A local West Michigan Company is getting calls from banks all over the country about a financial scam, and wants to warn consumers about it.In May 2012, the real Preferred Benefits in Grand Rapids notified the BBB that another company using the same name is contacting people nationwide claiming to have money owed to the consumers. The fake company then informs the consumer that they have their name, address, and in some cases, social security number. The fake company asks the consumer to confirm their bank account number. After doing so, the consumer's account is debited either $393 or $398. In some cases, the fake company has informed the consumer that they have recouped money lost from a previous scam, but instead of paying back, they take more!At this time, the BBB has been unable to identify the scammer’s address, but we have been informed of the phone number: 1-888-866-7006. The BBB searched this phone number and found that it is a mobile number from India. A BBB Investigator called the number provided by the scammer to one of the banks involved in the cash transfers. Amazingly, a man answered, and told the BBB that they are named Preferred Benefits, located in Hayward CA, but refused to provide an address or web address. He also stated the charges were for an identity theft protection plan. He claimed if there was a mistake, he would provide a refund, however, there appears to be no way to actually get that refund.Please note that the scam company is totally unrelated to the real Preferred Benefits Inc., in Grand Rapids, MI.As always, the BBB recommends NOT providing any personal identifying information to any company with which you are not familiar. If an offer seems convincing, obtain the company's complete name, address and phone number and contact the BBB to check out the company BEFORE providing or confirming any information. In addition, if you have been a victim of a scam, please don’t keep it a secret. Notify the police and the BBB.
