Business Profile

Publishers Periodicals

Trusted Media Brands, Inc.

Headquarters

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Trusted Media Brands, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Customer Complaints Summary

152 total complaints in the last 3 years.
57 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:08/14/2024
Type:Billing 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.
I wanted one cookbook from the Taste of Home cookbook subscription that I approved back in February 2024 from the following website:****************************** I was charged $10.84 on 03/18/2024 which is correct. However, since then, I have made multiple attempts to cancel by calling and through email, and they can never find my account and keep charging me. I'm attaching my email correspondence back and forth and I did call them twice, the last time was on Friday, August 9, 2024 and I asked to speak to a manager as she couldn't find my account (again) and she said she was transferring me but the call was hung up on. I need them to have my account reviewed my their IT department as I also can't find my account online but they keep charging me and I have made multiple attempts to cancel. I have know had to cancel my debit card and also had to pay for a stop fee from my bank account as they continue to charge me, it's has been awful. Thank you for your help in properly closing out my subscription account. *************************** ************************************* **************
Business Response
Date: 08/17/2024
**** ********** ******* *********
I write in response to your letter dated August 14, 2024, regarding the complaint from ***************************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On January 27, 2024, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Grandmas Favorites book series.As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time.We shipped the book on February 16, 2024.
The next book was sent June 26,2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and processed a full refund of $26.16 for the last book shipped. The customer may keep the book(s) and should disregard any further invoices that may be in process.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

*********************
Customer Service Center

CC: ***************************
        *****************
        *********, ********
Customer Answer
Date: 08/19/2024
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:

They stated the following: "The next book was sent June 26, 2024. We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and processed a full refund of $26.16 for the last book shipped."
However, I have my bank statement that shows RDA charged me again on August 9, 2024. They also did not refund me the $28.16, I had to get my bank to disput the charge and they refunded me, not Trusted Media, I'm atttaching my bank's refund. I also had to add a stop payment from my bank to RDA and had to close my debit card altogether to try to get this to stop. My bank charged me $31 to try to stop any future charges you continued to send me.
There is a disconnect with Trusted Media and my account as I never could find my account number online. That should be reviewed by an IT department as how come I was charged in August again for a cancellation you claimed happened in June?
Thank you for following up more with IT and not just glancing saying you can't find my account and everything is cancelled.

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

Sincerely,

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

Business Response
Date: 08/20/2024
**** ********** ******* ********:
I write in response to your letter dated August 19, 2024, regarding the complaint from ***************************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
We are showing two charges on file, one on February 11, 2024 for $10.84 and the second on June 30, 2024 for $28.16. We are not showing any additional charges on the customers account. The refund of $28.16 for the second book, was processed on August *******, and can take up to ten business days for MasterCard to approve the refund.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

*********************
Customer Service Center

CC: ***************************
        *****************
        *********, ********

Customer Answer
Date: 08/20/2024
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.

Sincerely,

***************************
Initial Complaint
Date:08/12/2024
Type:Delivery 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 August 9, 2024 we received through the US Mail a book that we had not ordered along with a demand for payment, Our account number is *********** and the amount is $35.60. We have no intention of paying this bill. We request the Better Business Bureau negotiate with this company to prevent them from scamming seniors by mailing books that have not been ordered.
Business Response
Date: 08/12/2024
Dear Mid-****** Dispute Services:
I write in response to your letter dated August 12, 2024, regarding the complaint from ***************************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On June 14, 2024, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Fiction Favorites book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time.We shipped the book on June 14, 2024.
The next book was sent July 27,2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer may keep the book(s) and should disregard any further invoices that may be in process.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

*********************
Customer Service Center
Initial Complaint
Date:08/09/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I canceled my subscription of Readers Digest in April, but they have continued to charge me. Most recently, I got a charge for $42 and I havent even been receiving Readers Digests.
Business Response
Date: 08/10/2024
Dear Mid-****** Dispute Services:
I write in response to your letter dated August 9, 2024, regarding the complaint from *********************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On January 14, 2023, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Best of ****************** Diges book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time.We shipped the book on January 24, 2023.
The next book was sent June 27,2023.
The next book was shipped July 8,2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and processed a full refund of $42.34 for the last book shipped. The customer may keep the book(s) and should disregard any further invoices that may be in process.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

*********************
Customer Service Center

*** *********************
****************************************************************************
Initial Complaint
Date:08/07/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I am being billed for a book I never received or ordered. I had a subscription to, Birds and Blooms, that expired and never renewed. I am now being billed by a collection agency.
Business Response
Date: 08/13/2024
Dear ********** ******* *********
I write in response to your letter dated August 7, 2024,regarding the complaint from *****************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On April 18, 2023, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Birds & Blooms Annual book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on April 28, 2023.
The next book was sent on September 15, 2023
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer may keep the book(s) and should disregard any further invoices that may be in process.
I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.
Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Initial Complaint
Date:07/08/2024
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 ordered and paid in full for 1 year subscription to Reader's Digest. I requested magazine delivery to STOP on 09/18/2023 Conf. email # ********************** stating Reader's Digest representative would get back with me. Then I contacted the again on 04/17/2024 Nobody ever answered my requests yet again to CANCEL subscription, and then I contacted them again on 05/18/2024 same story yet again and no response to CANCEL my subscription. Then on July 01, 2024 I receive yet another magazine and on July 2nd, 2024 I receive a threatening invoice stating I'm tardy on paying my subscription. On July 3rd, 2024 I return UNOPENED magazine issue with RETURN TO SENDER IN RED ON WRAPPING and return threatening invoice stating I had canceled subscription a year ago.
Business Response
Date: 07/08/2024
Dear Mid-****** Dispute Services:
I write in response to your letter dated July 8, 2024, regarding the complaint by *********************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
The subscription expired with the June 2024 issue. We have removed this customer from our promotional list.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Initial Complaint
Date:06/26/2024
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 received 2 books that I did not order. I did not request The Fiction Favorites series.I will return the current book, if needed. I do NOT want this book and do not want to be charged for it.I should be removed from all mailing lists. There is a total of ***** for the latest book and a similar total of ***** for a previous book.
Business Response
Date: 06/26/2024
*** ********* *** ********

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

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

I write in response to your letter dated June 26, 2024, regarding the complaint from *********************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On March 9, 2024, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Fiction Favorites book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time.We shipped the book on March 14, 2024.
The next book was sent May 2,2024.
The next book was shipped June 20,2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer *** keep the book(s) and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Initial Complaint
Date:06/25/2024
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.
I cancelled my subscripiption and I just received another unsolicited book. Im paying last bill even though I didnt want the book. I do not wish to receive any more books. I have wasted my money due to this continued service rule they setup to fool you.I do not plan on paying for this last book. I dont want books or bills. My next complaint goes to *************************. ** Atty. ********
Business Response
Date: 07/10/2024
*** ********* *** ********

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

Dear Mid-****** Dispute Services:
I write in response to your letter dated July 9, 2024, regarding the complaint by *************************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On March 8, 2024, we received an order from the customer for a book in Fiction Favorites book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy,and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on March 14, 2024.
The next book was sent May 2,2024.
The last book was shipped June 20,2024. The book sent June 20, 2024, will be the last book sent. A refund is being processed for the payment received July 2, 2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series.
I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

***********************
Customer Service Center

Customer Answer
Date: 07/10/2024
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:

[Your Answer Here]
I paid $10.00 for ********************** Renewal not Trusted Brands Media fiction books.
Check #***
Payable to **********************
From what I have been reading sounds like ********************** is going out of business and Trusted Media maybe has taken over and is substituting
these fiction books in place of **********************. I sent a payment for the book. but the more I thought about it, I believe it is a bait and switch.
I have cancelled all future subscriptions for what should be **********************. I have not had business dealing under the name Trusted Media Brands.
*************************

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

Sincerely,

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

Business Response
Date: 07/11/2024
Dear Mid-****** Dispute Services:
I write in response to your letter dated July 11, 2024, regarding the complaint by *************************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On March 8, 2024, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Fiction Favorites book series (copy of order and payment we received is included). As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy, and the option of canceling membership at any time.
We shipped the book on March 14, 2024.
The next book was sent May 2,2024.
The next book was shipped June 20,2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series. A refund check for $35.52 was processed on July 10, 2024, for the recent payment we received.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Customer Answer
Date: 07/12/2024
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.
***** ************************* *********************
***** ********* **** *** **** **** **
*** ***** ********** ***********************************************
******** *************

The refund issue is acceptable to me, however, please let it be noted they sent a replacement book in lieu of the readers digest books I had been receiving. They are stating I agreed to receive favorite stories. This is untrue. I paid for Readers Digest and they substituted the book in lieu of the Readers Digest which I sent payment for.
This type of business dealings need to be noted to future purchasers of Readers Digest.

Thank you for your help and assistance.

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

************
Attendee panel closed

Sincerely,

*************************
Initial Complaint
Date:05/21/2024
Type:Billing 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.
I have been an avid reader of wonderful reader's Digest. Since about two months reader's digest mailing me some nonsense books without my authorization and billing me hefty amount. This is against Government regulations section *********. I have no clue why such a phenomena is happening to me. I have no interest in reading those books. I requested the company to stop sending me books and billing me. I returned one book and GOLLY IT CAME BACK TO ME $ ***** BILL. This is totally not acceptable. I request BBB to investigate and stop sending me books and bugging me for payment. Thanks BBB. You are awesome
Business Response
Date: 05/21/2024
RE: Complaint ID: ********

Account # *************

Dear Mid-****** Dispute Services:
I write in response to your letter dated May 21, 2024, regarding the complaint by *******************************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

On February 2, 2024, we received an order from the customer for a book in Fiction Favorites book series (copy of the order received is included). As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on February 2, 2024.
The next book was sent on March 14, 2024.
The next book was sent May 2,2024.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer *** keep the book(s) and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

***********************
Customer Service Center
Customer Answer
Date: 05/21/2024
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.

Sincerely,

*******************************
Initial Complaint
Date:05/10/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I, ************************* ********************************************************** ************, am filing this compliant for my 91 year old mother, *********************** *************************************************. 1st quarter 2023 *********************** renewed her subscription to Taste of ************* by putting a check in the mail. ****************************** began receiving billing for a product she did not order. We believe these may have been cookbooks but, are unsure. Each time billing was received (Approximately every 6 weeks) ***** and I returned statement "***** did not order any products" please cancel what the bill is in reference to. On May 7th ***** received a collection letter for ***** from **************** ******************************. ***** and I called and spoke with a person named ***** (we confirmed spelling) advising ***** never ordered any products and to remove her from collections. ***** wanted proof as a copy of billing statement mailed **** back and specific dates. Obviously we never made copies nor made note of date request was mailed. ***** denied and I advised we would be filing with BBB and KS Attorney General for resolution to this matter.
Business Response
Date: 05/10/2024
Dear Mid-****** Dispute Services:
I write in response to your letter dated May 10, 2024, regarding the complaint by ***********************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On January 10, ********************************************************* the Taste of *********************** Favorites book series (copy of the order received is included). As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on January 20,2023.
The next book was shipped June 9,2023.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The customer *** keep the book and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process for that book.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer *** have encountered with our company.
Initial Complaint
Date:05/10/2024
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.
I ordered the ************************ in March 19, 2024. I received what was supposed to be a magazine but it looked more like a flyer. I contacted them immediately when I received the first issue and asked them to cancel my subscription. I was told that since I already received the 1st magazine that I would only be credited with a partial refund. I said that was unacceptable and after putting me on hold they agreed to issue me a full refund of $15.00. After hanging up with them I followed up with an email and was again promised a full refund in writing. On April 26 2024 I was credited with a partial refund of $12.19. I emailed them back and again was promised a full refund. I have emailed them multiple times so today I decided to call them. They reneged on there verbal and written promise. I asked to speak with a supervisor who was completely rude. She said that they were not going to issue me a full refund as promised. This is for very little money but completely unethical and dishonest. They shouldn't agree to do something and then do whatever they want. I want a complete refund. Since I already received $12.19 I am still owed $2.81 This doesn't seem much but can add up quickly if they lie to other customers and keep their money owed. I have uploaded the email threads that I sent and received. Thank you for your help in this matter, ********************** ************
Business Response
Date: 05/11/2024
Dear Mid-****** Dispute Services,
I write in response to your letter dated May 10, 2024, regarding the complaint for *******************. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

We apologize for any inconvenience this customer has experienced.

An additional refund of $2.81 is being processed.

I hope this helps clear up any misunderstanding. I apologize for any disappointment the customer may have encountered with our company.

Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.
Customer Answer
Date: 05/14/2024
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.

Sincerely,

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

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