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:05/16/2025

  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 was contacted by Apex Research Group for Covid research. I was sure when I was last vaccinated. So I was told by Priyanka ****** that I needed to get a shot on 5/13/25. I needed to be recently vaccinated. I did so at a ***. I wasn't aware that I had been given the vaccine on February 4th of 2025. I was hospitalized with Covid from April 15th to the 20th for both Covid and Pneumonia. Priyanka called me 8 separate times on 5/14/25. Wanting me to be there in an hour. I told her that I take the Bus system and I needed 3 hours at least. I live clear across town. I told her that I wasn't feeling well and she was insisting that I go to her location. After harassing me to death. She told me that I didn't qualify for the study because I was vaccinated in February of this year She got my hopes up for the money I was going to receive. So I would like the money I was promised

  Business Response

  Date: 05/16/2025

  To Whom It May Concern,
  We are writing in response to the complaint submitted regarding interactions related to a COVID-19 clinical research study.
  The individual referenced in this complaint initially responded to a recruitment advertisement posted by a third-party recruitment agency. Based on their responses to that agency, it appeared they might qualify for the study,and their referral information was provided to us on March 7, 2025. When contacted by our staff, the individual was unable to provide certain required information necessary to determine eligibility. During that call, the conversation became verbally inappropriate, and the call was ultimately terminated by our staff. This interaction was documented internally.

  
  On May 13, 2025, the individual again responded to the recruitment advertisement and was referred to Apex Research Group for a second time. Based on their responses, they were tentatively scheduled for a screening visit on May 15, 2025. During a follow-up call on May 14, the individual disclosed they were in the process of obtaining vaccination documentation. To address concerns about transportation, our staff offered the option to complete the screening visit remotely. When the vaccine record was not received as expected, our staff followed up with the individual. During this interaction, the tone of the conversation became verbally aggressive.
  Our team subsequently verified the vaccination record through appropriate channels and confirmed that the individual did not meet the study's eligibility requirements. As a result, they were informed they could not be enrolled in the study.

  
  Over the course of the same day, the individual contacted our site multiple times, expressing dissatisfaction. At no point were they enrolled in the study, and therefore, they are not eligible for compensation, which is provided only to enrolled participants in accordance with study protocol and sponsor requirements.
  We must also note that during multiple calls with our staff, the tone of communication included inappropriate verbal conduct directed at our team. We expect all interactions to remain respectful, and our team is committed to maintaining a professional and courteous environment for both participants and staff.

  
  At Apex Research Group, the safety of all participants is of paramount importance and remains a key priority in every aspect of study participation. Our team is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of participants, adhering strictly to all safety protocols and ethical standards outlined in the study design.

  
  We understand that being disqualified from the study may have been disappointing. However, we are required to strictly adhere to the study protocol set by the sponsor, including eligibility criteria. Participation and associated compensation are only available to individuals who are fully enrolled and meet all study requirements.

  
  We take all feedback seriously and regret that this individual was dissatisfied with their experience. However, our actions were in accordance with the clinical trial protocol and professional standards. We remain committed to conducting research ethically, respectfully, and ensuring that all participants are treated fairly and consistently.

  
  Sincerely,
  Apex Research Group

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/21/2025

  I am rejecting this response because

  I was becoming irritated and annoyed with conversations with this company. I was called 8 times within a 2 hour time frame in regards to getting vaccinated. I kept informing the agent that I had yet to hear from my *************** as to when I received my last Covid vaccine. I was then informed that I needed to have a current vaccination within 48 hours prior to an appointment. So I did so. And because I received a vaccination on 2/4/25 I was ineligible for the study. I feel that I was forced to get a vaccination. So therefore I feel that I deserve the compensation I would have received if I had not received the vaccination I was forced to go get. 

  
  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/23/2025

  Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns. We take all feedback seriously and appreciate the opportunity to provide clarification regarding your experience.
  
  Regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, we want to emphasize that participation in the study- including meeting eligibility requirements- is entirely voluntary. You indicated on the screening questionnaire that you completed, that you would be willing to obtain the vaccination, and we proceeded based on that information. At no point did our team require or pressure you to get vaccinated. Unfortunately, based on the timing of your vaccination and the strict protocol established by the study sponsor, you were found to be ineligible for participation. During the initial screening process, you indicated per the responses you entered on the screening questionnaire that your last COVID-19 vaccination had occurred approximately 46 months prior. Based on that information, our team proceeded under the assumption that you were eligible according to the studys criteria. However, it was later found that this information was incorrect and this rendered you ineligible to be enrolled in the study due to the study requirements which are set.
  
  It is also important to clarify that our site did not place eight outbound calls to you. In fact, the majority of contact was initiated by you. While our team made every effort to answer your questions and clarify study requirements, several calls were cut short, as you would speak briefly and then end the call before our staff could fully respond.
  
  We want to emphasize that participation in any clinical study, including obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination, is completely voluntary. At no point were you required or instructed by our staff to receive a vaccination. Rather, you indicated independently during the screening questionnaire that you completed online that you intended to do so.
  
  We understand your disappointment at learning you were ineligible after taking steps you believed were necessary. However, per study guidelines, compensation is only provided to participants who meet all inclusion criteria and are officially enrolled in the study.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/27/2025

  I am rejecting this response because:Your team are pathological liars. I will be more than happy to screen shot my entire call history for that day. The agent made it very adamantly clear that I got vaccinated on that day. I kept informing her that I had yet to hear from my medical provider on when my last vaccination was. I wasn't aware it was on 2/4/25. Because I was admitted to ****** ** on 3/15/25. With both Covid and Pneumonia. And was discharged on 3/20/25. This can be verified ??. And I fully intend to. **** can Sugar Coat this complaint any way they want. I'm mearly exercising my rights as an dissatisfied person. So that being said. See it from my point of view. If I received a vaccination 2/4/25. And about 5 or 6 weeks later come down with Covid. I was under the assumption that had not received any such vaccination for both Covid and Pneumonia. To the point I was hospitalized.