Pro Safe Secure, a company that claims to provide identity theft protection services, has landed on BCA's scam watch list, ironically for allegations of theft. Consumers
have reported numerous accounts of unauthorized charges from this company and difficulty getting refunds.
One consumer who filed a
complaint with BCA alleges F-rated Pro Safe Secure obtained $329.00 from their account without authorization. Prior to filing a complaint with BCA, the consumer contacted the company to question the transaction and request a refund. At the time, Pro Safe
Secure promised a refund, but it never came. The consumer further alleges that when they questioned how Pro Safe Secure got their banking information, the representative vaguely alluded that they have a way to get anyone’s information. Fortunately for this
consumer, through the mediation efforts of BCA, a refund was issued.
Many consumers who are hit with unauthorized charges to their accounts have no idea who Pro Safe Secure is or how they are able to get their banking information. The charges originate from remotely created checks (RCC), a form of payment similar to a traditional
check, but instead it is created by the payee and does not require the account holder’s signature. RCC’s are not monitored as closely as other types of payment alternatives and have become an attractive payment mechanism for merchants engaged in unauthorized
debiting of consumer accounts.
It’s interesting to note, when searching Pro Safe Secure’s phone number of (800) 276-1562, that the website locatemysaving.com shows up with Pro Safe Secure’s same address in Mt. Prospect, IL. The
website claims to offer digital coupons to consumers and asks for a credit card number and expiration date to register. This may very well be one method the company uses to obtain banking information.
BCA warns consumers to keep a close watch on their accounts and report unauthorized or suspicious activity right away. The following tips can help you protect your account and offers help to those who have been victimized by unauthorized charges:
1. Never give your account number and bank routing information to anyone you don't know. Only provide your account information for transactions if you are familiar with the company you are dealing with. If you have not done business with a company before,
give out account information only if you have initiated the transaction and after you have researched the company.
2. Review your monthly statements carefully and make sure the transactions showing up are ones you authorized. If you see a transaction you did not authorize, notify your bank immediately. If your bank has online banking, you can check your transactions
at any time.
3. Notify your bank about any problems immediately. The sooner you alert your bank to a problem, the sooner they can get it resolved. In some cases, your bank may require you to notify them in writing. Keep copies of any documents you give the bank until
the problem is resolved. If you think the problem is a result of fraud,
file a complaint with BCA.
BCA offers a resource guide on
Identity Theft and tips for protecting yourself. Check out this guide and our helpful blogs for more useful information and trending consumer topics.
Articles of Interest:
BCA Scam Watch: eCyclebest
IRS Application Hacked: Thousands of Taxpayers' Information Exposed
About Business Consumer Alliance:
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit company that started in 1936. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self-regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint
information, along with other relevant information such as customer reviews, to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is
to defraud the marketplace. BCA also helps businesses promote themselves by providing services and tools to protect their business and reach out to their customers. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization
and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.