Chicago Sun-Times - All | West Ridge business accused of bilking millions from unsuspecting customers in nationwide scam by Mariah Rush
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Premium Home Service, a West Ridge‑based company run by 34‑year‑old founder Yosef Banath, has been sued by the Federal Trade Commission and the Illinois Attorney General for operating a massive nationwide fraud that siphoned tens of millions of dollars from more than 100,000 consumers. The lawsuit alleges Banath created over 15,000 fictitious business listings—complete with false addresses, phone numbers, five‑star reviews (often fabricated by him, employees, or relatives) and “same‑day” service promises—for services such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical repairs. When consumers called the listed numbers, calls were routed to offshore call centers that scheduled appointments, charged service fees or memberships, and then either failed to send qualified technicians or sent unlicensed workers who left jobs unfinished, sometimes causing damage. Victims were left to hire other contractors to complete or correct the work, often at additional cost. The complaint notes the fake businesses were tied to unrelated locations (e.g., a historic fountain, a wine bar, an Arby’s) and that similar scams were reported in other states. Authorities assert the scheme relied on deceptive online reviews and bogus company profiles to lure desperate homeowners, and they are seeking to hold Banath and Premium Home Service accountable for violating consumer‑protection laws.
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https://chicago.suntimes.com/consumer-affairs/2026/05/15/west-ridge-premium-home-service-banath-millions-customers-nationwide-scam
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