Our Lawyers Help Merchants Nationwide Get Off of the TMF and MATCH Lists

If your business has been placed on the Terminated Merchant File (TMF) or Merchant Alert To Control High-Risk (MATCH) list, getting off of the list should be one of your top priorities. Being on the TMF or MATCH list has several negative consequences, not the least of which is finding it difficult—if not impossible—to identify a payment processor that will work with your business.

Once your business is on the TMF or MATCH list, your business will stay on the list for five years, unless you are able to successfully navigate the removal process. At Tamou Law Group, we have significant experience helping clients successfully file for removal. We can evaluate your business’s processing history to determine why it was placed on the list, and then we can work with the listing entity to get your business back in good standing.

How We Help Businesses with TMF and MATCH List Removal

Getting off of the TMF or MATCH list is not easy. It is a multi-step process, and mistakes at any step along the way can lead to failure. As a result, while merchants have the option of trying to deal with Mastercard, Visa, and the other listing entities on their own, we generally recommend against this approach. When merchants engage our firm for TMF or MATCH list removal, our representation typically involves:

  • Determining the Reason for TMF or MATCH Listing – Before we can begin the process of getting your business off of the TMF or MATCH list, we first need to determine why your business is listed. There are several possible reasons, ranging from excessive chargebacks to suspected money laundering or fraud. Violating payment processors’ rules, PCI-DSS non-compliance, and data security breaches are common reasons as well—along with various other transactions, circumstances, and events.
  • Developing a Corrective Action Plan – Once we know why your business has been placed on the list, we can then develop a corrective action plan. In order to get off of the list, you will need to be able to demonstrate that your business has taken appropriate steps to remedy the issue (or issues) that led to its listing.
  • Following the Listing Entity’s Rules and Procedures – To seek removal, merchants must follow the listing entity’s published rules and procedures. Our lawyers have decades of experience navigating this process on behalf of merchants nationwide.
  • Communicating with the Listing Entity’s Lawyers – In addition to submitting a written request for removal, we will communicate with the listing entity’s lawyers as necessary. Oftentimes, this direct communication proves critical to achieving a favorable result.
  • Confirming TMF or MATCH Listing Removal – At the end of the process, we will obtain written confirmation that your business has been removed from the TMF or MATCH list. This will allow your business to restore its payment processing operations.

Speak with a Lawyer about Terminated Merchant File List Removal

Do you need to get your business off of the TMF or MATCH list? If so, we can help. To get started, please call 602-618-1385 or contact us online today.