Preferred Client Services, Global Vacation Network, Dudley Media Group

From the Better Business Bureau

BBB Serving Western Michigan is alerting consumers about the business practices of Preferred Client Services and associated companies. All have F-ratings with the Better Business Bureau.

Thousands of consumers report they are receiving offers in the mail for a free Android tablet if they participate in a marketing study.

In the past 12 months, 28,000 consumers have inquired about Preferred Client Services on the local BBB website, and some have filed complaints. Preferred Client Services lists their address as being located on Sparks Drive in Southeast Grand Rapids.

In this case, the consumer complaints listed on the BBB site for Preferred Client Services, Global Vacation Network, and Dudley Media Group help paint a more complete picture of these organizations. Read several complaint excerpts below:

Preferred Client Services:

“I received a letter promising an android tablet if I participated in a market study/promotion. When I called there is no android but avacation ad received a letter promising an android tablet if I participated in a market study/promotion. When I called their is no android but vacation ad. This is false advertising, bait and switch. F Rating by BBB and prior news casts supporting. Very immoral, dishonest company and all that work for it represent this behavior.”

Global Vacation Travel:

“Received deceptive, official-looking letter offering a free Android tablet computer, when in fact, it is an attempt to lure me into purchasing a vacation package. The letter Reads: “Once you have received and tested your Android tablet, we ask that you compete the brief survey that we have enclosed and return it to us. Whether you complete the survey or not, the Android tablet is yours to keep.” Letter signed by Stephanie ******* coordinator of Product Research of Preferred Access Network. The survey sheet is included in the letter; the tablet isn’t. A toll-free number must be called and the code# is given.”

Dudley Media Group:

“Misleading advertising being sent through the US Postal System.

I have copies of the advertisements that were mailed on two separate occasions. The company is the front man for a Vacation company operating in Florida. The first advertisement was made to look like a survey that all you needed to do was review a Tablet that they would ship to you for free and you get to keep the tablet for participating in the survey. The second one I received was made to look like a US Postal Parcel Pick Up notice. When you call the number it’s a Vacations company that gives you a 10 minute pitch and then asks your household income. If you are under 40K you aren’t qualified and they tell you another number to call to schedule a pickup of an Android Tablet a month away in Palm Harbor which is over an hour away from where I live. The first advertisement I received that was made to look like a survey said they would ship the tablet to me. After multiple phone calls and emails to the company they insisted I could only pick up the tablet and they no longer shipped them. I have saved both mailings and would like to provide a copy of them.”