ComplaintsforStratford Career Institute

• Initial Complaint

  03/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I enrolled with Stratford Career Institute on Feb. 29th 2024 and paid a down payment of $20.00. But, when I didn't receive any course material in my email like I requested for my 1st course not even in my junk or spam folder within the 5 days of enrolling. I decided to cancel my enrollment on March 6th through email. Today I received a letter stating I owe them $79.80 because of their cancellation policy about cancelling after 5 day and I was just one day past the 5 day mark I emailed them to cancel my enrollment but, I did not see anything on their website that states cancellation policy nor did they make that known to me in their email responses to me about cancelling my enrollment . If I had actually received my information I would have known their policies and I would have never joined or even cancelled for that matter.

  Business response

  03/21/2024

  
  
  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated March 19, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ***** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.
  
  Ms. ****** enrolled in our Astrology/Parapsychology program on February 29, 2024 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $499.00 or 13 payments of $35.00 and one final payment of $24.00 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ****** on February 29, 2024 in a digital format as per her selection on her enrollment application.
  
  During the online enrollment process, Ms. ****** was presented with the Tuition Contract & Service Guarantee which contains our cancellation policy. As outline in the cancellation policy, a student may cancel within the first 5 days of enrollment with no cancellation fees. The cancellation request may be submitted in writing via e-mail, fax or mail. Alternatively a student may contact our Student Services department to cancel by telephone.
  
   Ms. ****** contacted our Student Services department by e-mail on March 7, 2024, the 6th day of enrollment, to request the cancellation of her program. Her program was subsequently cancelled and a cancellation fee was applicable as per the terms of the Tuition Contract & Service Guarantee.
  
  Although Ms. ****** requested the cancellation of her program beyond the first 5 days of enrollment, I have authorized our Accounts Department to close Ms. ******’s file and waive the remaining account balance. A refund of the $20.00 down payment will be processed to the original method of payment within 10 business days.  Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Brandi H***
  Supervisor 
  Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  02/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Student #: ******* I signed up for the Electrician apprenticeship program with Stratford around June/July 2023. The program was a promotional mark down to about $460. I made $50/month payments over time during my studies. The model was upon completion of a set of section tests, the student then would receive the next course material in the mail. I completed about 3 sections and paid approximately $100/$150. Unfortunately, my circumstances changed and it was no longer feasible to continue my studies. I attempted to contact Stratford and cancel my course. That was one of the most difficult tasks because the only phone numbers were for making payments or contacting a professor via chat. The one phone number that seemed promising had me on hold for about an hour and eventually hung up on me. Despite this, Stratford was still sending me "bills". I never received any extra course material. But Stratford felt I still owed them. No one reached out asking about the lack of activity with my account, they only wanted to "bill" me. My payments were set up automatically via a bank account. Since I couldn't contact anyone, I had to close the bank account to stop the payments. It doesn't make any sense to pay for nothing. The only letters were asking for payment. No attempt to close or end the student account. December 21, 2023, Diana Martin, the senior collection officer threatened to send my account to collections (instead of closing the account) if I didn't pay within 10 days. January 23, 2024, Jordan S**** claims I have "seriously delinquent debt" and must "remit" $459 within 10 days or they will initiate collections. I have no course material nor do I have a certificate. I feel they are intimidating me and claiming a false debt. It appears they are willing to tarnish my credit score. Having all the course material and then stopping payment is one thing. But to not have anything and still require payment is a scam. They could've just closed the account. This is bad business!

  Business response

  02/06/2024

  
  
  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated February 2, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******** *****. Having reviewed Mr. *****’files, I am pleased to provide the following information.
  
  Mr. ***** enrolled in our Electrician program on July 14, 2023 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $499.00 or 9 payments of $50.00 and a final payment of $29.00 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Mr. ***** on July 19, 2023. All corresponding exams from the first module were received and graded on July 18, 2023. A subsequent module was shipped to Mr. *****’ address on July 20, 2023 and USPS confirms successful delivery on July 25, 2023. No corresponding exams were received from this module.
  
  According to our records no correspondence or telephone calls were received from Mr. ***** throughout the duration of his enrolment although several letters were issued to the address on file inquiring on his progress. None of the letters were returned to our offices by USPS for any reason.
  
   While students may take up to 5 years to complete a program with SCI, tuition payments are due every 30 days from the date of enrollment until the account is paid in full. No tuition payments were successfully received after the first $50.00 tuition payment, received on August 14, 2023, although Mr. ***** did authorize Stratford Career Institute to automatically debit 8 monthly payments of $50.00 and one final payment of $29.00. His electronic signature was recorded as per the attached enrollment application.
  
  In an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous payment reminders were issued to Mr. ***** with no reply. Postage paid envelopes are included with the payment reminders and a student may utilize these to contact Stratford Career Institute.  No further material was issued as no corresponding exams were received from the subsequent module shipment and no further tuition payments were received after August 14, 2023. In order for students to continue to receive subsequent modules, exams must be received from the current module and the account must be in good standing.
  
  Students may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Upon review of Mr. *****’ file, no cancellation request was received by any method. However please let it be noted that Mr. ***** did register for eService, our online platform that provides many services to students, including the ability to send an e-mail through the ‘Ask an Instructor’ option with any questions or concerns regarding their program. Stratford Career Institute’s shipping policy, as well as detailed instructions on the numerous methods of contacting Student Services are clearly outlined in the Student Handbook issued with the first module, of which Mr. ***** confirms receipt.
  
  Mr. *****’ program is currently active as no cancellation request has been received. We would respectfully request that Mr. ***** contact our Student Services department to make payment arrangements should he wish to continue the Electrician program he enrolled in by e-mail at [email protected], by fax at ###-###-#### or by telephone at ###-###-####. In the event Mr. ***** does not wish to continue the program, he may reply to this response in the affirmative and his account will be cancelled accordingly. As per the terms and conditions of the attached Tuition Protection and Service Agreement, a copy of which was provided to Mr. ***** during his online enrollment application and on which his electronic signature is recorded indicating he read and agreed to the terms,  the remaining balance of $459.00 will become due and payable upon cancellation as Mr. *****’ account is currently in arrears.
  
  Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. 
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Brandi H***
  Supervisor
  Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  01/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Identity Theft Fraud for course registration The organization failed to prevent a fraud that some one fraudulently registered a course under my name. I recently received an intuition bill informing me that I had registered a course and have balance due under my name. However, I didn't make the registration and it must be an identity theft fraud. I have reported the fraud to policy and have the policy report publicly available. Please correct the bill, the collection information and withdraw the fraudulent registration.

  Business response

  01/26/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated January 26, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******** *****. Having reviewed Mr. *****'s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.I have authorized our Accounts Department to close Mr. *****’s file and waive the remaining account balance. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  01/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Hi BBB, I would like your assistance with this company. I do not have a contract with this company for this alleged debt. I would like the following provided to me: 1) An explanation of what this alleged account balance is for. 2) A complete Audit Trail calculation of this balance, including the complete payment history on this account, so I have proof that the amount is correct. 3) Documentation that shows I agreed to pay this debt with my signature and documentation shows I gave you permission to have my information and paperwork showing I gave you authorization to report this to my credit report. No consent to you having my information and unauthorized use of my social security number is identity theft and you will be reported for such. 4) The Agreement that grants you authority to collect on this alleged debt. 5) A copy of your state license, including license number that give you rights to collect in my state. 6. The purchase agreement 7. Swear under penalty of perjury you were present during the alleged debt) If your company cannot provide me with all of the following, I request that this debt n***ified and removed from my credit profile. Pursuant to the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 USC 1692c), you are hereby notified to immediately cease communications concerning the collection of the debt associated with the above-referenced account. This notice shall include, but is not limited to written correspondence, telephonic communication and reporting this account to any consumer reporting agencies. I demand that you delete this tradeline from all consumer reporting agencies immediately.

  Business response

  01/22/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated January 18, 2024, regarding a complaint filed by ******** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’ files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ****** enrolled in our Florist/Floral Design program on January 24, 2022 through our website, ******************* at the discounted tuition price of $589.00 or 15 monthly payments of $38.60. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ****** on January 27, 2022, to the address provided on her enrollment application. The United States Postal Service confirms the module was successf***y delivered on January 31, 2022.According to our records no correspondence or telephone calls were received from Ms. ****** for the duration of his enrollment however it is noted she successf***y registered for eService on our website on January 24, 2022 and provided the same e-mail address indicated in her BBB complaint. Registering for eService allows a student access to our online services, including the option to contact an Instructor, directly through the website, with any questions or concerns. While students may take up to 5 years to complete a program with SCI, tuition payments are due every 30 days from the date of enrollment until the account is paid in f***. No tuition payments were successf***y received after the initial $10.00 down payment. In an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous payment reminders were issued to Ms. ******’ mailing address with no reply. The account was eventually forwarded to an outside collection agency on August 1, 2022 for the outstanding balance of $579.00.Students may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Upon review of Ms. ******’ file, no cancellation request was received by any method.Although no cancellation request was received, I have authorized our Accounts Department to close Ms. ******’ file and waive the remaining account balance. The collection agency has been notified accordingly. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer response

  01/22/2024

  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. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******** ******
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  12/20/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On June 16th 2022, enrolled in a diploma/ program with Stratford Career institute: ID#******* Business Management. They never sent me the text book or anything, despite me paying every month starting in July 2022 until Nobemver 2022. The material was always in the mail, but never arrived. Now they have send my account to collections, but yet they have not send a single book or any other material. At this Pooint I am requesting your help. If they want me to pay, they have to credit me what I have already paid and send me all of the materials for the program I signed up for. I am also requesting for them to remove my negative remarks on my credit report ( all 3 bureau). I am attaching the proof of my payments. It is unreasonable for them to say I owed then, when they never sent any materials. I work from home and I am always home and we also have surveillance cameras in our home and they never delivered any packages. I have also requested proof that the material was sent. Your help in resolving this matter is really appreciated. I was reading the company review in Your site and apparently this is something this company does. Thank you in advanced.

  Business response

  12/21/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 21, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ******** *******. Having reviewed Ms. *******‘s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ******* enrolled in our Bookkeeping and Business Management programs on June 17, 2022 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $449.500 for the Bookkeeping program and $494.50 for the Business Management program, with an initial down payment of $30.00 for each. The first set of study material for each program was provided in a digital format as per Ms. Hubbard’s selection. I have attached a copy of the original enrollment applications. I would draw your attention to the Online Access portion of each enrollment application where the student selected ‘YES!’ I would like faster access to my program materials by using digital textbook and study guides in the online student center when available. I understand that if a module is not available digitally that it will be shipped to me via postal mail. All course material for both the Bookkeeping and Business Management programs are available digitally. Although Ms. Hubbard opted to receive her course material in a digital format, students may request to change the method of accessing the material at any time to delivery by United States Postal Service.According to our records Ms. Hubbard contacted our Student Services department by telephone on June 17, 2022 to request her student numbers for each program. No further communication, verbal or written, was subsequently received from Ms. Hubbard although several letters were issued to the address on file inquiring on her progress and no request was received to have the course material for each program issued by United States Postal Service. While students may take up to 5 years to complete a program with SCI, tuition payments are due every 30 days from the date of enrollment until the account is paid in full. No tuition payments were successfully received towards the Bookkeeping program after October 17, 2022. Additionally no further monthly tuition payments were received towards the Business Management program after November 17, 2022, although Ms. ******* did authorize Stratford Career Institute to charge her credit card for the monthly tuition payments towards each program. Her electronic signature was recorded as per the attached enrollment applications.In an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous payment reminders for each program were issued to Ms. ******* with no reply. The account for the Bookkeeping program was eventually forwarded to an outside collection agency on April 3, 2023 for the outstanding balance of $300.50 and the account for the Business Management program was forwarded to an outside collection agency on May 15, 2023 for the outstanding balance of $334.50.Ms. ******* is welcome to continue the Bookkeeping program and request to change her method of delivery for the material upon receipt of a partial payment of $66.00. Likewise, Ms. ******* is welcome to continue the Business Management program and request to change her method of delivery for the material upon receipt of a partial payment of $62.00. The payments may be made directly to Stratford Career Institute. The collection agency will be notified accordingly upon receipt of payment.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer response

  12/21/2023

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. I never received any letters from them and when I was first contacted by the collection agency I told them, that I was willing to pay if I received the materials. Now they want to charge me more that what I agreed to pay. Not acceptable. They can stay with what I have already paid and closed the case. I am not willing to work with a company that does not works with me.  Regards, ******** *******

  Business response

  12/22/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 22, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ******** *******. Having reviewed Ms. *******‘s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.As requested, both the Bookkeeping and Business Management courses have been cancelled with no further balance owed.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  12/19/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  This is SCAM, I do not know this school and I have never given my information. However, my newphew who goes to school used my computer to sign up or something, as a result they told me I owe them money, which I dont, and then they send my information to collection. I need them to remove it and remove my name from their scammy school. Why the hell I need to study for electrician, I dont need it

  Business response

  12/21/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 21, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ********** *********. Having reviewed Mr. *********‘s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Mr. ********* enrolled in our Electrician program on January 23, 2023 through our website, *******************, at the discounted tuition price of $649.00 or 18 payments of $35.50 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Mr. ********* on January 26, 2023, and confirmation of delivery provided by United States Postal Service on January 28, 2023.According to our records no correspondence or telephone calls were received from Mr. ********* throughout the duration of his enrolment although several letters were issued to the address on file inquiring on his progress. While students may take up to 5 years to complete a program with SCI, tuition payments are due every 30 days from the date of enrollment until the account is paid in full. No tuition payments were successfully received after the initial $20.00 down payment on January 23, 2023, although Mr. ********* did authorize Stratford Career Institute to charge his credit card 18 monthly payments of $35.50. His electronic signature was recorded as per the attached enrollment application.In an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous payment reminders were issued to Mr. ********* with no reply. The account was eventually forwarded to an outside collection agency on August 15, 2023 for the outstanding balance of $669.00.Students may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Upon review of Mr. *********’s file, no cancellation request was received by any method.Although no cancellation request was received and we are unable to substantiate the claim that his nephew submitted the enrollment application in his name, I have authorized our Accounts Department to close Mr. *********’s file and waive the remaining account balance. The collection agency has been notified accordingly. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer response

  12/27/2023

  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, as long as they performs what they have stated in writing and all the balance removed from my account and collection agency cleans the records of any issue, Should there be any issue according to my account, they may contact me at ******************** or notify me if further action needs to be taken on my part,  Regards, ********** *********

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am deeply concerned about the sharing of my nonpublic information with credit bureaus and the resulting inaccuracies on my credit report. This situation has caused significant financial and emotional distress. Under 15 USC 1681 Section 602, I have the right to financial privacy, and I expect my information to remain confidential. Furthermore, 15 USC 1681 Section 604(a)(2) states that a consumer reporting agency cannot furnish account information without my written instructions, which I have not provided. I have identified inaccuracies on my credit report from STRATFORD CAREER INSTITUTE, impacting my financial well-being. I request these inaccuracies be corrected promptly. Lastly, please remember 15 USC 1666(b), which prohibits treating payments on a credit card account as late under certain circumstances. For reference, my account details are as follows: Account Number: ********** I request a thorough review of my account, prompt correction of credit report inaccuracies, and strict adherence to federal laws regarding my information. Failure to address these issues may compel further legal action. I anticipate your prompt response and resolution to these concerns. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, ****** ******

  Business response

  12/07/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 7, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ****** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ****** enrolled in our Medical Transcriptionist program on October 16, 2017 at the discounted tuition price of $789.00 or 21 payments of $36.61 with an initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ****** on October 17, 2017, and confirmation of delivery provided by United States Postal Service on October 20, 2017.According to our records no correspondence or telephone calls were received from Ms. ****** until July 16, 2018 when she attempted to enroll in a new course of study, Administrative Assistant/Secretary, which was declined due to her current delinquent account. Ms. ****** contacted our Student Services department by telephone on July 17, 2018 to inquire on the status of the application for the new program and was advised the application was declined due to her delinquent account and that she was welcome to continue the Medical Transcriptionist program once the outstanding balance was paid. While students may take up to 5 years to complete a program with SCI, tuition payments are due every 30 days from the date of enrollment until the account is paid in full. No tuition payments were successfully received after the initial $20.00 down payment on October 16, 2017, although Ms. ****** did authorize Stratford Career Institute to charge her credit card 21 monthly payments of $36.61. Her electronic signature was recorded as per the attached enrollment application.In an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous payment reminders were issued to Ms. ****** with no reply. The account was eventually forwarded to an outside collection agency on May 1, 2018 for the outstanding balance of $789.00.Students may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Upon review of Ms. ******’s file, no cancellation request was received by any method.Although no cancellation request was received, I have authorized our Accounts Department to close Ms. ******’s file and waive the remaining account balance. The collection agency has been notified accordingly. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi HullSupervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  11/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  11/10/23 12:00 pm. I enrolled into a career program, and I canceled because I found out they cant give an accredit degree. I cancelled and had a remaining balance. I called and made my first 40.00 payment of out of 300.00. I was able to reach a women on the phone who took my payment and it was successful. That was the last time I was able to get ahold of anyone to make remaining payments. I have several screen shots of the amount of times I called and there is no answer and no voicemail. I sent a check to the address they provided with the a $40.00 payment and a note asking for an updated number because the one on the statement wasn't working. They never cashed the check. I now have received a collections letter from a creditor for the remaining balance. This seems fraudulent to me, and I have been severely stressed over this.

  Business response

  11/16/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated November 10, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ****** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ****** enrolled in our Interior Decorating program through our website on May 8, 2023 at the discounted tuition price of $689.00 and completed the first of the four modules in the program. A second module was issued to Ms. ****** on June 19, 2023. Ms. ****** contacted our Student Services department by e-mail on July 7, 2023 to request the cancellation of her program. Her program was cancelled and a balance of $155.60 was applicable as per the terms and conditions of the signed tuition contract and service guarantee.Ms. ****** subsequently contacted our Student Services department by e-mail on August 4, 2023 to inquire if it was possible to remit monthly payments towards the cancellation balance of $155.60. An e-mail reply was issued to Ms. ****** confirming that she is welcome to remit monthly payments towards the balance until the account was paid in full. An additional e-mail was received by Ms. ****** on August 11, 2023 indicating she was attempting to remit a payment but had received an error and was unable to reach us by phone. An e-mail reply was sent to Ms. ****** on August 14, 2023 recommending that she remit her payment through our online platform for which she was registered. Alternatively she was welcome to call our Student Services department at the toll-free number provided to all students.Ms. ****** successfully reached our Student Services department by telephone on August 25, 2023 to remit a $40.00 payment with a Visa Card and the payment was processed and applied to her account accordingly. No further payments were received after this date however a tuition reminder was issued to the address on file on September 26, 2023. As no further payments were received, the account was forwarded to an outside collection agency on October 31, 2023 for the remaining balance of $115.60.We have verified that there were no technical issues with our toll-free number, ###-###-####, during the time period between July 7, 2023 and October 31, 2023, nor were there any issues with our voice messaging system. Ms. ****** is welcome to remit the payment of $115.60 directly to Stratford Career Institute by check, money order or credit card. Alternatively, she is welcome to remit the payment online via our online services platform, for which she is registered. Our Instructors remain available to assist Ms. ****** with payment arrangements and can be reached either by calling our toll-free number ###-###-#### or our local phone number, ###-###-####. Please note that long distance charges may apply when calling the local number. The collection agency will be notified and Ms. ******’s account will be closed upon receipt of the balance.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  09/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  If I could give 0 stars I would. They duped me into a course making it seem like I would become accredited. I signed up and did 1 week, than realized that the school will not give me accreditation. I decided to stop doing the work and call them to stop the course. At which time they told me I still must pay 465 dollars CAD even though I did 1 week and because they are not very forth-right when you speak to them personally, they make you think you will end up with accreditation and a career which is absolutely false. Even worse is I just landed as a Permanent Resident and they basically dictated to me "too bad you must pay us anyways". This school is a borderline scam in my opinion, why pay for courses that will get you nowhere? They are taking advantage of poor people with little options and they ought to be at the very least considered predatory. Taking a course for 1 week and realizing what they were telling you is different than your agreement should be considered misleading at best and fraudulent at worst.

  Business response

  09/18/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated September 13, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ******-*** ********-******. Having reviewed Ms. ********-******’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms. ********-****** enrolled in our Dental Assistant program on August 17, 2023 through our website at the discounted tuition price of $795.00. If the student wishes to remit monthly payments, a 17% financing rate is applicable and the interest is calculated into the tuition payments. Alternatively, the student may remit f*** payment of $795.00 and the interest of $109.18 is waived. Ms. ********-****** chose to remit 17 monthly payments of $50.00 and one final payment of $44.18.The first module in the program was made available online as per Ms. ********-******’s preference indicated on her enrollment application. According to our records she successf***y completed all 3 corresponding exams. The second module was shipped to the mailing address on file on August 22, 2023 and the student completed 2 of the corresponding exams.Students may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment with SCI. All students are given 5 calendar days in which to evaluate their program and first study package. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student upon enrollment and cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Ms. ********-******’s electronic signature agreeing to the terms of the contract was recorded.Upon review of the file, Ms. ********-****** contacted our Student Services department by telephone on August 29, 2023 to request the cancellation of her program. Her account was cancelled in accordance with the terms and condition of the tuition contract which I have attached for review. As Ms. ********-****** cancelled past the first 5 days of enrollment and exams were received from 2 of the 5 modules in the program, her cancellation balance was calculated at $462.50. Stratford Career Institute is a non-accredited, distance learning school that offers career diplomas intended for vocational purposes. No claims of accreditation are made, whether verbally or in writing. On the contrary, the following message appears on our website under the course outline, which Ms. ********-****** accessed to proceed with her online enrollment application:This educational program is an introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not fulfill the legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications, which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.Given the above information, it is clear that Stratford has in no way misrepresented the nature of our programs and subsequently no refund is applicable. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  08/02/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I signed up for "Drafting with AutoCAD" in February 2023 and was assured by student support staff on the phone that after I finished each module the materials would be delivered. I received only Module 1 and finished it in March. I contacted student service (see attached emails) but Module 2 of the original syllabus has never been delivered. After I started the course, the SCI changed substantially the course syllabus dropping entirely geometric constructions, engineering graphics and applications in mechanical drafting, turning the course into an architectural drafting course only (see attached Syllabus at the enrollment and after changes). As of July 31, SCI continues misleadingly advertising the old syllabus at its website ****************************************** ******** This called Bait and Switch and is against the law. In mid-May, I contacted student support staff on the phone and explained that I signed up mainly because of the engineering graphics and mechanical drafting as I am working as a mechanical drafter. On the phone the student support staff told me they would cancel my enrollment and offer me a refund. I was very surprised when I received the bill from SCI and they threaten to send collections after me. I want this resolved. At this point i dont need a refund I just want them to cancel the account for good and all "payments" associated with it, meaning none. I've sent a letter to collections as well and I will attach it here showing I did try to resolve this amicably

  Business response

  08/08/2023

  Good afternoon,I am in receipt of your e-mail dated August 3, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ***** *****. Having reviewed Mr. *****’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Mr. ***** enrolled in our Drafting with AutoCAD program on February 15, 2023 through our website, *******************. The initial cost of the program was $1069.00, payable in 24 equal monthly installments of $44.54. The first set of study material was issued to Mr. ***** on February 15, 2023 in a digital format as per his preference indicated on the enrollment application. Mr. ***** completed the corresponding exams on April 2, 2023. Unfortunately, as the course was being updated, the second module in the program was on back-order however to mitigate any down-time, the fifth module was subsequently made available in a digital format for download on April 25, 2023.  Included with the first module was the course syllabus, detailing the contents and subject matter for each module in the program. I have attached the original syllabus, titled ‘Drafting with AutoCAD_Original Syllabus’ for your review and would like to draw your attention to the first page where it states:“The exact titles of the books, or the order in which you learn certain topics, may be somewhat different from what is indicated. We maintain the right to revise the course and the instructional materials to bring you the most current and practical information. However, even if there is a slight change in the book titles or topics, the overall educational content of your program will be the same. You need not inform your instructor of a modification to the program content, but we always invite you to contact us if you need instructional assistance.”Unfortunately, in circumstances beyond SCI’s control, the textbook that was to be issued with the second module of the program is no longer in print and our institute could no longer source an out-of-print textbook from the publisher. A new textbook was sourced and selected, and all syllabi and course outlines, both digital and printed, were immediately updated accordingly. Please refer to the attached document titled ‘Drafting with AutoCAD _Updated Syllabus’.Mr. ***** contacted our Student Services department by telephone and email on several occasions, beginning on April 24, 2023, to inquire about the second module in the program and he was advised on each occasion that the previous textbook that had been selected for the second module was out of stock however the fifth module was available for download. According to our records Mr. ***** did not access the fifth module prior to cancellation.Contrary to Mr. *****’s claim that he was advised that a refund would be issued upon cancellation, it is noted in his file that he was advised a balance would be owed when he contacted Student Services by telephone on June 5, 2023. Mr. ***** also provided his authorization to keep the current payment information on file to remit payment towards the cancellation balance of $90.24. The cancellation balance was calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the tuition contract issued to Mr. ***** during the online enrollment process, on which his electronic signature is recorded.The first payment of $45.74 towards the cancellation balance was received successfully on June 15, 2023. The final payment of $44.54 was returned on July 21, 2023 as NSF and an invoice was issued to the address on file. A $30.00 bank fee was applied to the account for the returned payment. Mr. ***** contacted our Student Services department by e-mail on August 2, 2023 indicating his refusal to pay the remaining balance owed due to the changes in the course syllabus. An e-mail reply was issued on August 2, 2023 advising Mr. ***** that the balance remains due and payable however the $30.00 bank fee could be waived upon successful receipt of payment. Mr. ***** issued a reply by e-mail on August 2, 2023 reiterating that he will remit no further payments.While we acknowledge Mr. *****’s disappointment with the updated material, we feel that the replacement material selected does not substantially change or negatively impact the overall content of the program. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. Sincerely, Brandi H***SupervisorStudent Services

  Customer response

  08/08/2023

  Better Business Bureau: I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. You substantially changed the course that it was no longer useful to me. You’re twisting the truth here by using the law to cover yourself. Yes by your terms you can revise the course , however revision is not the same as restructuring. Which is what you did you can clearly see the difference in content so that’s not what I bought from you guys initially. I bought a course on the grounds to upskill my mechanical drafting skills not civil drafting “Feeling like it didn’t change” isnt a good defense because as a customer I didn’t get the value that I was looking for. I’m professional who was upskilling in drafting skills for MECHANICAL DRAFTING. So no the course content changed substantially to the point it was useless. Civil drafting has no correlation for my job skills. You ruined the course when you changed itSo you practically did a bait and switch. That is a serious offense and you clearly seem to ignore it. You advertise one thing and in the middle it completely changes to another.The course was constantly back ordered and I never got my materials. I was also left in the dark no matter how many times I reached out to you through email and through phone I ended up blocking my card because you guys didn’t listen , didn’t care charged my card. So I just cancelled and made a new one. For me the best resolution is to just close my account for good , no more payment , no more debt collecting. I’m not expecting a refund but I have serious grounds here on why I’m not paying. this not just a matter of policy it’s matter of integrity. Are you delivering you what you say you would deliver. The answer is no , you didn’t. So you since you didn’t deliver I’m not paying , simple as that Regards, ***** *****

  Business response

  08/14/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated August 8, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ***** *****. Having reviewed Mr. *****’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.The Drafting with AutoCAD program offered by Stratford Career Insitute is intended to be an introduction into the field of drafting. While the previous material offered in the program focused primarily on Architectural applications, the newly updated and enhanced version of the program offers a wider focus for the application of AutoCAD. This update was based on feedback received from current and former students who have successfully graduated the program.As previously stated, while we acknowledge Mr. *****’s disappointment with the updated material, we maintain our position that the replacement material selected does not substantially change or negatively impact the overall content of the program.Unfortunately, the applicable cancellation balance remains due and payable as per the terms and conditions of Mr. *****’s signed tuition contract.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. Sincerely, Brandi H**lSupervisorStudent Services

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