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Leaders Merchant Services
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Leaders Merchant Services
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2.9 59 Reviews

Leaders Merchant Services Complaints Summary

28 Resolved
31 Unresolved
Our verdict: Dealing with Leaders Merchant Services, which has an average resolution rate, requires some diligence. Research their service in depth and read a variety of customer reviews for a balanced view. Approach any customer service interactions with detailed and well-prepared queries to facilitate a better resolution process.
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Leaders Merchant Services reviews & complaints 59

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11:20 am EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services Confused

I am really a bit lost as to why a lot of people have negative things to say about leaders. I have been with leaders for almost 2 years now and I honestly didn't experience the problems that you have mentioned here. I am not sure though if this is just sporadic or else, this is really alarming.. But needless to say, Leaders has really helped me and my business grow.

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dlmattice
, US
Aug 07, 2020 5:14 pm EDT

Not a chance. No confusion here. They took over 500 out of my account in less than 6 months. Then another 350 to cancel. They processed one purchase for 250.00. Now that's a scam. Whose been doing your math? You're either on the payroll, or like you said, confused.

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11:58 pm EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services Overcharge

Ryan opened my merchant account to process credit card transactions. I was assured that there was to only be certain nominal charges for the service. Right away and every month there are bogus fees and charges added to my statement. I complain and sometimes they say the charges will be reversed, but they rarely are. I regret ever signing up with this scandalous company. Beware.

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5:30 am EST
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Leaders Merchant Services Fees

Somebody ought to go to jail for what they do. I read that Wells Farge owns them. That might explain why they get away with it.

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GloriaL
Modesto, US
Aug 04, 2010 2:19 pm EDT

These people rip you off
Fees are outrageous when I signed up they gave me a break down of fees and everything was fine with it then after I had signed a contract I noticed a lot of additional charges much more fees than any credit card transactions I was bringing in . Over all I lost so much money using these guys no that my lease is up I have cancelled and 3 months ago and they are still charging me fees and refuse to refund me because they said my account was never cancelled within their company even though they acknowledge receiving my letter 3 months ago . So since they failed to cancel my account on time I still have to pay what a crock! I even confirmed this cancellation last month and I still have a charge today of 105.00

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11:38 am EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services Still Working For Me

I am kinda shocked while I read some previous complaints about LMS here. Although these reviews has been posted quite some time now, I am still really wondering if this might be some previous issue(s) that might have already been fixed by LMS already or this is still ongoing. Anyways, Leaders Merchant Services have been a great help to me. I was only in business for about a year before thinking about getting credit card services and did not know anything about them (good rates, what services included, anything) so I did some research online and after comparing prices and places I ended up with them since September of last year. And on the whole, service has been very good. I think that for small businesses, Leaders Merchant Services is a place to consider. The rates and customer service are really helpful. Honestly, I would give them two thumbs up for now as they serve me and my business pretty well!

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10:50 am EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services They will Steal from your Bank Account

Chris Lopez assured me the terminal they were sending would work with our wireless router. It did not. I spent 3 hours on the phone with the installation department, TIME WASTED! I was assured I would be refunded the $45 when I sent back the terminal. I have yet to receive the refund 4 months later... I cancelled my account shortly after I returned the terminal because of their unusable equipment, to find 3 months later they debited two transactions of $350 from my bank as "cancellation" fees. They owe my company a total of $745 and keep reassuring me they will be returning it, and that it was just an "accident". They are liars and thieves, do not deal with them. Chris Lopez also opened two accounts to up his sales and commission, that is why they debited from our account two cancellations.

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2:17 pm EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services overcharged and illegal fees

I opened an account after speaking to Ryan at Leaders. He promised to additional fees other than what was stated. He said the account would be open if I even needed. In Dec of 2011 I stated being charged additional fees referred to as dormancy fees. I then called and poke with Chris, a supervisor and he promised to refund fees and drop the set monthly fee. May I add neither of these took place. So in February I called to cancel and sent in the required faxed form (I have a confirmation). I was charged again in March so I called again. They advised it would be taken care of and refunded. Then I get another charge in April so I refaxed with original confirmation. I was total it would be corrected and a refund issued. I was charged again in May..same thing. I just was charged 4 times the normal fee and I spoke with a customer service rep and she says the account is still open, but she says she see he cancellation that was received and the notes on the reduction and refunds as I have stated. I asked her for a spervisor 6 times, each time she replied these fees are not refundable. Then when I advised I was called the STate of Georgi she put me n hold for 16 min and the icked up the phone and hung up...RUN DON"T USE THESE PEOPLE! SCAM SCAM AND BIGGER SCAM. I HATE TO SAY THAT SINCE I WAS IN BANKING 20 YEARS. ALL OF MY DOCUMENTS STATE WHAT I WAS PROMISED BUT THEY DON'T ABIDE BY THE CONTRACTS. BEWARE!

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12:04 am EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services outragous fees!!!

I as well spoke to Chris Lopez when setting up the acct., i was charged several times, even though the request to cancel was put in the same day that it was started because of fees trying to be charged just minutes after getting off the phone with him after set up. Today i was charged $350.00 to my bank acct for an apparent cancellation fee that i never read about and was never told about. It makes me sick that these people are allowed to do this. Luckily my bank was able to stop it and i was able to keep the 350 but the other 90 dollars worth of fees were never refunded. I HIGHLY discourage any person from using this company.

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J-Cap
Leominster, US
Jan 10, 2013 5:49 pm EST
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Mistyrb:
HOW did Leaders Merchant debit your account? In other words, they needed to describe themselves when they debit your account,
ie, "Leaders Merchant Services" or "Leaders Merchant"...? What name did they use to debit your account. Working in a bank, the consumer would need to know to put the ACH stop payment on the account. You said: "Luckily my bank was able to stop it "
Im just wondering How or What name did you give your bank to stop this payment going forward? Thanks.
Jerry

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jay krishna
, IN
May 25, 2012 12:29 am EDT
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BRITISH EMBASSY
FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT
Reserve Bank Of India
Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110021

Date: [protected]
Our ref: Cbn/Ohg/Oxd1/2011
Payment file: RBI/Ben/2012.
Payment Amount : ( $800, 000)
Fund Beneficiary Owner: Jay Krishna

Attention: Dear Beneficiary,

The Foreign Exchange Department of the British High Commission to the Reserve Bank of India are the one to endorse your name on your Cheque /Fund Release Order to authorizing the Reserve Bank of India to Transfer immediately the sum of 800.000 to your bank account.

And as directed by the department in charge of the processing of your draft, you are required to fill and send back the attached form so that they can proceed immediately with the conversion of the foreign currency issued in your cheque to enable the transfer of your funds into your account in India local currency (RUPEES).

Attach is the RBI Foreign Currency conversion Form? you have to fill in your full Banking Information and also send attach copy of your ID proof for submission to the Reserve Bank.

Please call to let me know as soon as you send back the form and your ID proof to me so that I can submit to the department without delay.

For any further enquiry feel free to contact the British Embassy Office.

Regards

TERRY FORD.
Mobile no:+[protected].
RBI Admin Foreign Exchange Transfer Department Unit British Embassy

भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक ... बैंक सुरक्षित और .. भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक आरबीआई ... सुरक्षित.

RESERVE BANK OF INDIA

This communication contains information which may be confidential, personal and/or privileged It is for the exclusive use of the intended recipient (s).If you are not the intended recipient (s) please note that any distribution, forwarding, copying or use of this communication or the information in it is strictly prohibited. If you receive this mail in error, please immediately notify RESERVE BANK OF INDIA, any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and RBI does not endorse or accept responsibility for any personal views expressed in this E-mail. Prior to taking action based on this E-mail message.( rbi.org.in@bent.cc)

> Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 09:48:44 +0530
> Subject: Re: COCA-COLA FUND 2012
> From: jaykrishna2004@gmail.com
> To: cocacolafunded2012@w.cn
>
> Dear Sir,
> Please find the attachment.
>

>
>
> On 5/18/12, Cocacola Fund wrote:
> >
> >
> > VIEW THE ATTACH DOCUMENT
> >
> >
> > --
> > Este mensaje ha sido analizado por MailScanner
> > en busca de virus y otros contenidos peligrosos,
> > y se considera que está limpio.
> > For all your IT requirements visit: http://www.transtec.co.uk
> >
> >
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R%CONVERTION FORM.jpg
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COCACOLA COMPANY May 22 (3 days ago)
Dear Beneficiary; Approved Payment of 800, 000.00USD You are advised to contac...

Jay Krishna
9:10 PM (23 hours ago)

to COCACOLA
Dear Sir,
Please find the attached details.

4 attachments — Download all attachments View all images Share all images

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nl
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12:05 am EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services steeling

After closing my account in February of 2012 i was still getting billed and funds removed(stolen) from my bank account. I had to send a second request to close the account. But when i tried to get my money back for the 3 months they had billed me with not a single transaction gone through them, all they said was the account was not closed and the fees will stand.
How can you bill for services not provided? As leaders they know how its done.

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10:19 pm EST
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Leaders Merchant Services Not a Trustworthy Company

STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY!
1) For a first time user in search of a merchant company, I was completely taken advantage of by the original sales rep who first signed me up (with her lack of explanation to how the charges work on the credit cards). Basically, the percent they advertise is completely inaccurate, but they can get away with it b/c of the way they word it! Afterwards, when I tried calling her and emailing her a few times she refused to return my inquires.
2) We tried to run a credit card which they refused to process b/c of the amount (although we provided them with all the required documentation), then they still charged us for the fees it cost to run it & refund it. When I called to complain they said they would have to submit a refund request that could take up to 30 days to process - still waiting on that...
3) I was so fed up with this, that I submitted a request to cancel the form on 2/6/12, and again, they stated it could take up to 30 days to process...O.K. - fine, but they still charged me a bunch of b.s. fees from 2/6/12 - 3/6/12.

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4:54 pm EST
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Leaders Merchant Services Erroneuous Fees

Leaders Merchant Services is horrible. I was roped into signing a contract with this company. Right away I started noticing these crazy fees being billed to my account which did not mirror my contract. These are in addition to the percentage rates taken from each sales charge and the fees that the credit card processing company was charging me. I am a small, one employee business. I cannot afford this amount of money going out the door for credit card processing. I have not closed the account because there is a whopping $350 cancellation fee that will be billed to my checking account. I don’t have that kind of money in my checking, so it would cause me to have insufficient funds and then be charged fees from my bank. Now I have this invalid TIN fee. No can seem to explain to me how to resolve this issue so that I can avoid this fee. Some of the fees aren’t even listed on the monthly statements that they send to me.

The customer service dept is very rude. I have not been able to get them to credit any of these fees. They have also refused to continue billing my checking account even though I have no longer authorized them to use that account. I want them to refund these fees and close my account. Bottom line is that I am paying all these fees every month for an account that I am not using. I’m trying to best figure out how to cut my losses and get out. I’m afraid that even if I close the account, they will continue to bill my checking account. This company is a rip off and a scam. My merchant ID: [protected].

02/16/2011 $25.00 Corporate ACH Nbcapf Lead Merch Srvc X4449
03/02/2011 $16.20 Corporate ACH Billing Authnet Gateway XXXX2307
03/03/2011 $21.79 Corporate ACH Mtot Disc Bankcard XXXXXXXXXXX5997
04/04/2011 $8.35 Corporate ACH Billing Authnet Gateway XXXX1094
04/04/2011 $60.94 Corporate ACH Mtot Disc Bankcard XXXXXXXXXXX5997
05/03/2011 $0.50 Corporate ACH Billing Authnet Gateway XXXX5961
05/03/2011 $87.83 Corporate ACH Mtot Disc Bankcard XXXXXXXXXXX5997
06/21/2011 $7.30 Corporate ACH Dormancy Lead Merch Srvc X4449
06/03/2011 $69.00 Corporate ACH Mtot Disc Bankcard XXXXXXXXXXX5997
07/22/2011 $7.30 Corporate ACH Dormancy Lead Merch Srvc X4449
08/23/2011 $7.30 Corporate ACH Dormancy Lead Merch Srvc X4449
09/06/2011 $4.95 Corporate ACH Mtot Disc Bankcard XXXXXXXXXXX5997
09/21/2011 $7.30 Corporate ACH Dormancy Lead Merch Srvc X4449
10/03/2011 $4.95 Corporate ACH Mtot Disc Bankcard XXXXXXXXXXX5997
10/21/2011 $7.30 Corporate ACH Dormancy Lead Merch Srvc X4449
11/07/2011 $12.90 Corporate ACH Mtot Disc Bankcard XXXXXXXXXXX5997
11/22/2011 $7.30 Corporate ACH Dormancy Leaders X4449
12/05/2011 $19.90 Corporate ACH Mtot Disc Bankcard XXXXXXXXXXX5997
12/21/2011 $7.30 Corporate ACH Dormancy Leaders X4449
01/03/2012 $19.90CORPORATE ACH [protected] BANKCARD MTOT DISC

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Jhsprague24
, US
Mar 12, 2012 8:44 pm EDT

I am looking it to using this company and just so you know these fees are normal and machinate account charge up to 6% on reward cards. The dormancy fee are the norm to in most cases before you sign your contract you can negotiate to not pay them. Also this company has a price guaranty even on the cancellation fee so call some other companies and see what their fees are and have them email it to you and if it is cheaper send it to this company and have the fee dropped. I found out the same way on my first business. It stinks but it is the reality you have to read the small print on all these contracts.

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1:56 pm EST
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Leaders Merchant Services hidden fees and charges

I opened this account 3 years ago. It took forever to get it opened. I opened it with the promise of lower rates and fees. The total opposite has been true. They have so many hidden fees that I had to go over my statement each month and call them to see what the fees were for. Web fees that I needed to opt out of, (I never opted in, its automatic! You need opt out if you don't want to be charged). I was told there would be no annual fee. I got charged $99.00 and had to ask for it back! It took about 3 months to get it back! Meanwhile, I'm sure they got interest on that money, not just mine, but everyone else! It's funny how all my charges were non-qualified. I deal with individuals, not businesses. I did have a few Govt cards, but not ALL of my transactions were not-qualed. However, my statements showed that most were? With my new account, same customer base, I get qualified rates, as promised. Leaders also charged my account for a monthly fee during the 30 days it takes to cancel the account. During that time my annual fee was also charged! Come on, I cancelled the account!I had the account for 8 days in November, didn't use it, and was charged $35.00 in monthly fees! I got the annual fee back, but they will not refund the monthly fee for the 8 days in November and I'll have to be careful of any additional fees for December! This company is all about how much money they can get from you! You have to read, and re-read the contract! Ask questions and get everything in writing and faxed or e-mailed to you! Or better yet, find another Merchant. There are so many to choose from. Do not get lead by false promises with Leaders!

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5:12 pm EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services bate and switch

These people lured me in by telling me you only get charged a small $12.95 a month fee if you dont use the unit then charged me additional $41.46 for other charges. This company is a hack. Contacted my bank and they told me only way to keep them from charging again is to close the account and reopen with a new account number since they cant stop payments on a company only the fee inwhich they charge differant fees every month. Then when I call and close my merchant account they come out with a $350.00 early cancelation fee (good luck trying to get that) which the sales guy told me I could cancel anytime with no early cancel fees because its on a month to month and not a contract which was a lie. They pulled the special deal and must act right away to be locked into the special to get the one time $85 card swiper and setup fee. I bought into it hope no one else does.

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Risk on
, US
Feb 15, 2012 4:57 am EST

All these comments are TRUE! LEADERS IS AN OUT AND OUT FRAUD! They are committing crimes. This is opinion and fact. When a person is told something by their rep, and it is completely different, that is fraud. They use the ole Stand by of " it's in writing" referring to the signed contract. But their downfall will be the " qualifying vs non qualifying " rate. I was told that depends in the customers benefits with their respective credit card, that, is a LIE. The customers benefits with their card has nothing to do with what a merchants discount rate is. They arbitrarily make it up, and I gave the proof. I am contacting the FBI, because the charges removed from all these accounts and mine is wire fraud. Contact me at danupchurch27@gmail.com. Let's end this scam!

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2:42 am EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services changing rates charges

Leaders changed my rates on a monthly basis. Lied to me when I called. When I canceld the contract they charged me a $250 fee even though the reason I canceled was due to the contract change. DO NOT DEAL WITH THIS COMPANY. I am taking them to small claims court. They have a reputation for doing this.
We need to work together against this company. They make a habit of doing this and we need to work together and get a class action lawsuit to punish them.

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Update by Dan314
Aug 26, 2011 1:15 am EDT

Some clarifications...I have no problems with the processing fees. They are as detailed in my contract. I understand that there are different ways to process cards and there are different rates for those. Swiping is one rate, manual entry another. Rewards cards another rate and so forth. My problem is that my original contract had no annual fee and no minimum monthly fee. It did have a PCI (or PCS..whatever the compliance fee) associated with it which I paid. However, six months into the contract the zero monthly fee was changed to four dollars a month due to changes in the CC industry. This was a change to the contract opening a 30 day window for me to cancel the contract without paying a fee. At this time it was still a decent contract. In may the fees changed to 25.00 minimum ant 7.95 customer service fee for a total of 32.95. At this time I called to cancel. The person I spoke to at Leaders denied that this was changed and that I was still being charged the four dollars and there was nothing on the contract stating that it was changing. So when it came time for the withdrawl I watched:
NETWORKAC LEAD MERCH SRVC [protected] 11/07/05 -$4.00
On the previous called I'd also talked to them about upgrading from a manual cell phone type in the number to a swiper. Blair Brody ( the rep) said "oh thats good since we no longer offer the cell phone service you had". If thats true then I should have gotten a letter stating this allowing me out of my contract since the contract changed. No letter. So, either Blair outright lied to me on his own, he lied to me with company knowledge, or...So when the next statement came I once again called and said I wished to cancel because the contract had changed. I was informed that I was outside the 30 day window.

So, for those that are posting portions of their website that don't apply...might want to get the full story.

Update by Dan314
Aug 25, 2011 3:46 am EDT

Likeitornot...actually maybe you should read my contract. Leaders stands in breach of contract. They changed the contract opening up a window for me to cancel the contract. I took this option. Never mind that not only did they change the contract, they also can't even seem to manage to charge me what my monthly statement says. Their rep, Blair Brody lied to me telling me that the service I signed up for was no longer availble. Was this true? Don't know, either it was true and they failed to tell me in writing putting them in breach of contract or their representative who's job it was to tell me the company policy lied to me.

I did a little checking on you. Seems you fit the definition of troll pretty well. Thirty odd posts all disputing the complaint without a single basis in fact. Please find something constructive to do with your life.

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1:07 am EDT
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Leaders Merchant Services Scam Company

This company accepted my application, but when I tried to run transactions, they refused to deliver services. However, they did pull hundreds of dollars out of my bank account, expecting me to pay the percentage transaction fee for the hypothetical charge they refused to process. They were able to take this money directly because I provided them with my account and routing numbers in the application process.

I had the bank return the stolen money to my account, but 3 weeks later this company pulled the money out of my bank account again. I had to actually claim fraud against this company and get the bank to issue me a new account number and debit card so that Leaders cannot continue to pull money out of my account weeks after we have discontinued service.

Based on my experience, I would have to say that Leaders Merchant Services is nothing more than a scam company-- I doubt if they are even set up to process any credit card transactions. The banker even told me there are plenty of businesses who operate this way, never actually delivering services, instead profiting off of any and all victims who don't fight to get their money back.

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Help with Banking
N/A, US
Jun 14, 2011 1:12 am EDT

I am glad fraud was able to assist you. Sounds like one of the many companies that try and get you to send them money for nothing...unfortunately not unusual.
Just remember, even if you do agree to the charges and do not get the product in the future, the bank will dispute the item for you and if found in your favor waive all fees.

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Leaders Merchant Services Charge undislosed fee's

I signed up in March, they said no fee's- and now a few months later and I'm being charged all sorts of fee's. I'm going to notify the BBB about this. I hope every single person who has been wronged by this company do the same.

Here is the company name: Leaders Merchant Services My account specialists name Chris Lopez
His email is : [protected]@lms-corp.com
I'm so upset with this company, when I get off work today, I'm going to call them again, and again and again if I have too!

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5:56 pm EDT

Leaders Merchant Services I too have been scammed by this company

I too have been scammed by this company. They called us offering their services, great rates, etc. Once we started doing business with this, which was only for two months, they started adding on fees which were not disclosed in the original contract. We sent them a letter stating that we no longer wanted to do business with them.

That is when the fun started. Every month they were pulling unauthorized fees from our account ranging from $11 to $99. When we called them they stated that this was disclosed to us in the contract we signed. It Was Not. I contacted our financial institution which put a block on our account so that they could no longer withdraw fees from our account.

The funny thing about Leaders is that each time they withdraw money they change their name. From Leaders to Lead Merch Services to Leaders Merchant and so on. We have not done business with them since December, 2008. I checked my business account today, 12/30/09 and guess what they pulled $99 in “annual fees” from our account.

I contacted them and they told me that it was a non-refundable annual fee and that we had never sent them a letter terminating our business dealings with them. Incorrect – we did. I asked to speak to a supervisor – his name is supposedly Ben – and I was told each of the five times I have called that he is either not there or on the phone.

I have now put a freeze on our business account with our bank and will file the necessary affidavits to try to collect the money from them. Do not do business with this company. They are unprofessional and scam artists.

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dlady
Newmanstown, US
May 05, 2011 4:30 am EDT
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I am all in on a Class Action. They told me today that they have the right to charge me every month for the next year. I canceled their services after a month and a half. They have no right to deduct from my bank account. So far this month they have stolen $237 with out my permission. I am closing my bank account tmw. Leaders have drained my account to almost nothing in less than three months! I am sick to my stomach over this

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barber4488
Victor, US
Apr 07, 2011 11:16 pm EDT

I really think we need to take action against this company. Please email me at barber4488@yahoo.com if interested.

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barber4488
Victor, US
Apr 07, 2011 11:09 pm EDT

Can't we all file a class action suit! This seems like it could be very easy. All of our situations are very similar! ANYONE INTERESTED? Email me at barber4488@yahoo.com.

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Leaders Merchant Services Huge Rip Off

I spoke with one of their representatives who told me a specific amounts that I would be charged every month. The first month it was exactly like he said. The second month I started getting charges that I didn't even know about. They take your money before they even give you a statement so you can see what charges are going to come out. They also charge you for things that the rep said you would not be charged for such as a PCI security charge. I was told by my rep that that would be waived. Of course it wasn't. They also charge you twice for the same transaction. A coming and going fee. This company is a huge rip off and I warn everybody not too do business with them. I almost referred someone to them. I am so glad I didn't because then they would be getting ripped off too.

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11:45 pm EST
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Leaders Merchant Services False fees

I am a small contractor. I told the saleslady that I did not need to charge but a few times a year. I agreed to a call in plan at 3% and monthly fees of $5, nothing else. After 3 months, they began drafting additional fees for NOT charging, NOT taking their security course ( though it says in their notes, once a year) . Then there was the #10 fee, they took off after I called. The annual fee, ect.
Sent them a cancellation notice per their instructions, HMMM they couldnt find it, while they continued to charge fees.
Even after I took the security course, they charged me. Now, 3 months later, there is a concelation fee of $350..
These people are crooks, just plain evil. DO NOT do bussiness with them, and if you have, change your bank account so they cannot draft anything.

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Edyth
, US
Dec 10, 2011 3:38 am EST

There are interchange and network fees to turn plastic into cash and have these cash deposited for you into your business or personal checking account. Leaders is a direct processor and does just that at a cheaper rate than most processors combined. Leaders has helped a lot of small companies who could not get help from major processors. All processors charge PCI compliance fees and for merchants processing less than $5, 000.00 per month, Leaders will then break the $129.00 PCI fee into 4 monthly installments 0f $39.00. $30.00, $30.00 & $30.00. PCI compliance is not an option but a mandate from VISA, MASTERCARD.

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9:08 pm EST
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Leaders Merchant Services Unauthroized Charges/Fraud

From personal experience would advise staying away from this company. Too much of a headache and yes they "stole" money in excess of $99 to $350 out of my account recently.

Back in late August of 2010 I signed with Leaders after the new merchants account CSR, Brody contacted my company about providing credit card processing services. After hashing out details Brody presented me with a reasonable contract. The contract stated as follows: 1.69% transaction fee on Master Card and Visa transactions, no batch or header fee, no monthly charge fee, no annual fee, free terminal setup, and no cancellation fee. I had my own terminal so no need to rent or buy another one. There was a dormant fee of $7.85 I would have to pay if account was inactive of course. I asked the CSR if there were going to be anymore fees related to this account the rep said no. I read the fine print and sent it over to my attorney for review. I thought this would be a good company to work with for credit card transaction. Well I thought wrong. That From day one I have had problems with Leaders. 1. Lost revenue in tip money transactions. 2. Every time I called in with a problem about my terminal the CSR told me my terminal was not PCI compliant that I would need to buy a new one. My machine at the time was less than two years old. If I needed a new machine the rep that I signed up with would had told me. If the machine was not PCI compliant I would not have joined Leaders nor could they be able to program the terminal. 3. Ridiculous $149 "PCI" compliance fee. If you refused to pay the fee Leaders would bill you $30 for not being compliant. My last transaction company only charged $29 annual PCI fee due tot he fact that I was a small business. Also the huge compliance fee and their so called standards were left out of the contract. The PCI fee is for those that have credit card information on file and my business does not keep that information on file. 4. Poor customer service. Representatives were not knowledgeable about transactions problems (either reading from a manual or being transferred to another CSR for assistance) and/or tried to get me to buy another terminal. 5. 11-15-10 After a month of being dormant and realizing the service was not for me I decided to cancel. I also found out the PCI fee was $149 and would start to be taken out in three easy installments in November 2010. If not, I would be charged an additional $30 for being non compliant. I did not agree to these fees. Upon the information I received and decided to cancel. I was transferred to Leaders cancellation department and spoke to Edwin a "supervisor". See, most companies try to keep your business when you threaten to close your account, this one doesn't. Total red flag. Edwin was extremely rude over the phone when I tried to cancel my account. He stated he would go ahead and send me a cancellation form by fax and he needed it by the close of the business day. He also told me there would be additional fees and penalties for closing my account. I told him that he needed to review my contract because the contract stated no additional fees would be charged apart from transactions fees that were processed for that month. He said that I would be charged additional fees upon the review of my contract. That those fees were unpreventable. I asked to speak to his supervisor and he refused to allow me to speak to someone higher up to resolve being charged "additional fees". I told him I needed to speak to his manager. Edwin, said he was the highest that I could go and I would have to deal with him. I told him he was not and he said yes he was and that he was correcting me. After getting no where with Edwin I hung up and called Leaders again to lodge a formal complaint against Edwin. The second CSR was rude as well so to no avail I gave up. I contacted Brody my original merchant representative. Brody said Edwin misinformed me and that he would have the manager of the cancellation department contact me. Brody pulled my contract stating that there should be no additional fees taken out period. I canceled my account on 11-15-10. December 1, 2010 a transaction fee of $99 "other fees" hit my bank account. I contacted my bank stating that the fee was fraudulent and my bank did a stop pay on the fee. For six months the stop pay would be effective. A representative from my bank told me that if a debit came through leaders it would not go through my bank for that period of time.
On 12-1-10 I called Brody from leaders asking him what the deal was with the "other fee". He assured me that it was a error and that the fee would be removed. Two weeks later I received a threatening letter from Leaders informing me if I did not pay the $99 other fee charge they would turn me into a collection agency. I called Brody again asking him if he rectified the $99 and I asked him again to have it removed. I received another statement/letter in the mail the first of January 2011 demanding the fee. On 1-10-11 I called Brody again to make sure he was working on getting the fee cleared up and he said that it was.
February 2, 2011 Leaders charged my bank account with a $350 cancellation fee. I called my bank yet again to do a stop pay. Since it was after 2 PM I would have to dispute the fee. My bank was generous enough to credit the $350 fee and the over draft fee until I could get this resolved with Leaders. I asked my bank why did this transaction fee go through and the rep stated that Leaders used a different name for the fee. (Right there that is fraudulent. They used another name to attempt to obtain more funds.) That day I called Brody at Leaders again informing him what happened.
Feb 3, 2011 Brody called back stating again he pulled my contract. He wanted to make sure that I was not suppose to be charged the $350. He assured me that this is was a computer error. The question is if my account was closed they should had removed my account information from their system. Brody stated he would put in a request to have the fee refunded back to my bank. If it was not credited back to my bank by 2-8-11 call him back immediately .
2-9-11 I called my bank to verify if funds were return, they were not.
2-9-11 called Brody to inform him funds were not returned. I told him to please contact accounting to get a ETA of when funds would be returned to my account. From there on I asked him to for now on contact me my EMAIL so that I would have it in writing.
2-9-11 Brody wrote in a email "According to accounting, your refund will be issued this Friday and you should see it about this time next week."

I will write back to give all an update if this gets resolved or not. Hopefully in a week it will and I can start the process of closing out my bank account. A total pain in the neck but no telling what they will charge the next time.

Here's some words of advice:

1. If you do business with Leaders and decide to cancel your account with them: Close out your bank account and have your banks reissue a new account. Tell your bank that you might be dealing with a fraudulent company and fees might be taken out. Most banks will understand. Any legitimate fees you owe them can be hashed out and paid with a cashiers check. This will save you the hassle of being charged fraudulent fees. If necessary get your attorney involved in the matter.
2. File a report with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) if they are taking out fees without your permission or what was not agreed in the contract. Enough people complain about their fraudulent practices the government will step in.
3. Get everything that you do with this company in writing. Keep a detailed record of whom you spoke with, etc. This covers your butt.
4. If funds have been taken out of your account demand your banks do a stop pay or a dispute. For the dispute: Gather your documents for the bank. Also kindly ask the bank to credit the funds until you can get the issue resolved. You will have to get in touch with a supervisor to do this. I am very fortunate to bank with Frost Bank in Texas. I have always found my bank to be very accommodating.

You wait for Leaders to refund the money it might takes weeks or they might not refund your money at all.

Frankly, if I went on line to research this company I would have never been in this mess. Hopefully this might help someone out there to keep them from making the same mistake likes myself and others made.

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Dmcgary
Philpot, US
Jun 03, 2016 8:33 am EDT

Deceptive and dishonest company.. Thieves.
I really don't have time for reviews or feel like being vengeful is a decent or moral thing to do, but feel like I should be able to defend myself or mankind from this horrible company. Lies, BS charges and fees, nearly impossible tasks to comply with so you get more fees.. Basically, you as their customer, are set up to acquire hidden fees. Once you realize you are getting taken for a ride then try to get out of their contract, you will be charged $350. I've never in 44 years have ever breached a contract. I suppose because most of my dealings have been with decent and morally respectable companies.
GEESHH. I've never felt more betrayed or aggravated enough to have to write this about a company before in my life.. If I weren't a sensible person, I'd probably end up in jail due to what I would have to do to the responsible party(s). While they "may" be within the law with their dealings to avoid being arrested, they in my mind are thieves and need to be dealt with. They should be put in jail in the very least.. What I cant imagine is for that the effort it took to create this company and create the many ways of cheating their "customers" out of their money, they could have built an honest company.. I guess some people are just destined or get a kick out of robbing others.. I hope Karma exists because these folk deserve an ### kicking from her.

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dlady
Newmanstown, US
Jun 03, 2016 8:33 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Leaders told me today that they have the right to charge me every month for the next year. I canceled their services after a month and a half. The first month I tried to cancel and every time that I called I got a new person on the phone. I sent them my cancelation reguest a month and a half in. It has been three months now and the guy said the paper work has not been completed on "their side". That is how they are now able to charge me a $350 cancel fee because it has been over three months now. They have no right to deduct from my bank account. So far this month they have stolen $237 with out my permission.
I am a small business and was with a good company in the past. Leaders told me they could beat the prices and fees of my previous merchant supplier, so I switched. They doubled the fees the first month and tripled them the next. Now they are telling me that even tho I am no longer with the company they are going to deduct $449 from my account next month! That is plain FRAUD. I am closing my bank account tmw and contacting a lawyer asap.

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zee12
Astoria, US
May 14, 2012 1:08 am EDT

I recently signed up with Leaders and dealt with Ryan Moss. He was very responsive and gave me great rates so I completed the application and was approved. On my intake form I noticed a Non-Qual Per Auth Differential fee that was not previously disclosed to me. I immediately called him about this and he said that "I thought we spoke about this rate." I told him we didn't and he said that the company needs to make money somehow. I told him to hold off on my application until this was resolved. He said he would speak to his supervisor and get back to me. My application was approved even though we were supposed to hold off on it, and I still did not hear from Ryan. I left him numerous phone messages and emails but he did not respond. After about a week I called customer service and told them of my situation. The representative was very helpful and removed the fee and sent me an email confirmation. I understand why people have these complaints. I hope its smooth sailing from here.

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6:45 pm EST
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Leaders Merchant Services Non-Disclosed Fees

I am a small business and only do business in November and December. After having First Data as my credit card company, I decided to switch my credit card processing to Leaders. I spoke to a Chris Lopez extensivly before signing up. I asked on several occasions what fees there were since there was no Application Fees, monthly statement fees, settlement fees etc. I was given a rate and when I received the contract I looked over it carefully. I received my first statement and wow the non-disclosed fees amounted to almost 5% of my sales. I phoned customer service, looked at the contract and my statement asked more questions and then was told they don't have to disclose all the fees, and then hung up on. Whatever you do, DON'T do business with this company because the will bleed you dry!

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auntytaz
San Jacinto, US
Feb 14, 2011 6:13 pm EST

I also dealt with Chris Lopez to get my account and he never told me half of what actually ended up going on with my merchant account. I am very small but decided that I needed to accept credit cards if I wanted to increase my business. I actually pay more in merchant card fees every month than I have in sales. Conveniently, Chris Lopez was never available after our initial conversation and now Leaders claims that all of this was disclosed to me. What I want to know is how can they charge for a fee that has no amount disclosed on their contract? They can change it to whatever they want it to be. BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE - they are shady.

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