Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Ventura County Star's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

close

Find a Location

Ventura County Star has 2 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

BBB accredited

Near

Country

USUnited States

Please enter a valid location.

Filter

• 

  Ventura County Star

  771 E Daily Dr Ste 300 Camarillo, CA 93010-0781

• 

  Ventura County Star

  550 Camarillo Center Dr Camarillo, CA 93010-7700

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/04/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have a 3 month subscription to Ventura County Star newspaper with Sunday delivery. Twice in the past month the Sunday paper was not delivered. The first one was either Nov. 3rd or Nov. 10th 2024 when the Sunday paper was not delivered. I called the Star that Sunday morning and they said they'd have the paper delivered later that day. Didn't happen so I called back the next day Monday again no Sunday paper. I called again Tuesday, no paper. Finally on Wednesday I received the Sunday paper. The 2nd time was Sunday Dec 1st, 2024. The Ventura County was not delivered on Dec. 1, 2024 so I called them and they said the paper would be delivered by 12:00 noon Sunday Dec. 1, 2024 but it never came. I called Ventura County Star at 12:05 pm Sunday but they were already closed. I called again this morning Dec, 2, 2024 and spoke to 2 supervisors. They said they had no more Sunday Dec. 1, 2024 newspapers. They said they would extend my subscription for a month more. I said I wanted to cancel and they gave me Feb. 2, 2025 as the cancellation date. What I wanted was to stop the newspaper and get reimbursed. Ventura County Star said they "Don't Process Refunds!".

  Business Response

  Date: 12/11/2024

  The Ventura County Star regrets this customer's poor experience.  We spoke with them and are processing their cancellation and refund request.  We provided the customer with our direct contact information in case further assistance is required.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/10/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I had a promotional Ventura County Star subscription that was charged as $.99 for the first year beginning in May 2022. I canceled it within the first six months by October 2022. Ventura County Star has charged my the following amounts on this cancelled subscription: 5/31/2024: $48.96 5/31/2023: $29.00 5/27/2023: $29.00 Ventura County Star does not have a customer service email address. I entered into a live chat and was told that there were two accounts that had my unique password, one under ************@yahoo.com and another under ************[email protected]. My email address is ************[email protected], yet there was an account under ************@yahoo.com with the same password. When I canceled the account by telephone, the customer service representative must have canceled the ************@yahoo.com account. This was not my account and my credit card was not attached to this account. The customer service representative canceled the wrong account while the account I had intended to cancel remained active, and I was still being charged for it without any notification of renewal by Ventura County Star. The online representative I chatted with was unhelpful in resolving this issue and refused to consider the circumstances for issuing a refund. I I have attached a screenshot of the account status of the ************@yahoo.com account that I had previously cancelled in October 2022.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/10/2024

  The Ventura County Star regrets this customer's poor experience.  We are issuing the requested refunds.  We left a voicemail for the customer informing them of the pending refunds and providing direct contact information in case further assistance is required.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/12/2024

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 21818770, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Regards,
  
  A***** ******
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/26/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Between 01-01-23 and 02-25-24 my Mother was charged $209.72 for a monthly subscription that was supposed to include daily paper delivery service. She only received 2 papers delivered to the house during this time. When she called to report/complain (March 2023, September 2023) she was credited the next month's charge. She was charged for all months except April, October, and November. She was told they were having trouble finding someone to deliver in her area, but they continued to bill her on auto pay. She has now moved out of state and has canceled her subscription as of March 01, 2024. When I called in to resolve this Anna sent me to Jack. Both told me their policy is "No Refunds". My Mom's Credit Card company is pursuing refunds for this same issue. The resolution needs to be $207.72 refunded to my Mother ($209.72 minus $1.00 for each paper she received). The 2 attachments show the resolution request she submitted through the Credit Card company and the most recent monthly charge for 02-01-2023.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/29/2024

  The Ventura County Star regrets this customer's poor experience.  We are issuing the requested refund to the card on file.  We spoke with the customer, informed them of the pending refund and provided direct contact information in case further assistance is required.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/30/2023

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On Aug. 21, 2022, I paid $53.28 for 12 months Sun. delivery. On Aug. 15, 2023, I renewed the subscription for $56.03 for 12 months Sun. delivery. Upon renewal, the newspaper stopped being delivered. Getting through on the phone for non-delivery was impossible as the system simply hung up. Prior to Oct. 20, 2023 I called to put in a vacation stop, and informed them the paper had not been delivered since renewal. Newspapers were not delivered after the vacation stop. On Nov. 22, I cancelled the subscription & requested reimbursement of $56.03. On Nov. 29, I was credited $37.84. On Nov. 30, I called to ask what happened to the additional $18.19. I communicated with a supervisor through customer service. I was given various excuses (e.g., there was a balance due; the papers had been delivered; I could have used their on-line service). Finally, I was told to dispute it with my credit card company (everyone knows you must do this within 60 days), so it was meant as a sarcastic comment.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/06/2023

  The Ventura County Star regrets this customer's poor experience.  We've submitted a refund adjustment for the requested amount, which will be returned to the customer's card within the next few business days.  We spoke with the customer, informed them of the pending refund, and provided direct contact information in case further assistance is required.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/20/2023

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  It’s been a month and couple weeks and I pay for the vcstar subscription every month. I haven’t not received no newspaper delivery !

  Business Response

  Date: 09/20/2023

  The Ventura County Star regrets the frustration experienced by this subscriber.  We've escalated this matter to our distribution management team for review and correction.  We spoke with the customer, apologized for the poor experience and provided a courtesy credit and direct contact information in case further assistance is required.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/14/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  October 2022 - Last October I contacted you concerning the renewal of the VC Star newspaper. I thought it was settled after receiving a new bill of $226.09 which I paid on Feb. 9, 2023. I was told this would be good from 3-13-23 -- 3-13-24 and put that on the check. They cashed my check in Feb. 2023 for this amount. I recently received a bill owing $378.35 and due on Sept. 15, 2023, so called them. After speaking with 3 different people, I am now told, what I paid in Feb. 2023 was only good until October 2023. This makes no sense to me, they told me they were giving me credit for all the missing newspapers and vacation holds, etc. and I was good until March 13, 2024 and now this! Needless to say, I am not happy, had I known this, I would have not renewed the paper with them. As far as I am concerned, they owe me money if they drop our delivery service in October. M******** the last person I spoke with today reduced the cost to $350, but still due in October to continue with the paper. As I review my delivery and history of payments on line, they don't seem to know what they are doing. I ask today, where on my account on-line does it show I am only good until October...she said, they don't show that, only what you pay. Not a happy person right now, especially since I just did all of this in February.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/14/2023

  The Ventura County Star regrets the frustration experienced by this customer.  We have spoken with the customer and resolved the billing discrepancies. We will credit the account to not only cover her original paid through date, but for the missed deliveries and vacation holds as well. The customers new paid through date will be 6/30/2024. We have provided direct contact information in case further assistance is required.
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/21/2023

  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 20597557, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  I did receive an email from them confirming our paper is good until June 30, 2024.  Thank you for your help.
  
  Regards,
  
  K**** & C**** ****
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/14/2022

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I subscribed to the Ventura Star for 365 to be delivered to my home on October 31, 2021. Then received a letter stating no Saturday paper to be delivered starting March 19, 2022. After numerous telephone calls I've been told, I can read the e-edition, my husband and I don't read the paper via a computer, that is why I paid for it to be delivered to my home. In March 2021, we started getting a lot more missed papers as well, so I had to call and complain, no paper. They once again said, I could read the e-edition...what part of this don't you understand I ask them. I paid for it to be delivered to me 365 days. I have placed several vacation holds as well during the year. My subscription now renews on Nov. 1, 2022 and I have called, went to the local office and get nowhere. This morning when I went to *** ***** #300, Camarillo, CA the doors were locked, so I knocked, I got no place. I chatted a few days ago and printed it all out but go nowhere. So, I have 33 no Saturday papers, 15 missed papers and 14 days of vacation hold papers, a total of 62 papers that I should get credit for. Since it renews and I just got my new bill for $527.93, I'd like my 62 days of credit given to me before I pay anything, if I pay at all. Last year I paid $280 and now it's $527.93 and get terrible service. By the way, on June 17, 2022 I mailed a letter to Gannette Corp, McLean, Virgina and a copy to *** ***** Dr. #300, Camarillo, Attn: Chris Bowman, Managing Editior.....I have heard nothing from either of them. No letters have been returned to me by the PO either. It's apparent to me reading the Yelp Complains that they won't be in business to much longer. I'd just like to get the credit owed to me and for what I paid for this past year. I think this is only fair, but apparently Gannette Corp. & the Ventura Star doesn't think so. Thank you

  Business Response

  Date: 10/26/2022

  The Ventura Star regrets the frustration experienced by this customer. We have adjusted the customer’s bill to reflect the difference in cost with no Saturday Edition. The customer’s account will now be paid through January 24th 2023. We have lowered the customer’s rate for the 2023 year.  The customer has been provided with our contact information in case further assistance is required.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/27/2022

  
  
  Yes, I am happy with the results at this point.  They have extended my newspaper until Jan. 24, 2023.  Terri who called me also gave me the annual fee of $280 for the renewal on Jan. 24, 2023 for 6 days a week delivery service.  This of course is not counting any missed papers between now and the 24th of January.  She did provide me with her telephone number in case of a problem.  She assured me I'd get a new annual billing in December that would extend my delivery service until Jan. 24, 2024.

   Thank you for your help.  I did receive a call from Teri concerning our newspaper service delivery and renewal.  She has credited the account and extended the paper until Jan. 24, 2023 for us.  A new renewal notice will be mailed to us in December at the rate of $280 for the annual fee.  This is for 6 days a week delivery to our home.  Teri also provided me with her direct telephone number in case I have a problem.  Hopefully it will all work out, and yes, I am happy with my results.

  
  Better Business Bureau

   

  Better Business Bureau