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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."

A customer service representative with MarBill has advised the BBB that consumers who notice unauthorized charges drafted by MarBill should contact MarBill immediately and it will work with them to issue a refund and to ensure that the charges do not recur.

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 e-mailing support@m-billingsupport.com or by calling 800-397-5761. This company is headquartered in the Republic of Cyprus.

The BBB offers advice to assist consumers to help them avoid scams such as these:

Check your bank statement regularly and thoroughly; the law grants consumers only a certain number of days to dispute a charge.

Never place outgoing bill payments in an unsecured mailbox (thieves are adept at taking the envelopes, steaming them open, copying important information and stealing personal information such as bank account numbers).

Never give personal financial information to anyone until you have checked with the BBB at www.bbb.org.

Kay Robinson is president of the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas, serving 19 East Texas counties. To contact the BBB in Tyler, call 903-581-5704, and in Longview, call 903-757-3611 or 800-443-0131, or visit the Web site at www.easttexas.bbb.org. The organization can be e-mailed at info@tyler.bbb.org.