Watch Out: Free Think Logic Scam

There's a scam going on that's hitting bank accounts $29.99 at a time. I know about it personally because my girlfriend was devastated when she came home from our Christmas vacation to find an overdraft notice from her bank.

She had been so careful, watching her account to make sure that she didn't overdraw during the holidays. She couldn't figure out what had charged her with an electronic check for $29.99. The fact that it registered as a check was the first flag. She never pays with an electronic check.

Then we took a closer look. The bank let this transaction through even though it listed a completely incorrect address under my girlfriend's name. That never should have happened. The company collecting the $29.99 was "Market Billing (355) on behalf of Free Think Logic."

We did some research and it turns out that other people have been hit by this Free Think Logic scam. It happens just the same way, getting $29.99 drawn out of your bank account and billed to an incorrect address. Free Think Logic posts the same faulty 1-800-397-5761 phone number on every fraudulent check. They list a website - www.mbillingsupport.com - which doesn't work.

The worst part is that this overdrafted her account. That means ridiculous fees for something that she never bought. Working out the issue with the bank was difficult because we received two different sets of instructions over the phone. When we went in person to the bank, we filed a dispute. But that could take weeks to resolve and it could mean more headaches.

Check your statement for this charge. Post any comments here on this blog with your Free Think Logic stories. The more information we get about this scam, the quicker it can get get snuffed out.

UPDATE 01.09.2008: First off, I want to thank everyone that commented on this post. There's a lot of valuable information here in these comments that can help people out so they don't get taken advantage of (or at least, if they do get tricked, they know they're not alone).

As for my girlfriend, she submitted her fraud dispute to the bank and they reversed the charges. They restored all her money - including the overdraft fees - within a reasonably short about of time. I still can't believe the charges ever went through with a false address on the e-check.

It looks like people here have actually gotten in contact with Market Billing. I'd be curious to see what happens if someone confronts Market Billing and accuses them of running a Free Think Logic scam. I wonder what they would say...

UPDATE 02.22.2008: It appears that Free Think Logic is no longer the only company name Market Billing is using to steal money from people. Recent company names such as ArtNet, Bremen Media, Tel Media, Rhino Systems,and DFSN Systems have all been mentioned in comments on this post. Watch out for these companies as well.

46 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been hit twice by this bogus company. Bank is not helpful at all. I am sending a letter today requesting that they deny any future electronic checks from this entity.

Anonymous said...

Report this to these two sites. I did it once and they caught the guy and put him in prison. The more complaints from people they have the more serious the government will take it and the more likely they are to go after these people.

Internet Fraud Complaint http://www.ic3.gov/

FTC Consumer Fraud
http://www.ftc.gov

Anonymous said...

Was able to access mbillingsupport.com without any problem. However, it was no help and following a SEDO link they report that
"mbillingsupport.com is for sale". So it may change for the next person who tries.

Anonymous said...

there should be another # on the check, 800-409-7803. call 24/7 with the info on the check (name it was billed under and possibly the last 4 digits only of the bank account number). they can put a refund through that they say take about 2-4 business days to process. after that, close the account. somebody has your GF's checking account routing number, account number, and scariest of all, ADDRESS.

Anonymous said...

I was also hit with this charge. I am suspicious that it might have something to do with an online payment that I made to Intelius. Did anyone else use this company before being hit with this $29.99 fee from Free Thnk Logic?

Anonymous said...

My account was hit for 29.99 on Christmas day. My first call to 1-800-397-5761 resulted in being disconnected when I asked for a supervisor. I called right back and was told the charges were for an adult web site and would be reversed in the 2-4 days due to a 30 day money back guarentee.

Anonymous said...

I just found the $29.99 withdrawn from my checking... I use cash and debit only. I too checked the www.mbillingsupport.com and found it to be a web domain up for sale. I called my bank, froze my checking account, opened a fresh checking account, and now in the proccess of filling out the paperwork to get my money back. I also called the phone number 800-397-5761, and they said that Free Think Logic provides internet services, then asked for some of my information. Psh, NO THANKS! I will leave it to my bank to take care of this matter.

Anonymous said...

I just got my overdraft notice because of "Free Think Logic" and called my bank. They gave me the number for Market Billing (1-800-409-7803) I called them and they said they have a 30 day money back guarantee, and my account would be credited in 2-4 business days. We'll see. I had already requested my bank NOT to honor any online electronic checks. Go figure!

Anonymous said...

The only thing I use echecks for is to pay credit cards online. I heard of another person that said they only pay Washington Mutual and that was one of the credit cards I paid. I also was hit with a $29.99 fee from Free Think Logic on Dec. 4th only the check hit my husband's account with my name. The bank says they will refund the money and I did file a complaint with the www.ftc.gov website. I suggest everyone does the same. Anyone else getting hit bank with WaMu? I wonder if it is coming from someone there?

Anonymous said...

Just found out I got nailed twice - on 10/15/07 and 12/31/07. Same thing - Free Think Logic with bogus customer service number. I noticed there was another number that looked like an 800 #. It was listed as "CS#: 18004097803. Called it. It was Market Billing who said they were charging "on behalf" of Free Think Logic. They would not credit my account. My name on the Check is spelled incorrectly but they had my address and checking account #. They said it was for an Adult Site subscription. I have no clue since I don't use such things. I do however have a Wamu CC which I've paid using my bank info in the recent past. Have filed a complaint with ic3.gov. I suggest anyone who is a victim of this, please file complaint.

Anonymous said...

Found the real website - www.m-billingsupport.com regarding this Free Think Logic scam. Also, you can write to support@m-billingsupport.com and they will credit your account. Careful about how much information you give them in the email. Only your last name, last 4 of a/c #, date of transaction and the Memo line on check should be sufficient. Posting it here as it may help others.

Anonymous said...

I have been nailed too with this bogus check for 29.99. I have to change my account no. to keep them from using it again.

Anonymous said...

Follow-up to my post of 1/9/08 8:06pm and 8:26pm. Since I found other Wamu (Washington Mutual Credit Card) customers were victims as well as the fact that my first violation happened the same month as the opening of my Wamu account, I called Wamu. The first rep stated that they had a security breach 2 months ago. However when I spoke to a Supervisor - James, he swears they had no security breaches in the past two years. I don't know who to believe however would suggest all Wamu customers call Wamu and drill them as to whether there was a security breach or not.

Anonymous said...

I just reconsiled my mothers checking account and sure enought there was a $29.99 charge from Free Think Logic. It was posted on December 10th on National City Bank. I will be visiting my mothers bank tomorrow with a copy of this site in hand. Thanks for helping me to resolve what this is. A SCAM.

Anonymous said...

1/11/08 – Just noticed SECOND charge and realized the 1st one was never refunded. Called bank again and checked OL address when PH# was perpetually busy – did eventually get through by phone BUT found this blog in the meantime.

Two unauthorized, unsolicited debits for $24.99 (10/15/07 & 12/28/07) from our biz checking acct in form of drafts (electronic checks) rather than ACH/POS EFTs. Checks are written in (misspelled) biz owner's personal name NOT in our business name. M-Billing customer service reps say charges will be reversed in 3-4 biz days - did not happen for 10/15/07 charge; then by 1/11/08 they now have no record of that 1st charge. Just called about 12/28/07 charge so its too soon to know. Market Billing supposedly a 3rd party billing service - TDC some monthly "adult" subscription. Have now incurred $5 bank fee to put stop payment on any future charges of $24.99 BUT this will not flag other amounts from the same source, so we may need to close this account.

Appreciate links to file complaints - will check back to see if/how others have resolved.

Anonymous said...

"Free Think Logic Scam"
I too have been dinged on my bank account with B of A for $29.99 from Market Billing. It has my name and address from "Kansas City"???? I live on the West Coast. the Bank routing number is not mine altho the Account number is mine. How can a bank that much of a mistake. I now have to wait to Tuseday to have the B of A correct their mistake.

Anonymous said...

THey hit me on the 14th from Bremen Media. I called the 1-800-397-5761 number and a gal from Market Billing said she would return my $29.99 and she said it was for adult films...........I have never authorized such a charge and they were able to charge my checking account with my name and address without my signature. This is a total fraudulent charge. My bank made me fill out a dispute form and they will followup on it. But they advise me to cancel my checking account and open another one because these people CAN charge again to my account. I wish you would do something about this, this is robbery in the worst way. I am a retired person and an invalid.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for making the write-up about this. I think you have enough people that will view this that maybe you should post the two links listed in one of the comments.

The charge was made from Charlotte NC when I actually live in MA. The zip-code is not even that of Charlotte's!!!

I was hit with this and an over-drawing fee as well. I just got my statement today and will be at the bank to fight it first thing tomorrow morning. I'm an 18 year old college kid who is at school full time and holding a full time job just to try to keep up with bills. $30 is a lot of money to me, especially after the over-drawing fee.

Anonymous said...

I got hit by this scam also
On 1/2/2008
I passed on the scam info to my bank but not sure if they finished investigating it or not
they said it would take a few weeks to investigate
I just sent them more info
and hopefully can give them all the info I have found online regarding these assholes
Curious though if everyones fraud check has a maine address

Anonymous said...

it is 2/5/08 I checked my checking account this morning and I found a charge for $29.99 I printed the e-check and began some investigating. i capped Bank of america and the instantly credited my account and recommended me to close that account out. I called the 800-397-5761 and spoke with a woman named donna a,d he basically could not help me bacuse they are a 3rd party billing company but if i go to the website and submit a question pertaining the help i need they would gladly help me. SHe did mention it was for a site named Tel Media and I have no clue who and what they are. I too cant believe that the bank let this charge through.
It is my first and last name but Wrong state and address. Incredible! I called mbilling support and she said that they refunded the money and I should receive it with 2 to 4 business days. I hope they catch them.

Anonymous said...

Same here. We got hit by it last month and just found out when we got the monthly statement. Not only was the given address wrong, but it wasn't even in the right continent! How the hell are the banks missing this?

Anonymous said...

market billing is also scamming through a company called bremen media.They got me for 29.99.I was told by them i would get a refund also. Has anyone actually received a refund. The woman told me that market billing is on the island of Cyprus. She said it is an American island in the Caribbean.Thats funny and tells me that they are the scammers.

Anonymous said...

I wanted to post to let people know that I got hit with a $29.99 electronic check on 2/11/08. The check had my name on my husband's account- our real checks are not listed that way. This check was paid to the order of Merchand Billing (433) on behalf of DFSN Systems (From what I can tell- the copy is very blurry). It appears to have the same disconnected 800-397-5781 number, as well as the same website. I just wanted to get it out there that this scam is hitting on "behalf" of other companies as well. My husband is going to call the bank here shortly and figure out what steps we need to take to correct this error.

Anonymous said...

Market billing actually replaced the money in my account. Try a complaint on their website, www.m-billingsupport.com
God is so good.

Anonymous said...

I just got charged 34.99 from this company. Had to close my checking account and open a new one.

Anonymous said...

I got charged for $34.99 same as everybody else here, except is was on behalf of ArtNet for a website subscription. When I complained by phone at the 1800-397-5761 they told me they would cancel my subscription and reimburse me within 3-5 business days which they did. I have NO idea how they got my banking information.

Anonymous said...

I too have been hit... although they must have changed it up a little because mine says Rhino Systems and it's for $29.95, but with this same web address and phone number. I am calling my bank in the morning and hopefully they will get it cleared up ASAP. Thank goodness for google!

Anonymous said...

GET A COPY OF YOUR CHECK....

I know the scammers said they are located outside the country... but they may not be. Check the back of your check draft. Check their depositing bank info on the back of your check. If their draft routing number is 104900349, it belongs to Cornerstone Bank located in York, Nebraska. The scammers' account numbers (0000-0000-7864657 & 0000-0000-6334802) changed within the last 3 months. Be sure to contact the Attorney General where the depositing bank is located.
The Nebraska Attorney General's number is 800-727-6432.

Different bank routing number can be found at American Bankers Association (ABA) website, or at the Federal Reserve Bank's website.

Good Luck!

Anonymous said...

Free Think Logic Scam
I got hit twice by the "on behalf company" m-billingsystems.com. I was ready to beat my sister-n-law's butt because I thought it was her doing this. I called the number for them and they told me the same thing - it will take 30 days to get my money back and they would take me off the list. I asked them where they were located and it is overseas in Europe! I told them I have already reported them to the BBB (Better Business Breau) and the Atty. General's Office. So you guys that got hit with this scam may also need to report them to the BBB and your Atty Generals Office of Consumer Affairs. After I got off the phone I went to my bank Capital One and they immediately reversed the charges and I closed my account. I am glad to here they some one else is getting hit so I wont have to go there with my sister-n-law, but it sucks big time that someone can be a pain in the ass! Good Luck to you guys and don't forget to report them. If you havn't closed out your accounts yet, it looks like they are doing this every 90 days so watch out for them. My adivse is to close out your account ASAP, it's a big inconvience but it will stop them from getting your money.

From New Orleans, LA

Anonymous said...

My wife got hit by the Free think logic scam. I called the number and asked politely asked them to remove the charge. It got a little heated when he told me i needed to get some information from my bank before he could do anything. I asked him if he was proud of what he does and who he works for and he hung up on me. I then called my bank and got ref# that he asked for then called back. I got someone different and politely asked to get the charges reversed. He said he would submit it, but because it was beyond 30 days he couldn't guarantee the reversal. It got alittle heaed again. I asked him if he was proud and he said "i guess". I asked him to clarify that he was saying yes, that he was proud , and he said, quietly "No, I am not". I asked what state the company operates from so could notify the attorney general's office. He said that the headquarters is in Cyprus. So i guess they are safe from prosecution. BTW, the charges were reversed, within 48 hours.

Anonymous said...

Listen to this. I got hit in December. Bank refunded the money. I closed that account and opened a new account. A brand new account that I have not used that account and routing number for on any website. They got my NEW account and hit it for $29.99. When this happened in December, the phone# on the check was bogus as was the web site. This time, the phone# on the check was good and the guy that answered the phone at Market Billing said he would refund the charge and put a stop on getting billed again. HOW DID THEY GET MY NEW BANK INFO?

ABChris said...

I just been hit with it also I've called the number but i got a woman and non of the other numbers work I don't even live in New York and they post the check

So now I have to go to the police and make a report. On this I've took the information her on this website with me. I always check my balance once I was hit 265.00 buck in over draff fees from Chase when my account had money in it...Chase sucks.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, all your momment have helped me greatly.

Anonymous said...

I was also hit by this scam at my Armed Forces Bank account. The Check was for Market Billing on behalf of Bremen Media. When I called Market Billing's 1800-397-5761 number I was told by a women that the charge was for an adult site and that the charge would be reversed. I contacted my bank who said they couldn't do anything which told me I really need to get a new bank. I then contacted Market Billing through their website as many people on here said by talking they didn't receive the refund but using the website they did. Next I contacted Capitol One about my credit card because the only two places on the web who have my bank account number is Paypal (who I have never had problems with before) and most recently when I used my account number to pay my Capitol One Credit card bill. Finally I contacted the FTC and reported Bremen Media, Market Billing, and a possible Security breach with capitol one since they are the possible ones that had my information get leaked. I recommend anyone who has a credit card pay their bill by money order or by mailing them a check, don't trust their so called security on their website.

Anonymous said...

I got hit yesterday for $24.99. And the only way I found it was during my monthly banking session on-line, to balance my checkbook, etc. It was for an Adult Web Site subscription (aghast!) Not only am I freaked out about this, but I am SO embarrassed that anyone might have seen that at my bank! I called the marketing company, the 800 number, and I talked to two different women which seemed helpful and said it would be credited to my account within 2 to 4 business days. That remains to be seen however. My bank said I can fill out an affadavit if the money isn't refunded and they will take care of it. I am LIVID. I feel like someone has broken into my house!

Anonymous said...

Same here. I checked my account online Saturday, 3/22. A echeck was presented for $29.99. When I called cs at my bank she said she couldn't really see the check because it was so blurry but she was able to give me a phone number on it and some of the info. The check was under my name with a bogus address and state other then mine. I went to my bank that monday and she gave me a hard time saying that I would have to fill out an affadavit before the bank would do anything. She at the bank called the 1800 number on the check and I was able to speak to a lady who said she was a third party billers on behalf of Tel-media(an internet subscription of some sort). She claimed that someone had access to my checking account infor and has made this purchase. She said they were located in New YOrk. She assured me that she would refund my account in 2-4 days and cancel my subscription. Today marks day number 5 and my account still has not been credited.

Anonymous said...

I got hit also with DFBN Systems through m-billingsupport on 3/17/08. Same ole $29.99 scam, bank will try to recover but will not refund. I might just change banks... They had my righ name and address and of course the routing and acct number.

Anonymous said...

3/18/08 got hit-$29.95

the name used is Deep Ocean Procedes
# used to call them 1(800)397-5761
line has been busy every time I call.

Anonymous said...

I had $29.95 taken twice 3 months apart. The bank only suggested that I change account #. This meant changing my online billings & direct deposit. Both charges were from Rino Systems & used my (at that time) boyfriend's name with an address that he claimed didn't know. I now also believe that it doesn’t exist.

Anonymous said...

I got hit for #34.99 on behalf of CCC Netowrk. Of course when you call the 800-397-5761 number they say they are only an answering service and to write to www.m-billingsupport.com to find out what this was for. It appears to be a FRAUD issue. Very frustrating as we will have to change our bank account # of 20+ years! How did they get this?

Unknown said...

me to they got me for 39.99 few days ago they claim to sending refund waiting till tues to change account #s I did report mbilling to ics complaint link goverment website these people are using mutipal #s & different names they said there home office is cyprus

elinion bldg 3rd floor
5 themistocles dervis st
nicosia cyprus 1066

but there call center is here in US it is same #'s that you are calling but they wont say what state there in & every # I tried to find for there home office leads back to them I get same persons all the time.

here link for first posting I found its like 40 pages of posts

http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-397-5761/40

Unknown said...

LETS GETS THESE PEOPLE ON NEWS i EMAILED ontherecord@foxnews.com i BET IF ALOT OF PEOPLE SEND ENOUGH EMAILS THEY MIGHT

Unknown said...

THERE USING WACHOVIA AS AN DEPOSITING BANK IN PHILA PA THERE NOT OUT OF COUNTRY i PLACED A CALL TO WACHOVIA ALL THEY SAID WAS HAVE YOUR BANK CALL

I AM REALLY UPSET ABOUT THIS BECAUSE MY BANK WILL ONLY TRY TO RECOVER FUNDS THEY WONT GO AFTER THEM.

i STILL THINK WE SHOULD GET MEDIA INVOLVED OR THEYLL KEEP DOING IT

Anonymous said...

they just got me earlier this week. i called the # on the electronic check - 1800-876-0930 and spoke with a customer service rep who legitimately told me that there was no one there who had any information but they'd refund my money in 2-5 business days. how aggrivating. i was charged under the guise of Pink Home Entertainment Customer Service (which when googled doesn't exist) i am going to change my bank information this week. how aggrivating!!

Anonymous said...

I work for a bank, and helped a customer with this same charge. When I called for my customer I was told that it was for an adult internet subscription. They stated that the subscr.would be canceled and the fee would be reversed in 7-10 business days. In the meantime I have reversed the charges for my customer and we will just get our money back when they give it to him. I don't think everyone here that wants to blame the bank for their charges realize how the financial world works. Banks (who do have human being employees like me who do go above and beyond for their customers) lose money everyday to return money that we NEVER get back. Whether it is because of the customer's irresponsibility with their acct info and/or debit cards OR simply they have fell victim to some sort of fraud. Which ever the reason the LAWS, not the bank, are the problem. It is not financially worth the money involved to fight $29.99 worth of charges individually. (which is what a bank would have to do.) The laws protect the merchants and credit card companies. And sometimes the consumer who know how to fight them. The answer is always "Just fill out an affidavit at your bank. They will give you your money back." And we do...and we almost NEVER get it back. So, on behalf of bankers everywhere...we hate these companies, too....and the laws they ride in on. Please keep fighting the scammers.

Anonymous said...

https://epay.propay.com/tutorial/fraud_alert_ACH.aspx

Please post here if this fraud affected you and you never had a ProPay account. If you think you don't have a ProPay account and this affected you, please call ProPay first and make sure you don't have an account with ProPay that uses your bank account which was fradulently debited.