Central Payment Corporation
Review Updated: 11/10/2011
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Central Payment Overview
Central Payment Logo
Founded in 2005 in Larkspur, CA, Central Payment Corporation (cpay.com) is an independent merchant account provider (ISO) that uses TSYS (Vital) as its card processor, which is one of the biggest credit card processors in the industry. Central Payment Corporation (CPAY) is headed up by brothers Zachary and Matthew Hyman.
In addition to supplying credit card processing services, CPAY also offers check conversion & guarantee, POS systems, mobile processing, e-commerce processing, payment gateways, and virtual terminals. Many of the additional services that CPAY offers come from third party providers such as Authorize.net and PayJunction.
Central Payment Sales Tactics & Marketing Strategy | C-
CPAY does not appear to use any deceptive advertising or online rate quoting that are apparent to this reviewer. However, the company relies heavily on independent outside sales agents which has resulted in damage to its reputation.
Based upon merchant complaints, CPAY either encourages agents to use deceptive quotes and omit contract details during the sales process or turns a blind eye to the practice. The complaints may also indicate that CPAY needs to improve its training program to better educate agents about the details of the contract.
CPAY could improve its rating in this section by reducing its complaint count regarding deceptive sales tactics and by removing the ability for agents to set expensive pricing.
Central Payment Fees, Costs & Contract Terms | C
CPAY agents appear to be able to set rates and pricing within certain guidelines as set by the company. Therefore, rates and fees may vary by merchant and by agent. With that said, it appears that CPAY encourages agents to set high pricing and rates in exchange for large commissions.
CPAY’s standard merchant account contract has a three (3) year service agreement with automatic renewal if not cancelled within a specified time frame. Merchants that cancel within the first year of service are subject to a $500 cancellation fee that is automatically debited from a merchant’s attached checking account. After the first year, the cancellation fee reduces at a sliding scale depending on how much time is left on the contract. Merchants are encouraged to fully read and understand their contracts before signing.
Central Payment Complaints & Service | C
When you sign up for a merchant account with Central Payment there are a few things you should understand. One, Central Payment is acting as a reseller for TSYS and two, while your payments are actually being processed by TSYS, you will be dealing with Central Payment Corporation exclusively for customer service. Your merchant account contract will be with Central Payment, which mean that TSYS is only a “behind the scenes” player that handles the routing and processing of the transactions.
For a provider of CPAY’s size and time in business, the company has an average-to- slightly high number of complaints in comparison to similar providers. The complaints share a common theme with nearly all them reporting that an agent supplied a deceptive rate quote, actual rates were much higher than the original quote, and that an agent failed to disclose other important fees and contract terms. A few also claimed that their signatures were forged on pages of the contracts that the merchant was never supplied.
Central Payment does not use any sub-ISOs or other business names, and manages over 140,000 merchant accounts directly, which concentrate the complaints on one business name. It is common practice in this industry for providers to use a other DBAs in order to spread complaint count across different names, which gives the false appearance of a low complaint count among the different names. CPAY does not appear to take part in this unethical strategy, which is a positive sign for the company.
As a ratio, the majority of CPAY merchants are likely satisfied with the company’s service but it seems to be greatly determined by the agent setting up the account. Central Payment can improve its rating in this section by reducing the amount of future complaints and removing policies and agents that cause complaints for the company.
Central Payment Better Business Bureau Report | C+ (CPO Adjusted)
As of this update, the CPAY Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaint count is slightly up from the previous review. The BBB is reporting 126 complaints filed within the last 36 months and still awarding the company accreditation and an “A” rating. Of the 126 complaints, 68 are due to product and service problems, 40 with billing and collection, 17 with advertising and sales and one with delivery issues. One positive sign is that 88% of the complaints have been resolved to the merchants’ satisfaction. Based on the complaint count and resolution ratio, we have adjusted the rating to a “C+” for the purposes of this review. You can learn more about why we adjust BBB ratings in our rating criteria.
Bottom Line
CPAY’s sales strategy, rate pricing and contract terms seem to be causing most of the complaints about the company. CPAY can improve its rating in this review by setting tighter pricing controls, removing commission incentives that encourage agents to deceive merchants, improving agent training about its contract terms and fees, removing the automatic contract renewal clause, and significantly lowering or removing its early cancellation fee.
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46 comments
John Sayler says:
February 3, 2012 at 3:21 pm (UTC -8 )
On 12/9/2011 I sent a letter to Central Payment stating that our representative, Jimmy Grady was not responding to any calls. We have had charges on our account since September 2, including set up fees, monthly fees and also shipping fees. The total as of December 9th was $289.64. We have never received any equipment, no set up or anything. Calls to CPAY have been made regularly with them saying things were being taken care of but it has just gotten worse. They have now taken a total of $883.64 out of our account and done absolutely nothing for us. When I called today they suggested they would give us $125.00 but we would have to do business with CPAY. We are a small business and I am 71 years old, I spent most of my life doing business on a handshake. I feel that this company has stolen this money from our business. We are struggling to keep our heads above water anyway and $883.64 is just not a small amount to us. We are bitterly disappointed with this company and Jimmy Grady who represented them to us.
Lauren says:
February 3, 2012 at 7:08 am (UTC -8 )
This company charges you even after you have cancelled service. they continue to take money from you r account MONTHS after cancellation!!! Service is TERRIBLE! Fees are OUTRAGEOUS!! Do NOT NOT NOT do business with this company!
You will get screwed!!!
We had done business with these people for 4 years, never any charge-backs, no major issues, the first issue I ever had was with a machine which was supposed to be replaced at no charge…They OF COURSE charged me for it. Then proceeded to tack on a monthly insurance charge as well!!! I couldn’t believe it! They make you jump through hoops to cancel services and it’s really just NOT worth it! Too much hassle and the customer service people are RUDE!
I don’t recommend this service to ANYONE.
Tommy Chang says:
February 3, 2012 at 2:51 pm (UTC -8 )
Central Payment always appreciate the business of any merchant, especially of those who have been with us for 4 years. We honor the contractual agreement with Ms. Lauren and have closed the account without any penalties. Based on sheer timing, the last monthly fee was assessed and we are more then willing to issue that amount to her to show that even in the dissolution of the agreement we stand by our commitment in providing excellent service. After speaking with Ms. Lauren, I believe she sees that as well.
Lauren says:
February 6, 2012 at 5:48 am (UTC -8 )
****UPDATE****
Central Payment Corps was more than willing to work out the issues I had with their billing practices. I appreciate their willingness to make things right with their customers.
Disregard my previous statement about the company. Thank you.
DEREK MOORE says:
December 8, 2011 at 5:57 am (UTC -8 )
I was also told by my salesman..there was no cancelation fees…an that my card swpper was paid ….I contacted them to cancell they told me to contact my salesman ..he told me he went to a new company an tried to sell me a new machine an compay he is with..then..I call back they keep me on hold…I m contacting my lawyer…
Patrick Wood says:
December 9, 2011 at 12:58 pm (UTC -8 )
Mr. Moore I tried contacting you after our conversation we had yesterday pertaining to your account. As I mentioned in our conversation, Central Payment is willing to assist you in anyway we can within reason but we need to hear back from you to work this out. Please feel free to contact me regarding this matter at 800-449-8012 extension 7309. I have tried contacting you several times via phone but your voicemail is full. I have sent you multiple emails as well to follow up. I want to make sure you receive the proper amount of support. Please reach me anytime via phone or email. Thank you.
Derek says:
December 13, 2011 at 7:16 am (UTC -8 )
Patrick..contacted me an resolved my case….
David Erickson says:
December 10, 2011 at 10:10 am (UTC -8 )
Derek,
This company has no shame. If you can report to any Federal Agency about this company’s practices do so and post the agencies websit or contact info here.
We all need to stick together and sue these con artists, I say artist because love talking but do little to compensate for questionable and malicious behavior of their employees nd agent in the field.
tony hoyt says:
December 7, 2011 at 9:58 am (UTC -8 )
Central payment are nothing but a ripoff. They came to my business at a time when i was disgusted with the rates i was paying my merchant services provider.
Their salesman Keith Long qouted better rates and promise no cancellation fees if i wasnt happy.
The 1st month statment showed an increase in fees of .73 % over my prev. provider. I called and complained and was told they would correct the problem .
Next months statment show a reduction of .02%. Again i called, this time i was told they would look into the situation. never heard back for a month, so i fax a letter of termination as i was instructed to.
I open a new acct. with wells fargo and the rates have been as promised.
Now 2 months later my bank acct. is deducted $550 for “no activity & early termination” and C-PAY will not anser the phone nor return my messages at the # they provided.
Tommy Chang says:
December 8, 2011 at 12:07 pm (UTC -8 )
After speaking with Mr. Hoyt and reviewing the account it appeared the the previous providers service account for his business was setup for daily discount. In turn the processing statements showed a lower total fee billed because the processing fees were netted out daily. After illustrating this detail as well as offering Mr. Hoyt the opportunity to receive lower rates with Central Payment, Mr. Hoyt declined and was satisfied with his new provider. We respect his decision but wanted to make clear that the original intention was to provide the most competitive rates possible for his business and we stand by that still today.
tony hoyt says:
December 8, 2011 at 2:28 pm (UTC -8 )
Lets not forget the fact that my saleman told me there would not be any fees if i was not happy and canceled.
I called keith long (salesman) yesterday about that , he admitted making that statement, but added that offer was only good for 3 days. Something he failed to mention in the original discussion.
So i’m still out $550. Plus your most competitive rates where still higher than what i’m getting from Wells Fargo
David Erickon says:
December 10, 2011 at 10:28 am (UTC -8 )
Tony,
We had the same experience but I must warn you Central Payment must be blocked from your account at the bank or they will continue to remove monies from your account for years like they had done to me. One day they called me and thanked me for my payment to which they solicited my recordered response. They wanted me to acknowledge that I agreed to their actions. It was slick! We told them that they had no authorization and we did not pay them anything. Then we realized at the bank they had removed $hundreds more from our account. We finally blocked them and they threatened to sue us. We don’t take these threats serious nor do they want to go to court either. This is there court of public opinion. Keep factual keep blogging. Talking to them you will find does little.
tony hoyt says:
December 21, 2011 at 5:20 am (UTC -8 )
I was contacted yesterday by central payment and my cancellation fees have been refunded . case closed
Mary Hallock says:
November 17, 2011 at 6:38 am (UTC -8 )
I recently made some statements reguarding the promise that was made on a cancellation refund that was previously not done.
But the same day I made the complaint, that evening , Tommy C , called me and not only appoigized for the event that took place by one of their agents/Reps…. , he told me he would reemburse all that was promised to me.
I checked with my bank this morning and all the money was put back in my account.
I also wrote a statement to the BBB stating that the issue has been resolved.
Thanks Tommy…. All I wanted is what was promised by your Rep. And you came through. Sorry some of your Reps arent as worthy as you .
Most appreciated to you for fixing this error. And Like I said in my conversation with you …. I too stand by my word.
Hopefully no more issues will arise , but if it does… I kept your number….LOL
Thanks again,
Mary Hallock-Pres. Krystal Klear Pools & Spas , Inc
Wanda says:
November 16, 2011 at 8:57 am (UTC -8 )
We went with Central Payment on a month to month basis. We were told by agent Bill Walsh it would be cheaper rates. We bought a terminal so we wouldn’t be paying rent on it. He took ours and said he would send it back to our old company so we would not have to pay shipping costs. He told us he could get us out of our contract with no cancellation fee. Well, guess what? They would not pay for our cancellation fee and he never mailed back the terminal to the old company. We were responsible for the cost. Bill Walsh would not return any of my calls. I finally called customer service and they tried to get in touch with him. Finally they did but even though he told them he took our terminal and mailed it back but his car was broken into and the receipt was stolen, they still won’t refund us the money. PLEASE DON’T GET TAKEN IN BY THIS COMPANY!
Tommy Chang says:
November 16, 2011 at 4:33 pm (UTC -8 )
Central Payment has resolved the issue relating to this account. The merchant is provided a terminal to return to previous provider as well as a credit for fees that were previously agreed upon. Ultimately, on our Sales Partner’s side it is a case of unfortunate events that lead to these events. We have squared away the issues with the merchant to the fairest possible outcome.
Wanda says:
December 7, 2011 at 1:46 pm (UTC -8 )
Mr. Chang asked me to respond when I received the credit on my bank statement. We were credited $120 (even though our cost was double that because it took 8 months to get this resolved and we had to pay rent and supply to other company.) We were sent a refurbished terminal to return to our old company (who we are happily processing with again). I want to thank Mr. Chang, but really hate that I had to post a negative comment before anything was done.
Krystal Klear Pools & Spas , Inc says:
November 9, 2011 at 8:23 am (UTC -8 )
I just signed on with Central Payment on 9/13 11 after I was told by Micheal Berrey that he and the company would reinburse me for the $450.00 Cancelation fee if I went with them , and guarnteed my rates and overall performance would be better and keep more funds in my pocket .
After doing so … the company only paid $350.00 and Michael Berrey , the Rep for them wouldn’t return my calls or emails , and told his associate when I called to look for him , That he wasn’t going to pay the difference as he promised.
He is a scam artist , liar , and is cheeting the company of customers. As soon as I can… I am getting out of this mess and will tell the world…. “DON”T BE TAKEN FOR A RIDE AND LIED TO BY THIS COMPANY !”
The people at so called Corperat office , One of them named Eric…. hung up on me .
They don’t care about anything but the bottom line , and CUSTOMER SERVICE means nothing to them as even their anamated system states when you call.
They have a $550.00 Cancellation fee they deduct right from your account , so don’t be fooled. It’s a shame one of America’s Companies treat their people that way.
Central Payment’s staff are rude… untrained idiots in my opionion , and don’t deserve to hold a job in any customer service based field !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tommy Chang says:
November 10, 2011 at 12:28 pm (UTC -8 )
Krystal Klear Pools and Spa was contacted on 11/9/2011 in regards to the early termination fee. The merchant was issued a total credit of $495 to help cover the cost of the previous processors termination fee. Central Payment stands by our Sales Partners and our merchants with absolute transparency. We value and appreciate Krystal Klear Pools & Spa’s business and we hold customer service to the highest regard. I have personally spoken with the merchant to address this issue and to assure her with my direct contact info if she need any continued assistance.
Ronald Headley says:
October 20, 2011 at 11:11 am (UTC -8 )
I just got off the phone with Central Payment – San Rafael CA – I have been using them as my credit card merchant service for 5 years. I was told that the only way I can cancel is to pay them a $300 early cancellation fee -Early?? I have been with them for 5 years – my original contract was for three years – apparently they renew the contract automatically every year for a year. I am closing my business – apparently they will refund $150 if I get my landlord to send them a certificate that I have in fact closed my business. First why this cancellation fee? Second why should I get my landlord involved? Central Payment is NOT a company to do business with – they will screw you on the front end with high entry fees and an expensive credit swipe terminal, next they will increase their fees and finally when you want to leave they will hit you with a very high fee just to quit using them. Anyone reading this DO NOT GET INVOLVED WITH CENTRAL PAYMENT
Tommy Chang says:
November 10, 2011 at 1:26 pm (UTC -8 )
The merchant was not assessed a termination fee when he closed his account with Central Payment. We honor the Terms and Conditions of the merchant processing agreement. Mr. Ronald Headley by closing his account with no penalties.
Tucker says:
October 4, 2011 at 2:44 pm (UTC -8 )
I signed up with Central Payment based on a quote they gave me based on my previous processor with 95% of charges at Mid or Qualified rate . Suddenly with my first bill 90% of my charges ran at the very high Non-Qualified rate. The next month I reverted to my previous credit processing company and the charges were as they had always been.
I have a subscription service based business and hold the same client credit cards on file which I charge each month.
When I tried to resolve this I was promised credits and a rate adjustment. I tried them a second time and the rates were the same. I called in and asked how to resolve this and they said I can pay the high rates or pay a huge cancellation fee, “per my signed contract”.
This company uses a bait and switch tactic. Do not believe anything they say.
Tommy Chang says:
November 10, 2011 at 1:30 pm (UTC -8 )
Depending on Tucker’s business type and the type of cards that are commonly accepted at the merchant’s establishment, may result in downgrade to higher tiers. If the merchant’s business primarily takes card not present transactions, we can certainly assist the merchant in maximizing their savings by educating them on optimal card acceptance practices. Tucker please feel free to contact me directly at tchang@cpay.com or 415-462-8341. I will be more than happy to assist you with this.
Brian Holten says:
September 25, 2011 at 4:14 pm (UTC -8 )
I switched to them a few months ago after a young man walked into my shop. The rates are exactly what they promised and the service has been good.
Mike Redden says:
August 12, 2011 at 4:46 pm (UTC -8 )
I have been an independent sales representative for Central Payment for one year and have found Central Payment to be an excellent company to represent. They treat their sales reps with respect, and offer lots of training and help on a daily basis. I have found that when presented properly with everything on the application fully disclosed, all merchants I sign are very satisfied with Central Payments rates, fees and excellent customer service. The couple of hiccups I’ve had which resulted in losing the sale, occurred within the first six months, when I inadvertantley neglected to mention something that was important to the Merchant. This was discovered when our underwriting department called the Merchant to verify the information on the application. I am very happy to represent this fine company and plan to do so for many years.
Guss says:
April 26, 2011 at 2:34 pm (UTC -8 )
Totall rip off. This has to be one of the biggest fraud in merchant services. I never felt as cheated and ripped off as I felt with central payment in my entire experience of merchant companies in my past 20 years retail experience. They forged my signiture and signed me up for accounts where I had other service. They didn’t disclose all fees and promised to fix them but never did. The agent admitted to me that there was over charges and promised to reimburse me but that never happened and never answered my phone calls after. Central payment pulled money out of my account with out authorization. Charged me cancellation fees after they breached their own contract and charged me minimum fees. Someone needs to take action to stop this sad business practice. I can’t beleive there is a company that wants to excell and has this kind of attitude about their customers. I am also shocked to see all these complaints and the business BBB gives them good rating. I hope that Central payment will start having value for their clients and resolve these issues and make their money the correct business way with out rip off and fraud.
David Erickson says:
May 21, 2011 at 3:27 pm (UTC -8 )
People if Central Payment advises to work outside of this forum and want you to email them privately I would advise to keep them in the open air here where there every move is exposed.
It has been over 90 days since they have received The Affidavit of Truth and only have stalled in trying to wear me down into forgetting the $3000 + dollars Central Payment Inc has removed from out of my account from 2007 to 2011.
We have asked them in writing to verify the debt or the amount taken and have only sent me a unsigned copy that was supposed to be used in 2007 to justify why they took my money. My signature was forged on a document saying that I received a 10 page Merchant Agreement, but not a signed contract …which was not so. No contract no deal and to top that off Central Payment breached the contract the very first month overcharging on their fees than what they proved to me were lower than my bank.
It was all baloney …so we went back to our own bank..they knew all along that we were not doing business with them and they showed that they were going to take money forever with out a signed valid agreement.
Tommy Chang is a nice guy ..but has not shown any sincerity in dealing with this issue. They are all like fish in your hands SLIPPERY. They all act like no wrong has been done even after they see evidence to the contrary…then ask you to agree with them…how stupid.
todd white says:
April 12, 2011 at 10:46 pm (UTC -8 )
I can understand your frustration Mr. Erickson,Mr Leadingham and Mr Hoffman
Unfortunately, in merchant services industry there is an element that is more concerned about closing deals than building long term business relationships.This is not exclusive to Central Payment.
I for one, give all my merchants my direct number,email and fax so they can always get in touch with me whenever they need me day or night! I think the real issue here is not the company per se ,but quite possibly the ethics of each your representatives you dealt with.I am a rep in Washington DC and have been for a few years now,Previously I worked for a company, this company was so bad I ended up quitting and coming to work for Central.I know that I have always painstakingly gone over all the fees on the contract from cancellation to processing fees.Even though,I cover this with merchants without exception,I still have had times where my underwriter has called me to go over fees again so that my merchant is crystal clear of their responsibilities. In the almost five years in this industry,I know that at Central Payment’s the underwriting team calls each merchant before approving accounts, sending out terminals, equipment etc.In fact I have created some forms that I have my merchants sign so when and if merchants challenge that terms and fees have not been covered I can forward the signed acknowledgement of the review of all fees.All so I can dispel any notion that I have lied or misled anyone.I have noticed that a lot of times merchants are concerned with how fast they will get there money,or how fast can they get there terminal,or are very much focused on the rate, all which are really good concerns ,the problem is that there are reps who will not fully disclose everything on the contract and are comfortable saying whatever, in order to close a deal with only the short term in mind. FULL Disclosure is a industry wide problem.that said i wanted to point out/ask some questions about your posts:
Mr.Erickson,
I am a bit confused,if you didn’t sign off on the merchant agreement,How did Central get your banking information to make withdrawals?Why did you accept the terminal? Why did it take four years for you to realize that you were still being charged fees? I am not asking this to be disrespectful,I am sure that there was at worst blatant lies that were told to you and at best a miscommunication.that is why I give my cell number to my merchants so if they have questions,problems whatever we can get them out in the open and settled so you as a business owner can so what you do best! I am struggling to understand how you got into an agreement if you didn’t authorize yet you had “fine print” from your merchant agreement.my information is below if you care to contact me in regards to that.
Mr Hoffman,
i am not sure what type of business you have but if you are paying 2.75% sounds like you are not doing transactions face to face(much higher risk).We at Central Payment have the same pay-ware mobile system you have currently, but the fees are quite a bit less than 2.75%! give me a call I can surely clear things up and show some excellent options.
If any of you have further questions please call me at [CPO Redacted] or email me at t[CPO Redacted]. Again, sorry that you had a bad experience with Central but I can honestly attest that these are with out a doubt isolated incidents that more than likely are the result of the reps not effectively communicating your responsibilities at the time of contract signing. I will also be calling the owner tomorrow to make him aware of these issues. so we at Central Payment can review and put in place practices that prevent these types of events that happened to you from happening again to anyone else.
Best wishes,
Todd White
Washington DC
David Erickson says:
April 13, 2011 at 12:00 pm (UTC -8 )
Todd White,
I will promise a YOUTUBE apoligy if Central Payment Corporation provides the Affidavit of Truth and I am proven wrong.
It is all part of the scam I succumed too, it was all in easy small steps and very decieving and thus seem legitament to a point and then found out it was all fraud one small pieace at a time.
We are not interestest how you do business it is WHY Central Payment Corporation does business the way it does …. and I don’t care about everyones CC payment practices.
Diverting attention about someone else, continues to make me think it is all a cover up.
Lets see what happens. thank you for your time.
David Erickson says:
April 17, 2011 at 8:47 pm (UTC -8 )
Todd White
Central Payment Corporation of California,
I talked to you the other day on April 13 2011 and you told me that you were going to recieve the full 17 pages of the disputed Merchant Agreement from your main office the next morning and then I was going to recieve a copy of the signed contract from you by fax. Like I told you I am not interested in anything else but the document signed in my hand and the Affidavit of Truth as seen below in this blog. As I stated you can add all the monies stolen from my account and put them back into my account. Looking forward to seeing the $3000.+ in my account soon. This complaint is valid and this debt is in dispute.
David Erickson
April 17, 2011
Daniel Leadingham says:
April 18, 2011 at 11:28 am (UTC -8 )
I was contacted the day after I posted my complaint or my experience, and was called and told that my account was check and that I was right and credited back the fees that had been taken from my account. I am very thankful for that and trust that if Central Payment will continue in that kind of fashion that they’re business will prosper, greatly. There is such a need for business that will treat people right, and such companies will shine like never before. Companies might
think that people don’t notice but believe me, we do!
David Erickson says:
April 19, 2011 at 5:37 am (UTC -8 )
Todd White
Central Payment Systems Corporaton,
I still have not recieved any documents that I have requested and now your company is still harrassing me with the 3rd phone call on Monday the 18th of April and the 4th contact a unsigned letter from Pamela Pesek of Mc Carthy, Burgess & Wolfe 26000 Cannon Road, Cleveland Ohio 44146. They are still demanding $695.00 from me after I have sent a letter disputing the debt as shown below . Todd this shows the blatant disregard for the law concerning these issues. Every time I recieve anther call or letter demanding payment for a debt that has not been VERIFIED then it is another violation. I am asking again for my monies stole from my account and I will be happy to return the machine.
4-19-2011
Mike Mason says:
April 12, 2011 at 5:46 pm (UTC -8 )
I work for Centralpayment and found them to be very truthful with both merchants and agents. The ripoff report by ex employees was two guys that should never had been agents and one of them post over and over on a number of sites. I can say that they treat their agents very well and also their clients. I have found them to be first class all the way. The information in the above report is very out dated! I have many clients like Mr. Hoffmann that do month after month large volume and have never had a problem. All fees are clearly listed in the application as I go over that with them as well as leave them a copy. Full disclosure is what is key, I don’t want client to have any surprises! I love work with Centralpayment because of their fairness to staff, agent and clients!
Phillip Parker says:
April 12, 2011 at 5:52 pm (UTC -8 )
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your comment. This review was written only four months ago. Can you please provide some specific examples of what is out of date in it?
David Erickson says:
April 12, 2011 at 8:31 pm (UTC -8 )
Hello Mr. Leadingham,
Sounds like a good idea, with that a class action lawsuit. I also have been treated just like you too with this same Central Payment company.
I also have had money taken out of my account since August 2007 or so with out any Merchant Agreement contract.
Our account was started without my consent and all that the sales person had told me were untruthes. The very first month we found that our account had been triple charged on three items … so our bank called and asked if we had approved switch and we had not …so it was switched back.
When we discovered in 2011 money being taken from our account. We called Central Payment and we were told to read the fine print in our Merchant Agreement … we did not sign one nor did we ever see one.
Upon further examination we were not even using their company but still paying Central Payment Systems Fees. We offered to return the machine and asked for a refund of fees and disputed the debt they were saying we owed along with an affidavit for them to verify the debt. They recieved the return reciept that they got our dispute and the Affidavit of Truth. All we recieved from them was harrassing form letters and more money now higher monthly fees and $395.00 removed from our account. Then we recieved a phone call from Central Payment thanking me for the payment and everything was now fine and all was well and we had fullfilled our contract. I told them I never paid them anything and I had not been aware of a Merchant Agreement contract. Because they had not verified the debt by returning the Affidavit of Truth, I felt they were wrong in threatening me with legal action. They insisted that I had so paid. Sure enough they took more money from my bank account. Now my bank “My Community Bank” stopped all further money transfer to their account due to FRAUD by Central Payment. Again in March Central Payment tried to remove $695.00 from my account but were denied. Now in April the Attorney Woman for Central Payment is trying to harrass me to pay. I would love to see them in court.
Ah now for the kicker ….the papers with the proposed rate charges on it that the sales lady left at my office …has my forged name writtten in her hand signing my name that I had recieved a 10 page Merchant Agreement from Central Payment. Central Payment has never produced one shred of evidence that I was contracted to them. Here below is a simple form anyone can use to ask simple factual YES or NO or provide facts that could simply condem me or condem Central Payment. Affidavits are very powerful in court if Central Payment refuses to answer this simple affidavit and they have, then they are addmitting that they have no contract and have committed the crimes that they are accussed of.
No affidavit has been returned to date of this blog… Here is the Complete letter …
Central Payment Corporation
2350 Kerner Blvd. Suite 300
San Rafael, Ca. 94901
Reference : Merchant # 4228993400654483 Sent by USPS
Fax 1-866-716-5778 certified return receipt requested
7009 0080 0000 6548 7996
Dear Mrs. Lasandra Felder of Merchant Relations, February 12, 2011
This is in response to your January 21, 2011 computer generated unsigned letter.
Your letter starts with a untruth such as “After repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact you, it has been closed out for no activity and the early termination fee of $300.00”. My phone which I must answer 24 hours a day and 365 days a year is at my side at all times. I have never missed a call from you and have never had any voice mail left unreturned to you or your company. The only call received from your company was on January 21, 2011, to which I answered and requested a letter from you.
Request to verify the “DEBT”
If you may need to really contact me it will only be by written letter either sent by USPS mail or by facsimile to 812-280-9276, to document any possible criminal or legal action against you and the company you represent. I am willing to return any equipment I need to and pay everything I legally owe. I will also hold the same standard to you and Central Payment Corporation. But first complete the Affidavit below to verify your claim. I am disputing the “Debt”.
It has been brought to my attention in your January 21, 2011 letter (Term 2. quoted ). It states that we were in default of our contract signed by myself with Central Payment Corporation. I am unaware of signing or receiving the 1 thru 9 pages Merchant Agreement Contract you reference. Your company upon my recent investigation has defaulted on any understanding between us either written or verbal from the very first transaction. I am asking for a full refund of all amounts removed from my account without my full authorization. We will return all your equipment to you postpaid as requested.. Your immediate reply is of most importance to me, and I am looking forward to receiving requested documents soon.
David Erickson
108 Maplehurst Drive
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
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Affidavit of Truth
10 Day response upon Receipt
1. Please list all names and addresses of parties involved in this dispute if this may go to court for counterclaim or offset.
2. Please provide copies of the original documents that you possess signed by David R. Erickson’s hand.
3. Our records show three credit card transactions in September 2007 and no credit card transactions for account 4228993400xxxxxx after September 27, 2007, is this true or false?
4. If above the answer is false please provide date of last activity.
5. Service to David Erickson started on August 16, 2007. Is this correct?
6. What was the contracted VC/MC Check Card Rate %
7. What was the contracted VC/MC Qualified Rate %
8. What was the contracted VC/MC Transaction Fee Rate _____$0._______per item?
9. What was the contracted Mid-Qualified: Discount Plus Rate %
10. What was the contracted Non-Qualified: Discount Plus Rate %
11. How long has Sylvia Carol Evans-DuBey held her current Account Executive sales position with Central Payment Systems as a registered ISO/MSP with Wells Fargo Bank?
12. Who is Sylvia Carol Evans-DuBey’s Supervisor?
13. Does Sylvia Carol Evans-DuBey still work for Central Payment Systems as a contracted person, business, or employee?
14. Current mailing address of Sylvia Carol Evans-DuBey ?
15. Please provide a copy of the original in your possession of David R. Erickson’s signature that he in fact received pages 1 thru 9 of Merchant Agreement.
16. Does Central Payment Corporation possess the original above requested document?
17. Was the Merchant Agreement 1 thru 9 presented to David R. Erickson to be signed by and provided copy of the same at the point of sale to him?
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18. Who is the Chief Operations Officer of Central Payment Systems?
19. There was no credit card transactions in account #4228993400xxxxxx since 09-27-2007 how much money was deducted by Central Payment Corporation from David R. Erickson’s bank account ?
20. How much credit does David R. Erickson expect to receive from Central Payment Corporation?
21. Was Sylvia Carol Evans-DuBey trained and certified to sell Merchant Credit Services for Central Payment Corporation?
22. By whom was she trained?
23. Please provide copies of those certifications required for this above line of work.
24. Who was the person who entered the specific data for the contracted percentages and fees into your computer billing software?
25. Provide a signed affidavit from the above person that they entered this data percentages or fees on David R. Erickson’s account #4228993400xxxxxx.
26. Who was the above person’s supervisor?
The above 26 items were answered truthfully and all items will be provided as requested .
If an item above cannot be answered draw a line through that line and complete the rest .
Signed Under Penalty of Perjury by ;
LaSandra Felder Merchant Relation Central Payment Corporation
X ___________________________________________ Date _____________________
Supervisor to LaSandra Felder of Central Payment Corporation
X ___________________________________________ Date _____________________
Notory of Public
Name
Commission Expires
Date
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Notice of Non Compliance
For Failure to reply to the Above Affidavit of Truth
If any items or questions that cannot be answered or provided as requested just state so. This is your chance to provide all facts prior to any further action taken by David R. Erickson. These are serious and grievous chain of events that may result in civil or criminal complaints against individuals and company executives doing business across State lines and by mail and by wire and with the banking system, if this issue is not resolved quickly. If you choose not to respond to this above Affidavit of Truth then the evidence shows that there is no evidence that David R. Erickson had a contract with Central Payment Corporation and that all monies taken from his bank account since August 16, 2007 be completely refunded as full settlement of this account # #4228993400xxxxxx
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Marcia Fonseca says:
May 21, 2011 at 11:35 am (UTC -8 )
Hi Mike,
I just started with Central Payment, I had nothing but nice people contact me… like the sales directors…I am not new to the sales field…but just have a couple of questions for you…can you please e-mail me at the above address so I can address these questions? I also take advice from a great friend that has worked with CP for over a year now.
Thank you
Marcia
David Erickson says:
April 11, 2011 at 6:35 pm (UTC -8 )
Cissy,
Thank you for your lovely explanations of why all those ripped off customers are so stupid and how naive we all are.
I am sure you could sell Hitler as a wonderful human being and it was just a few of his SS troops who got out of hand. Oh and all those people who were encamped and then died did not read the fine print either in the news papers. What was happening to all those people.. only a select few really knew why there was so much smoke. The rest did not believe all the stories of those terrible people saying bad stuff about their Fuerher. Then they had people like you who were well fed and clothed and was well treated by the SS who paid you well and was also naive that such hideous crimes could be committed by such nice dedicated people who have worked for 5 years for the company … I think you get the picture.
Daniel Leadingham says:
April 11, 2011 at 2:39 pm (UTC -8 )
I have had a terrible experience with Central Payment in that I stayed with them for 3 years even though I never got the rates that they said I would get. Then I called and was told that my contract was up and I could cancel with out any penalty. I switched to another company with much better rates and faster service and then Central Payment took (stole) $1045.00 right out my account. I would love to get involved with a class action move against this company because I bet they have done this to a lot of small businesses.
Hans Hoffmann says:
April 12, 2011 at 6:25 pm (UTC -8 )
I feel your pain Daniel. Just today (April 12, 2011) good old central payment called me to see if there was anything they could do to get me back. I said “sure, give me my money back you stole.” The lady was polite and said have a nice day. I’ve gone over my agreement many times and I haven’t found one section that said I was going to be charged the same percentage for a chargeback as I am for a charge. It does say I will be charged $25.00 for each chargeback. I am now using my hometown bank and I use SQUARE on my iphone. I love SQUARE. No fees, very low 2.75% rate and they take all cards! No monthly Am Ex invoice or any minimums like central payment. No terminal needed. No early cancellation fees either. I believe companies like SQUARE will be the demise of businesses like central payment. I can understand why “employees” of central payment want to defend their employer. They don’t see what is actually happening in the real world of finance. They’re no different than someone who worked for Al Capone and swore they never seen him hurt anyone. They didn’t. But it happened. Employees who defend them don’t come from the top.
Guss says:
April 26, 2011 at 4:34 pm (UTC -8 )
If I was to write my complaint it will look like all of you who complained about this company. I don’t understand how the BBB rates them. They are a total scam. Forged my contracts, over charges, and hidden fees. Pulled money from my account with out authorization and list goes on.
todd white says:
March 22, 2011 at 8:02 am (UTC -8 )
If you dont ask questions and are only concerned about the getting the cheapest rate that can happen to you.I think more than likely it was all fees were explained and you said yes to everything…. it was cool until the bill came then it was a problem.
David Erickson says:
April 13, 2011 at 11:26 am (UTC -8 )
Todd White,
I don’t know what department you are repsenting of Central Payment or who you are but I am sure of one thing Central Payments ethical approach to customer service shows that they are not regulated very closely from the top.
Please check it out my account is on file …if I am wrong I owe everyone a big apoligy and you can put a sign on my neck saying that I lied about Central Payment and video my apoligy and put it on YOUTUBE.
My approach to wire fraud and mail fraud and grand larceny and all those types of things is simple.
Central Payment can refund all monies they stole out of my account or fill the affidavit posted on this site, sign it and return it to me.
OR
Warning flare, shot across the bow or whatever you want to call it …those big guys from the big house are coming.
NOW a third part debt collector the McCarthy, Burgess and Wolfe ( 440-735-5100 extension # 2253 ) the legal team and the strong arm of Central Payment Corporation, is now involved. Scharon has been calling ( 04-12-2011 ) asking for $695.00 and ( 04-13- 2011 she hung up before I got to the phone ). She has not seen the Affivavit of Truth missing from file.. She also asked wheter we sent a letter of dispute and we informed her we have …but it was missing from our file too. Hmmm interesting file tampering for what and who? We have told her we have agreed to pay anything we owe and return there machine after they can produce the “Affidavit of Truth” . She asked my permission to state on my file that “I was NOT willing to pay” and I told her no that is untrue. She is not interested in right or wrong just collecting whatever her client requests without verifing the debt they say I owe.
PS….. Todd, I don’t believe you are bad or have morale business ethics in question …it is just what does Central Payment customer service do when someone in their own team is unethical and screwed up .. NOTHING except… then they steal $395.00 more from my account…and then attempt to steal $695 more a month later and missing files. So that makes me and others think this practice is condoned at the highest levels of this company… and I am willing to bet when someone hears how far this litte boy has gone and how deep this doo doo is piling up and it “stinks” …I will get all my money back …ALL $3000. plus dollars and then we will go away …. Yes we want the Cheapest Rate that does not mean we are MORONS …we are victims of FRAUD …remember when there is NO contract there is no fine print to read! NO CONTRACT NO ABRITRATION IT IS COURT and complaints to the INDIANA ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE, FTC , FBC and WHOEVER WE CAN FIND WHO WILL HELP THIS LITTLE MORON BOY WHO CAN READ FINE PRINT get his money back.. IF NO AFFIDAVIT OF TRUTH is completed, proving that Central Payment acted in good faith in removing monies from my account. Then you have not proved we had a contract and have not VERIFIED THE DEBT as the Fair Debt Collections ACT has determined and monies must be returned.
Hans Hoffmann says:
March 18, 2011 at 6:58 pm (UTC -8 )
I wouldn’t recommend this company to any small business owner to process your credit cards. What they don’t tell you is that if you have a high volume of charges in a month….(over $10,000) the bank that handles their money (ipayment) will do a risk assessment and unless you carry a balance of over $10,000 in your account for 3 months or more they will decline your deposit and make you refund it back to your customer. Now it gets better. Central payment will then charge you the 3% fee anyway on the charge and charge you 3% for the return. In my case I had a charge for a large order that came to $26,000 and it went through my card machine no problem. Several days later, instead of seeing a nice deposit in my bank account I get a call from ipayment telling me that unless I can prove I carry a minimum of $10,000 or more in my checking account for the last 3 months, they would not be giving me my money and I would have to reverse the charges. The reasoning is that if there is a chargeback in the next 6 months they have to make sure I had the money to return to the customer. I have never had a return in the 3 years I used centralpayment so I don’t think I was a high risk for a return. 3 days after I did a return for $26,000 I get a charge on my bank account for $1,560! You are reading that right….$1,560.00 Centralpayment felt they deserved almost a couple of thousand dollars for doing nothing except for taking my customers charge, holding it for a week and then ordering me to give it back. After the fee was charged to me I called centralpayment to see if they could waive the charges because I didn’t get any money from this transaction. I was told they could give me $200 back and would only take $1,360 instead. Wow! Aren’t they awesome! Needles to say, I have cancelled my service with them and I have a new one with my local bank…who could not believe what was done to me by centralpayment. If I now run into a problem with a large order my bank will work with me ot make sure everything goes a lot smoother. I switched my service from my bank to centralpaymnet strictly because I was convinced by a salesman they were cheaper. (And they were) but the $30 or so I saved every month was wiped out in one big theft by centralpayment policy. I just wanted to give my 2 cents on what I had happen to me. I am just a small t-shirt printing business who found out the hard way that big banks always win. I would have loved to have heard centralpayment say we understand what happened and we would be happy to return the charges to you. (Now that would be great customer service) Oh well. Live and learn I guess.
John Thomas Flynn says:
March 7, 2011 at 12:02 pm (UTC -8 )
Unless you really expect to be with them for 4-5 years, which is longer than most marriages, forget about Central Payment. We were forced to pay the $550 cancellation fee to Central Payment to get out of their contract. Missed the fine print on cancellation fee, (my bad) but was costing $45/per month with little or no transactions.They wouldn’t cut us any slack. I have sworn to make it my life’s work to make their cancellation policies well know among my clients/customers beginning with the 3,500 subscribers to my Webcast/Blog at http://www.techleader.TV web site.
Go with Square.
Chrissy says:
March 8, 2011 at 6:55 pm (UTC -8 )
John, do you normally sign contracts without reading them? It is very clear right under the rates what our cancellation policy is. We do not conceal it at all. If you did not have enough business to warrant taking credit cards why did you sign up for a merchant account? There is a cost of doing business as you should well know being a business owner. For us to board your account, build files, pay our underwriters to verify your app and do their job, pay a rep if there was one involved, it costs money. Central payment is not in the business to give away accounts for free. Just as I am sure in your business you do not either. Why did you agree to a 3 year term if it was not something you were going to fulfill? Just like your cell phone has a contract so does mercahnt services and all companies charge an ETF fee. Its the nature of the beast.
Do a little more digging on your Square company there are some issues with them as well. You just have to know where to find them.
Chrissy says:
January 20, 2011 at 6:12 am (UTC -8 )
I am an agent of Cpay, and have been with them for almost 5 years. I think some of the information that you have listed here is not facts. Our company services way more than 35,000 merchants.
I understand that you think 100 complaints with the BBB is alot but when you have over 700 agents nationwide that is alot of people that you can not control the actions of. Cpay does not go on every call, and as you know there are ALOT of dishonest reps out there.
There are no internal management issues, most of the upper management has been with the company since 2005. Being in the industry yourself you should know that there are alot of merchants out there that you can never make happy no matter what you do, They want everything for free and if you do not give them what they want they retaliate.
As far as the reports on ripoff reports being by ex employees maybe you should take a look at our facebook page and you can see the thousands of satisfied agents and merchants that comment. That by far surpasses the negative marks.
A company that has grown by 100% year over year will have some hiccups but in my opinion CPAY is by far the best company out there and this is coming from someone who has been in the industry for 7 years and who attends alot of the regional conferences and is very well connected in the merchant service world.