Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/04/2025

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  ******** moderators have deleted my posts (username *********) and removed my profile header and footer complaining about the member ******* stealing code from me for which he has no license to use. They are effectively supporting copyright infringement by preventing my communication with this member and allowing him to promote said infringing work on their website. Said member does not accept direct messages and will not respond to my personal queries elsewhere, this is the only way I have to communicate with him but they will not allow it. At least some of the copyright infringement is directly admitted to in this post here where he claims to have taken code that was provided as a courtesy during our collaboration, but without any license for additional use, and then used it as reference to implement his own code: https://www.**************************** I tried writing a message to the Admin account after my messages were removed and my account modified but did not receive any response. I was provided no additional recommended means of remedy.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 17/04/2025

  We've reviewed Mr. ******'s complaint regarding alleged copyright infringement by another forum member. 

  As a platform for user discussions, VerticalScope cannot verify competing copyright claims or adjudicate intellectual property disputes between users. We moderate content according to our community guidelines to maintain a constructive environment.

  This appears to be a disagreement between two users about their collaboration and subsequent use of code. We have no means to verify either party's claims about ownership or licensing agreements made outside our platform.

  For valid copyright claims, we follow standard DMCA procedures which require proper documentation from the copyright holder. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 20/04/2025

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  You've already involved yourself in the dispute by removing my factual claims of copyright infringement. I've provided proof in the admittance of the forum member ******* on your own forum. Your own terms of use specify:
  
  You may not:
  ...
  Use the Web Site to post or transmit any information, software or other material that violates or infringes upon the rights of others, including material that is an invasion of privacy or publicity rights or that is protected by copyright, trademark or other proprietary right, or derivative works with respect thereto, without first obtaining permission from the owner or rights holder.
  
  And since the user has directly admitted to this on your own site, I see no reason why you cannot take action.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ******

  Customer Answer

  Date: 30/04/2025

  
  I apologize that I'm a bit late in responding to your request for clarification for complaint ID ********. I'm happy to repeat my response in the official portal if you're able to extend the deadline.
  
  To my knowledge no content has been removed. I have not provided proof of copyright to VerticalScope due to not being provided any guidance as to how to do that. I'm happy to do it. I have a complete history of the code in question's development and contributions.
  
  Thanks so much!
  ***** ******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/05/2025

  We cannot adjudicate disagreements between members. Please refer to our Copyright Policy located here at https://******************************** to see if it is applicable to you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/05/2025

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  No one has asked you to "adjudicate" the matter. I've asked you to accept what a member has written on your own forum and act in accordance with your own policies. In addition, I am upset that you've chosen to protect this member from criticism by removing my posts detailing the infringement and I've been told to stop posting to the forum by your moderators. That's not fair and I believe it to be unequal treatment due to the traffic this member is likely generating for your website. From my perspective you've already decided in favor of the infringer and told me to leave. You are supporting copyright infringement by protecting him.
  
  I'm an individual, not a large company and this individual is outside of the US. He's already proven his willingness to *** in response to DMCA take down requests which means my only option is to file what would be a very expensive lawsuit. I can't do that. And I'm not asking you to render judgement either, but I am saying that your behavior in this matter is clearly in support of the infringer. It is not neutral. That's very upsetting and it's further upsetting that you're continuing to hide behind generic claims of being unable to do anything. As I just pointed out, you already have acted; in favor of the infringer.
  
  Please attempt to use some amount of intelligence and consideration before replying again. I'm sure if you take the time to look into the matter you'll find that my complaints are not without merit.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/05/2025

  As we stated in our previous communication: As a platform for user discussions, VerticalScope cannot verify competing copyright claims or adjudicate intellectual property disputes between users. We moderate content according to our community guidelines to maintain a constructive environment.
  
  We removed posts to maintain the civility of the community and have no interest in the alleged dispute over ownership of code. If there is an outstanding copyright issue to resolve we ask you to please resolve it with the member in question.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:14/12/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have been permanently banned from the *********** forum for "violation" of the terms and conditions, yet I feel this is very much unjustified. I have provided content of the highest quality with references to technical research paper and personal testing. I believe the main contention is that the information I provide conflicts with the belief of some of the other users and in particular one of the paying "higher authority" members. This member has been given the uncontested platform on this forum to promote his program which he sells at $83 per download. Because of his "status" he is perceived as the "truth" on all thing's suspension despite the overwhelming evidence I have provided that his program is incapable of capturing the complex nature of suspension to the level he claims. He is also not as educated on the subject as he would like others to believe. This member also seems to be resolved from the same terms and conditions as the rest of the members as he is given free rein to belittle others at will. Most importantly, as noted if the members program does not do as claimed (already proven) there would be legal ramifications for him, and this would make vertical scope in breach of their own terms and conditions. I request an internet meeting with all members involved including the forum moderators that have shown exceptional levels of bias.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/01/2024

  The reason you were banned from the forum was due to multiple violations of the forum rules, including ignoring moderator warnings and continuing to post personal attacks on other members. While we value the spirited and informed discussions our communities create, we ask that members remain civil with each other at all times.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/01/2024

  
  Complaint: 21003494
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I firmly believe i was single out because the information I presented conflicted with a business interest the Vertical Scope has with one of their paid members.

  Can Vertical Scope please provide proof of the "personal attacks"

  Can Verticalscope please disclose in full detail the relationship they have with the member "clicked" real name ****** ********.

  Does this relationship cause a conflict of interest on the forum?

  How did verticalscope "moderate" those who made personal attacks towards me including "clicked"

  Can verticalscope please respond directly to the accusation their platform is being used to promote a ********** program to unsuspecting consumers.

  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ****

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/01/2024

  There is no merit to your allegations. Your attempts to continue to create discord in our communities (including with our volunteer moderators and users) are not welcome. We demand that you immediately cease and desist from using our forums and any further unwelcome contact with our moderators or users. We will not be engaging further with you and our position of your ban remains unchanged.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:14/12/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Started my relationship with VerticalScope when they took over a forum I was a member of, was able to become a moderator and then Super-moderator, fast forward to 2021, they took over another forum I was a member of, again, was asked by their staff to moderate there, which I did offer my assistance. The position was a volunteer position, however according to username *******, lifetime premium membership is granted on forums you’re a member of. The site had a problem user whom VerticalScope was made aware of on numerous occasions for evading bans, Verticalscope initially denied claims that this person was evading because 1. They were using a VPN 2. They were purchasing a plus/ premium membership. Since assistance from vertical scope didn’t seem to be happening and this evader kept trolling and signing up new accounts, (also created a blog with screenshots of direct messages) I was getting frustrated, and rightfully so, VerticalScope was protecting this evader more than it was protecting its users. Made several posts on their moderator forum asking to limit VPNs, banning the IP range, nothing, finally just had enough an gave them a piece of my mind, in addition to this, I have posted my issues on one other forum, however, was banned stating it was harassment. So, fast forward, had my moderator/ admin privileges removed, but was told that (prior to losing) that I’d retain my premium membership. On or around 12/9/23 my premium membership was revoked on one of their forums, around this time I was also issued “warning points” for “trolling their support section” after contacting Jeff M., he informed me that it it was a temp ban/ warning, a little much for a warning to be banned. Mr. M. threatens further communications with a ban.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 21/12/2023

  Lifetime Premium is provided to all forum administrators and moderators in good standing. We reserve the right to revoke access at any time. No payment has been solicited for lifetime premium and its offering is a goodwill gesture towards our volunteer moderators as thanks for their dedication and contributions to our communities.
  
  Regrettably, your removal from your volunteer administration position was necessitated by instances of behavior that was deemed inappropriate and unbecoming of a representative of your community. Such actions are a direct violation of the conduct expected of members, especially those in positions of authority. Further your actions and certain posts on other VerticalScope communities, creating accounts to air your grievances, is unbecoming of a moderator or administrator and is in violation of the standards set out for those roles.
  
  As such, your lifetime premium membership has been revoked and a temporary ban has been issued for your account. This decision was not made lightly, but it was deemed necessary to ensure the integrity and civility of our communities. We understand that this decision may be disappointing to you. Our primary commitment is to the welfare and positive experience of all of our members. We appreciate your past contributions as a volunteer and hope you understand the reasons behind our decisions.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 22/12/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I truly think that the representative whom responded isn’t aware that I’m not banned, I was given warning points, but that’s it, it issued a 3 day ban which expired around the 5th of December, and those points will expire at the beginning of the new year. Furthermore, there were no mentions of the threats from Jeff M. and how I’m not to mention issues via pm about any other site other than the one I’m on. Again, we’re stating that lifetime premium membership be reinstated, we were never made aware that lifetime premium would be revoked for posts.

  Sincerely,
  ****** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:29/11/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I've paid for one month plus membership in *********** ****. A few days later, I got banned without a clear and objective reason. I was banned for exactly a month, the same I've paid for my membership. This is outrageous and feels like a ****. I require refund for my membership, afterwards you guys can disable my account if you wish because I'm never taking part again in anything to do with this business.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/12/2023

  This member's request has been received, and replied to, and we have begun the steps to process his refund appropriately.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:25/09/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  My issue with the company is that against their TOS moderators and Popular Members are producing content the has been routinely ******* ******** *** *********** content to be presented on their forum ********.com. And even when notified the only recourse to the members and moderators that support this content is to delete the content. No popular member or moderator was ever banned or removed for this content. I however was banned for rules violations.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/10/2023

  The complainant is a former member of ********.com, a forum community dedicated to ice and snow management professionals and enthusiasts. Our records indicate that the complainant has been banned multiple times from 2018 to 2023 for multiple rule violations including creating multiple additional accounts to subvert previous bans. VerticalScope and its volunteer moderators and administrators have processes in place to investigate and remove posts that violate our TOS in accordance with our TOS and to take further actions, such as banning members based on their conduct on the site. We have removed the user generated posts brought to our attention by this complaint. We reserve the right to take further actions as appropriate, and do not publicly disclose actions taken with respect to other members. VerticalScope is committed to its moderation practices and ensuring its forums are safe and civil.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/10/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  This has nothing to do with me being banned or not. This has to do with the fact your website is promoting ******.  The question is how do you justify the rules you claim govern your websites under such rules when in fact your moderators are the ones creating ****** content and supporting it because it is their friends?  Answer that one? And don't give me the canned answer you just did. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ****

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/10/2023

  I'm writing this to explain my complaint better to you so you can better understand my rejection of this complaint.  I'm not only writing this complaint as concerned person but also as a Newsletter Writer on ********.  I've been trying for a long time to get a straight answer out of this company as to why they allow multiple violations of their own code of conduct by users that are supposedly their website watch dogs.  I have plenty of evidence that Vertical Scope's paid staff knows this content exists and will do nothing to stop the content creators from accessing their websites.  I've even  made people as far up as VP of Communities Joe P. aware of this behavior and VP of Content Collum W. both of whom ignored me and even went as far as to block me on social media ******* and ******** after I made my concerns publicly.  
  
   I was banned on their site **************.com for pointing out that their Super Moderator the same person that has posted ****** **** ** ****** ****** and a ***** *** wrote ****** things to me about ***** **** and *********** statements I saved. That to me is a serious problem . Further more everyone of these images was posted after the May 18th 2022 Site Usage and Rules images where Senior Admin (****) is recording a thumbs up positive statement (***** **)  while also supporting content that is clearly in violation of sad rules. And when brought up to the Admin S. personally ( I have the saved messages) I was banned again.  I accept that they can ban me, but the  question is why are they allowing far more egregious violations of these codes.  And it's not just just this website but all across 30 or so websites I viewed and joined they had major content violations supporting violence , even making ******* ********** ************** ******* (***'s) along with a long litany of ****** and ********** memes.  Many of which were endorsed with positive comments or liked by the volunteer staff and clearly never reviewed by their own staff.  
  
  What my complaint is about the systemic policies of VS to ignore their very own terms of service when it provides them with the content they need to keep otherwise dead websites from looking dead.  This is essentially ********** their potential customers who are told that they by the TOS this behavior will not be tolerated (paragraph 3 and 7 of the new rules posted May 2022). "We have removed the user generated posts brought to our attention by this complaint. We reserve the right to take further actions as appropriate, and do not publicly disclose actions taken with respect to other members. VerticalScope is committed to its moderation practices and ensuring its forums are safe and civil. "  I can tell you ******* what their further actions taken were-- NOTHING! No one was banned, censured or any other action was taken even as these images show continual disregard for rules about content in regards to what would be considered workplace ****** **********.  Not only that the clients of their ad services are being defrauded since many companies do not like to associated with ****** and ****** memes that alienate their broader consumer base.  
  
  Thanks for taking some time to read my complaint.  
  ****** ** **** 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/10/2023

  More Attached

  

  Business Response

  Date: 16/10/2023

  We do not tolerate any form of *************** **** ****** ** ****** or any kind. Any posts containing this content is a violation of our Terms of Use and is removed as soon as we become aware of it. Users who violate our terms of use may be subject to other disciplinary actions which are not disclosed publicly. This matter is currently under investigation. As we reported previously, the content you reported was removed. Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.  
  
  Our mission is to foster a safe environment for all users. To further prevent such incidents from happening in the future, we are in the process of enhancing our content moderation procedures and will continue to monitor our platform closely. We also encourage all users to report any content that violates our guidelines so that we can take prompt action.
  
  If you have any further concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our community management team. We are here to assist you.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:20/07/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Long time member of 2 forums owned and operated by Vertical Scope. New moderators put in place very bias and do not follow their advertised terms of service. ***** ***** *** ****** ********. Unfair moderators with bias toward their own members without fairness to knew member or opinions. No contact is madr when concerns are brought to the table. No explanation is made when questions are asked. Vs simply states no more contact will be made. The 2 forums I frequented for a decade are now blocked as my account was banned for no reason and with no explanation. Supporting documents are available showing the double standard and bias that is occuring through unpaid and untrained forum moderators.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 20/07/2023

  This member has repeatedly *******, ********, and antagonized various members of two different forums in violation of our Terms of Service. Multiple warnings were issued for their behavior asking them to tone things down and take a break, these warnings were unheeded resulting in the member being banned for their violations of the TOS. The ban will not be reversed.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:18/07/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Vertical scope bans users on their "forums" without any cause, reason provided or justification. I did not break a single rule and yet it appears they blatantly ban anyone who participates in any form of discussion. I was banned for "spam" and unfortunately for Vertical scope I've never in my lifetime participated in a spam post. I can see this is a pattern based on every other complaint...

  

  Business Response

  Date: 18/07/2023

  This user had their post removed for failing to follow the rules of the forum while being argumentative and hostile towards the moderation team. Subsequent posts resulted in a ban for spamming the forum. The ban will not be lifted.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 18/07/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because: This is simply not true. I followed the site rules and was banned for doing nothing wrong. It wasn't until I raised a concern after being banned, that you claim I was being argumentative. Please remove my personal info from your site as well. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  **** *******

  

  Business Response

  Date: 18/07/2023

  As has already been communicated via email, all personal information was removed from the forum.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:28/04/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  VerticalScope Inc., doing business as *******.com, which is an online forum for ***s. I have been a user of this forum since 2018 and have used it to help me in various stages of repairing my vehicle. It is very informative and helpful. I recently made several posts and comments, and was banned by the moderator for "fluffing my posts". I believe the company has wrongfully banned my account, and is discriminating against my speech and language capabilities. I did nothing wrong.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 28/04/2023

  You were warned twice by forum staff for not following the forum rules and replying in threads that were 13 years old with comments that were not relevant to the discussion. This ban was temporary and expires tomorrow, April 29th. Please read and review the forum rules when you return to the forum.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:25/04/2023

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I tried to register for the Dr search .I paid $14.88 and put in everything I was supposed to put….waited like I was asked and then tried to access my so called account….but nothing then it asked me to renew again for 1 month…..** **** * **** ** ****….yes it asked for a donation of $14.88 but this was to be able to access the Drs taking new patients….so I’m requesting a refund…I will notify others to not use the site. Thank you

  

  Business Response

  Date: 09/05/2023

  This refund was issued and the customer was emailed to inform them of their refund on the 27th of April, 2023. If there are any further issues please contact us and let us know.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/03/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  they run a website called *********.org that us run by volunteers and they ban accounts for no reason and claim they are "spam" that seems to be their catch-all for anything they feel like. If you contact them, no one returns the contact and they aggregate users/emails for their marketing ads, Vertical Scope was of no help. if you look into the site, its mostly run by politics and many of the staff post political posts, they even keep that side of the site secret until you create a user account, which shows they don't want to incriminate themselves for being driven by staff that has an politics agenda.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 21/04/2023

  Records do not indicate any attempt act contact from this email in our ticketing system however the account itself shows to have been banned as part of a spam attack from one user generating dozens of accounts to circumnavigate a terms of service violation which is against site rules.