ComplaintsforHowly

Computer Consultants

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Initial Complaint
09/13/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
I had a problem with my ********** last night. I googled ********** and this Howly popped up *** ***resenting Peacock. It was one dollar to have a live Chat, I hit the button to authorize the dollar Purchase at the end of the chat, it said I owe $46 for a monthly subscription starting then I called them this morning. Spoke to a gentleman named ***** he told me I would not receive a refund thats how their company works. This is a total mis***resentation when it says one time life chat a dollar and then they charge me $46. Ive never done this before I am 73 years old and I feel that they took advantage of me trying to fix my TV, and they couldnt resolve the problem anyway because the football game was on prime and not Peacock, which was an error of mine Thank you, and I really appreciate it if you could help me
Business response
09/19/2024
Dear ***************,

Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.

Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of USD ***** in charges to your bank account. We confirm the full refund of the said amount. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your bank account shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ***************************** will be glad to assist.

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Howly

Customer response
09/20/2024

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. Thank you so much for looking into this. Im sure you guys are very busy being in **************** after you contacted them they contacted me the next day thank you so much and we accept their full refund

Sincerely,

***************
Initial Complaint
09/06/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
August 31, ************************************************************************** my email inbox. While the page appeared to be from ******, the amount they were asking for did no jibe with any of my transactions. It appeared to be a phishing scam so I contacted ******. ****** suggested contacting Howly about the phone number in that email and said they would charge $1 for an answer to my question. The answer was adequate. It was indeed a scam. But then a $46 charge appeared on my ****** account from **********************. I saw no mention of a requirement for a one year subscription. That was a "bait and switch" maneuver. I want a refund.
Business response
09/12/2024
Dear *******************************,

Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.

Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of USD 47 in charges to your bank account. We confirm the full refund of the said amount. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your ****** account shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist.

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Howly

Customer response
09/12/2024

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
08/19/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Used a program by Howly to try to pay a bill on line. Howly ad stated a $1.00 refundable fee would be charged. There was no mention of a $46.00 membership fee. Howly debited my account on 8/13. I called and asked them to cancel and asked for a confirmation number . Howly said they would email. Howly didn't email it. Howly again debited my account $46.00 8/19/24
Customer response
08/19/2024
Called Howly 8/19/24. Again told Howly to cancel membership stop debiting my card. Informed Howly I had filed a complaint with the BBB. Howly stated they would cancel and credit my account within 7 to 10 business days. We shall see.
Customer response
08/21/2024
Received fund 8/19/24 from Howly.
Initial Complaint
08/19/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Answered
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Since March 2023 I am charged 49$ pr month by Howly.com.I was looking for some info on the internet and I according to the site they were charging 1.95$ for a specific answer. I never agreed to a monthly subscription , and I never used there service again but they continue with the reduction.
Business response
08/29/2024
Dear *****************,
Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.
Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.
We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of $171.50 in charges to your account. We recognize that you may not have fully utilized our service as intended. Thus, we understand your request for a refund. However, we were not able to process it. While initiating the refund we have encountered a mistake Do not honor. This can have various technical reasons that are outside of our control. To resolve this matter promptly, we recommend you contacting your servicing bank that issued your card used at our website. The bank will be in a better position to assist you further.
In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Howly
Initial Complaint
08/16/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
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.
Howly asked for $1 to give their "expertise" regarding an ipad lockout. I sent online payment, received faulty information*, and then a bank notice about $1 and $46 being taken by howly. I emailed ******************************** to request a refund. They returned the $1 and $23. They have not yet returned the rest of the money taken without my consent.*howly claimed i can use itunes to unlock an ipad mini without erasing data. I did not follow howly advise when they took $46 without my consent. Honest Technicians have showed me the suggestion is inaccurate.
Business response
08/29/2024
Dear ********************************,
Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.
Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.
We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of $47.00 in charges to your account. We confirm a full refund of that sum. It has already been initiated. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon.
In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Howly
Initial Complaint
08/15/2024
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Hello,My ******** account was hacked. I reached out to Howly for assistance in removing my hacker's email from my account. I was told it would be a $1 to start. It was not. I was billed twice, once for a $1, which Howly refunded, while they let the additional $29 charge stand! I didn't agree to pay $29 for a service I didn't want, nor was helpful to me in any way, shape, or form. The representative I spoke to did not tell me anything I had not already done or tried. I knew more about the resolution to the situation than he did. Why would I pay him anything? I walked away, figuring I'd wasted a dollar, shame on me, only to find out Howly charged me for a month of useless consulting that I never wanted or asked for or will EVER use. I have been diligently asking for my money back two weeks now. It's insulting to me that they just refunded the $1. Both the $1 charge & the $29 charge were on July 26th, 2024. I very clearly stated I wanted all my money back. That I hadn't agreed to any service or subscription of any kind ever. To which they responded that my service is cancelled but I'm welcome to use it for the next month, because they're not refunding. I haven't done anything wrong. I paid for a service I didn't get & I requested my money back. The correct response from a professional business to a person who is dissatisfied with your product & unable to find value in it, is to refund the money.
Business response
08/29/2024
Dear ***********************,
Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.

Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue. Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves. To subscribe to our service, customers need to provide their billing information on our website. Without the initial charge, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We apologize for any possible inconvenience.
We have reviewed records in our database and can confirm that there was a total of $30.00 in charges to your bank account. As we were informed by our payment provider, you have raised this case with your servicing bank and initiated a dispute regarding the subscription charge of $29.00. Because of this, we are now unable to process a refund on our end. Instead, we recommend that you reach out once again to your bank and discuss this matter further.
As to the charge of $1.00, we have made a refund to your bank account. It should appear there shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges.
We regret any inconvenience and misunderstanding this situation may have caused. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let us know.

In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist. We will also be happy to see you among satisfied Howly customers in the future.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Howly

Customer response
08/29/2024

Complaint: 22146570

I am rejecting this response because: Because it's wrong, it's misinformed and it's misleading. I've attached my attempt to reach out through ****** to request a refund. There is several back & forth conversations with your company/attached. They provided a number that does not work, I tried to call it several times "via 24/7 billing support hotline ***************." I've also attached the response I got from ********************************...which is also incorrect. If you get to keep my money after giving me an incorrect phone number to resolve an issue you knew wouldn't get resolved, that's criminal.
I filed the dispute for both charges, the exact same day, time, way & source. So the 'excuse' that you could not refund a $1 but not $29 is completely invalid & incorrect. Clearly you could have & just chose not to. Also, not helpful.
If you can't see that this is you literally stealing money, I can't help you & your company is horrible in doing that. I will reach out anywhere I can & everywhere I can to share this story, if you don't make this right. I am literally asking for $29 & the insane fight I've had to endure due to your inept responses is ********.
I've literally seen others complaining about the same exact problem with you! ****** it, it's a thing you do. Please fix this. Is my $29 worth that much to you? Send me a check if your next response is going to be some other lame excuse.
Sincerely,

***********************
Business response
09/12/2024
Dear ***********************,

Thank you for your message and for providing additional details.

In the meantime, we have reached out again to our payment provider and managed to obtain confirmation that we can now issue the full refund to you. Thus, we confirm a full refund of USD *****. We have already initiated it and you can expect to receive it at your ****** account shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist.

Thank you in advance.

Best regards,
Howly

Customer response
09/12/2024

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
08/15/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Looking to pay a bill online and had a problem when Howly popped up and for a $1.00 refundable charge they could help. There was no mention of a $46.00 monthly membership fee.
Business response
08/29/2024
Dear ***********************,
Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.
Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.
We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of $47.00 in charges to your account. We confirm a full refund of that sum. It has already been initiated. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon.
In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Howly

Customer response
08/29/2024
Did receive refund from Howly as stated. But no where did their chat room mention a $46.00 a month membership fee. Only a &1.00 refundable fee by paying the $1.00 fee they had my bank information and then charged me the $46.00 monthly fee.
Customer response
09/04/2024

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
08/08/2024
Complaint Type:
Product Issues
Status:
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.
This was a scam. I was online with Chewy.com ordering pet supplies and had trouble communicating online. Suddenly this block appeared saying for $1, I could resolve the exchange on a pet product immediately. I clicked on it like a dummy! Then my ****** account was suddenly charged $1 plus a subscription of $29 per month until I cancel. I tried many times to call the number with Howly and they never answered and still don't. I sent an email but the email address on their site was an invalid email. Please help me dissassociate from this scammer and get my full refund of $30,00 and cancellation of future payments... I was so dumb to fall for this. I was simply trying to exchange an item on my order with Chewy.com. ************************* ************
Business response
08/27/2024
Dear *************************,
Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.
Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.
We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of $30.00 in charges to your account. We confirm a full refund of that sum. It has already been initiated. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let us know.
In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Howly
Initial Complaint
08/06/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
Resolved
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
On 8/4/24 i was searching for info from a trusted business which i use frequently when a pop up appeared stating for $1.00 they could help. However when agreeing to the dollar charge the site also enrolls you in as a monthly member for $46.00 non refundable cost. I've called,tried e-mail,all to no avail other than they did refund my dollar and fifty percent of the $46.00 amount. I cannot see how something like this can possibly be legal.
Business response
08/27/2024
Dear ***********************,
Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.
Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.
We apologize for any inconvenience. We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of $47.00 in charges to your account. We confirm a full refund of that sum. It has already been initiated. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon.
In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Howly

Customer response
08/28/2024

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
08/05/2024
Complaint Type:
Billing Issues
Status:
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.
We have been charged a monthly $46 subscription fee by Howly.com since May 2024.We have never subscribed to or used any services from Howly.com. Their service/complaints phone number are continuously busy. payments deducted via ************* card:May 14, 2024: $46 + $1 June 13, 2024: $46 July 13, 2024: $46
Business response
08/27/2024
Dear ***********************************,
Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.
Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.
We acknowledge your request for a refund of USD ******. We confirm the full refund of the USD *****. The refund process is currently underway and you can expect to receive it shortly.
However, we regret to inform you that we are unable to process another part of your refund request for USD *****. As we were informed by our payment provider, you have already initiated a charge dispute with ******* Given the situation, we recommend that you reach out to ****** once again and discuss this matter further.
We regret any inconvenience and misunderstanding this situation may have caused. If you have any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let us know.
In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist.
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Howly

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