short, that others wanted this opportunity and that I would never “make anything” of myself if I didn’t just “go for it.” I told him I wanted to talk it over with my wife (who was at work) and he said he was “getting me set up” right that minute and there was no time to waste. When I expressed doubts that my wife would be happy with this business, he told me not to tell her.
The next day, feeling seriously doubtful that this was legit, I called my credit card companies to cancel the cards. One company told me that $219 had already been successfully charged. Wayne Morris called me again and I told him I was not interested and that I had canceled my cards. He was very upset. He told me they “already had $5,000″ of my money, which was false; only the $219 had gone through. I received a packet in the mail the next day from Merchant Referral Solutions with an “invoice” for the $219 that had been charged, which was allegedly the “start-up” fee that covered advertising for “my” web site. I then discovered that an additional $999 had been charged to the card I had canceled, the same day I canceled it. I called Merchant Referral Solutions and was connected to their customer service number. A person named “Joe” at first wanted to “go over the packet” with me and sign me up as an affiliate. When I told him I was not interested and wanted my money back, he told me that there were no refunds and that I should “stop being so cynical” and just read the information in the packet and become an affiliate. I told him again that I wanted all that money refunded or I would be contacting the BBB, the FTC and every consumer fraud reporting service I could find. He claimed that he was not able to process a refund; that the charge had been made by one of their “advertisers.” I asked him for contact information for this “advertiser” and he claimed he did not have that. As of this writing, the $219 and $999 charges are in dispute with my credit card company (they will probably have to eat the $999 since it was charged after my card was canceled!), and I am in the process of reporting these thieves to every possible fraud reporting resource I can find, because I want them SHUT DOWN before they have a chance to rip off anyone else.
This post was submitted by Buddy.
October 6th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I too, unfortunately, had to learn the hard way. After spending $220 dollars to get the information package and web hosting fee, I received a phone call to follow up on my progress.
The more I talked to the rep the more I felt it was a scam. She tried to sell me new business contacts for $2 dollars each. She suggested I “start with 3000″. She was basically asking me to front $6000 dollars to start my business.
Numbers were thrown at me, and when I threw them back she became rude, hard to talk to, and refused to answer any of my questions directly. She ended the phone call ever so professionally by hanging up on me.
Stay far, far away from Merchant Referral Solutions.
October 8th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Phoenix, AZ is a hot-bed for these activities. Any calls from that state should be avoided. Check a company named Bankcard Empire on this site, it is an eye-opener to how your situation might play out.
October 8th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
This is the original poster following up. I have since learned that Merchant Referral Solutions used to be “Bankcard Empire,” which has numerous (in the hundreds) complaints against it and was told to “cease and desist” their business practices by the State of Illinois. If you Google Bankcard Empire, you’ll see just exactly who these people are. According to the Phoenix Better Business Bureau website, they have only been in business since 9/2/09, but when I asked “Joe” how long they’d been around, he claimed “seven years.” Yep – old scammers with a new face on, that’s all they are.
Paul, I encourage you to file a complaint on Merchant Referral Solutions with the Phoenix BBB. They have already resolved one complaint and mine is pending, so it is entirely possible you can get your money back (at the very least, having a complaint on file will alert other possible victims that something is fishy). Despite that they claim “no refunds,” they are operating outside the law and cannot enforce that policy. There is such a thing as a three-day cooling off period; also, the FTC *requires* a financial “disclosure statement” be provided to potential investors/business owners, along with the names of at least ten people and their earnings, ten days before a contract may be entered into, and obviously these are not being provided.
I have reported Merchant Referral Solutions to the BBB, the FTC, the Arizona Attorney General, the US Postmaster General (because they used the mail) and several consumer complaint boards.
October 8th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
I paid $295 to get started in this business. I feel like such a dummy. I searched and searched for negative informaion before I did this and found nothing. Now, I’m finding alot! My first clue was the phone call I recieved, even before receiving my package. They were wanting me to spend 5 to 15,000 for various lead packages. When I declined, they dropped the price of the $15,000 to $8,000. Now, just today, they offered me a $1,500 package, I am about to contact my CC company and file a dispute on the charges. They also convinced me to give them my cc numbers to see how they could best help me get out of debt. I was stupid enough to do it. This was before I started getting skeptical, although I haven’t felt good about the whole thing from the very beginning. That should have been my first clue! Sometimes, you want something to be true so bad that you overlook obvious signs! Never again!!
October 11th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Merchant Referral Solutions is run by Maximum Business Concepts, LLC. Contact info is Wesley and Joanie Whitfield, 1630 E. Bradstock Way, Queen Creek, AZ 85240.
October 13th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
You have posted a libelous statement against Merchant Referral Solutions and we respectfully ask that you withdraw or remove your statement within one business day. Incorrect statements defame our company and are a cause for action in a court of law.
October 14th, 2009 at 10:24 am
To Wayne Malette aka BUDDY
You have posted a libelous statement against Merchant Referral Solutions and we respectfully ask that you withdraw or remove your statement within one business day. Incorrect statements defame our company and are a cause for action in a court of law.IF you feel you have an issue directly with Merchant Referral Solutions, please call the pre-litigation department at 480-894-3112 ext 3112 to see if we have a remedy.However, to avoid legal action, you are asked to remove or retract your defamatory posting. Thank You
October 15th, 2009 at 9:58 am
WOW. I was ready to buy into this TODAY. When they told me they would answer my questions after I paid my fee, I decided to do some research. Thank God I found this place.
The thing that dissappoints me though is why my local state Better Buisness Bureau didn’t know about the complaints filed in Arizona.
Wayne is going to be dissappointed when he calls me later.
October 15th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
At Merchant Referral Solutions, we value customer satisfaction. We realize every so often a customer may become confused, feel disappointed or believe that we have not met their expectations. When that occurs, we want to address and resolve any misconceptions. Before posting any negative statement online, we ask that you contact us at (480) 894-3111. This will allow us an opportunity to discuss your concerns and assist you in building the success of your associated business program.
If you have posted any negative statement, we recommend that you take the necessary steps to remove or retract those comments immediately. This will help avoid our company from possibly taking legal action against you. Please understand that our main goal is to work with you.
October 16th, 2009 at 8:51 am
Merchant Referral Solutions representative: You might consider doing some research to find out exactly which of your victims is posting negative statements before you go threatening legal action against them.
Negative does not equal libelous. Facts are facts. It would be helpful if you could point out exactly which statements posted here, by anyone, are “incorrect.”
You say you value customer satisfaction. This has not been evident. I have told your representatives over and over again that I am not interested in this program and that I want a refund. All I get is “no refunds” and hang-ups. If you truly, sincerely want to build a good reputation with your customers, you will do what you know to be right and give back the money you took from those who can least afford to lose it.
My new part-time job is to do everything in my power to reduce the size of your potential victim pool. I’m very pleased that recounting my own negative experience with your company in a wide venue is having a positive effect.
October 19th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
At Merchant Referral Solutions, we value customer satisfaction. We realize every so often a customer may become confused, feel disappointed or believe that we have not met their expectations. When that occurs, we want to address and resolve any misconceptions. Before posting any negative statement online, we ask that you contact us at (480) 894-3111. This will allow us an opportunity to discuss your concerns and assist you in building the success of your associated business program.
If you have posted any negative statement, we recommend that you take the necessary steps to remove or retract those comments immediately. This will help avoid our company from possibly taking legal action against you. Please understand that our main goal is to work with you.
October 19th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
WOW! Just got that Call out of the blue from Merchant Referral Solutions. Sounded too good to be true. When I said I was not ready to spend $400.00 he put me on hold to ask his manager if he could discount it. When he came back on the line, he acted as if he was still talking to his manager and stated (so I could over hear) “oh yes, he sounds like a real intelligent man”. I would have taken that as a compliment if I was an idiot. When he returned to me, he said he could do it for $295.00. I told him (Chris Grimes) I had his number (cell/602-423-9507) and would call him back after I reserched their company (and found all this). He said he could answer any questions while we were on the phone. I told him that he was so on the point stating that I sounded intelligent and that I was so intelligent, that I was not going to just hand out $295.00 to someone that I know nothing about because they call me.
Just a hint, when people contact you with an easy way to make thousands of dollars from home working an hour a day, why are they not doing it themselves 8 hours a day instead of wasting their time getting hung up on and shot down for 8 hours a day?
October 19th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I have been an affiliate for about 2 months. After purchasing my website and starting materials I was contacted by a marketing coach. I was on the phone for about 1 hour, I was pressured into buying a marketing package. I spent $7500.00. I have received 2 commission checks since I have purchased the marketing package. Everyting thing that the coach promised me I got. I have also been very active with promoting my new business. I had 3 referrals locally in 2 weeks. I am glad that I took this chance. I was discouraged after I spent the $7500.00 because I to went on the internet and found a couple of things that did not shake my shack. I called their customer service department and requested a refund and they also told me there were no refunds, they also walked me through a couple of ideas of how to start working my business. The person that I spoke to told me that you have to put forth an effort to make your business grow. He was right. I have to say that after everything that I am glad that I did not take further action to cancel. I am helping my only daughter pay for her wedding and the extra income has help. If you want something from your business then be an employee and work.If you do you to will find it just as rewarding as I have.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:26 am
I read this stuff and say…HOW CAN YOU GET PRESSURED over the phone? I never had a problem hanging up or saying NO THANKS before. My GOD…either these people are the best closers on earth you the customers are complete idiots. I think it is interesting that a person spends money then says they were scammed or ripped off. Doenst say much for your intellect folks. Why make such a committment if you are NOT going to follow through with it? The last time I looked….I see EVERYONE using credit cards. A little more research and I will make my decision. I am not going to judge my success or failure on everything I read anyway, if I did I would have every disease known to man if I read WEBMD, not to mention all the complaints the actual BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU has.
October 20th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Thank you for your post! I just got a call from them and had the guy hold on while I checked out the company online. No surprise to me that they were a misleading and possibly fraudulent company. I was contacted by a very nice young man who told me that he just joined the company and he didn’t know much about them. Strange to sell something that you know nothing about. I found several sites that had postings with negative comments on them. I was able to tell the agent about my misgivings and closed the conversation in a pleasant manner. I guess all should do their homework before they sign up.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Sharon, please share with us the names and contact info of the businesses that you referred who switched to MRS’s bankcard machines. Thank you.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Buddy, I bet if you put in as much time putting your business out there as you have been slamming this company you’d have some success. Granted, my wife and I have only received four commission checks totaling $78.29 we are still satisfied. It also took us some time to do so but after couple of months we were able to work handing out business cards into our routine. It just makess me upset that there are businesses out there striving to grow and are successful during this economy, providing jobs, heatlth care etc. and then you have someone like Buddy who is probably on social security who could care less how the USA recovers from all this, they just care about their next check. People must learn to work for their money, never expect to just get. I sm a realistic person, I understood what I was getting into and not because some squeely kid told me I would make thousands but because I needed something different in my life and I took a chance willingly; I understood the consequences. I just don’t understand how something like merchant systems could be a scam. My referrals have received their products and I have received my checks, small or not. I just ask that people except your consequences and stop taking away from our economy. I am a veteran and will do everything I can to get us back on our feet.
October 20th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
I’m sorry, doing so would be an informal way of advertising for a company without permission; since you seem to be about the law =) I apologize but just as we are to take your word that you have been “ripped off” please take mine that I have not. Thank you.
October 20th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Yea Sharon please do let us know of the buisness that used the program, for all we know you could be a MRS worker trying to insure us that you made money with the buisness
October 21st, 2009 at 8:22 am
Really, Sharon? Really? I just drank a Diet Coke the other day. Ooopsy me, I’ve just advertised for the Coca-Cola company without permission! I’m sure they’re going to be very upset!
It just gets more senseless the longer it goes on.
Sorry, Sharon, but your “word” is not credible.
“Maried” and loving it!: How many thousands did you invest in order to recoup your $78? And would you mind sharing which company(ies) switched to MRS bankcard machines due to your efforts? Thank you.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:24 am
At Merchant Referral Solutions, we pride ourselves with customer satisfaction. We realize every so often a customer may become confused, feel disappointed or believe that we have not met their expectations. When that occurs, we want to address and resolve any misconceptions. Before posting any negative statement online, we ask that you contact us at (480) 894-3111. This will allow us an opportunity to discuss your concerns and assist you in building the success of your associated business program.
If you have posted any negative statement, we recommend that you take the necessary steps to remove or retract those comments immediately. This will help avoid our company from possibly taking legal action against you. Please understand that our main goal is to work with you.
October 21st, 2009 at 10:43 am
Anyone reading these forums, let it be made perfectly clear that Merchant Referral Solutions does not advise against testimonials, however, we do not endorse them. If an affiliate chooses to place a positive testimonial, they are asked to include their FULL NAME and CUSTOMER ID NUMBER in the testimonial. This will weed out anyone playing an unprofessional internet game in these forums. It will also allow us to immediately verify these statements and the credibility of the post. Many companies use paid actors, employees, or competitors to place anything they want in these forums and unfortunately, many people simply believe anything they read. We are NOT one of those companies. Do not allow yourself to feed into any of these tactics. Simply call us directly at 480-894-3111 or 3112 and we will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:34 am
I found this site while I was on the phone with the guy! Thank God! I wonder if I should check my cards anyway?
October 28th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Dammm, I think I might have gotten rip off. ;(
October 29th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I just signed up with this company for $300.00 and then they wanted to charge me $19.95 a month to maintain the web site. When I signed up they told me since it was my first call that they would waive the maintenance fee.
Then I got a call from the Marketing Department and he talked me into buying a marketing package which included 1 week of online training for $1,200.00.
Now, I am wondering if I can get my money back or be able to reject the charge on my credit card!
I, also was not happy with the way they approached selling this business and when I tried to call back I kept getting a different person every time. In all, I think I talked to 6 different persons and they each wanted to help me get started by sellig me another package of cards and business cards or something else.
October 30th, 2009 at 7:43 am
To sum this all up. Do your homework before popping out your credit card to someone who YOU don’t solicit. I also got the pressure call with the pressure tactics and lo and behold, I told the Andrew guy I spoke with, call me the next day… I don’t do impulse business. Oh, he tried hard to sway me, Oh, you’re going to miss this opportunity, blase, blase, blah and more blah, but guess what…I run my mind, not anyone else.
Bottom line, I came here and a few other places before making any conscious decision to part with my hard-earned $295. Needless to say, I still got my $295 in my bank account, and not feeding someone else’s children. If it looks to good to be true, it probably is.
October 30th, 2009 at 10:58 am
I just got off from the phone with the merchantreferralsolutions.com and their pitch for the opportunity to make some extra cash (which is what I was looking for). I havent made a decision yet as I do my homework in checking out a company. A few things I would like to point out though:
My skeptism:
- There is not enough information. A biz. should have their biz. plan laid out up front, you shouldn’t have to pay to know exactly what it is you have to invest and how your going to make money and what your clients are going to get. I don’t feel like I’m getting this.
- I read posts like the ones on here, but don’t always make your decision on these posts alone. Everyone wants something for nothing and it’s too bad that representatives want to make a quick buck and will decieve many in believing that there getting tons with very little. You do have to put in some effort in ANY ethical biz. An ethical biz. may get slammed because of this big huge misconception and bad represenation.
- To those who have already been slammed with an investment into this, I encourage you to work at making your investment back with what you invested into. You can do it, use your head a little. We all have that inner gift of imagination and wanting something enough- and work up a way to get it. Make your hard earned money back, then get out if you still feel as you do now.
As I said, I need more information for myself and am not for sure yet about this biz. op. Good luck to you all who have already made an investment and I do hope you find a way to make your $ back. Use what you got thus far and turn it around if your able.
October 31st, 2009 at 12:08 am
I have always followed my instincts when it comes to businesses, well I got the call and since I worked for a credit card processing company before I thought it was not too bad. I just cant believe I allowed myself to get ripped off, I called them back within five minutes and asked them to cancel and they said it was non refundable. I didnt hear anything about a maarketing plan or leads being sold. What I was told is that leads will be provided and I just have to work them, which is how it was when I worked for a credit card processor. I can not believe this, its Christmas time and praying hoping that I could do something with this and have a great christmas, now the little bit that I had has been taken by these thieves. I was supposed to get emails confirming everything and never did. This unbelievable!!! Iam definitely taking action!!!! I am going to get my money back!!!
November 1st, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Amazed, I suggest you post everywhere you can about this company and file complaints with the BBB in Phoenix, the FTC, the Arizona Attorney General and, if you do get something in the mail from them, the Postmaster General. You will get a call soon, if you haven’t already, from one of Merchant Referral Solutions’ “associates” attempting to sell you advertising for thousands of $$. Be glad you found this board before that happened and you lost all that money. They claim they will advertise for you, but no leads will come of it.
Think about it. If merchants were really switching to MRS’s bank card processing service in droves, they wouldn’t let complete strangers share the wealth. The fact is, they will not (or, cannot?) name any company that uses their machines. Because they don’t exist? That’s my theory. On another complaint board, someone mentions that there is a charge to switch from one bank card processor to another and that the MRS sales rep will tell you they cover that charge for the merchant who switches, when in fact they don’t. So I can understand why a merchant would be reluctant to switch to MRS’s services if there is no advantage and if it will cost them $$.
Do not be intimidated if MRS threatens to file a lawsuit for defamation. Without your admitting so, they cannot prove you made the posts and you cannot be successfully sued for defamation if you have posted the facts as you know them. Their main beef is that they are not (allegedly) the ones who charge the thousands for advertising; it is one of their (alleged) “associates.” However, if you ask MRS representatives for contact info for these “associates,” they will claim they don’t have that info, or they will say they won’t discuss it and hang up on you. (Both of which happened to me.) You may be contacted by their litigation dept, who will claim that they’ll refund your money in exchange for removing any negative postings about them. If this does happen, be certain to get your refund first.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:30 pm
THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT IT IS A COMPANY STATEMENT:At Merchant Referral Solutions, we value customer satisfaction. We realize every so often a customer may become confused, feel disappointed or believe that we have not met their expectations. When that occurs, we want to address and resolve any misconceptions. Before posting any negative statement online, we ask that you contact us at (480) 894-3111. This will allow us an opportunity to discuss your concerns and assist you in building the success of your associated business program.
If you have posted any negative statement, we recommend that you take the necessary steps to remove or retract those comments immediately. This will help avoid our company from possibly taking legal action against you. Please understand that our main goal is to work with you.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Public Notice
This is to serve notice that WAYNE and LISA MALETTE are now being held libel for false statements and defaming remarks within this forum. aka BUDDY and EUPHORIA and LISA. MRS will defend itself to the fullest extent as allowed by law. Any person or persons making false statements will be placed in the same catagory. We encourage you to read the case against Wayne and Lisa Malette BEFORE you make a post regarding Merchant Referral Solutions.It is one thing to be unhappy about a purchase you made but it is another to make defaming remarks towards a company which you did NOT purchase various marketing campaigns, etc. from. Follow the LINK below.
http://www.merchantreferralsolutions.com/legal/mrs_v_mallette_complaint.pdf
November 5th, 2009 at 8:05 am
I just signed up last night. I am told that leads are provided free for me to contact. If this is not the case, I should have been told so and the cost for leads. I am excited about contacting people to sell the plan and would hope that you would be helping me. If this is not the case then I will take my loss and move on. Tony Iovinelli
November 5th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
MRS: For future reference, the word you’re looking for is “liable,” not “libel.” And it would help if you spelled our names correctly.
As for “being unhappy” about “a purchase you made,” we received absolutely nothing in return for our $1218, except a packet containing an invoice and a 1099 form, along with some information about the “business opportunity” we had “invested” in. We signed no contracts and in fact told MRS representatives we were not interested in this business, at which point we heard “no refund” and were hung up on. More than once.
Every statement I have made on this and other forums is what I know or believe to be THE TRUTH. My opinion of MRS as “thieves” who “steal” from people who can least afford to lose the money, is just that: my OPINION. And my opinion is based on my husband’s experience, my experience, and the experience of those who have posted here and elsewhere about their own experiences with MRS, along with the information the BBB has on their web site about MRS and the (growing) number of complaints against them. All statements have been made in the spirit of public service, to advise others who may be considering investing in this “business opportunity” of what the outcome may be, based on our experience. No false statements have been published by me or my husband about MRS.
November 5th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
My husband and I talked to one of the reps last week. After asking several questions, we decided to give it a try.
I asked twice for the name of the company and was told it was Visa. MRS was never mentioned in the conversation.
We were told that we only had to provide names and phone numbers of legitimate businesses, nothing else. Visa would sell the customers and we would get paid. No selling on our part at all.
Today we received a packet from MRS. What is in the packet is not at all what we wanted, or were told what we would get.
We are supposed to get a call from MRS this evening, to get us started. after reading the literature we received, we are mad as hell.
We have this guy on the phone. He says they are the marketing arm of Visa and Mastercard.
Is this BS?? Oh Man
November 5th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Courts rule on FACTS not opinions. It sounds like this woman thinks she is a know it all based on what she types. Let me help her since she lacks in intellect:
The definition of libel depends upon whom is asked. It is clear that the definition of libel in U. S. law revolves around defamation of character in the written form.
One definition of libel may not be enough to satisfy most, so we’ve put together the top 10 definitions of libel from various legal resources.
Definition of libel 1: Libel is the written act of defamation, vs. slander, the oral act of defamation.
Definition of libel 2: use of print or pictures to harm someone’s reputation. Until 1964, a person could prove that they had been libeled simply by showing that the statements in question were incorrect. In 1964, the Supreme Court decided that public officials had to prove that the statements in question were made with “actual malice”-for the purpose of harming the person’s reputation. As a result of the Supreme Court case, Time, Inc. v. Firestone (1976); private individuals only have to prove negligence, rather than “actual malice,” on the part of the press.
Definition of libel 3: Defamation of an individual or individuals in a published work, with malice aforethought. In litigation, the falsity of the libelous statements or representations, as well the intention of malice, has to be proved for there to be libel. In addition, financial damages to the parties so libeled must be incurred as a result of the material in question for there to be an assessment of the amount of damages to be awarded to a claimant. This is contrasted to slander, which is defamation through the spoken word.
Such an angry person too…..God has a way of punishing people who act the way she does. KARMA LADY KARMA Too late to take back what you said in those posts about cancer and people dying. You are a sick and twisted individual. LIABLE?? No PROFESSOR..the word is LIBEL.
It is clear these people dont play games…you are LIABLE to get sued.
November 6th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Dear Spelling Bee Champ: I know what the definition of “libel” is. Thank you for the edification, but it was not necessary. The way the word was used in the sentence, “being held libel,” was incorrect. The correct phrase is “being held LIABLE.” If the charge were burglary, you would not say, “being held burglary,” you would say, “being held liable for burglary.” I can explain it further if you need help.
I do not “think I am a know-it-all;” however, I do educate myself in areas that are important to me.
You do not know me and I must inform you that “angry” does not describe me. Anger is a temporary emotion, which, if you desire to change the situation that has angered you, is followed by a course of action that will bring about that outcome. At present, I am not angry; rather, quite satisfied with how the situation is developing due to my actions and the actions of others.
As for “God” punishing me – please enlighten me as to what “sin” I have committed. I have no idea what you mean about cancer and people dying; perhaps you are the “sick and twisted” (or possibly just confused?) individual here. You in fact sound like an “angry” person yourself. What position do you hold at MRS?
And as for “taking back” what I’ve said in these posts? I have in no way attempted to do so, nor will I. Thanks for playing.
November 8th, 2009 at 9:14 am
This Lisa bimbo isnt as smart as she thinks she is….she is also a liar and her husband hates her so bad he wants to kill himself..just read the happy couples posts…this is not an opinion..it is taken right from their posts..angry little woman who can only find some sort of control in her life over her husband and these types of forums. Pathetic. She loves the last word and unfortunately…well…keep following. Call the wahhmbulance, wow…must have had a bad childhood. I love reading these things. Better than a sitcom. She thinks she is not responsible for her actions. By the way, your patchwork art looks like a third grader did it. Do you actually sell that crap? OMG toll Free number doesnt work anymore…clearly you didnt sell enough to pay the bill. No LISA..I know you too well. Better than any employee of a company. Try again in Gainesville at the next contest. Glad to see you got away from art and necklaces and tried something else…and FAILED AGAIN!
November 8th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Such vitriole! Thanks for the laugh today; I really needed it.
This may come as a surprise, but your ability to do a Google search on my name does not qualify you to claim that you “know” me. Since you clearly did not comprehend the information you found on Third Coast’s web site, let me enlighten you: those are samples I made for the company eleven years ago. The toll-free number is theirs. And they are still very much in business.
I am not even going to address the bizarre “happy couples (sic) posts” comment, since there are no such posts in existence.
It couldn’t be more obvious that you’re an MRS employee, and a rather poorly educated one at that. My advice: when choosing the next anonymous screen name to hide behind, try for something less ironic than “spelling bee champ.”
Continue to stamp your feet and wave your arms and hurl baseless insults; it not only serves to highlight the lack of ethics and professionalism you’re becoming notorious for, but confirms, in the most gratifying way possible, that I’m on the right path.
November 8th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Searching a person out in the way described by “SpellinBeeChamp” can be considered stalking, and therefore criminal. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will provide IP addresses in criminal cases to the police. Report “spelling bee champ” to the police.
November 8th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Your posts are on the WORLD WIDE WEB. ANYONE can see this stuff….funny STALKING ….IM….interestingly enough…IPS have been asked for and “reported”. Call GOOGLE and tell them they are harvesting a population of STALKERS…hahaha Funny how this LISA responded to everything except the Gainesville comment…now THATS VITRIOLE! She really does know when to stop talking unlike IM. IF it wasnt for IM, I wouldnt heve even seen these threads and how they all come together. I knew it was just a matter of time until ol IM..showed up again.IM…you are NOT a lawyer or a legal reference for ANYONE. Your actions to date proof that so I can see why the paranoia still is within. And lastly, if someone makes a post then REMOVES it…at least people were smart enough to have SCREENSHOTS to save for a rainy day…nice try
November 8th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
HEy IM…dont you know who the lady works for? You are the LAST person she needs trust me
November 8th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Well I guess that spellingbeechamp has just added another chapter to my future best selling novel with many persons from Bankcardempire, Mercharnt Refferal Solutions and all of the various LLC’S that are involved in this exercise of financial education. It seems as though IQ’s are still only exceeded by ages. I just can’t comprehend the childish actions that continue to be exhibited by these telemarketing sweat shops. These are the professionals that the merchants are expected to put their trust and confidence in? WOW, are they in trouble!!
Oh yes spellingbeechamp, you and all of the rest might just think that I am an old hayseed from down on the farm but I would suggest you start thinking twice. Disparging remarks have a tendency of jumping up from no where and biting someones posterier. It just could be yours as we all are on to you.
Last but not least—since Mr. Ray Petty appears to have posted in defense of Merchant Refferal Solutions I find it to not be a coincidence that this operation resembles many aspects of BCE. Oh I know that you will probably run run run right out and file a law suit against me. I still have nothing to get.
With the economy in the state it is in the law practice business must be hurting also.
ps. with such a short time in business you sure do have a huge amount of customer complaints—could you explain that?
November 8th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Im sorry Mr Snoopes but who the hell are you and why do I think you are a hayseed? You seem obsessed at best with all this drama. How do you know so much about all these people and companies? Did or DO you work there or did you buy a business? Regardless, you sure do get riled up easily. You really should work on that. AZSNOOPES…nice name.To be honest, if someone like you approached MY business, I would be more concerned how any business would hire or take on a loser like you!I bet you are one o those people looking to make a quick buck so you join any program on the internet you cna find only to complain afterwards because you only made yourself feel good when you joined a program.You should getting paid to make these posts, you would be a millionaire
November 9th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Wow – what a string. All companies get complaints. Some are even valid. I have never found a easy buck. All success requires real effort. The time frames of how long MRS has been in business, if real does not bode well. Furthermore if someone wants their money back after a short period they should get it. A response of no refunds in not acceptable and a huge red flag. People who get their money back do not complain. If they do not they feel scammed.
November 10th, 2009 at 7:51 am
If you are going to quit before you get started then HANG UP THE PHONE. Harvey..did you know that these people all were told at the time of their purchase the START UP FEE was non refundable? And they have it recorded ON file. What is even funnier is these same people buy MORE stuff a week or two later, then when money doesnt fall from the sky or the golden goose didnt drop an egg on their lawn, they scream…fraud…rip off…blah blah blah.People who get their money back do not complain…kind of like when you play a slot machine..you are TAKING A CHANCE. But the slot machine doesnt say…”NOW IF YOU DONT WIN MONEY RIGHT AWAY…YOU CANT HAVE IT BACK” There are risks of business but most of these whiners never got off their ass to do anything. They buy things and sit back. The real world says you have to make an effort. These threads are hilarious. All the losers gather with their sob stories but the smart ones know the real story and it certainly isnt a company “scamming” people. Seriously people. Quit buying dreams and get off you asses and stop screaming POOOOR MEEEEEEE!
November 10th, 2009 at 8:22 am
To LISA who appears to be also known as EUPHORIA…let me refresh your memory:
17 days ago by euphoria 0 Votes
Posted: 2009-10-03 by euphoria
Oh, and if any of you Merchant Referral Solutions/Bankcard Empire scam artists are reading this (Wayne Morris, Brian Soper, etc): Of the last five people that pissed me off to this extent, one is dead (his funeral was on my birthday), one buried a son, one buried a wife and currently has cancer, and two of them were fired in disgrace and brought up on criminal charges. Karma has a way of being very kind to me. Hope you can sleep tonight.
Yep, you are a sick and twisted person. Do you practice voo-doo as well. Unless your hubby got ahold of your Euphoria account and is making you look bad becuase you are so angry about him AUTHORIZING charges then acting like he got ripped off. Your karma comments are hardly the words of a stable happy person. Maybe you can find a Shakespeare quote dealing with your flaws becuase its not everyone else and the world is not out to get you. Just becuase you removed comments doesnt mean people weren’t smart enough to SCREEN SHOT every one of them. Perhaps you need to stop making yourself look even more stupid and additionally a liar.
November 10th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
I was just called by these annoying unprofessional people. they had the nerve to curse at me when I told them that I had to research their company before making any decisions. they are now calling from a new number it is 877-244-8799. Simply put, it is a scam. they talk of not relying on the BBB because it was started by Al Capone. Man they have some of the worst sales scripts in the history of scams. Be smart and make sure you tell everyone about it, as I will spread to my 2,000 friends on facebook as well as those on myspace and anywhere else I can get anyone to listen. Have a blessed day and avoid these crooks.
November 10th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
This is directed at people leaving threads on this forum.At Merchant Referral Solutions, we value customer satisfaction. We realize every so often a customer may become confused, feel disappointed or believe that we have not met their expectations. When that occurs, we want to address and resolve any misconceptions. Before posting any negative statement online, we ask that you contact us at (480) 894-3111. This will allow us an opportunity to discuss your concerns and assist you in building the success of your associated business program.
If you have posted any negative statement, we recommend that you take the necessary steps to remove or retract those comments immediately. This will help avoid our company from possibly taking legal action against you. Please understand that our main goal is to work with you.
November 13th, 2009 at 12:25 am
I have not removed nor retracted any comments I posted about MRS. (But go ahead and file away as many screen shots as you like, if it makes you feel better.)
I see the BBB has again updated the number of complaints against MRS; wow, 16 already, including two “serious” and five “unresolved.” That seems excessive for a company that’s only been in business two months, doesn’t it?
November 13th, 2009 at 8:13 am
HA! Lisa talks about the better business bureau? The biggest scam in the universe! google this betterbusinessbureau scam If you believe everything you read, the BBB is for you! I do know that this company writes hundreds of deals in a week! So I would have to say, you can’t please everyone. Stop absorbing yourselves in this negative baloney and get some merchants then realize how silly this all is. Unfortunately, there are people who find all the reasons why they can’t do something rather than dig in and make something work. It’s just the way they are. Then they will buy something else and complain when the same thing happens. Look in the mirror and see the real problem and when you admit it then maybe things will change. Easier said than done!I am thinking about selling PITY PARTIES and I see few leads right here.
November 16th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
hahahaha. how funny. good thing i just hung up on them. hahahahahaha. thank you lisa and buddy. just know that you helped at least one person today, me! so keep doing what you are doing and don’t listen to certain insulting individuals on this thread. THANKS AGAIN!!!
November 17th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
DON’T YOU JUST LOVE A GOOD PISSING MATCH? This sounds like a congressional debate. And we the people wonder why we don’t like the Government Health Care Plan, or Cash for Clunkers or VA Overhaul. LOL. But, thanks for this site. Not only is it amusing but also educational. I don’y want to deal with MRS. Goodbye.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I got the same call many of you seem to have recived. Fortunately at 930 in the evening my internal anti virus software starting blarring. I think the sad thing for all those that have been victims of internet scams (I have fallen for some, just not this one) is to realize that these things are what they are. Scams. If anyone out there has a lead on a real work at home deal that can make $200 or more an hour for me, please feel free not to bother calling me. I am back in school training for a job that I know pays $25 an hour once my education is complete.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
……..and by the way John. You sound like a sales rep. for this business which may or may not be legitimate.
November 18th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
glad i did not sign up for this after i got the annoying phone call.
also Merchant solustions can you stop calling me 15 times a day i DONT want your buisness. if you keep calling me i will file a harrasment complaint against your business and SUE YOU and get rich quick!
November 19th, 2009 at 7:03 am
I am now an afiliate with MRS. I do not work for them I actually work in retail. I got a call from MRS because of a job website I had used in the past and they were very nice. They called only once. The lady answered all questions for me and gave me numbers to call for any help I may have needed. They do not blow my phone up. You should not slam these people if you just hung up on them. If you agreed to take part in their company then you have to work at it to get something from it. Just like any job you do. If you feel you got burned from it then take it as a lesson learned. Their are alot of companies out there that will scam you. I know of one from experience. But do not ruin this company for someone else who can possibly get alot out of it. The bible says Man who doesn’t work doesn’t eat. I’m a firm believer of that. So if you decided not to take part with MRS then you have no idea what it is all about. No need for the same people to keep slamming it over and over.
November 19th, 2009 at 8:52 am
I got a phone call recently from a sales rep for MRS. He wasn’t overly pushy, gave me time to research the company. The only thing that was discussed was the $250 initial charge and that I can go do the business on my own time. To me that means, they make money selling the informational introductory packet from you, and they make more money if you actually close deals, as a matter of fact, I was in the understanding that all I have to do is refer business to them, rather then actaully close deals. if they close the deal then I get a cut of there credit card fees. Never did I feel pressured, the only problem is the salesman never called me back when we had agreed but since has called me at the worst possible times like if I’m at the grocery store or out to eat. Mostly, I am not sure I have the motivation to do it so I don’t want to waste the initial money, I think that if I had more time on my hands I could easily make my money back just selling my local businesses of people I currently know and then through referrals.
This type of referral business is what sales is all about. Selling is like shaving, if your not doing it everyday then your a bum, and those of you who feel ripped off probably aren’t doing anything to grow your business. The only thing that i am curious about is the commission schedule. I saw one post that stated they have only gotten 4 checks for $78. I am curious the volume of credit card sales the businesses that they have referred do.
November 20th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Such a shame that companies like MRS are out there preying on people’s desperation in times like this. I also was pressured by a fairly nice young man yesterday but as always, insisted on doing due diligence; which in this case means at least researching MRS on the WWW. You can’t always trust what you read on the Web but the weight of the evidence is not good. I’ll pass, just like I thought I would.
I am a small business owner whose business is failing because the entire advertising sector is radicallly changing, but even I get several calls a week inquiring if I “take credit cards or would like to.” I realize now that’s exactly what I would be doing with this program! Yes, I did take cards for years only because other companies would sometimes (rarely) want to use corporate credit cards but I ended up paying a lot, not only for the terminal lease but higher fees since I usually did not have the cards in hand as retailers do but ended up keying numbers in. I finally found PayPal to be a MUCH better deal – no terminal required and lower % fees.
So, B to B people like me as well as internet businesses don’t really need terminals and I think most brick and mortar retailers will find better deals with their own banks. So even if MRS is a legit business in that they actually offer products and services, it’s a bad business plan for today’s economy. And the pressure tactics just make that more plain to see. Not recommended.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Did anyone actually read between the lines of the people complaining on here? The main theme is…I am a quitter and need to make internet drama and post threads on these forums from work. LMFAO, go to the main page on this site and click on OTHER complaints with OTHER companies. Good ol LISA AND BUDDY are professional crybabies. At first I thought maybe the MRS opportunity may be a risk. I especially like where the whack jobs complain about phoney psychics…OMG!! LISA must work part time at her “JOB” based on the times she makes the posts OR she plays on her computer a lot right at her work computer.I don’t think she would be that stupid but it is easy enough to find out. (JUST LOOK AT THE TIMES) Anyone who listens to negative individuals like these two will NEVER do anything except work “for the man” and make excuses for failing at everything they try in the real world. Thank you BUDDY AND LISA, (she likes to put HER name first in her fake name comment) so I changed it, for showing me what a real crybaby sounds like. This woman is a professional complainer in it’s fullest definition. POOR BUDDY