Check Your Bank Register For Market Billing Solutions
About a week ago I found a few transactions on my account that were for $24.99 each. No big deal: Internet porn. The problem is I didn’t buy any recently.
First tip off, they have my address in New Jersey. Second, the printed web site doesn’t exist. If you Google “Market Billing Solutions” you’ll find thousands of other people who have had these checks passed through their accounts. Good time of year, with plenty of transactions to hide in, except I don’t buy gifts during the holidays so I caught it right away. As soon as my next paycheck gets deposited I need to close my account and open another. SO check your transactions for this company.
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Those sneaky frauds! Good thing you spotted it right away. I guess most people will never notice…
How did they get your account number? I can’t think of too many places where anyone would need to type in their checking account number (setting up online bank accounts, online bill pay…that’s about it).
also beware of one called, ironically, Identity Protect. They got me for 39.00 twice.
Rikki Lee’s last blog post..HUNKY HUMP DAY- The Passions Edition
I just found one of these on my bank statement too. The copy of the check I got looks exactly like yours down to the number 2499 in the corner. The wierdest thing is they had my address as being in Oklahoma, I don’t live in Oklahoma. Just out of curiousity, is there anything you’re going to do about this? I’m trying to figure out what to do.
I found 2 checks that went through my account. just filed a complaint with the federal trade commission. I received the money back for the most recent check, now my bank will not file check fraud charges because I am not actually out anything. Parent company is in Cyprus and you can reach them at 1 800 397 5761 to get a refund.
Just found similar charges on my account, $34.99, for an “internet subscription”. I, too, have never provided my bank account number as a payment method. They show my address in Houston, TX.. a place I’ve never even visited let alone lived in.
Called Market Billing Support and got the usual runaround. Asked to speak to a manager and was told none work there. I snapped back that all of the call center people are there without ANY sort of boss directing as to what to do? Nonsense.. said I would gladly hold. She told me there was no one there that could do anything for me.
I’ve contacted Bank of America and filed check fraud claims. Now will be sending a detailed letter to the Federal Trade Commission, State Attorney General, National Check Fraud Center, and whomever else will listen. If it were for more than $34.99 I’d have already hired an attorney and brought these bastards to court.. am contemplating filing charges against MBS for impeding my attempts to find the responsible party.
Now I have to close and re-open a checking account, likely affecting my credit report and/or financial statements, not to mention the hassle of reconfiguring my bi-weekly direct deposit payments, automatic debits, and the like.
Market Billing got me, the statement for my M & T checking arrived today, the 30th and thankfully I opened it immediately. M&T processed it as a check and couldn’t answer me when I asked’em “Why?” Asked for the check number, then told me I have to visit my branch office to file a dispute. Oh yeah, M & T had 2 800 numbers provided by Market Billing. One rings busy and one gives a recorded ad for a talkline membership, then disconnects. Wish me luck…
Just came from my bank, Longwood Finance is trying to charge 40.00 to my account.I googled the web ID shown on my bank statement 841618288 all I got was this phone number I called 800-397-5716 the first time a recorder answered said it was Pacific tralel. Called a few more times and a person answered said the company was Market Billing. I told her about the charge,she said Market Billing did not show a charge to my account.She has never heard of Longwood Finance or Pacific Travel.I told her a company is useing her Web ID and phone number so its not just my problem. I just now called that number again Pacific Travel answered, They have not charged my account,she thanked me for my phone call and said they will check into it. The bank will refund my money
Lisa on February 4,2008
I found one check that went through my account in November for 24.99 I wasn’t sure what it was cause I had already wrote that check # out for a diffrent amount. I had went to the Merho Credit Union to see what it was for they gave me a copy of the check and told me it must be some kind of a charge or I must of ordered something. So I left it go and started watching my account closer. Then on February 4,2008 I found another check I called the Merho Credit Union. They told me I must have gave some buddy my numbers. I was not satisfied with that answer. So I tried the phone # that was on the check 1-800-337-5761. And I got a recording gave me this number 101-515-800-702-555-1212.All I got was another recording. I called The Attorney General,& National Credit Union Administration never recieved a call back yet. I called my Credit Union and they finally beleived me and investegated. I received a call back from them on Feb 6, 2008 and was told that it was a frauded. I had to close my accounts. Market Billing really got me. I’m not sure what to do next.
Got me 2x. Once in November and again yesterday. Thank god I am on top of this. I actually did get a hold of someone named “craig” at that # —-THIS TIME. Last time it rang busy for 2 days!!! My bank refunded the first charge immediatly. This one I had to fax in a letter stating I did not authorize this. “craig” said that a refund would be issued to my account in 2 days….I AM NOT HOLDING MY BREATH. I have alerted my bank and sent them this website. How sad that the bank can’t even protect us. Now, I too have to change my account, I have to wiat for my tax refund first UUGHHHHHHHH.. What a pain in the a**
Like all of you, I was OFF mysteriously 24.99 in my checking account. When I got my bank statement, There was this odd looking check that my bank had cashed for 24.99 from Market Billing on behalf of TDC. After some investigating with my bank and calling TAXACT,(which was the site I used my personal info on) TaxAct says it wasnt them, my bank tried but couldnt do anything, Then my bank made a readable copy of the check in which I could read the phone numbers on there, and low and behold when I called them they said I was charged for an adult porn site…..which NEVER happened, so they are going to credit my acct. within 3-5 business days, Market Billing is a 3rd party billing place, but the phone number that solved my problem is as follows: 1-800-397-5761. Also, the woman advised me to change my bank info, which I will do on Tuesday. If you can read the memo # on the check they will be able to assist you then to get your money back, I hope this helps anyone who got scammed and frauded also.
I was also fraudulently charged $24.99 by “Market Billing” in early January. This is obviouly a scam on which one should contact the fraudulent check or risk department of the bank or account administrator about. They should make good on the amount debited since it is definitely not a legal charge even if it was processed electronically - it should be treated the same way any forged check is to be daalt with.
I just called the 800 number and spoke with a lady who indeed said she was in cypress. She said they would refund the charge within 2 to 4 business days.
I just got a charge for 29.99 on my checking account. I first called the number on the check and it was busy for the longest time. I then called my bank and they told me I would need to come into a branch. I finally got in touch with the company and they said the money would be refunded in 2-4 business days. However, they are clearly aware of this scam as they did not try AT ALL to figure out if i truly made an ‘internet subscription’. The woman immediately asked if I would like a refund, so they obviously know that people are pissed off about this but they don’t seem to care enough to do anything about it. This is incredibly ridiculous like others have said. If our own banks can’t even protect our money, why don’t I just throw my money in a sack and bury in the back yard. At least no one can make unauthorized ‘internet subscriptions’ when my money is in a hole in the ground!
Spokane, WA - 01/04/08 - The BBB has become aware of a company that is placing unauthorized drafts on consumers’ checking accounts. Consumers have reported that this $29.99 charge appears under names such as “Free Think Logic”, “CCC Network”, and “Click Media” as well as many others. The common denominator in each instance is a third party billing company called MarBill Payment Processing which appears on the statement as Market Billing.
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Various online blogs state that once consumers have checked with their bank or merchant card service about the bogus charge made to their accounts, the banks or merchants confirm that the charge was posted for an adult entertainment web site subscription. Some consumers who have had this bogus charge placed on their statements state that they don’t even own a computer. Other blog entries report that bogus charges are made using names and addresses that contradict the card holder’s correct information.
A customer service representative with MarBill has advised the BBB that consumers who notice unauthorized charges drafted by MarBill should contact them immediately and they will work with you to issue a refund and to ensure that the charges do not reoccur.
MarBill has a customer service line whereby consumers may seek refunds but it has been reported that there can be some difficulty getting through. Consumers are encouraged to dispute the charge by emailing support@m-billingsupport.com or by calling (800) 397-5761. This company is headquartered in the Republic of Cyprus.
If you do not gain a resolve going through this billing company, we strongly urge you to file formal complaints with BOTH your merchant card service or bank, as well as the Federal Trade Commission at: http://www.ftc.gov
The BBB offers the following advice to assist consumers avoid scams such as these:
1. Check your bank statement regularly and thoroughly; if you find an erroneous or unauthorized charge on your statement, dispute it ASAP; the law grants consumers only a certain number of days to dispute a charge.
2. Be conscientious about what web sites you navigate or go to, and what pop-ups you click on or receive. If you don’t already have a pop-up blocker on your computer, look into placing that type of feature on your computer for your own safety. Also, be wary of filling out random surveys or polls from unknown sources on the Internet. Your info may be used against you!
3. Never give personal financial information to anyone until you have check with out with the BBB at http://www.bbb.org.
# # #
Contact:
Zan Deery, Communications/Investigations
zan@spokane.bbb.org
Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho & Montana
152 S. Jefferson, Suite 200
Spokane, WA. 99201
509-455-4200 or 800-356-1007
http://www.spokane.bbb.org
I just found a posting to my checking account for an electronic check in the amount of 29.99. When I contacted my credit union, I was told that it was done by Market Billing on behalf of a Bremen Media and was given the 800-397-5761 number to call. When I the number a woman named Barb said she could refund my money within 2-4 business days. She did not have a number or address for this Bremen Media, and could only supply a physical address in Nicosia Cyprus for Market Billing and a website address for them support@m.billing.com. Have not looked it up yet, but I’m sure I will probably get no where there too. I also asked my bank what can I do to protect myself from this happening again. I didn’t want to have to go through all this again, closing account, opening new one, buying new checks, having to make changes for payroll deposits, etc. She said there was nothing they could do, I just had to be careful where I stored my checks and watch ordering stuff on line and that with the new technology if a check comes through with your account info. they have to process it. I too believe that my money would be safer in my own home. This is not fair, someone is making alot of money with this SCAM and there has got to be someone out there can do something. I will definitely keep looking, writing letters, phone calls to find someone who will listen.
OK-HERE WE GO WITH F—– MARKET BILLING GUYS–I AM HANDELING MY MOMS AFFAIRS CUZ MY SIBLINGS ARE MILKING HERE DRY-I WAS VIEWING HER STATEMENT THIS MORNING AND WHAMMO-29.99 WAS CHARGED ON HER ACC.
CALLED & ANNIE SAID THEY WOULD REFUND IN 2-4 DAYS
HAPPY ST PATTY’S DAY TO ME–DON’T FEEL SO LUCKY
I am so mad, I am a computer geek by trade and I got scammed, now the aggravation I have to go through. Now the fight is on.
I write back in January . . . I recently found a letter from a company named CERTEGY, stating that an employee had taken information and the “proper authorities” had been contacted. Anyone else ever receive one of these letters? There are many complaints @ BB for this company. The only other place I can figure my information got out there was through Western Union. This particular bank account was only used to pay my mortage … which only goes through Western Union. I have no paper checks and don’t receive paper statements for this account ….
General info. . . after talking to my banker, he notified me that when on line bill pay is used, they actually put an account number from the bank on the paper check, NOT your bank account number. This did make me feel better about keeping a bank account other than my mattress! I still use alot more cash now than before.
I am also a victim of this fraudulently charge of $34.99 by Market Billing. When I called the 1-800.397.5761 I get a busy signal. I did however reach someone named Randy on Easter Sunday an was told I would receive a refund. I tried on Monday, again busy signal. I am contacting my bank and working with the fraud department.
I was also a victim of this! I was charged $24.99 for something and I didn’t know what so I started looking into it. I typed “billing behalf of TDC” in google and this is the site I got. I haven’t purchased anything online in awhile so I caught this as a mistake right away. I’m going to get this resolved today with my bank and I guess I will have to close my account and open another one. So inconvenient. Thank you all for posting your problems. It made it much easier for me to realize this was a scam to my account and get it resolved before they took me for more money. Oh by the way, I also called these numbers…800-397-5761 it was busy and 800-409-7803, it said it was the Market Billing customer service but live support was unavailabe due to technical problems and to email them. (Pretty convenient for them.)
I also had a 29.99 entry on my bank statement from Bremen Media, but they actually deposited money in my account. I feel lucky since so many people have been ripped off, but the bank rep told me that sometimes scammers deposit money into an account to see if it’s valid, THEN they start siphoning money out. I have changed my account number, needless to say. I hope somebody gets these bottom-feeders bigtime. Especially since they’re taking money out of senior citizens’ pockets. Has anyone thought about the possibility of this thing funding terrorism?
We too got hit and it has really outraged us. The bad thing is they had our address and everything correct, scary. Our bank allowed us to file fraud charges and refunded our money. But had to close the account we have had forever and go through the hassel of changing a hundred other things. They are such idots at this Market Billing, ours was on behalf of CCC Network and we have never even heard of this. It is a good thing that I stay on top of our accounts or they may have gotten away with it. We are thankful that they have been reported. So sad that a lot of innocent people are getting hit by this scam. May God have mercy on them, because we will not.
Got me too. exactly the same amount and pay too.
And also twice as some other poster mentioned. Once in Sept 2007, once this year. Just noticed it when I was doing my taxes.
This is the second time they got me and the first time I closed my bank account and opened an new one. The second charge for $29.99 came through on the new account! Market Billing refunded the first $29.99 I’m still waiting for the other $29.99 to be refunded!
I think we need to find these people and file a class action suit. It’s very scary for them to be able to access our bank accounts. My bank says I can pay to have a stop payment put on them, but that’s infuriating. I’ll be talking to the BBB and an attorney to see what protection we have. I’m very careful where I go online, I don’t give out my bank account number and I DON’T go to adult sites which is what they say I signed up for. Market Billing is a front….no one there will admit to being in charge, no one will give out information as to who runs them and I can’t find them or the other company online. Grrr
The beat goes on: I discovered a $34.99 charge on my checking account. My name — with an address clear across the country from where I actually live. I called the number most frequently cited above and got a live human being who said she worked for a third-party payment processing firm. However, as in several accounts above, she took my information and said a refund would be forthcoming in two to four days. One question for any earlier victims who might check back here: Have you actually gotten the promised refund?
And just out of curiosity: I’m wondering how many of you on this comment thread bank, as I do, with Washington Mutual.
Mine was not Washington Mutual, so it is not limited to a particular bank.
DB, I continue to check up on this web site. I was promised a refund from the company and did in fact receive one about two days later.
My refund was issued very quickly, and was even brought up on my call to their customer support before I could bring it up. This leads me to believe Market Billing is not only in on the scam, but single-handedly responsible for it. I do not believe they are processing charges on behalf of other companies, but rather processing the charges themselves under the guise of being merely a third-party payment processor. One interesting question is: If Market Billing is in fact a reputable payment processing company, where do those interested in using their services sign up? There is absolutely no way for a person or company to register with Market Billing for payment processing services.
I was lucky enough to notice the initial fraudulent charge the day it posted, and an extra step I took before calling was to stop payment on the check through my bank. I was able to collect the refund from Market Billing, plus have the original payment price credited to my bank account… all said and done I had made money on the transaction!
I bank only with Bank Of America. I have Capital One and Discover Card credit cards. Don’t think you’ll find a common thread, or worse yet you’ll find many common threads — there are other web sites like this one where people have found countless similarities.
I just noticed this charge ($39.99) on my account as well… For 3rd party processing on “adult entertianment” which I was told could be porn, dating websites, or even romance novel websites. I also only bank with Bank of America. I have had my account with them for about a year, and I have only written 17 checks (12 of them to my landlord), none are missing, so where in the heck is someone getting my checking information? Apparently, MB is issuing me a refund within 2-4 business days, but I want the person who is responsible for stealing my account information preosecuted! For the love of pete! This is not the first time I have had to deal with theft out of my checking account… I am sick of switching banks/accounts every two years or less. There needs to be harsher punishments for a-holes that steal from hard working people. I bust my rear at my job. Why should I go through all of the blood, sweat and tears for someone else to hack thier way into my life and steal from me?! Sorry for my soap box speech, but I am sick of wasting valuable time in my life away from my family dealing with the stupididty of others and altering my everyday routine to make sure that my money and my livelyhood is safe!
I was taken for 39.99 from my checking acct. with 1st State Bank out of Conway, Ar. I also called Market Billing to ask for a refund told them this was a flaudlent charge against my account on August 13, 2008 called the same day I saw it on my account. They are slick they even back dated the check they electronic made. Was promise a refund in 3-5 business days have yet to see it have made flaudlent report to the bank and local police department. My questions is how many millions of dollars is this so call co. making off the innocent victims!!!
I too have been scammed by Market Billing. $39.99 for “Matt Services”, an adult website provider. Of course there is no record of them, and I never subscribed to anything with them. I have called and raised hell at 866-878-3025, but they just give me the standard runaround. Thanks to this blog. I suggest we all call daily.
ok, so i got frauded by them yesterday! The name/addy on my check was my legit address, which freaked me out. I use a private credit union so I’m guessing that someone somewhere got a copy of my checking info and used that. what tipped me off was the check # it was so high it wasn’t even in the range of checks i have in my account. and it was for 39.99 to a MB Pink Home Ent Customer Service. I called the number on the check - 1800-876-0930 and it turned out that it was “Market Billing” but the woman I talked to told me she just processes refunds and that no one in her office could help me with any further information. Clearly a front for a bigger scam. I am just glad I found it today! She said I’d be refunded in 2-5 business days…I am keeping an eye on it to see if I actually get my money back. How aggrivating though!
my name is ardashir
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Looks like they got me too. $34.95 for a magazine subscription. The company claims they are a 3rd party billing company and are located in “Cypress”. I doubt they are. This happened on sept 11th 2008.
Chaulk up another hit for the scam artist.I got a high number check against my account which alerted me to a problem. I checked with my credit union and they told me to contact “MB Pink Home Ent 800-876-0930″ and get them to refund the amount and fill out a form with them afterwards. When someone finally answered the phone they said they would refund the money in couple of days and asked to keep the account open till I recieve the refund. They also told me to let the bank know that this was a fraud charge. Strange huh. They know they are defrauded you and act like they are ligit. I guess I keep an eye out because I feel it is going to happen agatn before this isa resolved.
I have read all of these postings before adding my own experience. I was checking my online account statement when I discovered an echeck for $39.95 I do shop online but only with my debit card but this echeck had my name real address routing and account number. What is curious though is on the check there is a 1800 number and a reference number also a note that says any questions about your account or a REFUND call. Well my husband got a man and started screaming at him. The man asked if he wanted our money refunded and my husband replied “you’d better give me it back”
He said as in many other cases 2-4 business days. I will believe it when I see it. I read online that anyone who has a check of yours can create an echeck account and withdraw funds by setting an account with your info on it ( name address routing number and account number) which are all plain as day on your check! If I change my accounts this can happen to me again all I have to do is simply write a check to anyone. Something needs to be done in order to protect the consumers! I am thankful I saw this fraudulent charge soon enough.