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:03/30/2023

  Type:Product 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'm worried this company is a scam, but I'm not sure. I don't understand if they are providing an actual service by "registering" businesses with ****** **** etc, or if all businesses can be found by voice search anyway, assuming they have an online presence through ******* Yelp etc.I would like them to describe what exactly they are doing.They are telling me that only businesses that have registered through them can ever be found through **** and ****** For example, this is a response from them following up on a phone conversation:"Per our conversation, I was able to perform some ****** searches with different request and no matter what question I asked in regards to voice search, I was not able to find any direct website to register that information through amazon, ****** siri, or ****** which supports our statement that in order to be on voice search you have to be registered with a company such as ourselves."I cannot find a confirmation of this claim anywhere on ***** or ****, but I also find no information to the contrary.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/03/2023

  APN customer service manager reached out to Ursina. An email was also sent in the line of communication. It is very premature from the 3-4 weeks that Ursina expectations were set to when receiving a registration on the Voice search platforms. Here at apnTech we want all of our customers to feel confident in the purchase they made for the company. We will continue to reach out and make out attempts to answer any questions she may have about her purchase with apnTech.
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/03/2023

  This was not so much a complaint as a question, so far... (my complaint is that I still haven't received a clear answer):

  I would like to recommend this service to a friend, but I can't in good conscience do that, without better understanding the service they provide. I have been told by APN representatives on the phone that no business could be found on ***** or Siri without registering through a company such as theirs. I'm not sure if this is true. I feel that it should be possible for APN to send me some kind of documentation that would explain and be able to convince me of that.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/10/2023

  The **************** Manager received a call back from Ursina. She wanted more proof that apnTech was registering her company on the Voice Search Platforms. Expectations were set to 3-4 weeks for apnTech to get a complete registration or money-back guarantee. The Manager explained that is a nontangible product and there is no way I can show her our software or fulfillment process. ****** wanted more information to be able to show a friend of hers who was interested and her husband. After explaining to her the process she agreed to wait and see if we complete the registration. The manager will send a customer an email with everything we have already sent regarding the purchase. 
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/11/2023

  They still did not provide me with any written description of what exactly their service is. What exactly did I pay for that I did not already have with my previously existing online presence? 
  I never asked for their "software or fulfillment process", but for written information about their service that I could understand and share with others without embarrassment. I also don't mind waiting 3-4 weeks (which have now passed) to measure their service, but unfortunately they have not given me any information of how to measure the "before" and "after" of their service. (I have been told by another APN representatives on the phone that no business could be found on ***** or Siri without registering through a company such as theirs, which turns out not to be true). 

  The Manager on the phone made it appear to me that she would be able to provide me with such information, not just with "everything we have already sent regarding the purchase". I have not yet received a written response from them.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/14/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  We keep trying to cancel our service we have with them and get no response. We have tried calling twice and have emailed customer support 4 times now. The first call we made several weeks ago and got an answering service who promised someone would call back. We emailed customer support 4 times asking that our service be cancelled and that we no longer be billed $199 a month. No one ever responded. Fast forward several weeks later and still no call until we threatened to contact the BBB. A call came in that displayed ******** rang one time and they hung up and did not leave any voicemail. This was immediately followed up by an email from ******* who said "Hope all is well. Thank you for your patience in allowing us to get back to you. Just tried giving you a call, and left a message. Due to security purposes of the account, we would need to speak with you via phone call to further assist with your request. Please give us a call if you still need assistance with your account." We immediately called them yet again. Finally someone answered and took down all contact information and promised that someone would call back. When they finally called back, they would only talk to ********************* even though *** and his wife are partners and own the company; they would not let her or the office manager cancel the account. This company promised that we would only have to pay a one time set up fee of $498 for their voice search service. Then they tell us that we need to sign up for a listings pack for an additional $1,495 plus a monthly listing fee of $199.00 per month. We signed up on 4/7/2021 and here we are nearly two years later and have yet to see any return on our investment. We are getting nothing but the run around just to cancel a service that we no longer want or need. From what I can see other companies have had this issue as well. I am trying to cut costs for my company and can't get this cancelled.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/15/2023

  One of our supervisors did review Mr. ************************* account. We spoke with ********************* on 3/14/23 at 10:27 AM PST, and she did advise she was the Co-owner of the company and they wished to cancel the account. We informed *** that the account was originally purchased and set up under ********************* and for security purposes on the account we would need to speak with *** to confirm the request being made. *** took down our phone number for *** to call back, and we were able to contact *** on 3/15/23 at 11:36 AM PST. As we discussed the situation at hand, *** and I had a great conversation. We did come to a resolution that we will cancel the account for now. We processed a refund for the last monthly charge; as a sign of good faith during these times in the business. *** shared the unfortunate circumstances occurring within the business. He also did advise that when "they get back on their feet", they will give us a call back to sign back up, as he appreciates our work. Cancellation email was sent confirming action(s).

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/15/2023

  It should be noted that the company only called *** and *** back after the effort on our part to reach out to the original salesman who had signed us up with a different service with the company. We located an old email with the salesman's personal cell phone number and *** contacted him. ********* said he would reach out on our behalf and make sure someone from APN called either *** or Sue.  No one had even bothered to respond to any of our previous emails until we mentioned filing a report with the BBB. We strongly believe that had we not taken a proactive approach to find someone to speak to, no one would have ever responded. We never received any updates or reports showing a return on our investment. It was our own marketing team that pointed out we were not getting any results from this SEO program.  We did indeed finally receive a confirmation email that March's payment would be refunded and our account cancelled and no further charges taken out of our account. 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/16/2023

  As mentioned by our apnTech agent, we sincerely apologize for the delay in communication and explain the reason that caused this. We also credited the account back, as we work with integrity. We apologize again for the unforeseen business circumstances, so we were willing to reimburse the charge. I'm sure you can understand as a business owner. apnTech took full responsibility for the delay. However, a proper review of what has been done for your company was suggested to show you how the business has benefited from our services. We do understand that another company attempting to solicit you can often mention untrue statements in attempts to sell you. At any point in time, if you would like to have a screen-shared meeting, we'd be happy to meet with you and show you the services you have been receiving since April 2021. We want to ensure that you feel comfortable. As well as truly understanding the services we provide. Nonetheless, we value your loyalty and thank you for being the best part of apnTech! 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/21/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. In addition to the partial refund they mentioned, I expect there to be no further charges from this business on our account as we still wish to terminate service.  I will wait for the business to perform these actions and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ********************************************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/07/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  On 3/2/2023 after hearing an advertisement from APN that they can add you to all the major voice search platforms ( Siri, ************* etc) They told me it was a one time fee of $423. I was told that I would be added to all the search platforms and when anyone searched anything to do with real-estate in my area, I would now show up in that search. So I signed up for it. They told me I was to have a meeting on my computer with one of their technicians the next day and he would explain how the company adds your business (Realtor) to all the search platforms. The next day a guy by the name of ******* called me to go over how they would have my name come up in local voice searches. He typed my name in their website and told me of all the search platforms I show up less than 2% of the time. There for I would not be showing up on any searches. Then he said he can help me with that for $2300 and a monthly fee. I ask him immediately, what about the $423 for services I bought the day before. I was basically told it's pretty much worthless if I don't pay them to have my name added to the search platforms. When I asked, I thought that's what I paid for yesterday. I can't remember exactly what he said, but it was becoming clear to me something was not right. They went from a one time subscription fee to your subscription is worthless without the upgrade. That's when I realized it was basically a bait and switch scam. I tried to cancel my subscription with in 24hrs of purchasing it. I have gotten no response except they have received my support ticket for a refund. I made the mistake of not checking with the BBB before giving them $423. When I did check with BBB they're are a bunch of complaints claiming the same exact thing that happened to me. It looks like they only respond to you guys. So I'm hoping you guys can add me to the list of complaints you have about APN and hopefully help me receive a refund.Thank you very much for your time.*****************

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/13/2023

  apnTech customer service agent has made several attempts regarding this matter. It's confirmed that apnTech fully reimbursed his account for the Voice Search Registration. We can assume that the customer is not responding to **********************'s attempts to contact him because the account was reimbursed. No further action required. 
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/13/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  *****************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/07/2023

  Type:Product 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.

  On March 1st apntech contacted me about their amazing voice search they were offering. They claimed that if i paid them ****** for 2 sites that I Would be in all voice searches within 30 days. So i decided to go with it. Well 4 days after I paid them a guy called *************** contacted me and told me that in oder for my ****** voice search package I would need to pay an additional **** bucks a month for them to get my voice search in the top 3. This is not what I signed up for, and now knowing their voice search is a scam I want my money back 100% See i can afford to lose this ****** but most people arent. This is about letting other people know what this company is doing. I do want my money back however and we shall see how much of a scam this company is about giving me my money back.Understand i signed up on the 1st of march its not march 6th and i have already figured this company is a scam. Hey apntech do the right thing and give me my money back.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/13/2023

  APN customer service agent called and spoke to ***** on two different occasions regarding this matter. APN could not proceed with any further action since ***** opened a dispute with his bank. Unfortunately, ************** receive a temporary provisional credit from his bank indicating the dispute was processed. The customer service agent advised ***** of the steps of the dispute and what to look out for. Both parties wished to have talked sooner. Allowing the dispute to continue and both parties to know how to move forward. (edited) 
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/13/2023

  The guy they had call me basically laughed in my face and told me if i don't take what he trying to sell me the ****** I paid them would be for nothing. I was like if thats the case then ill do a dispute with my credit card. He sends me an email back telling me it won't matter cause they always win with the disputes. This is what forced me into filing a dispute with my credit card in the first place. Also I have a recorded voice mail from ************************* they would of gave me a refund but because i filed a dispute now they are going to go through with the dispute. I am sickend by how  bad this place is when it comes to doing buisnes. I am not even worried about winning the dispute with my credit card, I have proff of everything. I also found out this company is doing buisness under 2 other domains which I have also reported to ****** adwords. This company is a fraud and should be seriously ashmamed of themselves for trying to make a living off ripping people off. Again I want a full refund from this fraud of a company and I will not stop until I have been paid in full.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/15/2023

  APN customer service agent called and spoke to ***** on two different occasions regarding this matter. APN could not proceed with any further action since ***** opened a dispute with his bank. Unfortunately, ************** receive a temporary credit from his bank indicating the dispute was processed. The customer service agent advised ***** of the steps of the dispute and what to look out for. Both parties wished to have talked sooner. Allowing the dispute to continue and both parties to know how to move forward. 
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/20/2023

  Why is apntech responding with the same exact response as last time. The fact are you frauded me outta ****** and i want the money back. Apntech should be ashamed of themselves at how they are conducting businesss. You guys said in an email that you always win in disputes, because with what i have seen i bet you are getting alot of disputes. I am sick of hearing about the credit card stuff. refund my money and quit acting like a victim, Your company is shady and you use bait and switch tactics that should be investigated immediately. My best advice to you is refund my money now!!

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/02/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore 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.

  On 1/28/23 this company charged me $500 to ensure my business would be found on all the major voice search platforms. I was promised that this would be completed in approximately 4 weeks. Being that I am not a tech savvy person, I must rely on companies such as this to deliver on their promise. Once the $500 was paid they called me stating that in order for this to continue to work well i needed to pay $199 a month for them to maintain all the same/correct data for my business across the web. We are now 4 weeks in and i can not find my business on Siri. I also called APN Monday 2/27/23 to cancel the $199 subscription, and am still waiting a return phone call to cancel. I did not preform a review search on this company before I did business with them, if I had I would have seen the LARGE number of negative reviews and went with another provider. Hopefully this review will trigger someone within their organization to call me back and refund my money.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/02/2023

  One of our managers did reach out to ******************* regarding the concerns on his account and the BBB complaint. we were able to review exactly what has been done for the account. We were also able to review the full benefits of both products that ************** has purchased to enhance his online presence. We were able to confirm that the actual Alexa ***** registration has been activated, along with other platforms and their respective time frames. We will be continuing to work with ************** through our software and techniques month to month to enhance his local search rankings. **** did confirm he was pleased with the outcome of our phone call and is now at ease with our services. We are looking forward to the success of his business online.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/03/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  *******************
  
   
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/28/2023

  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.

  I contact APN in December of 2022 about registering my company on the 3 voice search engines. I spoke to a rep there who promised me that I would have the "exclusive" listing for my key search words and would come up at the top of the list within 100 miles of my business. She promised that I was the first one to claim these key words or phrases and nobody could come behind me and out rank me. So I agreed and paid the $398 to register. My business quickly went for the #3 on voice search to non existent. I have called them and nobody even answers, its always an answering service and then they call you back randomly, usually after work hours to talk. I have spoken about his with them 5-7 times and they have given me every excuse you can make up. they told me, your business wont show up unless its registered, but my business was #3 on voice search listings before I ever heard of APN. I was told its all related to "proximity" that's why I'm not showing up anymore. Then i was told my listing is "too new" and it takes 90 days to show up. I was told its because I used my 1 800 phone number in the listing and I needed to get a ****** phone number. No matter what the issue APN has some excuse or some reason why I need to buy more services from them to get the original service to work. They convinced me that to get this to work faster and get better results that they had the "REPUTATION MANAGMENT" platform that will get reviews from **************** and personal reviews and list all of them across the board for you. Basically telling me they can show ******** reviews on your ****** listing as a review. What they meant to say was that the BIRDEYE creates a micro-website that lists all the reviews from the different platforms.....again very misleading. In addition they charge $2499 just to setup the account with BIRDEYE and when I called Birdeye to ask a question, i found out if you call them directly there is no $2499 setup fee. AVOID this company at all costs

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/13/2023

  apnTech's customer service agent attempted to contact and address the matter with no luck. We have made attempts to contact the customer via email as well. Proper attempts to rectify this whole situation have been made and really it is all a misunderstanding of what the purchases are and what to expect. However, it's hard to do so when apnTech cannot reach the customer by phone or email.  ********************** would be more than happy to discuss and clarify any and all questions that the customer may have.  At a standstill on a solution will we can speak to the customer.
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/13/2023

  apnTech has called me multiple times after work hours and emailed me several times to tell me my account is delinquent on the services I requested to stop. Every attempt I have made to return their phone calls during regular work hours are met with an answering service and their return response is again days later and well after work hours.  I again am not interested in listening to how this is a "misunderstanding."  The multiple reps that I have spoken to in the past have said the exact same thing and then proposed how if I bought additional services, my original order would work better or if I just continued to pay for their services for the next 12 months it will fix itself.   

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/21/2023

  apnTech is unable to make contact with the client by phone. apnTech's manager did leave voicemails regarding this matter. Discussing the account is to re-confirm what the customer already agreed to when enrolling in Prime Listings. We set expectations from the beginning of **** months to see momentum on the front page if not already on the front page. Everything that was discussed with the customer on the services is true. I would love to speak with ****** to attempt one last time to explain what we do and what he purchased and how it works and see what is working and what is not working, That to me is ***************** **********************'s manager is more than willing to speak to ****** and provide the most reasonable solution for him.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/24/2023

  APNtech has in fact finally called me back, now that I have filed a complaint with the BBB.  They called me and left a message, again preaching how the PRIME LISTING takes **** months to reach its full potential. I called them back immediately and again got an answering service.  APNtech continues to defend their position on how their PRIME LISTINGS service works and the time it takes to show results. I'm no longer interested in using them for that particular service, now that I know that they tricked me and lied to me about the initial Voice *************************** they initially sold me on.  It was this initial service that I contacted them about and based all our future business and relationship on.  I quite literally went from the #3 spot on a ****** search to bottom of the list after I paid for the initial Voice Search services.....  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/20/2023

  Type:Product 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.

  On January 6th, 2023, I received a call from APN Tech about their voice search optimization, and after a lengthy conversation, I placed an order for $398 for their services which were promised to show mw at the top of voice searches done through *************** Siri, etc. I was then scheduled a call in setting up my voice search keywords that my listing would appear under. Cut to today, OVER 6 weeks later, and NONE of my information pulls up in ANY of the voice search platforms they'd promised. I called the company to request a refund of their fees, since they essentially did not provide the services that I'd paid for. They flat out refused, stated that I DID show up in searches, however they couldn't provide me any PROOF or even do the voice search over the phone to show mw that I was even registered with the voice search system. Their customer service is completely unprofessional, with their operator giving me attitude when I called out her lies. This is a shady, fraudulent business from my experience, and you'd do best to steer clear of these fraudsters!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/22/2023

  We did receive the dispute on the account regarding the transaction. ***** did send over a copy of the receipt for the dispute alert via verifi. We did process an immediate refund as we are operate with integrity. Client has received a full refund. There is no further action required on behalf of our company. Please let us know if there are any further questions or concerns, we would be more than happy to help ************.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/17/2023

  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.

  I received a phone call from a sales representative from this company yesterday afternoon. This was about my small business being on the voice search platform. All conversations were recorded. The conversation started out that my business must be registered on the voice search platforms to be searchable. I paid their fee based on this information. The information given to me by their agent. Out of curiosity, I immediately searched my company type over my phone as soon as I hung up with this company. My business popped up immediately. Today, I called this company with my complaint. The call lasted over thirty minutes with no resolve. He started out with the same statement after I asked do I have to register my business to be searched over voice search. He stated yes. Toward the end of the conversation he admitted that there was misinformation given. This conversation was as recorded. Misinformation was used to make this sell. He admitted to this but would not make it right. Im sure there are many other small businesses that has been taken advantage of in the same way as I was. I would not have bought into their business nor paid them any money if they would have not given me this misinformation. By listening back over our recorded conversation, its apparent that they knew that the information given to me was incorrect. Misinformation to make a sell is theft and should not have happened. I can send you the recorded conversations if needed.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/23/2023

  Yes, Please send us the recording you have. We would like to get to the bottom of this as well for you. We have not received a phone call from your business regarding this matter. We are also doing our due diligence on our end and will be contacting you directly regarding this matter to better assist. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/22/2022

  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.

  This company promised that they would Make my company pop up by Voice Search on all platforms such as ******* Siri, ***** And any vehicle Voice Search. They gave me examples in my area by Saying Siri find me a pest control company in ************. Is in my former employer would pop up.They promise within 30 days that if I paid them $398 That if anybody on these black forms as for a rodent or pest control company in ********* ********** that I would pop up on the top because I am the only company in ********* **********. It's been 30 days and I don't pop up nowhere unless I say the name of my company which was not the agreement from them. This company is a total scam I wish I would've read the ** complaints before I paid them. They also tried to get me for $1600 in order to do SEO work for me class and additional $300 a month.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/06/2023

  The customer service agent called and reached out to ******* regarding the BBB complaint he was upset about his customer service and also the original promises he was made regarding the Voice registration, After reexplaining and resetting his expectations on how the Voice search works and the importance of all his business data being accurate on all platforms for his business data to able to be found, He understands that he does need SEO in order to achieve that online presence he is looking to have. He said that he will write back to the BBB with a satisfactory turnout. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/13/2022

  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.

  APN sold me a service a couple years ago that was supposed to be a SEO service to bring my company to the top of search engines. I told them it is not working because the only way my company comes up on search engines is by searching directly by my company's name. If I search by a service, it doesn't come up. Now, I am being told by APN it is because ******* is large. Well they new that before when they sold it to me. As it turns out, they were deceptive. They didn't sell me an SEO, but just listing my company's information in directories. That doesn't do anything to pull my company's ranking up in search engines. Then I found out, after all this time, my company's information is not accurate in all directories. I did a ****** search and found a directory with my company's address and phone number wrong. The bottom line is APN is a scam and they are committing fraud! At $199/month is cheap for a SEO service. Then they reduced it to just $99/month when I wasn't satisfied with the service. They said I just needed to give it more time. Well I gave it over a year more with zero results. However, this whole time I thought I was paying for an SEO service. I just came to the realization what they sold me is a directory service and not a SEO service. This is like someone selling you a brand new Rolex watch for $1000 which would be a very low price for a Rolex. However, after paying for it and receiving the watch you find out $1000 wasn't a good price after all because the watch they gave you is a TimeX. So actually you got screwed! That is the analogy of what APN is doing and it is nothing less than fraud. I think they should be prosecuted for fraud. If I just wanted a directory service, I could have bought one from Vista Print for just $20/year. If they were honest we me, there is no way in h*** I would have agreed to $199/month for that service. Now, I feel like a fool that I fell for their dishonest scam!!

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/20/2022

  Our agent contacted *****. He was upset that he did not get what he was told. He kept cutting me off and not allowing me to speak. He ended the call. He was trying to tell me that Vista Print does this very something for ***** a year that is not true. ***** was not allowing us to explain the difference between the services. The client was being contacted regarding his past due balance for 10/28/2022 as he has not paid for services since 09/28/2022. The client did not call us to cancel prior to receiving notifications regarding his past-due balance. There is no contract on the program. You can cancel at any time. We do our best to deliver the benefits of the program. The client came on board via a screen-shared meeting. We are very transparent with our services and terms. If the client wishes to proceed with another business (Vista Print) two completely different services he has every right to do so. No contract on the program. We are more than willing to review the difference if given the opportunity by ***** with professionalism intact. ***** is now harassing us with emails. We have waived the past-due balance from October 28, 2022. The account is fully canceled. We are still more than willing to iron out concerns with client. However, our services does not seem like a good fit for ***** after he went past due with our services we provided for him. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/20/2022

  I don't like to call people a lier, but their response was far from accurate. I never raised my voice or cut her off in any way. I asked several questions in which she had trouble answering. When I asked her to explain the difference between ********************* and their service, she went to Vista Print's website and at first told me she couldn't find it and when I was trying to explain to her where it was, she hung up on me. She made no attempt to call me back. The emails I sent her following the call disconnecting was an attempt to get her to call me back to explain the difference between what Vista Print is offering compared to what APN is offering. Also, how is APN's service a SEO? I have a lot of confusion as to what exactly I was paying for and they can't seem to explain it to me so that it makes sense. My wife also spoke to them a few months back and she still doesn't understand what we were paying for. They always say give it a little more time. On this last phone call she told me take 6 months to a year to see results. I said to her, I was with you for more than a year with no results. How much more time before I receive results. She had no answer. I didn't pay the bill in October because it wasn't working. I said I wanted to cancel and I was told I could have two free months. That is why I didn't pay the bill. I stick to what I originally said, it is a scam!! If they truly believe I am lying, they can *** me for slander. However, I believe with all my **** that they are deceitful with the services they sell. They are telling me I am paying for an SEO with no evidence of that. Their services they provide are blurred as to what they really are. I believed they were selling me a SEO when in fact it is nothing but a directory like what Vista Print sells for just $20/year. How often does directories need to be updated. I think only when business information changes. Therefore, $20/year makes sense. APN's $99/month is a total ripoff. 

  

  Business Response

  Date: 01/06/2023

  APN and the business owner can go back and forth on what was said and done and we both have our sides to the conversation. The business relationship did not work out as you said your self we attempted to show you that the program worked and waived 2 months' service. This is just an unfortunate event. APN no longer wished to engage with the business owner. The account is closed and the directories in which the business owner agreed to APN managing and monitoring the 3rd party directors were being managed, monitored, and maintained while the business owner was active in the Prime Listings Program. Once again it's unfortunate and just wants both parties APN and the business owner to leave this situation with some sense of peace and separation of business ties.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/11/2023

  I dont accept their response because they sold me a SEO (Search Engine Optimization), at least that is what they claimed when they sold it to me. Now I find out all I got was a directory. It doesnt require constant monitoring to maintain directions, only when there are changes such as an address change. They are crooks and that is why our relationship has ended. They cant tell the truth and everything they say is overshadowed by confusion. That is because they have to lie to cover up their lies.