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Business Profile

Publishers Periodicals

Trusted Media Brands, Inc.

Headquarters

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BBB Accredited BusinessA-Rated by BBB

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Trusted Media Brands, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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Trusted Media Brands, Inc. has 12 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 154 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 59 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    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.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/09/2022

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      readers digest sent unsolicited book. I cancelled the account but that did not cancel the charge of $38 for this one book. Account ************

      Business Response

      Date: 12/13/2022

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

      RE: #********

      I write in response to your letter dated December 9, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On October 21, 2021, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Best of ********************** book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book,the customer would automatically be enrolled to preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on November 15, 2021.

      On April 22, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent. That book was shipped on June 30, 2022, along with an invoice.

      On September 21, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent. That book was shipped on November 30, 2022,along with an invoice.

      We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The charge of $38.00 has been voided. The customer *** keep the book and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process for that book.  

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer Service Center

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/13/2022

      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 and the matter has been resolved.

      Sincerely,

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



       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/28/2022

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 never ordered this book. I received one like it last month. I never opened it and took it to the post office. It was marked refused. I received this in the past few days, so I opened the envelope. I will return it and pay for the postage providing your send no more books. Otherwise I will file a complaint with the BBB.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/29/2022

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

      I write in response to your letter dated November 28, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On September 13, 2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Select Editions book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series approximately every 6-8 weeks with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on September 29, 2022.

      The next book in the series was shipped to the customer on November 17, 2022, along with an invoice.

      We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer *** keep the book and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process for that book

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer Service Center

      Customer Answer

      Date: 11/29/2022

      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 and the matter has been resolved.

      Sincerely,

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



       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/28/2022

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 am receiving monthly and periodical magazine subscriptions and being billed for them. I have tried cancelling by going to their website, writing an email, trying to call ( incorrect phone numbers) and writing to the company I sent a letter to Trusted Media Brands, Inc., *************************************************************** attn: Site Administrator1 When I click cancel through Trusted Media Brands Website and put in my account number and information I get the following message "Since your order was placed through an agency, it will be necessary for you to contact them. Our agreement with all agencies is that any such actions must be taken only with their approval." I am being billed by TMB and have no idea who else to contact.I just want to cancel my subscriptions and stop being billed monthly, but am not able to contact anyone to get this resolved. I feel like I am stuck paying for magazines that I do not want and can not cancel!

      Business Response

      Date: 11/29/2022

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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated November 28, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      This customers order was placed through an agency, and therefore,it is necessary that the customer contact them, Synapse **************** to report this matter. Our agreement with all agencies is that any such actions must be taken only with their approval.

      The contact for the agency information is as follows:

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

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer **************

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/21/2022

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      My credit card was billed for the merchandise listed below. The merchandise was returned on or around November 1, 2022, Un-opened via **** and marked; "Return to Sender, Unsolicited Merchandise."Please issue a refund to my credit card account. The billing to that account is listed below****************************************************************************** *************** **** *** *************************************************************** ******* ******* ********* ***** ***** ********** ******* ******* **** ******* ***** **** ***** ***** ***** ******* ****** ******* *********** ******** ***** **** ** **** **** *** ********* ******** * ****** **** ** ******* * *** ********* ******** ****** ******* *** **** * **** **** ****** ******* *** **** *************** ************************* ********* ************ ************************* ************* ****************************************************************************** **** ******* *** *** **** *** *** **************************************************** ****** ******** ********* ******* ****** *********** ***** *** *** **** ******** ***** *********** ***** ******** ********* ******* ********* ******** ***** *********** ******** ********* ******** ********** ******** ***********

      Business Response

      Date: 11/25/2022

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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated November 21, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On June 25,2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Grandmas Favorites book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on July 12, 2022.

      On August 10, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent.That book was shipped on October 13, 2022, along with an invoice.

      On November 21, 2022, a return was processed, and refund was issued in the amount of $28.41 to this customers credit card.

      We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series.The customer *** keep the book and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process for that book.

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer Service Center

      Customer Answer

      Date: 11/28/2022

      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 and the matter has been resolved.

      Sincerely,

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



       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/17/2022

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 received a copy of Reader's Digest volume of Select Editions that I did not order. Along with this copy I received an invoice seeking payment of $34.29. I do not want this item as I did not order it. I will return it if I receive a shipping label.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/20/2022

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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated November 17, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On August 25, 2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the ********************** Select Editions book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series approximately every 6-8 weeks with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on September 1, 2022.

      The next book in the series was shipped to the customer on November 11, 2022, along with an invoice.

      We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer *** keep the book and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process for that book.

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer Service Center

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

      Customer Answer

      Date: 11/23/2022

      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 and the matter has been resolved.

      Sincerely,

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



       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/08/2022

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 had previously cancelled magazine subscriptions. I received unsolicited magazines on 11/7/2022. Not wanting these types of items, I searched on the tmbi website for a way to cancel these. There is no clear, simple way to do this online. If you select subscriptions, the system responds with advertising or inquiries about more magazines. Then, I was provided an option for online chat in order to cancel the subscriptions. Finally, I was directed to a page that basically said that I had to pay for the chat.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/11/2022

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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated November 8, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      Our records indicate a subscription to Birds and Blooms was entered on February 16, 2022, from a third-party subscription agency. This subscription is set to expire with the Dec/Jan 2023 issue.

      We also received a subscription to the ************************ on February 16, 2022, from a third-party subscription agency. This subscription is set to expire with the March 2023 issue.

      This customer will need to contact the third-party subscription agency to ensure all subscriptions are cancelled. The agency information is:

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

      We have also removed the customer from our promotional lists for new products. If the customer has received promotions by mail, it could take up to two months for these promotions to stop,since promotions are preprinted in advance. The customer should disregard any such promotions.

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer Service Center

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/24/2022

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 received a letter from Trusted Media Brands dated October 17, 2022 reflecting Account #************* and asking for further credit card info for a gift subscription to Readers Digest that I supposedly ordered for someone. I DID NOT. The letter further stated that "Your recipient will receive their issue in the near future and an invoice will be sent to you (me) shortly thereafter." Again, I did not order a subscription for anyone and want to know what further action I should take should I receive an invoice. Thank you.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/28/2022

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

      RE: #********

      I write in response to your letter dated October 24, 2022 regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      Please be advised that this customers gift subscription to Readers Digest has been cancelled today, October 28, 2022. This customer *** disregard any notices or bills for this subscription that *** be in process.

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer **************

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/17/2022

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 just received a book I did not order with an invoice attached for $27.51 It was mailed to my previous address. This is the second time this company has pulled this scam on me. I used to subscribe to handyman magazine but have not renewed a subscription for years.I want this invoice voided and any old account information they have under my name removed from their data base. If they want their book back they can have *** pick it up at my current address.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/20/2022

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

      RE: #********


      I write in response to your letter dated October 17, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On March 15,2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Family Handyman book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on March 24, 2022, along with an invoice.

      On August 01, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent. That book was shipped on October 07, 2022, along with an invoice.

      We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer *** keep the book and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process for that book.  

      We have also removed the customer from our promotional lists for new products. If the customer has received promotions by mail, it could take up to two months for these promotions to stop,since promotions are preprinted in advance. The customer should disregard any such promotions.

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer Service Center

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/11/2022

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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.
      They claim I singed up for a book club, and keep billing me for it. I wrote them repeatedly asking them to cancel, but they keep sending me bills. I want to get this canceled.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/13/2022

      ******* *** **** ****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ****** *** ***************** ***** *** ********** ** *****
      RE: #********

      I write in response to your letter dated October 11, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On November 17, 2021, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Family Handyman Handy Hints book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on November 29, 2021.

      On April 21, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent.That book was shipped on June 14, 2022, along with an invoice.

      We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer *** keep the book and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process for that book.

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer Service Center

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/21/2022

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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.
      In May 2022, I received a book from Trusted Media Brands **** via the US ************** that I did not order. The book was called Family Handyman Handy Hints and included an invoice. Since I never ordered this book, I immediately sent the book back return to sender via the US ************** AND I emailed Trusted Media Brands to notify them I was returning it and would not pay for it. They never responded to that email. Then, in September 2022, I got an overdue invoice from them. On September 10, I emailed them again explaining the situation that I had returned the book and to please stop invoicing me. As of today, September 20, 2022 they have not replied to either of the two emails I sent to them asking them clear out that I owe them for this book.

      Business Response

      Date: 09/22/2022

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

      RE: Complaint # ********

      I write in response to your letter dated August 16, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On March 24, 2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Handy Hints book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time.

      On March 25, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent. That book was shipped on May 20, 2022, along with an invoice.

      We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer *** keep the book and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process for that book.  

      I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

      ***********************
      Customer Service Center

    Trusted Media Brands, Inc. is BBB Accredited.

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    This business has committed to upholding the BBB Standards for Trust.

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