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Elavon review: Leasing terms 51

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Author of the review
10:43 am EDT
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After working years for someone else I decided to buy a franchise.

Ladco was strongly recommended by my back as their partner in merchant services. The contract was written up the rep reminded me over and over that the lease amount was tax deductable as a business expense. (should have reaised a red flag but what did I know)
Well 18 months later the business failed and when I turned the franchise over to the new owner I offered to turn over the lease for the credit card machine and it's 52.00 a month payment. I was told I was crazy and she shows me her payment of the same equipment for 8.00 a month. I looked up the retail price of the equipment NEW and it comes to $600.00. Ledco ecpects me to pay 2500.00, 400% interest on the equipment and a 200.00 buy out at the end.
They over inflated the price of the equipment to start out, they push the fact that this high price is now deductable on your taxes.

51 comments
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HSVRAZORBACK
Hot Springs, US
Feb 20, 2009 4:26 pm EST

I have been paying them for over 3 years. They auto debit very month. Lately, every once in awhile they have been taking $25.oo from my account.
When I contacted them, they said it was for taxes.
Now when I signed the lease they told me my payment was inclusive of taxes.
And the LADCO representative was VERY NASTY about it.
So I stooped the AUTO debit.
GUESS WHAT? When they did not get thier payment, ROBERT called me. When I was Let hime have it over the way I was treated when I called, he told me if I did not tone down, he would disconnect. So I told him not to bother I would do it for him.
They will NOt get another dime, until they get off their HIGH HORSE and treat me like a customer. Instead of like they are doing me a favor by leasing me their OVER PRICED equipment.
John Fuller

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HS BEAR
Crystal Springs, US
Apr 30, 2009 8:52 pm EDT

Ladco leasing is a big ripoff. I signed a 48 month lease for $96 a month
and paid it off in full. Now they are still wanting $358 for a month to
month lease, even after I notified them to discontinue the lease and tell
me where to send the equipment . They would never give me any info
until I stopped the draft.

I later found out the equipment that I leased for over $4600, I could have
purchased for $90 to $135.

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dbl06
Blanchard, US
May 07, 2009 3:30 pm EDT

Before one takes too negative a view of Lease Companies there are a few things to keep in mind: 1. In determing the cost of of your card processing costs it is necessary to look at the overall costs eg., one company may give you equipment, but charge a horrendous early termination fee. 2. Most companies quote only a low qualified rate and fail to mentioen the 3-4% additional for mid and non-qualified. In fact the reason some companies charge less for equipment is they plan to make it up on other (sometimes hidden) charges. A modest lease payment $20-$40 per month; no minimum monthly fee; no early termination fee; rates in the range of 2-3.5%; trans fees of 15-20 cents; & $10/mo statement fees are reasonable for most businesses.

It is better for some merchants to lease; others to purchase. The lease document is quite clear that it is non-cancelable and the terms have to be filled in completely. It is usually a combination of an unscruplus sales rep and an unsophisticated buyer that combine to make a deal go sour. However, no one will deny lease companies are nasty when a lease defaults.

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ladcowmpvictim
Pompano Beach, US
May 21, 2009 10:58 am EDT

Ladco Leasing is now attacking Florida. I am a recent victim. I met with the FBI yesterday and they were astounded by the immencity and scope of abuses. I spent over two hours with them, a file and complaint is on record. Like you, I have filed as many complaints as possible and will continue to do so. Mine is the same story, deceptive sales presentation, lies, a trap that attempts to force you to pay thousands of dollars for a $200.00 machine. FBI was particullarily interested in the number of consistent complaints re fraud and forged documents. I suggest you immediately contact your local FBI office, I did so in Miami. Although I will not reveal the source, a correspondence states "pay particular attention as Presidential interest is involved." I would also suggest you write the White House ( President Barock Obama) . Reguardless of politics, we are lucky that only a couple of weeks ago the President made sweeping changes reguarding the credit card industry. What Ladco, Wholesale Merchant Processing, and there shell or parent companys are doing is criminal. We need a common ground where we can communicate and join forces.

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moonbird
US
May 21, 2009 10:14 pm EDT

I closed my bank account in Feb after paying Ladco for two year, $49.00-$53.00 per month. My business closed several months after its openning and I returned the machine right after its closing. They've been drafting my account for 16 months after my closing. How stupid I was to listen to the sales representative! I just received their collection letter. Is there a class action against them? I would like to join.

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MJSBABH
Niceville, US
Jul 13, 2009 11:07 pm EDT

I too would like to join a class action lawsuit. I am so embarrassed and infuriated that I fell for this scam. This company should be shut down and all executives should go to prison. We have calculated that we are paying a 720% mark-up! People (business owners) should organize an effective method to take these guys down.

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FEDUPWITHLADCO
Prineville, US
Aug 21, 2009 3:57 pm EDT

WOW! I wish we had done more research before we got our machine through them too! A business friend of mine @ US Bank set my husband and i up on this program. We were told it would only cost $50 month and then 3% interest for when we did use it ... My husband had just started a construction business and some customers were asking if he had a credit card option. We were told NOTHING about a 4 year lease when we signed the papers... it wasn't till 2 months later (when we realized we weren't going to use the service AND were paying $118 month instead) that we found out we had a 4 year agreement. I called my friend at the bank immediately, and she had no idea that it had a contract either, but by that time we were told the only way out was to pay $800 ... Of course we didn't have the funds to do so, so were stuck. Several more times over the last 2 years that we have had it, we have tried to get out of it --- especially since we have NEVER ONCE USED the equipment! They just told us that was our problem and NOW it is going to cost around $2000.00 to buy out --- How it went from $800 to & $2000 when we have already pd for 2 years is beyond me! We closed the US Bank account that the automatic deductions were coming out of and set up a new account at another bank. We decided we weren't going to pay them anymore until they were willing to deal more fairly... We kept getting phone calls and statements from them and fees were piling up, so we did finally send ONE payment to them. They kept calling wanting more (since we let payments lapse for a couple months). We told them they would get their money when we had it -- my husband had been out of work for 3 months and we felt it was more important to pay our business insurance than some stupid service WE HAD NEVER ONCE USED! Howevevr, the other day we found that we had overdrafted on our new bank account, and couldn't figure out why... come to find out that the ONE payment we made, they took the liberty of using the checking account # and routing # and AUTO DEDUCTED from our account WITHOUT ANY AUTHORIZATION FROM US! We were LIVID! We put in a complaint with the BBB... I encourage ALL OF YOU TO DO THE SAME... Anyone who does make a complaint, if there is a CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT, anyone who complains to the BBB will be covered under it. So PLEASE MAKE YOUR COMPLAINTS TO THE BBB... THE MORE THEY HAVE THE BETTER IT IS FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN SCREWED OVER BY THIS COMPANY!

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Capt. Rick
Key Largo, US
Sep 09, 2009 2:19 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I too am having problems with Ladco Leasing. I live in a small town, been banking with the same bank for years. I've used another CC pos terminal for my business and never had any problems. I was persuaded by a trusted bank rep to switch to Ladco's terminal, "it would save me money", , , BIG mistake! They find ways to extract money from your account, if you don't see and jump thru the hoops they put in front of you. I'm about to leave the bank I've been with for 23 years because of these rip offs!

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Leasing Specialist
Camarillo, US
Sep 11, 2009 5:57 pm EDT

********** LADCO LEASING IS A FINANCE COMPANY ONLY ******* The actual lease prices are between you and the company that is supplying the equipment to you. It is the same thing as financing a car. If you agree to pay 60 mos for $450.00 per month on a Honda Civic, without doing any research on the car and its value, whos problem us that? Who is to blame, the bank who chose to finance you.

That is all LADCO is... you should READ BEFORE YOU SIGN ! ! ! ! And pay the bills that you obligate yourself to pay.

When you sign the lease, they pay the company who supplies the equipment to you in full for the machine.

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legalbeagleflowers10
Denver, US
Dec 29, 2009 11:18 pm EST

Well at least I know I'm not alone in this nightmare. It is infuriating! I too trusted US Bank, whom I've banked with for many years and thought I could trust them. I just cancelled my fabulous Merchant Services account for the $200 termination fee after discovering I can invoice my customers for credit card payments through PayPal... with no monthly or term fees, tiered fees, etc. The whole situation was deceptive and predatory. I knew once I got that machine delivered to my shop, I was stuck and totally taken. Flat monthly fee for Merchant services, plus tiered fees, plus per transaction fees, plus PCI compliance fees, plus the Ladco lease amount, plus the cost to insure it... wow. Amazing how much it takes from your margins. I just dealt with it while my business was open because I had so much to worry about. The Ladco lease is indescribable; it's bullet proof. I was totally scammed and feel pretty stupid that I didn't do my own due diligence - but I still believe I was taken advantage of by US Bank. My complaint is against both Ladco Leasing and US Bank. I will definitely file a BBB report and follow up with the FBI.

Has anyone successfully gotten out of the Ladco nightmare with a lump sum offer? I don't even want the damn thing.

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MJSBABH
Niceville, US
Dec 30, 2009 7:34 am EST

Don't you just want to throw up when you read their comments claiming innocence?! These guys are a sick bunch of criminals. The truth is; they misinform the banks & processing co. about their service, fees, etc.. Then, thy pay a HUGE kick-back for each account the banks & processing co. After a long battle with all 3 parties involved (Ladco, Elavon, Wachovia), I thought this had finally been resolved. A very embarrassed and helpful rep from Elavon (the processing company) agreed to cancel the contract. Once she actually read the contract, she was appalled. She sent me an email confirming this, which I have provided to all 3 credit reporting bureaus. This because Ladco tried to ruin my credit. This all took place in Sept. of 2009. Yesterday, I received yet another harassing call from Ladco. Now, I have a case for harassment. With all of the money I'm saving by not having to pay their extortion fees any longer, I definitely plan on filing a case. I feel terrible for the business owners who don't have the funds to fight them but, I do! My business is successful & those creeps pissed off the wrong business woman. If you want to see what they are really like, read about them on the [redacted] site.

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LadcoThreatens2Sue
Manitowoc, US
Feb 01, 2010 4:09 pm EST

WOW ; am I glad I decided to do some research about Ladco Leasing Co. and come across the complaints filed here. Or should I call them ( Ladco Scamming Co. )I to have obtained my equipment and merchant account with TRUSTED business associates at USBANK. Go figure why have I read so many complaints filed here mentioning they recieved the same through USBANK ? HMMMN ? My fees were automatically deducted from my business account as well until I started noticing the increases in the fees from LADCO. I then decided to switch banks to Wells Fargo, and they said I could keep the equipment as it would work with Wells Fargo's Merchant account. I did however have to pay a closure fee of $60.00 to close my business account with USBANK and the USBANK Merchant account with ELAVON wanted to charge me a $250.00 for early termination of contract; which I refused to pay as I felt I completed it after the two year agreement. After I switched banks and got the equipment to accept charges to my Wells Fargo business account ; I could NOT get any assistance from Ladco, Elavon either bank in getting my gift card program to work and accept all the gift cards that my customers hold with dollar values on these cards. To this day I cannot get any help on the gift card program. I then started receiving statements requesting various increasing monthly amounts from Ladco which I refused to pay as the monthly amounts were never the same amounts and extra add on fees. Many many letters from Ladco to my business address even my private home mailing address? how did they get that? I recently received a (Private Caller ) on my caller ID phone call at my place of business; where the gentleman stated he was a licensed Private Investigator from lower California trying to verify some information about me and my business and told me to call back with a reference case number? So I called back to find out what it was about ? A Private Investigator ? I never had one call me or my business before? He stated that he was calling on behalf of Ladco Leasing that we were way behind on our payments and refused to respond to any of the statements or phone calls from Ladco Leasing; and that if I did not agree to pay them the past due payments or buy the equipment from them for $1176.00 they were going to sue me and my business; he then also told me that if I did not do something right now today. The paperwork would be filed and there would be nothing I could do about it as this would be the ONLY phone call I would have and they would not honor my calls after this offer...? Woah; I said I do not want to be sued what can I do? He said pay the $1176.00 and you will then own the equipment. I said I needed to speak with my other business associates and my bank, if could I call back on Monday with a decision. He then agreed to that. So that was Sat. 01/30/10 and today is 02/01/10. So guess what ? Ladco will NOT RECEIVE 1 red cent from me...they will however get complaints filed against them here, there and everywhere including the BBB and local authority's from me and my business. I am so glad I found this site and all these complaints. As of today the machine will be shut off and boxed, I will then be contacting my Merchant account with Wells Fargo and discontinueing that as well. I would like to say 'THANK YOU' to all the people that have filed there complaints on this site; you all have helped me immensely.
Scott N.

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sandy reid
Palo Alto, US
Feb 01, 2010 8:22 pm EST

Below is a letter I have mailed to Ladco and others involving problems similar to the ones mentioned above. When I learn more I will file a similar complaint myself.

Ladco Leasing
SDS-12-2896
P.O. Box 86
Minneapolis, MN [protected],

To whom it may concern,

I am receiving a bill regarding 2 credit card machines that I believe is either incorrect or fraudulent.

I am told on the phone that this for bill is for a machine that I signed a contract for approximately 6 years ago. Your leasing company is telling me the the contract originally began as a 4 year contract that obligated me to pay you $32 per month for one machine and $27 per month for the second machine and that the contract automatically renewed if I do not discontinue it in writing. The company tells me that each machine is worth $120 and that they were sent to me when I arranged for accredit card processing contract. They also say that the first machine in question was last used in 2006 and the second machine in question was last used in 12/2009. One machine is said to be connected to my tax ID # and the other to someone else's. I have never used more than one machine.

In 12/2009 I changed my credit card processing account to Wells Fargo and according to instructions, returned by mail the machine I had been using in association with my previous credit card processing contract.

I discovered these ongoing charges a month ago when I discovered that the charges were automatically being deducted from an account that I was holding - I thought - idol until an issue with Medicare finally cleared up. (In fact, I had thought the account closed.) I am not sure why they were paid without question prior to that but I believe my account thought they were legitimate and I wasn’t aware.

While I do have a copy of the contract with Nova, I have no copy of the alleged contract with Ladco and when I asked to see a copy I was told that I needed to either authorize another $10 deducted from my account or give a credit card # to pay $10 to see the contract. I obviously do not want to send more money to a company that is somehow swindling me.

I did sign an agreement for credit card processing. The agreement mentioned above however is either mistaken, a small print scam or fraudulent. No one would knowingly sign an agreement obligating them to pay $27 or $32/month for 5 years for a $120 machine, especially for machines they long since returned. I could never have even used the one associated with someone else’s social security #.

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ladcosucks
Cumm, US
Feb 19, 2010 9:38 am EST

LADCO leasing(www.ladco.com) and their partner in crime ELAVON Merchant services(www.elavon.com) are legal thieves.
My company was hooked in by ELAVON's promise of 24 hour account setup.
The LADCO lease page was viewed and questioned as to why is there a lease contract when we will not be getting any equipment as we are a phone and fax order company. We were told ELAVON that the lease page is just a formality as there will be no equipment. The LADCO page is just for the online merchant service license (like quickbooks online). That we understood. One week later this turned out to be FALSE! A big LIE! A package arrives with POS equipement. We contacted ELAVON and they said "YOU SIGNED THE PAPER". They told us to contact LADCO! LADCO says they only provide funds and have already paid ELAVON. LADCO says ELAVON provides the hardware. ELAVON says LADCO provides the hardware. They send you back and forth so you would give up. Well the POS products are still in their sealed packets. The Shipping box contained a letter stating, "at the end of the lease to make arrangements to return the product to LADCO leasing". If LADCO is just the "leasing" agency that fronts the money to purchase the equipment, then WHY is the equipment going back to them.

After further calls to LADCO it turns out the equipment is from them. In fact, what they ship may or may not be new. Their "Software package" is a windows application to utilize the magnetic strip card reader. Total package price $300.

We tried to return the package to LADCO 3 days after receiving it.
LADCO(www.ladco.com) wanted the FULL LEASE PAYMENT first before they would provide an RMA. Why would I pay for equipment I did not order, do not need and did not ask for. It is a SCAM of a company!

I am fully ready for any class action participation.

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skyliqowner
San Diego, US
Feb 20, 2010 1:24 pm EST

Ladco Leasing is a company full of scam artists and unhelpful workers. If you have ever had a man called Kevin Hall come by your store and offer you free equipment but get stuck with a 5 year contract with Payment company then you know what it is like. Ladco is not the kind of company that should be allowed to conduct business with small business owners. And they will not honor the small business community and it s ethics toward there commint to good service because the salesman did not disclose the contract about the equipment. It was going to be 5 years at $179 a month. Where in the world did they come with this kind of money to charge for a N-P1300 and a N-T4210-306R. They must be drinking or smoking something really good. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY EVER.

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jaynesir
Estacada, US
Feb 24, 2010 12:05 pm EST

We need to get together and do something, it happend to me and I want to make sure it doesn't happen to others

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MJSBABH
Niceville, US
Feb 24, 2010 9:29 pm EST

Hello fellow "Dupes"! I can't believe it myself but, it appears that I have won my battle. Recently, I was able to get all 3 credit reporting bureaus to remove the negative info. that Ladco placed on my (otherwise spotless) credit. At the risk of giving away secrets, I will disclose (loosely) some key tactics I used: Don't wait for them (Ladco) to send you an RMA. That's like asking the drug dealer who just sold your 12 year old pot to please give you a reciept. I actually mailed the equipment in a box with festive birthday stickers on it & addressed it to a Ladco CEO. The guy signed for it & I got a return receipt back with a very legible signature on it. Second, and more importantly; Lean on your bank HARD! They are in bed with Ladco, no matter how much they deny it. They may not know exactly how shady Ladco is but, they are willing to look the other way when they see the big kick-back checks! What your bank must realize is that they are only successful if you (the small business owner) is successful. They should take a healthy interest in your survival. They should not support criminals in ripping you off! This is a scasm and it should be brought to the attention of the Federal Trade Commission, Federal Comptroller of Currency, the Office of Financial Regulation in your state and in Ca. (Ladco's headquarters), Ca. Dept. of Justice and your Attorney General. Yes, I had to send a complaint and fill out forms for each of these institutions. It has all taken hours of man-power and most of my energy. I'm certain my business has suffered but, we remain successful despite Ladco's attempted destruction. Stay strong, remember you have done nothing wrong but trust the wrong people. Don't give up hope and God bless all of you!

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RC1
San Diego, US
Mar 06, 2010 3:16 am EST

I too, have been scammed by Ladco Leasing AKA: Azura Leasing and Payment Systems.
The Sales rep told me completely different than what the small print apparently states.

The original document I signed did not state that I would have to pay $49 for 60 months plus taxes and insurance. They actually wrote it in afterwards. Luckily the documents were sent out through my e-Fax account, which saves all outgoing faxes and leaves a paper trail. The contract they sent me, that I had supposedly signed did not match the one I actually sent out.

I am sending the equipment back, I have already closed the bank account they currently have on file, and I will ignore any other requests from them. I am willing to sue for misrepresentation and fraud. Sign me up for any Class action suits. I will be making a claim through the BBB as well.

I refuse to pay for something I was scammed for, and if they decide to place this on my credit, I will ask for a Debt validation, which will obviously be disputed the same way.

Let me know if anyone has any suggestions or ideas about my case. Thank you and I hope we can think of a way to get the word out so other people don't fall in the same mess. Media, FBI, BBB...

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MPH
Brandon, US
Mar 06, 2010 9:19 am EST

Please sign me up for any class actions suits as well. And extend to Elavon Merchant Services, and subsequently Wachovia bank. I opened a mobile recycling collection service and my banker at Wachovia said Elavon was the perfect solution for my customers. The Elavon Merchant Services rep, Ryan Wolfe, said the services would be $30 a month for unlimited transactions, which was reflected in the contract I signed.

I learn on my next bank statement that I'm in a 3-year $2, 500 contract with a company called Ladco Leasing for hardware. This recycling company has no physical location so how could I possibly need to rent credit card scanning equipment? I'm now regularly paying over $100 a month with monthly revenue's of a little over $1, 000. Thanks Wachovia. I've called several times to try to find a way out and i've spoken to a lawyer, but it's cheaper to pay it than file a lawsuit.

In Solidarity.

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MJSBABH
Niceville, US
Mar 07, 2010 8:40 pm EST

Yea, my Wachovia branch reps acted like my experience is an isolated incident--BS! Please, I can't stress enough how important it is to file complaints with all of the following:

Federal Trade Commission, Federal Comptroller of Currency, the Office of Financial Regulation in your state and in Ca. (Ladco's headquarters), Ca. Dept. of Justice and your Attorney General.

This will generate results. I found a class-action suit on line that no one ever followed through with. So, until Ladco scams an extremely self-motivated attorney, I wouldn't hold out hope.

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dubitable
Winston-Salem, US
Jul 13, 2010 10:58 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am an artist-person. Last year I participated in several street festivals, and got a complimentary space at a 4-day festival.I went to my small-ish regional bank in Nov.2009 to inquire about accepting credit cards. I was referred to an Elavon sales rep, who offered me service through MyVirtualMerchant. The deal was $39/month for 36 months for "virtual merchant software." They sent me one of those old-school, non-electronic hand-cranked card swipe thingamajigs, for which they charged me a one-time fee of $30. The procedure is to swipe the customer's credit card, fill in the credit card slip, and record the customer's address data. Then I go home, pull up the MyVirtualMerchant site on my computer, enter the data and wait for the authorization response.

I now have a fixed location for my small business, an art studio/gallery/shop. I have a space in a 100-yr-old brick building, and do not have even a phone line yet, nor internet service, so my procedure is the same. Collect the data, go home in the evening and enter it into MyVirtualMerchant, and it shows up in my bank account in a day or two. I am being billed $42.02 a month, and I don't even have any electronic swipe machines.

After reading the comments in this thread, and doing some on-line research, I'm beginning to think I'm being scammed big time. I admit I should have read the contract I signed more carefully, but I was young and foolish and didn't know there were other options besides the one the bank referred me to. I requested a copy of the contract from Elavon back in April, but they never sent it to me, so I don't know what it says about cancellation. Now I am old and wise, and have a sneaky feeling that I am being scammed.

Comments welcome...

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Mike in Denver
denver, US
Jul 14, 2010 5:51 pm EDT

I would definitely love to get involved in a class action lawsuit. After being told that I could save several hundred dollars a month if I made the switch, I have ended up paying more each month in fees and rental costs, which I didn't have before. That's $1800 per year in funds that I'm paying for the same service I had before.

Big ripoff!

I'm sending in my complaints and threatening legal action.

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Zeta155
Atlanta, US
Aug 16, 2010 7:39 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

To be completely honest, you are all just ignorant to that fact that you DID NOT READ WHAT YOU SIGNED. Dont blame it on the company thats taking your blatant stupidity, blame yourself. A snazzy salesman came into your shop saying that they're offering you "the best deal in town". While they talk fast and use big words or just say to leave all the work up to them, you sign away blindly without actually stopping and taking a look at what you're actually agreeing to.

Now as an intelligent, sophisticated business owner that you are, you're EXPECTED to read the agreement that you're accepting. I could tell you that i'm going to give you every bit of money that my entire company makes until i'm blue in the face, but on paper it could actually say that you're paying me every dime you make. You sign your name blindly to a complete stranger who happens to be promising to solve all your problems. How great of a business decision is that? And you wonder why your small businesses are failing. Put your violins away.

Lastly- When you threaten legal action to any company, make sure you read their terms of service. Keep in mind that numerous attorneys have written this contract, that you paid no attention to, to get exactly what they want which is obviously your money. Enjoy your lease agreement! :)

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ladcosucks
Cumm, US
Oct 19, 2010 10:00 am EDT

Your comment is that all of us failed to "read the agreement".
Well, I read the agreement.

And the agreement states one thing... Ladco & Elavon state another, and both deny they are the responsible party.

My contract clearly stated "NO POS". It also states we are a "Telephone / Internet sales only" service.

I took notes from all conversations with Ladco and Elavon.

I was sent a POS device. Three days later I alerted both companies of this error on their part.
I requested the RMA to return the item.
They BOTH refused to provide the information and correct their problem.

In the end, I found (via help from others who filed complaints) the RMA destination address.
I took pictures of the item.
I returned the item certified mail - no RMA number provided.
The package was accepted and signed for.

I received numerous collection attempts from BOTH Ladco and Elavon.
Both companies then hired collection companies claiming their individual debts.

I challenged each attempt via certified letter to the collection companies, showing my contract clearly states NO POS, yet a POS device was sent.
I included all correspondence I had with both Ladco and Elavon showing both refused to correct the issue 3 days after receipt.

The result of each letter was a confirmation of receipt letter from the collection companies stating they are dropping the collection and returning the debt and all communications back to the respective companies.

The Ladco and Elavon services were never used (no merchant charges every processed).

To this day, a folder remains on my desk ready for legal action against either company.

Is there a lesson learned out of all of this? YES.
1) To start a merchant account that will use a POS, buy one on line (EBay).
2) Make sure your purchase does NOT include any Merchant service agreements.
3) Find a reputable merchant processing service - They may try to convince you that you need THEIR POS device. If they push it, tell them to forget the service and walk away.
4) Make sure the contract you sign only has ONE Company name - the Merchant company.
5) Make sure there is NO WORDING that says "LEASE".
6) Since you will have your OWN POS device, YOU control the terms. Do NOT Sign a multi-year agreement, you don't have to as you own your POS.
7) Make sure the contract has wording of.. trial period and cancellation period. If not, have the sales agent write the wording in and have them sign it. The companies may refuse to accept the written changes but the Agent is their employee and he/she represents that company.
8) Always keep records of any issues you have with your merchant processor. As they can drop you for "grounds", you can also drop them for "grounds"... "grounds" being "cause"... I just like the wording.

I am not a lawyer, I just learned the rules of how to complain and back-up your complaints.

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Shelbys
Raleigh, US
Oct 26, 2010 4:11 pm EDT

They are a bunch of Criminals!

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Zeta155
Atlanta, US
Oct 26, 2010 5:37 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Want out of this Ladco Scam?

Lets start with some Ladco history.

Back in November 2009, Ladco Leasing was purchased from a man named Leon Ladd by Elavon Merchant Services. Elavon DOES own Ladco, even though 9 times out of 10, they will tell you different. (Also, both of these companies are owned directly by U.S. Bank, so any line of credit or open accounts with US Bank can and will be drafted.) Many employees in Ladco were actually trained by Elavon, but training was all based on "need to know". Most Elavon employees don't even know they work in the same building as Ladco employees. Each side of the fence is told to direct your complaint to the other, mostly because no one wants to hear complaints all day. Sales people are trained strictly to make a sale and move on. Typically you will deal with customer service after the first interaction with your sales person. The fact that most customers that sign up for these services are typically rushed through review and signing of the lease agreement does make the ability to imply that you didn't read what you signed readily available to Recovery and Customer Service.

NOW- What you dont know.

Since the merge in 2009, Ladco's Recovery Department has stopped reporting debts to the credit bureaus, as they claim that it was "a better business decision". Of course they stopped. The agreement that you signed holds about as much validity contractually as the toilet paper you use every day. The secret? STOP ANY DRAFT ATTEMPTS BY LADCO. (Usually your bank can stop any/all drafts from a specific company.) Even if this means closing your existing bank account and reopening a new one. In your lease agreement, it DOES state that Ladco may draft funds from any open bank account or line of credit associated with your Social Security Number. Ironically enough, the only way they can find "any open bank account or line of credit" is if it's a US Bank account. Ladco pushes for ACH payments each month. Contact your bank if you are set up on this system, and stop drafts from Ladco. In their collection attempts, they will threaten "legal action" or "further collection" against you if you refuse payment. Some will probably say "Your credit MAY be effected if you dont maintain your obligation". The key word there is MAY. Legally, they have to say "may", because if they threaten action but never pursue it, your attorney is going to make you a rich man. Speaking of attorney, there is no need for one. Again, save your money. There are no legal grounds in which they can claim action under, and will typically try to use your credit as leverage for negotiation for payment. You really think a company that has accumulated as much revenue as they have are going to take you to court over a $200 machine? Doubtful. They're too busy ripping off other unsuspecting businesses.

In short- stop putting your hard earned dollars in the hands of crooks and criminals. Don't let them play the fear card. Your credit and your money will be fine, as long as you do as i've instructed above. Furthermore- Learn to treat your employees well and subtle hints and tips such as these wont ever surface about your business. :) If you have any further questions about your specific case or agreement, feel free to contact me via message. I would love to help, and there is plenty more information i can provide if necessary. So good luck and God speed! I pray that the thousands of people effected by this scam recover strongly and learn a valuable lesson in the process.

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Mpleatman
Bloomfield HIlls, US
Dec 02, 2010 2:39 am EST

Evidently this is a common scam. Another company in Oregon did the same thing, and was successfully sued by the FTC. I was just duped by Azura/Ladco and have filed a complaint with the FTC. Take a look at this link: http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/0523162/index.shtm
Complain to the FTC please.

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Lola76
Louisville, US
Dec 16, 2010 9:06 pm EST

I have also been scammed by Ladco Leasing and their "sales" partner Bullseye Payment Solutions. If you are considering working with these sharks, RUN. I only wish I had checked forums like these before working with them. They also lied to me about the services they said they would provide, and lied about the value of the special equipment that they said was needed to do check financing. Turns out you can buy it online for $300 bucks, but they locked me in a non-cancel able lease for 3 years at $50/month. They do this to any sucker they can find. I can't believe they tricked me, I thought I was a savy business woman, but they flat out lied so I can't be too hard on myself. I hope that by writing this I can help anyone else out there, and also, I am interested in joining a class action law suit. Let's bring them down! I believe in doing business in an honest way, fulfilling your agreements, and doing good for others. Unfortunately, there are sharks like Ladco and Bullseye Payment Solutions that will do whatever it takes to steal and cause harm. You can contact me at magictree11@yahoo.com

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Lola76
Louisville, US
Dec 16, 2010 9:08 pm EST

I have also been scammed by Ladco Leasing and their "sales" partner Bullseye Payment Solutions. If you are considering working with these sharks, RUN. I only wish I had checked forums like these before working with them. They also lied to me about the services they said they would provide, and lied about the value of the special equipment that they said was needed to do check financing. Turns out you can buy it online for $300 bucks, but they locked me in a non-cancel able lease for 3 years at $50/month. They do this to any sucker they can find. I can't believe they tricked me, I thought I was a savy business woman, but they flat out lied so I can't be too hard on myself. I hope that by writing this I can help anyone else out there, and also, I am interested in joining a class action law suit. Let's bring them down! I believe in doing business in an honest way, fulfilling your agreements, and doing good for others. Unfortunately, there are sharks like Ladco and Bullseye Payment Solutions that will do whatever it takes to steal and cause harm. I can be contacted at magictree11@yahoo.com

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rtbksol
US
Jan 07, 2011 9:34 pm EST

I sent them so many certified letter, to Minneapolis, Knoxville...
Best way to stop them is to close the account in which they withdraw... Then they write nasty letters...me too
... now they acknowledge they owe me money...
I told them to send a check...no, they want my new bank address..dreamers...
Last letter I am taking them to court, small court, for the maximum authorized! $10, 000...room to negotiate

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Randy WF
TUMWATER, US
Feb 21, 2011 10:34 pm EST

I have a similar story to all of the above. I fell victim in July 2010! I did close my bank account and open a new one where they cannot just steal money from me every month, but they are threatening my credit unless I pay $6700.00 for equipment I did not need or want! They were hiding behind a company called EPS90. EPS90 said the equipment is not theirs and LADCO says they just wrote the check and the equipment belongs to LADCO...lies from beginning to end! Does anyone know if there is any legal action pending? I'm all into joining a class action if it happens.

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Randy WF
TUMWATER, US
Feb 21, 2011 10:37 pm EST

SORRY... I'm so frustrated, I'm having a hard time spitting out the words...LADCO says the equipment belongs to EPS90 and EPS90 says it belongs to LADCO!
ANY HELP OUT THERE?

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LUIS kim
SAN DIEGO, US
Mar 04, 2011 5:59 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

We will start the class action suit. Now we are gathering more people.
Please be a part of us and contact me at [protected] or wacafehue@gmail.com.
You are not alone. Don't give up.
If you have been scammed by Payment systems, Azura or Ladco, please contact me.

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L. Schmidt
Dallas, US
Mar 08, 2011 9:44 pm EST

Have you started the process to get the class action suit together?

We signed with "Priority Payment Systems" who required that we take "Ladco Leasing's" Merchant credit card processing terminal for 48 months in order to receive their services at the quoted rates. We didn't need the credit card processing terminal, and told them that we wanted to return it.

We signed the agreement with "Priority Payment Systems", but did not receive any paperwork about the equipment lease from "Ladco Leasing" until 30 days later, and it was BACKDATED to the date of the first meeting.

Now it seems we are stuck with the credit card processing terminal, which we do not need. We don't even use it.

I was told by "Ladco Leasing" that we could “sublease the equipment” at our $69.00 plus taxes rate to someone else. I called "Priority Payment Systems" to get information about potential buyers, and was told, "they had nothing to do with Ladco."

This is truly a scam! I want to join you’re a class action lawsuit. We will owe $2900 at the end of 40 more months for a piece of equipment that we never wanted, were forced to take in order to even sign up with "Priority Payment Systems", and which we have never even used. Neither "Ladco Leasing” nor "Priority Payment Systems” gave us an "out” to return it when we got it.

I am filing complaints with the Texas Attorney General, the California Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, and the appropriate Better Business Bureaus of these companies. If enough of us complain, I am sure these agencies will be interested in investigating and taking the appropriate action against these companies.

Everyone who has been scammed needs to contact the Federal Trade Commission, the Better Business Bureau and their State's Attorney General, if they haven't already. Sign me up if there is a class action lawsuit!

Sincerely,
L.Schmidt

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Anthony Q
New Rochelle, US
Mar 16, 2011 1:02 pm EDT

I dealt with these exact same scenarios in my small computer business in Pawling, NY. Key Bank (who I never would have thought would rip off their customers, but I seem to have been wrong), sent a rep over and he told me merchant services with Key were $49.99 a month. I accepted this since I didn't know any better and the card swiper was shipped. A week after getting the swiper, I ge a letter from Ladco that I am paying $49.99 a month for the swiper for 4 years. I looked up the machine online and I found I could buy it for $249. I called my bank rep and he tried to tell me that I could "offset" the cost of the machine by replacing it every year for free, which is a joke. Not being someone who takes to being ripped off very kindly, I put my law experience to work. Turns out, there are three things that make the lease unenforceable in a court of law:
#1 - There is a PURCHASE option right on the lease. If your bank rep isn't telling you about this, then they're just protecting their huge kickback from Ladco. If you are not allowed to purchase the machine outright, and you're forced into the lease, this is illegal.
#2 - Whenever you sign into a lease, the lessor MUST provide you with a breakdown of the lease. The cost of the equipment, interest rate, final aggregate cost, etc. The Ladco lease only states $49.99 a month for 4 years, nothing else. This is not a legal lease and can be fought in court if it does not have this info on it.
#3 - If you do not have business insurance, Ladco will charge you another $6.00 a month for "insurance" on the machine. This is mentioned NOWHERE on the contract and cannot be enforced. If they are taking this money from your account, either close the account and open another in another bank, or tell your bank to stop these auto-deductions.

I threatened Key Bank with these issues and they told me they "were going to do something for me they normally don't do" and that is cancel the lease. They are running scared now because I have found their weak spot and that weak spot is the lease itself. I've already filed a complaint with the FTC and the AG is next.

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Randy WF
TUMWATER, US
Mar 30, 2011 5:01 pm EDT

Since you heard from Key Bank that they were letting you out of the lease, has anything happened? I was told by my merchant services provider that they were letting me out of the contract too, but it ended up being only the services contract and not the equipment lease. They walked away denying any connection what so ever to Ladco and vice versa.

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Irima Lug
Sacramento, US
Mar 30, 2011 8:52 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

LADCO Leasing also scammed my business. The sales representative was unscrupulous and completely misrepresented the terms of the deal. Before I knew it, I was obligated to pay almost five times the amount of the cost of the credit card machine over the term of my 36 month lease.

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kamo123
montreal, CA
Apr 23, 2011 11:55 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hi, I'm located in Canada. And I was set up woth elavony and i dod not even know that main processor was LADCO. I'm really confuse. One day because i have a charge back with Elavony, elavony decided to cancel my contract with them and next you know once they cancel with me I was still getting charge through my bank under ELAVON- CANADA. So I though it was elavon company who was keep charging me 22.66$ every month so I call ELAVON to ask why they keep charging me and Elavon told me it was not them but it was LADCO. But on my statement it was not saying LADCO but was saying ELAVON- CANADA. Isn't a fraud when company use other company name in statement when it is not ELAVON. SO I called LADCO to ask why they using ELAVOn CANADA name on my bill statement. and they told me they have all right to do it. So i wanted to cancel my contract with them and they send me some sort of agreement that i have to pay over 800$ for next 11 months. I don't know what to do. If i don't pay what they can do? will they bring me to the cort for 800$. Did anyone ignore there letter and harassement? what happen to those people who refuse to pay did LADCO bring you to the cort? What happen with those people who refuse to pay them?>

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anpe
Scarborough (Toronto), CA
Apr 27, 2011 11:10 pm EDT

does it state any way in the lease agreement of a perchase upfront or lease option, any knows please help

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Paul Perkins
Paramus, US
May 12, 2011 4:22 pm EDT

Hi! My name is Paul Perkins. I am an attorney investigating a class action against Elavon/Ladco - please call me as I would like to hear peoples' experiences. I can be reached at 800.656.9529 and 201.288.2022.

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