Complaints

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:01/10/2025

  Type:Product 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 engaged the services of the Law Firm of Higbee & Associates based on their promise of a money-back guarantee after being assured through their intake process that I was eligible for early termination of my *** offender registration in ******. However, after five months of waiting, the only update I received was that my case was perpetually "waiting for attorney review." This lack of progress was particularly frustrating given the initial assurance of my eligibility, which prompted my decision to proceed and pay in full for their services.On December 11, 2024, attorney **** ***** finally reviewed my case and declared me ineligible to petition the court for early termination until September 3, 2025, citing that I needed to register for 10 years since my registration began on September 3, 2015. This determination was particularly baffling because no mention was made of my additional registration in **** since August 8, 2013, which would have fulfilled the ten-year registration requirementone of the key questions asked during the intake process. It's also noteworthy that **** ***** is not licensed to practice in ******, which raises concerns about the validity of his advice for a Nevada-specific legal matter, although I'm unsure if this directly impacts the legal advice given.Despite my repeated attempts to seek clarity and resolution, my case remained unresolved, with the last communication from the firm stating that my refund request was under review and someone would contact me "soon." However, over 15 days have passed since this last contact, and I've received no further updates or the promised refund. This delay is consistent with my experience throughout this process, where I've been stuck in various waiting queues without substantial progress.Given this, I've canceled with Higbee & Associates, expecting a refund aligned with legal ethics, especially concerning refunds for unfulfilled services timely communication and returning unearned fees.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/28/2024

  Type:Billing 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.

  We had two credit cards we couldn't afford to pay the bill that was because of the high fee. Close to $400/$500 drafted from our account monthly we couldn't afford. We found this company and they told us that they could combined both cards and settled to have a lesser fee paid on our behalf. We've been talking to these people for over a year and a half. We signed documents and were assured that they would take care of everything. We were told we wouldn't have to deal with the courts or any other additional fees. All the documents attached are documents that are on my account dashboard and they confirm that there was supposed to be a settlement outside of court and that they would take care of the debt with **************** and ******** and we will continue to pay them They have drafted and increase of $248 from my account back in August of 2024 and then said the further payments would be $231. $2,789.93 total has been taken.Going online to the civil cases in my area I see that they lost to ***** Fargo proceeded with the case and found me at fault and now I still have to pay back ****************. That was not the understanding they gave me I talked to people I requested to speak to a supervisor no one called me back. I can't get in touch with any of the people that talk to me thus far. A lady named **** or ****** who started this process with me no one is calling me back. They're telling me now to sign this document I don't feel comfortable signing the document of Court consent because it looks like I'm at fault when we went through the proper steps and things are supposed to take me taken care of. I have emails stating that there was no further action needed on our part and they even told us not to go to the court case. Had we known this outcome we would have showed up and argued our case and show these documents showing that they told us that things were settled and no further action was needed on our behalf. I'm truly heartbroken that a business could misled us this bad.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/11/2024

  We are working with the creditor to address Ms. ****** concerns.  We will post an update on this soon.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/22/2024

  Type:Service or Repair 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 engaged **************, which is a division of Higbee and Associates, to get an arrest removed. They were not able to help but still charged me for the online removal service. However, instead of getting my information removed from these sites, which wasn't present to begin with, they sent my information to these sites. That's a huge violation of privacy because these sites are "data brokers" that sell personal information. I use a service called ************* to scan my information on the dark web, and all of the sites my information was supposed to get removed from, it was added!! So engaging this company to remove data did literally the exact opposite. I want to make myself very clear. REMOVE ALL MY DATA FROM THESE BROKER SITES AND FROM ALL YOUR INTERNAL SYSTEMS ASAP.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/16/2025

  Dear Mr. *************************** you for sharing your concerns. We regret to hear that you are dissatisfied with the services provided by **************, a division of Higbee & Associates. We would like to take this opportunity to address your concerns and clarify the services rendered.
   
  Firstly, regarding the removal of your arrest record from judicial and government records, we would like to reiterate that this was not possible because you did not meet the statutory criteria for removal. This limitation was explained to you during the process. We strive to set clear expectations with our clients and provide transparency about the legal and procedural requirements necessary to achieve specific outcomes.
   
  With respect to the online database removal service, we performed the service as agreed. It is important to clarify that our removal process does not involve providing your information to online databases. Instead, we search for your information in these databases, and if it is present, we work to have it removed. Our service focuses on removing information from 50 of the most prominent online data broker sites.
   
  We do not engage with or claim to interact with the dark web, nor do we advertise services related to it. Data brokers, unfortunately, operate independently and may continually reacquire and republish personal information from various sources, which can cause previously removed information to reappear. This is an inherent challenge in the data broker ecosystem and outside of our direct control.
   
  While we do our best to provide a comprehensive service, it is not possible to guarantee complete removal from every data broker or database on the internet, nor can we ensure that your information will not reappear in the future.
   
  If you can provide specific examples of your information reappearing on one of the 50 sites covered under our service, we will gladly work to have it removed again in accordance with our terms. We value your privacy and are committed to assisting you within the scope of our services.
   
  Please feel free to contact us directly with any further questions or concerns. We are here to help.
   
  Sincerely,
  Customer Support Team
  ************** / ********************** & ******************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/09/2024

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  This law firm claims to represent owner's of publicly disseminated photos on the internet and then harasses people who have innocently uses those photos.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/10/2024

  We are hired by photographers, our clients, to pursue copyright infringers who steal our clients photos and images. Unfortunately, many people steal our clients images without paying the licensing fees and our clients will then request that we initiate legal proceedings against them to collect the unpaid licensing fees. When we pursue the claims, some people become upset and leave bad reviews or complaints both here and on other platforms (like Yelp, ***************** etc.).

  This has happened before with other copyright infringers and the BBB has always removed the complaints entirely for violating BBB terms of service, namely that it is not a marketplace issue, it does not relate to an experience with the services or products we provide. In other words, a Client is more than welcome to complain about our copyright services on the BBB, but a copyright infringer cannot because of the BBB guidelines. The user who posted this ******************** complaint, *************************, has never been a client or customer of ********************** & ******************. We believe the complaint, if posted on the BBB, is likely wrongful and may even rise to the level of extortion in which he is trying to get us to drop a lawsuit or legal claim for our client by using your service as leverage.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/01/2024

  Type:Product 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.

  Paramount Law partnering with ***** represent themselves as a debt settlement company that will settle your debt for under 50% of the original amount. The contract also includes representation for legal issues with the debtors. I have faithfully paid my monthly installment for 14 months. I have 1 card settled and I have had no movement from or communication from Paramount Law for the 4 other debts. After the 1st settlement I demanded that a second settlement happen within the following month. I was told that by April 30th they should be close to a settlement with Discover. I was told that it was going to be settled by the end of May. I have asked to talk to the negotiation team or the legal team numerous times. On August 1st, Discover filed in civil court a claim for the debt. I emailed them to Paramount that same day. I did not receive confirmation until the following week. This was from a support specialist who didn't even know what he was doing. I never heard from the legal team nor was I asked to do anything. On August 23rd I received a judgement from the county court for the full amount plus interest starting 8/21. I immediately sent this to Paramount Law. I then called them to make sure that they had received it and that they understood what it meant. I kept getting told that there was a settlement. I explained to the person I was talking to (Gabbie) that it didn't matter that there was a settlement because the court ruled in favor of Discover Card because I didn't show up in court. I had Paramount Law to do this for me supposedly. I guess I don't. I received this settlement email from ******* at Paramount Law. According to the courts the settlement isn't valid. I have been getting lied to and the run around on multiple occasions and everytime I contact them I get "this is supposed to this happens some times" This is not what they represent to the customer when you sign the contract.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/03/2024

  *********-

  I am sorry to hear about your frustration.  I will follow this up with an email to you directly.  I or attorney ******* *******, the attorney assigned to you, will contact you tomorrow (Tuesday).

  -Mat  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 09/03/2024

  Emailing me directly has not addressed the complaint at all.  I have yet to hear from any Attorneys. There is no resolution or effort to resolve.  Instead, I have received a text to settle the Discover Card with no information on what happened.  I also received a 2nd lawsuit and a call by the support team that has no clue.  If they would actually listen and read what is sent to them they wouldn't have to contact me and cause health issues. 

  Business Response

  Date: 01/28/2025

  Hello ******,
  
   
  
  We are writing in response to the complaint submitted regarding the debt collection lawsuit filed against you by debtor Discover. 
  
   
  
  Due to administrative error, the answer deadline was missed resulting in the entry of default judgment on August 21, 2024.  We took the corrective action of filing a motion to set aside the entry of judgment on September 9, 2024 and a hearing was scheduled. On October 2, 2024, prior to the scheduled hearing, we successfully negotiated a settlement Discover so hearing was taken off calendar. On October 2, 2024, we verbally communicated to you that we would waive our earned settlement fee and provide the funds to pay the balance agreed to with Discover as courtesy to you and to fully resolve the issue of the entry of default judgment. We confirmed this in writing on October 15, 2024. 
  
   
  
  Despite repeated requests,  Discovers legal counsel has failed to produce the formal settlement agreement. Nonetheless,  we will be covering all payments towards the settlement of your case with ************** There is no amount in dispute because the settlement will be paid in full by Paramount Law.
  
   
  
  If there are any additional concerns or questions regarding this matter, we encourage you to reach out to us at **************** so we can assist further. We remain committed to resolving concerns and providing excellent service. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this matter. 
  
   
  
  Sincerely, 
  
   
  
  ****** *. Higbee

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/12/2024

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  The business is Harassing me for something that is clearly not my fault. I want them to leave me alone. They are trying to extort me and scare me online with legal action for my educational blog in 2018.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2024

  We are hired by photographers, our clients, to pursue copyright infringers who use our clients's photos and images without a license or authorization. In the case of this complainant, we represent Agence France-Presse. Unfortunately, many people use our clients images without paying the licensing fees and Agence France-Presse will then request that we initiate legal proceedings against them to collect the unpaid licensing fees. When we pursue the claims, some people become upset and leave bad reviews or complaints both here and on other platforms (like *********************** etc.).
  
  This complaint baseless and it is from an opposing party in a legal matter, not from a client of the law firm or a user of its services.  ******************** needs to contact an attorney to represent her in this copyright infringement matter.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/11/2024

  Type:Order 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.

  We started receiving threating emails from Law Firm of Higbee & Associates ( ******************************************************* )********************************************************************************** ************* ************** - Direct ************** - Fax: ************** In May of 2024. They allege that we used copyrighted images that are in the public domain. We engaged them to learn more in June of 2024. We quickly learned that they are an extortion law firm, and as we read reviews and complaints here, we discovered they are notorious for these practices and demand between $1,250 and $1,650 per claim. They will not answer questions concerning the fact the images show no waning of copyright violations or the public entities that publish these images. Our initial response was as requested, and we immediately removed these images from our site. They then became very aggressive and use these tactics to impact companies business credit and reputation. If your organization is getting the same complaints, that suggest a real predatory Law firm is operating in your jurisdiction. We noticed there boiler plate responses such as this is an opposing party to litigation, or we represent clients and photographers etc. No they are scrubbing the internet for images then sharing the images across multiple platforms to create a false claim of damages.We are filing our initial complaint here and have every intention of contacting the Attorney General both at the State and Federal level to get relief from a Law firm that peddles in extortion. If consumers provide details on images being questioned and this Law firm does not take action with the publishers of said images, then turns around and goes after consumers that have no idea nor warning of copyrights claimed they are operating as the criminals.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2024

  We are hired by photographers, our clients, to pursue copyright infringers who use our clients photos and images without a license or authorization. In the case of this complainant, we represent three separate clients/copyright holders ********************************** and *********** and Agence France-Presse. Unfortunately, many people use our clients images without paying the licensing fees and our clients will then request that we initiate legal proceedings against them to collect the unpaid licensing fees. When we pursue the claims, some people become upset and leave bad reviews or complaints both here and on other platforms (like Yelp, ***************** etc.).
  This has happened before with other copyright infringers and the BBB has always removed the complaints entirely for violating BBB terms of service, namely that it is not a marketplace issue, it does not relate to an experience with the services or products we provide. In other words, a Client is more than welcome to complain about our copyright services on the BBB, but a copyright infringer cannot because of the BBB guidelines. The user who posted this ******************** complaint, ***************************** of Fourth Dimension Technologies, ***** has never been a client or customer of ********************** & ******************. We believe the complaint, if posted on the BBB, is likely wrongful and may even rise to the level of extortion in which he is trying to get us to drop a lawsuit or legal claim for our client by using your service as leverage.
  

  ******************** needs to contact an attorney to represent him in these three copyright infringement matters.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/14/2024

  I find it interesting that this firm starts off with their basic boiler plate response as they have several pages of complaints from unsuspecting businesses, and consumers. Then they pivot to what the rules of the BBB is and how you are not allowed to even process or consider the complaint. They then go further my stating I am a party to litigation, another mis-representation, and that I am seeking to extort them though to this point I have requested no financial damages. Lastly, they advise me our what I need to do  in terms of legal consul. My complaint clearly spells out that they are seeking to extort me and my company on false copyright claims for images that are in the public domain, with no copyright markings or warning that were accessed freely via an internet search engine.

  They have not once went after the search engine itself who publishes the images, as they obviously do not have the bandwidth to successfully litigate such an organization. Rather they spend their time and energy going after small businesses and suing for $1,000-$2,000 per claim. We removed any images that could be considered unlicensed property from our site, and did not at any time knowing steal and images, which this predatory law firm has accused us of with their very unprofessional response here. We are not seeking to extort this firm in any way but we seeking to stop the extortion, threats and intimidating practices they are employing to further. Again if there is abuse of images on well known search engines and this firm has been made aware of such search engines it seems that is where they should start. No, they will not do that, as it may actually solve the problem if they could litigate them, but it would also end their cash cow.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/15/2024

  This is not a customer or client of ours.  The person is an opposing party to one of our clients.  There is nothing we can do to accommodate this person, such decisions belong to our client.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/17/2024

  This Law firm is correct that I am not a customer or client of this firm. I am not an opposing party to any litigation regarding this firm. as they would want you to believe. I am a small business owner that has no interest in becoming a victim of what appears to be a predatory law firm, that uses threats, intimidation, and bombastic language to squeeze unsuspecting small business of much needed funds to run our businesses.

  Again, there is a long list of complaints concerning this firm spanning several pages, many referring to the same tactics. If their clients have a legitimate concern, they should start with the source that we provided, meaning the search engine companies.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/14/2024

  Type:Product 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.

  The Law Firm of Higbee & Associates APC has sent us threatening letters claiming copyright infringement on our website. Repeated requests to identify the image that has initiated the action has been gone unanswered, only to be followed by repeated the threat itself.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/14/2024

  We are hired by photographers, our clients, to pursue copyright infringers who steal our clients photos and images. In the case of this complainant, we represent ************ and ********** Unfortunately, many people steal our clients images without paying the licensing fees and ************ and ********** will then request that we initiate legal proceedings against them to collect the unpaid licensing fees. When we pursue the claims, some people become upset and leave bad reviews or complaints both here and on other platforms (like *********************** etc.)

  This complaint baseless and it is from an opposing party in a legal matter, not from a client of the law firm or a user of its services. There is no way for the law firm to issue an exchange or refund. ******************** needs to contact an attorney to represent him.

   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/23/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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 received several notices from Higbee & Associates regarding what they describe as "unlicensed and unauthorized use of the copyrighted material owned by our client Agence France-Presse." I am the single owner and operator of the website Women Mind the Water dot com. This is an informational only site, no business is conducted on this site. All information shared on this site is either belongs to me, has been shared by guests on my podcast, or gotten from the Internet from sites that share their contact in a public way. Upon first receiving the email, the two images referenced were taken down; however, I continue to receive their threatening emails. I see on various places across the Internet that these demands are classifiable as scam or trolling. Higbee & Associates claim that they are "a national law firm with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau." I see on your website that you've had complaints about Higbee & Associates for similar reasons. I want Higbee & Associates to cease and desist in their emails. I have done what was asked and do not knowingly wish to infringe on copyright material or benefit financially from the use of images. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss the resolution of this claim. If you would rather resolve this immediately and without contacting us, please feel free to log on to our secure online resolution center in order to make a payment. Further information and supporting documents are available in the resolution center as well.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/01/2024

  This is an opposing party in a legal matter.  I encourage her to email directly so that I can verify the information she has provided and forward it to my clients for consideration.  Thank you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/01/2024

  I received a formulaic response that suggested they had not read my complaint and offered no recognition of my complaint nor a solution. 

  Business Response

  Date: 06/06/2024

  We are hired by photographers, our clients, to pursue copyright infringers who steal our clients photos and images. In the case of this complainant, we represent three separate copyright holders for three copyright infringement claims. Unfortunately, many people steal our clients images without paying the licensing fees and our clients will then request that we initiate legal proceedings against them to collect the unpaid licensing fees. When we pursue the claims, some people become upset and leave bad reviews or complaints both here and on other platforms (like *********************** etc.).
  

  This has happened before with other copyright infringers and the BBB has always removed the complaints entirely for violating BBB terms of service, namely that it is not a marketplace issue, it does not relate to an experience with the services or products we provide. In other words, a Client is more than welcome to complain about our copyright services on the BBB, but a copyright infringer cannot because of the BBB guidelines. The user who posted this ******************** complaint, Women Mind the Water, has never been a client or customer of ********************** & ******************. We believe the complaint, if posted on the BBB, is likely wrongful and may even rise to the level of extortion in which they are trying to get us to drop lawsuits or legal claims for three of our clients by using your service as leverage.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/01/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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.

  ******* and Associates have attempted to blackmail my clients into paying them for copywrite infringement of a photo that has links to social media above it practically begging people to share the article and photo through ******** and *********** News of ap press or pic rights are using AI to predatorily seek out lawsuits to *** innocent business owners stating they are using photos on their website illegally when in actuality the articles and photos they are speking of are published for news (fair use) and have links for billions of people to share the articles where the photos also come across with it. Criminal they should lose their ability to practice law all together. So an average person would not know they are being baited and the average person wouldn't even know how to find the article----- but here it is ******************************************************************** if you actually follow the link you too will have the photo too. And, if you click any link above fracebook or X the article and photo will come with it as published by ************** begging the readers to share their story. Then ----- Higsbee and Associates who are collaborating with Someone to *** the innocent business owner. I am filing a complaint with the bar association too. Until these people vultures scum bags are stopped they will continue to blackmail the iinnocent business owners as much as they are allowed.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/09/2024

  ************************ is an opposing party in a legal matter involving one of the law firm's clients.  She is not a client or potential client of the law firm.   She is not requesting any action on part of the law firm.