ComplaintsforThe National Society of High School Scholars

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  NSHSS sent my daughter fake info for their program and thought this was through her school and it wasnt. I paid ***** so she can be apart of this honors program & assuming she could were her cords for her high school graduation in May 2023. I would like my money back . I pay for this a few months ago. Also, paid ***** to get the honors cords as well. Would like my ***** back. My daughters name is ***************************** . This is unbelievable. *********************

  

  Business response

  12/08/2022

  Hi ************,

  Once I received your BBB complaint on December 6, I called you directly and introduced myself and you requested that I call you back at Noon (EST).  I called you back as requested to share more information about NSHSS and clear up any confusion in an effort to resolve this in a swift and fair manner, but I had to leave you a voicemail.  I followed up my voicemail with an email with great, credible information about NSHSS and how we are changing our active members and families lives with enriching programs, Free and relevant webinars and member events along with the scholarship and leadership opportunities.  At the same time, I encouraged you to return my phone call for a conversation.  As of today, December 8, I haven't heard from you, so I have disabled your daughter's membership and have issued the refund for $98, which I've emailed you and attached the refund transaction receipt for your records, and to this complaint for closure.  We truly wish you and Aalyah all the best going forward.

  Best Regards,

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

  Director, Member Services

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

  www.nshss.org

• Initial Complaint

  10/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This "company" has been sending emails about an honor society however I was recently informed that this is a scam. The cord, nor anything else purchased can be worn at graduation. I spent $105 on membership, a cord, a medallion and a stole. None of which can be worn at graduation and colleges do not recognize them and therefore there is no purpose in putting it on a college resume. This is truly a scam. I am requesting a refund.

  

  Business response

  10/12/2022

  Dear ******************,

  Thank you so much for allowing me to share more information about NSHSS and clear up any scam-related claims and misinformation.  I apologize that your daughter will not be able to wear her NSHSS graduation regalia during the high school graduation, and per your request, I have processed that refund for $38 and have attached the refund transaction receipt for your records.  As aforementioned, please allow up to 72hrs for that credit to settle successfully with your financial institution.

  After sharing more information about NSHSS and the lifetime benefits, you decided to keep your Jordyn's membership intact and try it out for 60 days.  If during that time, you feel like this isn't a great fit for your daughter and would like to request a refund for the one-time, lifetime membership fee of $75, please give me a call directly and I'll honor your request, per our conversation.  During this time, please check out our website @ www.nshss.org and review each tab that contains great information about the society; parent testimonials, a list of our partners and the colleges/universities we collaborate, the scholarships available to our members and the upcoming member events and Free scheduled webinars that provide great, resourceful and relevant information as our members prepare to transition from high school to college and career.  It was a pleasure speaking with you and again, Thank you for the conversation.

  All the Best,

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

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

• Initial Complaint

  10/02/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid $75 in July thinking I was paying the dues to the National Honor Society. It was never my intention to join the NSHSS which I have never heard of. I would like a refund.

  

  Business response

  10/03/2022

  Good Afternoon ****************, it was a pleasure speaking with you today and Thank you for allowing me to share more information about NSHSS and the lifetime benefits of the same.  As discussed, I encourage you to visit our website to review parent testimonials, our corporate, government and educational partners and featured publications and media coverage to learn more about the society.  If you're interested in reinstating the membership, please give ****** Services a call at ************, M-F, ***************; I've attached the refund  transaction receipt for your review.  Please allow up to 72hrs for the credit to settle successfully with your financial institution.  We wish ******** all the best throughout this academic journey and beyond!!!

  All the Best,

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

  Director, ****** Services

  nshss.org

  ************, Ext. 1974

• Initial Complaint

  09/21/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We were informed by my child's school that this business/company are frauds taking advantage of thousands of High school Students every school year (who genuinely worked hard for this accomplishment) knowing their proud parents are vulnerable. I'm a single Mother with no income at the moment & am both disgusted & embarrassed that I fell for this scam by paying for a *********************** accessories in an attempt to be supportive of my child's hard work & discovered today they cannot be worn because, the honor by this organization is not recognized & there in fact, are no future benefits towards College applications.

  

  Business response

  09/25/2022

  ****************, Thank you for returning my call and allowing me the opportunity to speak to you further about NSHSS and our lifetime benefits that span beyond high school.  It is unfortunate that your daughter can't wear her graduation regalia during the graduation ceremony, and as aforementioned, I will forward this along to my colleague so she can do some outreach at *******************.  Per our conversation, since you paid with a check, your refund for the $181 will be issued in the form of an NSHSS check.  Please allow up to two (2) weeks for internal processing and delivery.  If you are every interested in reinstating your daughter's lifetime membership, please reach out to me directly.  Wishing you all the very Best,

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

• Initial Complaint

  08/12/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I would like to withdraw my membership and would like the refund of the 75$ please.

  

  Business response

  08/15/2022

  Hi ******** per our published refund policy as well as noted on our BBB profile under Products and Services: "The one-time, lifetime membership fee is REFUNDABLE if students meet certain published criteria. Before filing a complaint regarding a REFUND, please contact *********************** at the NSHSS headquarters at ************** or ************ for assistance with refund inquiries."  Please give us a call in ****** Services M-F, 8a-5p EST so we can facilitate your request.  If payment was made by credit card, please have the last four digits of the card used, and the persons name on the credit card if you are within the 60 day period.  We look forward to speaking with you.  All the Best,

  Customer response

  08/17/2022

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

• Initial Complaint

  08/10/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I received a letter from NSHSS stating that my daughter was accepted into the honor society due to her academic scores. I was under the impression that this the legit *** from her school because the letter even had her high schools name on it. After I paid the $75 & received a NSHSS certificate with my daughters name and high school printed on it I noticed the difference NSHSS vs ***. This is a complete scam, making ppl believe this is from *** and their school when in reality its just a company made to hustle ppl. I want a refund!

  

  Business response

  08/11/2022

  ********************, 

  Thank you for the opportunity to clear up any confusion and share with you who we are, the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) and the lifetime benefits that span beyond high school or any chapter-based honor society.  As requested, I've issued the refund for the one-time, lifetime membership fee (attached) and once you and your daughter have an opportunity to review our resourceful website and have a discussion about the membership, please feel free to give me a call directly if there are any further questions.  Again, it was a pleasure speaking with you.  All the Best,  **************************, Director of ****** Services, NSHSS, ********************** www.nshss.org

  Customer response

  08/11/2022

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. ******************* was very professional and gave me great insight into what NSHSS offers. 
  Although I thought this was the **** I am willing to research NSHSS more to weight there benefits vs. NHS. 
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  06/26/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The NSHSS has been using my name to invite students to join their organization, which requires them to pay a $75 fee. I am in no way affiliated with this organization nor have I ********************** any of the students receiving these letters. I have asked them multiple times to stop using my name and they refuse.

  

  Business response

  06/27/2022

  Good Afternoon ********************,
  
  As a follow-up to my two (2) voicemails today, I wanted to have a conversation with you since we havent had an interaction with you since you registered as an Educator on our website on March 14, 2019.  Unfortunately, we have no record of your previous requests for assistance and wish we couldve had an interaction with you.  I would love the opportunity to speak with you further, but please know that our ********************* coordinator whos responsible for our Educator outreach and programs, has updated your account as requested.  Attached is a visual of the boxes checked when you registered in 2019, but again, that has been removed as requested.
  
  Should you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call, but I will update the BBB complaint accordingly.
  
  Wishing you all the Best,
  ************************** | Director, Member Services
  National Society of High School Scholars
  o:************************
  www.nshss.org
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  06/19/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My KID received a letter appearing to be from her high school. It had her full name with no return address other than listing her school. At first glance, it appeared to be a letter from her school congratulating her for be accepted into the National Honors Society. She handed me the membership payment portion which I gladly paid. After the payment went through, I realized the logo and acronym was not what I remembered it to be. Total scam aimed at kids. I want my money back!

  

  Business response

  06/20/2022

  Ms. Angeles,  Thank you for the opportunity to have a conversation with you this evening (June 20, 2022), after accepting Trinity's invitation on Sunday, June 19.  I hope I did provide clarity to your questions or complaint submitted and your feedback was well received also.  As discussed, I have processed the refund for the one-time, lifetime membership fee of $75 and have attached the refund receipt for your review, since you didn't require that I email it to you.  Trinity's membership has been disabled and you will no longer receive email communications from NSHSS nor our government, corporate or educational partners.

  NSHSS is a legitimate organization that was established in **** by *************************, member of the Nobel Prize family, and *********************.  NSHSS and its growing number of highly respected partners such as the **** **** Army, CDC, *************************************, and ************************************ [to name a few] have been committed to supporting the academic advancement of young people as they transition from high school to college to career.  
  
  Scholars are nominated by Educators or recommended by our educational partners if they meet at least one of our eight academic criteria as follows:
  *3.5 Cumulative GPA (4.0 Scale) or higher (or equivalent such as 88 on a 100-point scale)
  *1280 SAT score or higher
  *1150 PSAT score or higher 
  *26 ACT score or higher
  *Score 4 or higher on any AP exam
  *Total combined IB test scores of 36 or higher
  *IGCSE Grade A or higher
  *Top 10% rank in class

  Some of the benefits of the lifetime membership are:
  
  *More than $2 million in scholarship opportunities
  ******* events and college fairs at our in-person member events
  *Discounts on test prep, resume building, and tutoring services
  *Leadership and service opportunities
  *Free webinars and virtual events
  *Study abroad opportunities, internships and much more
  
  Please review the link below for further clarification, and if you have any specific questions, please give ****** Services a call at *************, Monday Friday, 8AM to 5PM EST.
  https://www.nshss.org/lp/is-nshss-a-scam/ 

  All the Best,

• Initial Complaint

  05/05/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  When we recieved the letter in the mail for my son about the National Society High School Scholars we didn't know that it was not relate with the school until here recently so I'm trying to get my money back the $75.00 I sent in.

  

  Business response

  05/09/2022

  Greetings,

  I called ******************** today, May 9th, and left a voicemail, and then I followed up with an email as the attached document shows.  I've copied/paste the attached to the body of this section regarding my outreach; until this day, we've never had an interaction with *** ******** or her son, ****** since they accepted their invitation on July 24, 2021.  They've been receiving email communications from NSHSS and our corporate, government and educational partners regarding scholarships, leadership opportunities, Free webinars and virtual events, as well as upcoming in-person member events.  The attached is what was entered in our CRM as with any interactions we have with our members and families, whether via phone call, email or chat - no response from ******************** as today, 8:11pm EST:

  5/9/2022 11:46:36 AM *********************** Account Ok In Process BBB Complaint Complaint ID: ********; Customer Information: ********************************* ************************************************************* Daytime Phone: ************** E-mail: ********************* The details of this matter are as follows: Complaint Involves: Refund Or Exchange Issues Customers Statement of the Problem: When we recieved the letter in the mail for my son about the National Society High School Scholars we didn't know that it was not relate with the school until here recently so I'm trying to get my money back the $75.00 I sent in.

  
  5/9/2022 11:48:04 AM *********************** Misc - See Comments Resolved Called ******************** and left a vmail re: the complaint received and to discuss further her refund request since ****** accepted his invitation on July 24, 2021 and it is beyond our 60 day grace ****** to receive a refund. Will also email her in an attempt to resolve this in a swift and satisfactory manner.

  
  5/9/2022 12:04:53 PM *********************** Misc - See Comments Resolved Good morning ********************, Per my voicemail, I would love to have a conversation with you to discuss ******* lifetime membership with NSHSS. As per our BBB profile and our website, all refund requests must be addressed with NSHSS and we havent had an interaction (phone call or email) with you nor ******. I see that youre both receiving email communications regarding scholarship opportunities, leadership programs and special partner offerings from our corporate, educational, and governmental partners. I dont see that ****** has logged into his member dashboard to explore these benefits since he joined. When you get a moment, Id love to have a conversation to share how ****** was nominated, and how he can continue enjoy the benefits of his lifetime membership one that spans beyond any chapter-based honor society at the high school level. I will update the complaint with my outreach so far, but truly look forward to hearing from you soon to resolve this complaint satisfactorily. All the Best, ************************** | ********* ****** Services National Society of High School Scholars o: ************************ www.nshss.org

  Customer response

  05/09/2022

   
  Complaint: 17146173
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the National society is not on the up and up and I want my refund.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************************

  

  Business response

  05/16/2022

  Good Afternoon, 

  I have tried to contact ******************** via email and phone call regarding her refund, and after several attempts, she hasn't responded to me.  Per our published policy, all refund requests are processed over the telephone and we still haven't had an interaction with ******************** or her son, ******.   Please give me a call directly at ************ or ************ so we can discuss further; I would love to have a conversation with her.

  All the Best,

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

  Director of Member  Services

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  04/28/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  NSHSS reached out to minor child who has a mulitple nuerological disability diagnosis and told her that she qualified for membership. She does come close to qualifying for membership but she thought she was getting a scholarship and was very excited to accept. She paid $98 to the company. I want this refunded to her.

  

  Business response

  04/29/2022

  Good Afternoon,

  Once we received ************************ email, I reviewed how ****** was was nominated and responded to her immediately along with the Refund transaction receipt at 6:45p EST on Thursday, April 28, 2022.  I also called ******************** last evening and left a voicemail asking for a return call so I can share more information in terms of how ****** was selected for membership.  ******'s membership has been cancelled and the refund was issued April 27, 2022.  Thanks.

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

*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. ↩