How to Tell if a Merchant Service Provider Is Trying to Steal Your Business… AND Your Money!
Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart.
You’re balancing great products, great service, and the constant pressure to protect your bottom line. Finding the right tools and partners to help your business grow—without draining your profits—can feel like walking a tightrope.
At TMC, we believe it shouldn’t feel that way.
We’ve built our business on relationships, transparency, and doing what’s right—even when no one’s watching. We don’t just serve merchants… we stand with them. You’re not just a client—you’re our neighbor, our partner, our friend.
Unfortunately, not everyone in this industry plays by those rules.
There are companies out there using tactics that are slick, convincing, and sometimes just plain sneaky. Even experienced business owners can get caught off guard.
So let’s shine a little light on it—because when you know what to look for, you’re already one step ahead.
🚩 Here Are Some Common Tactics to Watch For:
- “You’ve Been Overcharged” Calls
This one’s everywhere. Someone calls pretending to be your current provider and tells you you’ve been overcharged. Then they ask for a copy of your statement.
Let’s pause for a second…
👉 If they already know you’ve been overcharged… why do they need your statement?
Exactly.
- Tech Support in Sheep’s Clothing
Less common—but dangerous. Someone poses as tech support and says your terminal needs an update.
Instead of helping, they walk you through installing something new…
And just like that, your transactions may be routed to a completely different account.
Not good.
- “Phony Bologna” (Yes, It’s Real)
A newer twist. Someone claims to be from your POS company and tells you there’s a new CEO and mandatory upgrades.
To “avoid higher fees,” they need your updated information—bank account, social security number… everything needed to open a brand-new account.
🚨 That’s not an upgrade. That’s a takeover.
- PCI Non-Compliance Scare Tactics
You get a call saying you’re out of compliance—or paying too much in fees.
Here’s the truth:
Most of the merchants receiving these calls are actually 100% compliant.
Fear is the tactic. Don’t fall for it.
- “Free Equipment” & Too-Good-To-Be-True Rates
This is the classic.
“1% rates!”
“Free equipment!”
Sounds amazing… until you find out it comes with a 3–4 year NON-CANCELABLE lease.
Those agreements are extremely difficult (and sometimes expensive) to get out of—and may even require legal help.
✅ So What Can You Do?
Stay Aware
Yes, it’s frustrating. Yes, it’s inconvenient.
But a little awareness can save you a lot of money—and headaches.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off… it probably is.
The grass isn’t always greener—it’s sometimes just better marketed.
Call Your Provider
If someone reaches out and you’re unsure, simply say:
👉 “I’ll check with my provider.”
If they push back? That’s your answer.
Do a Little Digging
A quick search can go a long way.
You’d be surprised what shows up when you take a minute to look.
😊 Final Thought
It’s unfortunate that this kind of behavior exists—but it does.
And that’s exactly why we do what we do.
At TMC, we believe in doing business the right way—with honesty, transparency, and a genuine desire to help. Whether you’re a current partner or not, we’re here to educate, protect, and support business owners however we can.
Because at the end of the day…
👉 taking care of people is what creates the real win.
And if we can make you a little more informed—and maybe even save you from a bad situation along the way—that’s something worth smiling about. 😊
-AJ Hendricks
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