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:04/07/2025

  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.

  There is a mysterious and unauthorized charge on my credit card from the OC Register for $14.00 posted March 27, 2025.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/07/2025

  Thank you for contacting us via the Better Business Bureau web portal

  Our records indicate the $14.00 was to pay a renewal of your digital subscription to The Orange County Registe which was started online on 3/29/2024. 

  At that time you responded to an offer sent via email, and agreed to the automatic renew at the rate of $14.00 every 4 weeks

  This Digital subscription is paid until 4/27. Please let me know if you will continue beyond that date of if you wish to cancel this subscription on the expiration date.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/08/2025

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  How about sending me a refund and then cancel the subscription going forward.  That'll work for me. I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  **** ******
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/11/2025

  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.

  I did not authorize a charge or a subscription to this company. I was approached on the date of this subscription (Sep 30, 2024) by a kid that knocked on my door - asking for help to "fund" his college tuition. There was no communication that the amount ($25) was to subscribe to this newsletter (which I would have declined if I knew). There was no communication that this would result in a AUTO-RENEWAL subscription nor is there any MAIL regarding an auto-renewal subscription.I did not authorize any creation of a user account. The account name on file (Chirn Yu) is not the correct name either.This constitutes shady business practices as the student masked the $25 as a donation to his college fund when in reality it was a subscription to a newsletter (an auto-renewal subscription at that). They (the company) preyed on unsuspecting individuals while going door-door in a gated community. I have contacted customer service to cancel my account once I noticed several charges to my credit card. They were not able to refund my previous charges despite explaining my situation.I will follow up if my account is not deleted/erased.Reference number: ********JB

  Business Response

  Date: 03/11/2025

  Thank you for sharing your experience

  Based on what you shared, we will refund the two payments of $28.28 each that were charged to you. Total amount of refund will be $56.56

  The funds will be returned to your credit card ending in :8171 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/24/2025

  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.

  Dear Sir,I wrote to OC Register requesting a cancellation of its subscription about a year ago. OC Register not only refuses to cancel my subscription, but increases my monthly rate from $14 to $26/mo.I would like to request an immediate cancellation of my OC Register subscription with return any unused amount of money.We noticed a change to this recurring charge Pay toNew Amount OC REGISTER SUBS $26.00 Your recent recurring charge seems a little outside your normal spending with this merchant.1 If you'd like to take a closer look, visit your Recurring Charges Dashboard any time.2 Learn more about why this charge stood out below.Thanks *****

  Business Response

  Date: 02/24/2025

  WE have no record of a request to cancel this digital subscription last year.

  Per your request, the subscription has been cancelled and a refund of the unused balance will occur. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/17/2025

  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 have been a faithful Orange County Register subscriber for over 25 years and the rates have been skyrocketing where I have paid $301 for an 8 week subscription. I called the paper on Monday 2/17/2025 to see what they could due about the cost. Prior to making the phone call I searched their website and found that for new customers they have a promotion, copy attached, for $200 for 52 weeks. So when I called them, I asked what they could do to a long time customer and they said that they could do about $175 for a 2 month subscription. I then asked to speak to a manager. When the manager came on the line I said that why should a pay $175 for 2 months when a new subscriber only pays just a little more than that for a full year. She said that was the best that they could do so I said to cancel my current subscription. She said that the subscription would end at the beginning of April and then it would cancel, I said that this was garbage and that I wanted the subscription cancelled immediately. She then stated that it would cancel the next day and I would receive about $173 in credit. When I review this, I am only 1/4 into the 2 month period that started February 3 and that should only be about $75 so I should get a refund on $225 not the amount stated. In summary, as a long term customer I was not treated anywhere near what a brand new customer was being treated and was getting ripped off. Then they tried to tell me I could not cancel my subscription until it expired in addition to short changing me on the refund. These are totally unethical business practices in the attempt of taking hard earned money from customers.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/25/2025

  Thank you for contacting us via the Better Business Bureau web portal. In review of your account, I find that on 2/19 you spoke with one of our Corporate VIP Service agents who called in an effort to win back your business. At that time we offered a 52 week annual rate of $224.12. Our attempt was successful and your subscription was restarted and the balance of $233.49 was reapplied to your account. Your account is now paid one year in advance.   Please let me know if this is agreeable to you, or if you would prefer a refund for a portion of the remaining balance.

  ***** *******

  Manager of Customer Relations

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/25/2025

  The response did not included that I was provided an additional 2 months on the subscription. So it will not renew until April 22026

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/08/2025

  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.

  Ive never lived in Orange County and somehow the OC Register stole my debit information and subscribed me to their newspaper without my permission. I went to my graduation on 5/16/2024 in Orange County and then ever since 5/17/2024 they charged me ***** for 2 charges and then ***** for 4 charges every 1 to 2 months without my knowledge. I have literally no idea how my information was released to them but theyre an extremely predatory business. Trying to hide their fees by switching up the recurrence dates is very sneaky. Im hoping my bank dispute goes through and I get a return on all the stolen money. I can only imagine the damage they could do to someone not paying attention for longer.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/09/2025

  Thank you for contacting us via the Better Business Bureau portal.

  I am unable to locate the account in question. Someone from our corporate team will contact you at the number you have provided. WE will need to know more information on the debit card mentioned. We will then be able to determine how exactly you shared your information with us.. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/09/2025

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ******* *******
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/27/2025

  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.

  Sent written cancelation, called twice to cancel, keep sending news paper and trying to collect subscription fees. Non authorized subscription. Like trying to get out of the Mafia!

  Business Response

  Date: 01/27/2025

  .

  On 12/24, one full month prior we sent a renewal bill for the amount owed but our records show no contact from this customer to cancel the subscription until today 1/27.

  At that time he told the customer service agent that he had tried to cancel three months prior. The agent explained that we showed no record of his calls top cancel. The account has been  cancelled. The negative amount owing is $133.29 . 

  Strictly as a courtesy, I have adjusted off the balance left owing, 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/10/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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 cancelled a newspaper subscription with Orange County Register in October of 2024. I inadvertently sent a check for $28.00 in November 2024 which the business cashed. In the month of November my credit card ending in 5392 was charged $14.00 x 2=$28.00 In the month of December my credit card ending in 7407 was charged $14.00 x 2=$28.00 The total I am owed is $28.00 x 3=$84.00. I have never given this business authority to charge my credit card(s). I gave my credit card number(s) only as a deposit security for a subscription which was cancelled in October 2024. I talked with customer service on 1/10/2025 with no resolution due to the inherit language barrier.(heavy accent and unable to understand).

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/23/2024

  Type:Service or Repair 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 renewed my annual subscription June 10, 2024. On October 14, 2024 The Register charged my credit card $182.00. No notice given to me, so I have no explanation for the charge. I called them 3 times to cancel my subscription and ask that they refund the $182.00 (10/14, 10/15, and 10/18). Each time I was told my subscription was cancelled and the money would be refunded. On the last call I spoke with Coby who said it takes 5 to 7 days to process the refund. At no time was I provided with an explanation for the charge. To date my subscription has not been cancelled, nor have I received a refund. I am not seeking a refund for the money paid last June.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/24/2024

  Thank you for contacting us via the Better Business Bureau portal.

  The information you were provided is accurate. As explained we sell non-refundable term subscriptions. After receiving your first call, the request to refund was escalated for review and your refund was ordered. I can confirm that your refund in the amount of $183.59 will be returned to your **** card used for payment. You can expect to receive the funds within the next day or two. 

   

  ***** *******

  ******************************

  email: *************************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/24/2024

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ********* *********
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/22/2024

  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.

  I have been trying to cancel my electronic subscription to the OC Register for about 4 months and can't get any resolution.I have emailed them on 6/27/2024 - asking to cancel the subscription.6/27/2024 - They responded and said it would be canceled in December.6/27/2024 - I replied that was unacceptable and to cancel it ************** Reply 10/22/2024 - Emailed and asked why it has not been canceled and why am I still paying.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/30/2024

  Mr. ********,

  In review of the account, I see that you subscribed to the digital edition on 12/6/2023 and paid $3.00 for 52 weeks of service.

  Our records indicate you stopped the subscription, using our online portal, and scheduled the subscription to end on the expiration date.  Your digital subscription is scheduled to end  on 12/5/2024. You have not been charged anything other than the initial pre-paid amount of $3.00.   

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/14/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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 July 13, 2011, the Orange County Register published a news report about a "peeping ***" incident in *******************************. This report also mentioned my arrest for burglary and breaking and entering on the same day. While the report is factual regarding my arrest, it creates a false and misleading association between myself and the unrelated "peeping ***" incident.This has caused significant damage to my reputation, as anyone reading the report or encountering it through online searches is led to believe I was involved in both crimes. This is untrue and constitutes defamation.I have contacted the Orange County Register to request a retraction and removal of the report, but they have not taken appropriate action. I am filing this complaint with the Better Business Bureau in hopes that you can assist in resolving this matter and holding the Orange County Register accountable for their inaccurate and damaging reporting.