Business Profile

Business Promotion

The Podcast Business News Network

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

Name: The Podcast Business News Network
Address: 211 E 43rd St, New York, NY, 10017-4707, USA
Telephone: (888) 248-2636

This profile includes complaints for The Podcast Business News Network's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Customer Complaints Summary

28 total complaints in the last 3 years.
11 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.

Initial Complaint
Date:11/27/2023
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.
PBN first calls and gets your business to do a very short podcast. Then they will call you and say that your "show" got great results so they want to "sponsor" you to let you have a special package rate where you can pay a special price and get various advertising and media promotions. The package they sold me for $3500 was SEVEN 30-minute segments along with TWO billboards, airing for 2 weeks each. Then kiosk advertisements in malls, doctor offices, etc. all over the world. Then THREE television spots on channel 115 and Manhattan Neighborhood Network. A commercial and a total of 140 shows with replays. Also a link to my website. After they hook you in, they forget about you and do NOT follow through other than some podcasts. This is a total scam and I have NOT seen anything for my money but a few recorded podcasts. I keep emailing but I am being ignored. DO NOT invest with them!
Business Response
Date: 12/06/2023
Dear ***************************,

We appreciate your feedback and apologize for any dissatisfaction you've experienced. While our company strictly adheres to a no-refund policy, we are committed to resolving this matter. We understand your concerns about the promised advertising and media promotions, and we sincerely apologize for any oversight.

To address this issue, we would like to schedule a meeting to discuss alternative solutions and find a resolution that meets your expectations. We value your business and want to ensure your satisfaction. Please let us know a convenient time for you, and we will make every effort to address and rectify the situation.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we look forward to the opportunity to make amends.

Best regards,
PBN Podcasts Client Relations Team

Customer Answer
Date: 01/02/2024
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

AEMG Podcast Otherwise known as the Podcast Business New Group
disputed my chargeback with ************ Here is the letter I sent to both PBN and ************
PBN
**** ********************

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

Copy also sent to
Podcast Business News Network
*** ******* ***

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

Chargeback information: Case #***************
Date of Transaction: 10/3/23
Disputed amount: $3500

To Whom it May ****************** ************* ******* *** **** ******* *** *** **** ********** ***** ************ ******** *************You have disputed my claim that I never received what was promised to me. I am writing this to let you know that your bate and switch tactics are unfair and I intend to launch a complaint with ********************************.
Please find all my documentation provided:
1)      ******* ***** ***** *** **** *********** ** * ***** **** **** ***** ****** ***************** *********************************************** ****************** **************** ************** **** ******** **** ********** ******** ************ ******** ************ ******** ************* ******** *********** ******** ************* ******** ******* **** ************ *******************************************. This was an explanation of packages I could buy. I purchased the $3500 package for which I should have received the following:
a.       7 30 min. Podcasts
b.      2 Billboards (**** told me there would be one in ******* and one in ********)
c.       3 television spots airing on optimum channel 115 and Manhattan Neighborhood Network
d.      140 shows with replays
e.       A commercial
f.        I was also promised A promotional digital kiosk displaying around the world my company
g.       **** also promised a backlink to my website

2)      I have included emails with **** showing me large photos of huge billboards. I asked her if she needed large file photos for the billboards and she said no that your team could work with whatever files I could provide. Which I did. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT PHOTO IS YOU SENT TO *********** TO PROVE I GOT A BILLBOARD, BUT THAT IS NOT A BILLBOARD and is false advertising to make me think I am paying for two large billboards and then put a little tent sign out somewhere with my logo instead. Plus no one ever showed me this.

3)      The emails also have **** promising a link to my website, and the digital kiosk.

4)      The emails also show that I was getting frustrated and asking **** for the billboards, and *****, and link etc. (Nov. 1)

5)      The emails show that I was questioning **** as to whether this was a scam. (Nov. 6) She would take weeks to get back with me and saying she was travelling, or that there was a COVID outbreak, etc.

6)      (Nov. 15) Email from me asking for Billboards, Kiosk, Link No reply

7)      (Nov. 20) Email from me asking for what was promised to me No reply

8)      You took my money on the 3^rd of October and nearly two months later I am still asking for what was promised to me. Mainly I was asking for a timeline of when I would receive what I paid for but was not getting any communication.

You cannot entice people to purchase a package and promise various items and then once they sign your contract & run their card, you basically disappear.
Some would call this bait and switch tactic when you send photos of large billboards and then instead print a little tent street sign. I asked for the chargeback because no one was communicating with me. I also filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.
All I received was a few 30 min. Podcasts. I did receive an audio file of a 3 sec. commercial (although I dont know if it was ever aired) I would have been happy to pay you and indeed I would have paid you every year if I had received what was promised. Instead, I feel like I got very littleand a waste of my time (in addition to money).
I ended up paying $3500 for 4 little podcasts. Thats ridiculous. If you are a legitimate company, you need to take a serious look at your business practices and ability to communicate with your customers.
At this point, I want all my money back to compensate me for my time and efforts.
I have also sent a copy of this letter to ************
In Light & Love,

*********

"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar"
***********************

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

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

Business Response
Date: 01/09/2024
Dear *********,

Thank you for reaching out to us. We appreciate your feedback and concerns. We understand the importance of communication, and we sincerely apologize for any frustration caused.

While we have a strict no-refund policy in place, we are committed to addressing your concerns and finding a resolution. We value your satisfaction and would like to work together to ensure you are satisfied with your purchases.

Our team will review your case thoroughly and reach out to you promptly to discuss potential solutions. We are dedicated to improving our communication and service delivery to ensure a better experience for you.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Best regards,
PBN Podcasts Client Relations
Initial Complaint
Date:10/26/2023
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.
In October of 2022, I signed up to do five podcasts as well as get a billboard in ************. The five podcasts went as planned. Initially I received a template for how the billboard would look and it had several words misspelled, including my name, and the design wasn't great. I expressed these concerns and this is when **** started lapsing in her communication with me. I would call and email often with no response. Finally I called the office phone to express my concerns and asked to speak to someone other than **** (who had completely ghosted me by this point) and that is when I began my correspondence with ******. Communication has been sparse with her as well. If I call the office every day (which is pretty accurate), she may call me back once a month. Emails are even more rare. I'm commonly told she's in a meeting or on the other line and that she will call me back and she does not. So after looking into it, she eventually told me I couldn't get a billboard in ************, which is what I initially agreed to. I told her I'd like my money back since I couldn't get what I signed for and she told me they don't do refunds. This makes me livid to even think about as I was very excited about the billboard. (I even booked a trip to *** to see it in person when **** initially told me that it can be made ready for any week I'd like. The trip came and went--no billboard.) ****** tells me that she can get me a billboard here in ********* instead, but the closest one is an hour and a half from where I reside and do business. I'm certainly not happy about this, but agree because I'd just like to resolve the issue. So FINALLY after a year of dealing with this billboard nightmare, I'm told my billboard will be up on Oct 4, 2023. I drive the hour and a half to the billboard and sit there for thirty minutes on each side only to learn my billboard is not ready. ****** told me she'd look into it. After three weeks, nothing. I would like a refund for my billboard.
Business Response
Date: 11/07/2023
Dear *************************,

I appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns regarding your experience with our services. I sincerely apologize for the frustrations you have faced throughout this process, and I understand your disappointment in not receiving the Times Square billboard you initially agreed upon.

I want to express my deepest apologies for the miscommunication and lack of responsiveness you have encountered. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and I assure you that we take this matter very seriously. I am genuinely sorry for the inconvenience this has caused you.

I understand your request for a refund, but I must inform you that refunds are against our company policy. However, I am committed to resolving this issue to your satisfaction. To ensure your concerns are addressed promptly and effectively, I would like to escalate your case to our executive customer service team. They have the expertise and authority to assist you further and explore possible alternatives to make this right.

Please allow me to facilitate this process for you. I will personally ensure that your case is handled by one of our experienced executive customer service representatives who will reach out to you shortly. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we are dedicated to resolving this matter to your utmost contentment.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and I appreciate your understanding as we work to rectify the situation.

Warm regards,

The Team at PBN Podcasts
Customer Answer
Date: 11/15/2023
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here]
I have not received correspondence from anyone new at the company as promised. The receptionist did call me last week and said my billboard was live, but I drove the hour and a half to see it yesterday afternoon and it is not, in fact, visible. I am beyond tired of wasting my time on this--I want proof that the billboard is up or I want my money back. I'm tired of empty promises.

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

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

Customer Answer
Date: 12/31/2023
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

No one ever got in touch with me about this--I had to continue to call and call. I was told the billboard was live, but I went twice and never saw it myself. Still no proof and no one at the business ever made me feel as though they really cared.

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

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

Business Response
Date: 01/22/2024
Hello *************************;

I can see the many time support attempted to contact you all with no response. I can also see that your billboard was indeed live. Please note that It is imperative that you provide the necessary input to complete your services in a timely and satisfactory manner. We can extend a $500.00 one time credit for use on any one of our services. Have a wonderful day.

Best regards,
PBN Podcast
Client Relations Team
Initial Complaint
Date:10/23/2023
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.
I paid PBN for podcasts and billboards which they have not upheld their end of the contract. I've tried contacting them by phone and email and no one will return my call. I feel as though I've been scammed. PBN has taken advantage of my aspirations and used them against me, taking my money and being shady. I want the difference in cost reimbursed to me which is $3,000. Please warn others to not do business with this company.
Business Response
Date: 11/07/2023
Dear *************************,

I want to express my sincere apologies for the inconvenience you have experienced. I understand your frustration, and I am truly sorry for any disappointment you have faced in your interactions with our company.

I assure you that your concerns are important to us, and we take them seriously. I have thoroughly reviewed your case, and I understand your request for a refund of $3,000. However, I must inform you that refunds are against our company policy.

Instead, I would like to offer you an alternative solution. We value your business, and I want to make things right for you. As a gesture of goodwill, we would like to offer you an additional billboard spot at no extra cost. We are committed to fulfilling our obligations as outlined in your initial agreement, and we want to ensure that you receive the services you paid for.

I understand the importance of your aspirations, and I want to assure you that we are here to support you in achieving your goals. Please let us know if you would like to proceed with the additional billboard spot, and we will make the necessary arrangements promptly.

Once again, I apologize for any frustration this situation has caused you. Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention, and please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or if there is anything else we can assist you with.

Warm regards,

The Team at PBN Podcasts
Customer Answer
Date: 11/08/2023
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Yourk Answer Here]
This is not satisfactory because my initial billboards have not been published. If so, I have no proof. I've been emailing you all for weeks with no response regarding the billboards or the remaining podcast shows. Try providing a better solution. Thank you.

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

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

Customer Answer
Date: 12/20/2023
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

There needs to be photos taken to show proof of billboards being published and promoted. This ratification comes late as I have been asking for any information regarding this matter.

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

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

Business Response
Date: 04/23/2024
We are extremely sorry that the response to your complaint has not satisfied you. However as stated before our company has a strict no refund policy and your continued participation is essential to the successful completion of your package. You can contact the office at anytime to pick yp where you left off. Have a wonderful afternoon.
Initial Complaint
Date:08/17/2023
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 fell for this scam. Their salesman, *******************, told me I could have my money back after I thought about it for the weekend. I asked for my money back, he sent me an email saying No worries. It has been released by us. Please check with your financial institution. . That was a lie. *************************** is extremely rude. She said she contacted me later, but she never did. DO NOT LOSE YOUR MONEY!!! This is a scam!!!
Business Response
Date: 09/15/2023
Dear *********************,

I'm genuinely sorry to hear about the concerns you've raised regarding your experience with PBN Podcast. We take your feedback seriously and would like to address your concerns promptly.

First and foremost, I'd like to clarify that PBN Podcast is a legitimate business with a substantial track record of satisfied clients. We have been providing our services to hundreds of clients who have benefited from our offerings. Your experience is not reflective of our standard practices, and we deeply regret any inconvenience you've faced.

I want to address the issue with the refund promise made by our sales representative, *******************. I'm sorry for any confusion caused by this promise. Please understand that we do not offer refunds, and if you believe you are *********** any form of resolution, we would like to investigate this matter further to ensure it is resolved appropriately.

Regarding the communication issue with ***************************, we apologize if there was a breakdown in communication. We always aim to provide prompt and respectful assistance to all our clients, and we will certainly look into this matter to ensure that our service standards are met consistently.

We are committed to resolving this situation to your satisfaction and upholding our reputation as a reputable business. We kindly request that you provide us with more information about your specific case, such as your account details and the nature of your concern, so that we can investigate and address it promptly.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience you've experienced, and I assure you that we take your feedback seriously. Please reach out to our customer support team with the necessary information, and we will do our best to rectify the situation.

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention, and we look forward to working towards a resolution.

Best regards,

PBN Podcast Customer Support Team
Initial Complaint
Date:08/17/2023
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.
Company did not provide services paid for. Made several calls and many emails sent and never got a response
Customer Answer
Date: 09/11/2023
Better Business Bureau:

At this time, I have not been contacted by The Podcast Business News Network regarding complaint ID ********.

Sincerely,

*********************
Business Response
Date: 09/15/2023
Dear *********************,

I hope this message finds you well, and I appreciate your feedback regarding your experience with PBN Podcast. Your concerns are important to us, and we want to address them in the best possible way.

First and foremost, I want to emphasize that PBN Podcast is a legitimate business with a strong history of satisfied clients. We have successfully helped hundreds of individuals achieve their podcasting goals, and we are committed to providing a valuable service to all our clients.

It's important to note that the success of our services relies on full and active participation from our clients. Podcasting, like any other creative endeavor, requires dedication and collaboration to achieve the desired outcome. We provide guidance, resources, and support, but the ultimate success of a podcast project depends on the effort and involvement of the client.

We genuinely regret any difficulties you've encountered during your experience with us, and we want to assure you that we take your feedback seriously. To help us better understand your specific concerns and find a solution, we kindly request that you provide us with more details about your situation, including your account information and the issues you've faced.

Our goal is to ensure that every client has a successful podcasting experience with PBN Podcast, and we are dedicated to improving our services and addressing any challenges that *** arise.

Thank you for sharing your feedback with us, and we look forward to the opportunity to work with you to find a resolution that aligns with your expectations.

Best regards,

PBN Podcast Customer Support Team
Initial Complaint
Date:08/07/2023
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.
I purchased a package of 10 30-minute radio interviews with 2 2-week advertisement billboards from Podcast Business News Network at service cost of $5,000 in February, 2023. The dates of the interviews were pre-scheduled for every other Friday starting in March. It is currently August 4th, and I have not yet completed my 7th interview due to the 4th last-minute cancellation (meaning cancellation at the time of the interview) on the part of PBN. In our signed contract, PBN specifically has an inclusion that I would be billed $250 for cancelling 48 hours in advance per interview. It is clear that PBN representatives do not value my time nor my resources.I have streams of unanswered email threads in my history, with it taking an average of 3 emails or phone calls from to agitate a single response from a PBN representative. Neither of the billboards have been erected yet in either location, despite my multiple months of requests. The degree of unprofessionalism and hours wasted from unmet service deliverables and my project management of PBN to complete their contracted tasks is abhorent. I have reached out to executives at headquarters, whom have been unresponsive much like the managerial representatives. I have requested an early termination of contract with a refund only of the difference for services not provided thus far, which seems fair. The managerial staff stated that they will not offer a refund of the difference remaining on our service contract upon cancellation, despite PBNs impossibility to meet contractual responsibilities in a fair and reasonable standard.
Business Response
Date: 08/14/2023
Subject: Rebuttal to Complaint #***** - Refund Request for Podcast Business News Network Services

Dear ***************************************,

We appreciate your feedback and concerns regarding the services provided by Podcast Business News Network (PBN). We understand the frustration caused by the delays and communication issues you have encountered during your engagement with us. Please allow us to address your concerns and provide a comprehensive response to the points you've raised.

Firstly, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the cancellations of scheduled interviews. We acknowledge the importance of adhering to agreed-upon schedules and we regret any disruptions this may have caused to your plans. We are actively reviewing our internal processes to ensure that such cancellations are minimized in the future and that you receive the quality service you expect.

Regarding the cancellation policy stipulated in our contract, we acknowledge that it applies to both parties equally. We apologize if any miscommunication or discrepancies in the application of this policy have occurred. We will review our internal communication procedures to ensure consistency in enforcing this policy moving forward.

We deeply regret the communication delays you have experienced when trying to reach our representatives. We are committed to addressing this issue promptly. We have initiated a review of our communication protocols to ensure that clients receive timely and comprehensive responses to their inquiries.

We understand your frustration with the delay in erecting the billboards as part of the advertising package. We apologize for the oversight and assure you that we are working diligently to rectify this situation as quickly as possible.

In regards to your request for an early termination of the contract with a refund for services not yet provided, we want to assure you that we take your concerns seriously. Our team is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding your contract and will reach out to you directly to discuss the best resolution that aligns with both parties' interests.

Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we are committed to addressing your concerns in a fair and reasonable manner. Please rest assured that we are taking immediate action to improve our services and address the issues you've highlighted.

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work towards resolving these issues.

Sincerely,

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

Customer Answer
Date: 08/14/2023
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved:

I can appreciate the apologies that you have provided on behalf of the unprofessionalism of PBN representatives. However, in no way did your response provide any measurable, scalable, observable solution to any of the problems that I have been persistently mitigating since I signed this contract in February, 2023. In addition to the billable hours lost due to extremely last-minute cancellations, which PBN is not offering to reimburse me for, my finite time and energy has been expended being a project manager for services that I have contracted a PBN to manage.
Your response provides no tangible solutions outside of vague, non-specific promises to do better, which is what I have been receiving from PBN representatives for the last many months. I provided a fair, reasonable solution in my initial complaint which was to reimburse me for the difference of any unmet services of the current contract. Whatever PBN has not actually provided me thus far would be reimbursed financially and the contract voided so that we may end this working relationship and I may redirect my energy and attention to my clients who deserve it most.

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

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

Customer Answer
Date: 10/16/2023
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

Good Day,

The offered resolution has not been provided after that timeframe has passed. I waited for the complainant to follow-through with promised amendments in the last exchange. I have included an attachment of my last correspondence with PBN representatives, to which I have yet to receive any response via email or phone from them.

This BBB complaint remains unresolved due to the companies continued lack of follow through on promises of service completion.

Case Reference ID # ********

Thank you,

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

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

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

Business Response
Date: 10/20/2023
Dear ********************,

Thank you for reaching out. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you may have experienced. We have thoroughly reviewed your case reference ID #********. Our team has made multiple attempts to contact you via phone and email to address your concerns and finalize the amendments, but unfortunately, we have not received any response from your end.
We value your partnership with The Podcast Business News Network, and we are committed to resolving this matter promptly. We want to assure you that we are more than willing to reschedule any remaining podcasts or redo and adjust any prior podcasts or other deliverables you have completed. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

In light of the situation, we understand your frustration, and we are here to make it right. We kindly request you to respond to this message or reach out to us at your earliest convenience. We are flexible and ready to accommodate your schedule for the necessary revisions.

Please note that, as per our policy, we are unable to provide refunds. However, we are more than happy to offer you company credit that can be utilized for future podcasts. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Once again, we apologize for the delay and any inconvenience this may have caused. We look forward to your response and the opportunity to resolve this issue to your satisfaction.

Best regards,

The Podcast Business News Network
Initial Complaint
Date:03/27/2023
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 was approached by this company to be on a quick 5 minute podcast. After the scheduled time I was then called by the "producer" saying I was great and people were calling in to ask questions. She offered me a podcast series with billboard and advertising. They sent me what they were offering and how much it would cost. I responded with a few questions and they called within 30-minutes. She sent me a Docusign which I did not sign and another woman named ****** then asked for my card info and encouraged me to sign the form. I told her I needed time to review the agreement and she said that was fine. When I checked my emails the next day I saw they had charged my card. I never signed anything. I have emailed twice requesting they refund my card with no response.
Business Response
Date: 05/10/2023
Hello ***********************
We are so sorry to hear that you feel your interaction with The Podcast Business News Network was anything other than a positive one. With that being said the particulars of the purchase you made were very clearly laid out to you by both your sales associate and our compliance officer ******* Compliance actually takes your credit card information for the sale and confirms via recorded phone conversation that you are A- indeed who you say you are B- that you authorize the credit card charge C- That you understand the terms of the sale ( refunds are not obtainable ).The docusign contract is then sent to your provided and confirmed email address with all your pertinent personal info you provided ie correct spelling of your name and your current up to date billing address + the particulars of your purchase. Only then was your card charged. We can also see that you viewed the entire docusign. Unfortunately due to the immediate outlay of funds our company incurs at the time of sale there are no refunds offered. This is something that was explained to you by our compliance officer prior to the salle and also from the docusign contract that you viewed. Although we are unable to offer a refund we can waive any rescheduling fees for your podcasts. We would also like to offer a free billboard advertisement for your company in ************* I hope that this resolves your complaint. Have a wonderful afternoon.
The Team at PBN Podcasts
Customer Answer
Date: 05/19/2023
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# 19853547, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:
Just because you "view" an agreement doesn't put you in contract. It isn't until you sign the agreement that everything is finalized. There was no signed agreement. If you were recording the conversation then you heard me say, I want to review this first. I do not want anything from your company. I want a refund.

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

*** ********
Business Response
Date: 05/23/2023
Hello *** ********

We are so sorry that you are unsatisfied with our initial response and available course of action. I am happy to inform you that I have been authorized to offer you an additional (3) podcasts + podcast promotion and a Social Media Lead Generation Campaign for your business. This is all in addition to the package you have already purchased. With a combined value of well over $3,000.00 USD we sincerely hope you are now satisfied with this outcome. We will have our "Booking Team" reach out to you for the podcast scheduling and our "Social Media Team" reach out to you for the campaign particulars. Thank you for being a valued client.
Initial Complaint
Date:03/13/2023
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.
12-02-21 Entered into the upper offer agreement of 5 podcast shows with *********************** and a digital billboard located by the stadium overlooking I-75 in downtown *******. (Photo provided that was sent to me identifying the location is attached.) At that time *************************** was in direct communication with me. There was never an issue in getting in touch with her. She used the same email that I was getting on all of my emails except for she was actually signing them now. Payments were made and shows were aired. On 12-03-21 I provided PBNN with photos for the digital billboard. I was told that payment had to be made in full before they would even start on it. On 03-01-22 payment was made in full. My last show was aired on 03-10-22. Other than communication on the day we aired the last show, all communication between *************************** and me stopped, whether by email or phone on 03-01-22. I continued to use the same email address I have always used and now I did not receive a response. To this day I have yet to receive a response. Also, the phone number I had for ******************* was no longer in existence. When I would call and leave messages, she was always busy saying she would call me back. Sometimes they would put other people on the phone and act like she wasn't there. I even spoke to someone at some point about the billboard, them saying that there was a problem with the proof and always had an excuse. Ultimately, I completely lost contact with them in June. They no longer answer my calls, return my messages, answer my web contact requests, and so on. And when When I do call the receptionist has no information on who is in charge and who I can speak to. I found out the reason for that. Both of their locations are virtual locations. PBNN is not even in *************. The offices are allowed to receive mail at that address, forwarding it to them directly. I am attaching a bunch of documents for your review. I do have the emails if you need me to forward them to you.
Business Response
Date: 03/24/2023
Hello ******************;

Please accept my apologies that you feel anything but complete and utter support from our admin department. That being said your billboard proof is and has been awaiting your approval. As you have been advised many times in the past your approval is a requirement of any billboard advertisement to go live. If needed I can have the ******* design team reach out to you. We can also schedule a call and get this all worked out to your liking. Please let us know how to proceed as client satisfaction is extremely important to us. Have a wonderful afternoon. We look forward to hearing from you.
Customer Answer
Date: 03/27/2023
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.
This is ONLY ACCEPTABLE IF THEY CONTACT ME WITHIN SEVEN BUSINESS DAYS AT MY EMAIL ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER THEY HAVE. BOTH MUST BE USED IN ORDER TO SATISFY THIS COMPLAINT. I have on many occasions tried to contact them in all formats and never received a response. They have never tried to contact me. It is imperative that they must contact me within seven business days for this to get resolved as it has been an ongoing situation that is well past the time allotted. If not, further action must be taken. Thank you

Sincerely,

*****************
Initial Complaint
Date:07/27/2022
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 fell for this stupid scam. I got the 5 minute interview with a call back telling me how so many people loved my podcast and then offered me 7 more podcasts for $1,500. That transaction happened on Jun 27, 2022 and they charged me $3,500. I have already let the company know that I'm happy to walk away from the $1,500 but I want my $2,000 back. Honestly, I want a full refund because this company is a scam. I am trying to upload my receipt but am unable to do so as it won't upload it.
Business Response
Date: 07/27/2022

Hello *****
We have provided your signed Docusigh Invoice clearly stating price and services agreed to. Initialed where it is clearly laid out that refunds are not obtainable. We have also provided pictures of your podcast distribution.There are more but the BBB has limits to the number of attachments. You can clearly see Apple Podcasts is one of the distribution points. I mention that because I just saw an email where you incorrectly state that your podcast has not been distributed to Apple. And it clearly has been.You have agreed to paid and been given all that you have been agreeable to up until this point. Please stop incorrectly representing the events of the purchase , invoice and deliverables. This is not only an extremely dishonest thing to do it is actually not legal and considered slander. We have tons of glowing reviews from happy clients and a very big online presence with our podcast distribution.
Initial Complaint
Date:07/18/2022
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.
They charged me for an undefined service. They charged my credit card but never provided a scope of work, a contract outlining my responsibilities and theirs. I have not received any service for the $5000 they collected. I have never signed a contract but when I asked my credit to oppose the charged, PODCAST BUSINESS NEWS GROUP provided a fake contract that I never signed. I have repeatedly asked them to provide me with a copy of this alleged contract that I signed. they have NEVER responded. They refused to refund me. This is plain fraud.
Business Response
Date: 07/25/2022
Hello **** ************************************************************** are extremely sorry that you are in anyway unhappy with you interaction with us. That being said your invoice states exactly the services you have agreed to and paid for. That service was/is an in person interview to be filmed at our ** location. All travel and lodging + a car to and from the airport is included in the invoiced price. You have not received the agreed upon service(s) because you refuse to commit to a ************* to make the trip and actually complete the interview. You are welcome to do that at anytime by contacting the booking department.

Customer Answer
Date: 07/25/2022
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here] this is not event about the service. this is about a contract I never signed. The contract does not state anything, it's blank because it was fabricated. I NEVER signed the contract, I never even seen it. If you say I do, Can you provide the Docusign verifiable inforamation my lawyer asked for? Why haven't you provided me with a copy of the contract you pretend I signed? I asked many times. can you provide a copy of the contract here and the docusign proof?

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

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

Business Response
Date: 05/29/2023
Hello *********

Again We are sorry that you have not received the outcome you had hoped for. As stated you are very welcome to at anytime complete the services paid for up until this point. Please contact the office for any additional assistance with rescheduling.
Customer Answer
Date: 06/15/2023
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# ********, and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

To whom it may concern:

I have received a message that this complaint has been closed. The issue has not been resolved. The company refused the reimburse me for a service they billed me $5000 and never performed.

Can you please reopen the case or should I reopen the complaint?

Thank you for your assistance.

d.

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

In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

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

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