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:05/15/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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.

  Refund Request – Lifetime Access Revoked After Payment Without Just Cause.
  
  Details:
  
  I am filing a formal complaint against The Self Defense Company ******************************** operated by Damian R****
  
  On October 28, 2023, I purchased two online self-defense courses from the company through ****** (total cost 51 USD). The courses were clearly advertised as a one-time payment for lifetime access.
  
  In May 10 2025, I received an email from the company demanding an additional 15 USD annual payment, which they described as being “to help support the ongoing up keep.” The seller did not claim that I had ever signed up for a subscription — only that continued access now required this additional fee.
  
  When I declined to pay again, my account was deleted without refund, effectively retroactively converting a one-time purchase into a forced subscription, in violation of the original agreement.
  
  I have email documentation of the seller:
  • Confirming the demand for additional payment
  • Acknowledging that I had paid for lifetime access
  • Explicitly stating that my account was removed when I refused to comply
  
  This conduct constitutes a clear breach of contract, deceptive advertising, and bad faith business practices.
  
  Resolution requested:
  • Full refund of my original payment
  • Optional: either reinstatement of lifetime access or compensation for the inconvenience, including the offensive and dismissive tone used by the vendor in our correspondence.
  
  I am happy to provide screenshots of all emails if needed.
  
  Sincerely,
  **** ******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/23/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnansweredMore 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 9-14-24, I selected to potentially purchase a product course. However, it did not take me to a payment process page; instead, it went blank. The next thing I know, I received an email acknowledging that I bought their course for $197 using my debit card information that I used from a previous purchase that I did not authorized for future purchases, much less to store my payment information. I then emailed to them my issue with the unauthorized purchase. Then this unnamed representative of the company sent me an email stating that if they give me a refund, I will not be able to buy any more courses from them. I responded saying that I agree so I'll take the refund. A few days later, I went to my membership page and discovered that they deactivated ALL of the courses I invested in from the past. I see this as fraudulent and unfair business practices. To be fair though, objectively, it's possible that it's not the companies fault, per say, but the person handling my issue, who remains nameless. Thank you for your assistance in helping me to resolve this issue that I did not start. I filed a report with the FTC and my debit card company, and now BBB. This company thinks they are untouchable and commits unfair business practices with no fear to consumers, like myself, and government agencies. I told them I will report them if my issue with them is not resolved, but they are not intimidated. Are they right showing signs that they are untouchable? I hope not.