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Business Profile

Publishers Periodicals

Trusted Media Brands, Inc.

Headquarters

BBB accredited business seal
BBB Accredited BusinessA-Rated by BBB

Complaints

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

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Trusted Media Brands, Inc. has 12 locations, listed below.

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    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.

    Sort by

    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/21/2023

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      Country Women notified me that they were canceling subscription and that I would be getting Readers Digest or I could ask for a refund. I asked for a refund amount of $22.50 and was send a check from TMI which the bank refused to cash. I contacted TMI, sent the check back, they reissued another check which also was refused by my bank. I have called them repeatedly and they keep saying the 3rd check is in the mail but I have not received it. this has been going on since November. I am thoroughly disgusted with this problem and company And the fact that they keep telling me a check is on the way that is good and it never comes.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/22/2023

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

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

      RE: #********

      I write in response to your letter dated February 21, 2023, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      Due to an error with banking our refund checks issued were unable to be cashed. This was due to a positive pay error when trying to process.

      The ceasing of ********************** transferred the remaining issues of this customers subscription to Readers Digest magazine.

      Our record indicates a refund check #****** $22.50 from Readers Digest and refund check #****** $22.50 from Readers Digest were affected by the banking error.

      The error with the bank and positive pay file has been corrected. We have issued a new refund check to this customer in the amount of $22.50 from **********************.

      The customer will need to allow 4-6 weeks to receive the replacement refund checks.

      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: 02/22/2023

      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.

      Sincerely,

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



       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:02/02/2023

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 trying to return a book (Taste of Home, Instant Pop, Crock Pot, Air Fryer) and my invoice says to go to your .com address. I would like to return this book. Help!

      Business Response

      Date: 02/02/2023

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

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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated February 2, 2023, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      I am sorry to hear you are having trouble returning a product. Please keep the book Instant Pot, Crock Pot, Air Fryer with our compliments. The credit card charge for this book have been voided.

      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: 02/03/2023

      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.

      Sincerely,

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



       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/27/2022

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 the care giver for my Mother *****************************. Due to her MEDICAL CONDITION she is unable to MAKE FINANCIAL DECISIONS for HERSELF.SHE continues to be BOMBARDED with ALL THESE SUBSCRIPTION MAILING REQUESTS and NOW IS RECEIVING Checks from TRUSTED MEDIA BRANDS. SHE HAS NO understanding why she is receiving these checks. Latest one dated 12/13/22 was for $14.15. If she is receives CORRESPONDENCE asking for a check, a renewal or a SOLICITATION for a product, she writes them a check.THIS IS UNETHICAL, ATTEMPTING to continually ******* HER with these subscription mailings, due to her MEDICIAL CONDITION. What is the purpose of this CHECK?#****** ********* ********* Are the numbers on the bottom of the check Please assist ************************* Care giver to my Mother ***************************** Cease and Desist

      Business Response

      Date: 12/30/2022

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

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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated December 27, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      Reminisce magazine has ceased publication and the remaining issues of the subscription for this customer was transferred to Taste of ************** The remaining amount of $14.15 was then refunded via check.

      This customer also has a subscription to **********************, that is paid, with an expiration date of July/August 2029.

      We have removed this customer from our mailing and promotional lists for new products. If the customer has received promotions by mail, it could take up to two months for these promotions to stop, since promotions are preprinted in advance. The customer should disregard any such promotions.

      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:12/27/2022

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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.
      Right before Christmas - I received a book from TRUSTED MEDIA BRANDS. I do not recall ordering ANY material from this company. Neither do I recall subscribing to a periodic or automatic subscription service. The material (invoice) that accompanied this book, indicates that I have subscribed to such a service, and I have been billed $38.41 for a book, subscription, service, that I did not request or authorize. I do not wish this account or service to continue. I wish to have any and all accounts, in my name closed, cancelled, etc. Additionally, I request that I be removed from any and all mailing lists.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/30/2022

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

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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated December 27, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On December 2, 2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Best of Birds and Bloom book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series approximately every 3-4 months with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on December 7,2022.

      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.

      We have also removed the customer from our promotional lists for new products. If the customer has received promotions by mail, it could take up to two months for these promotions to stop,since promotions are preprinted in advance. The customer should disregard any such promotions.

      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

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/09/2022

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      readers digest sent unsolicited book. I cancelled the account but that did not cancel the charge of $38 for this one book. Account ************

      Business Response

      Date: 12/13/2022

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


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

      RE: #********

      I write in response to your letter dated December 9, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On October 21, 2021, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Best of ********************** book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book,the customer would automatically be enrolled to preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on November 15, 2021.

      On April 22, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent. That book was shipped on June 30, 2022, along with an invoice.

      On September 21, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent. That book was shipped on November 30, 2022,along with an invoice.

      We have discontinued the customers enrollment in the series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for this series. The charge of $38.00 has been voided. 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.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

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

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/13/2022

      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:11/28/2022

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 never ordered this book. I received one like it last month. I never opened it and took it to the post office. It was marked refused. I received this in the past few days, so I opened the envelope. I will return it and pay for the postage providing your send no more books. Otherwise I will file a complaint with the BBB.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/29/2022

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

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

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

      I write in response to your letter dated November 28, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On September 13, 2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Select Editions book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series approximately every 6-8 weeks with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on September 29, 2022.

      The next book in the series was shipped to the customer on November 17, 2022, along with an invoice.

      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.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

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

      Customer Answer

      Date: 11/29/2022

      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:11/28/2022

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 receiving monthly and periodical magazine subscriptions and being billed for them. I have tried cancelling by going to their website, writing an email, trying to call ( incorrect phone numbers) and writing to the company I sent a letter to Trusted Media Brands, Inc., *************************************************************** attn: Site Administrator1 When I click cancel through Trusted Media Brands Website and put in my account number and information I get the following message "Since your order was placed through an agency, it will be necessary for you to contact them. Our agreement with all agencies is that any such actions must be taken only with their approval." I am being billed by TMB and have no idea who else to contact.I just want to cancel my subscriptions and stop being billed monthly, but am not able to contact anyone to get this resolved. I feel like I am stuck paying for magazines that I do not want and can not cancel!

      Business Response

      Date: 11/29/2022

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

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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated November 28, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      This customers order was placed through an agency, and therefore,it is necessary that the customer contact them, Synapse **************** to report this matter. Our agreement with all agencies is that any such actions must be taken only with their approval.

      The contact for the agency information is as follows:

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

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

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/21/2022

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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.
      My credit card was billed for the merchandise listed below. The merchandise was returned on or around November 1, 2022, Un-opened via **** and marked; "Return to Sender, Unsolicited Merchandise."Please issue a refund to my credit card account. The billing to that account is listed below****************************************************************************** *************** **** *** *************************************************************** ******* ******* ********* ***** ***** ********** ******* ******* **** ******* ***** **** ***** ***** ***** ******* ****** ******* *********** ******** ***** **** ** **** **** *** ********* ******** * ****** **** ** ******* * *** ********* ******** ****** ******* *** **** * **** **** ****** ******* *** **** *************** ************************* ********* ************ ************************* ************* ****************************************************************************** **** ******* *** *** **** *** *** **************************************************** ****** ******** ********* ******* ****** *********** ***** *** *** **** ******** ***** *********** ***** ******** ********* ******* ********* ******** ***** *********** ******** ********* ******** ********** ******** ***********

      Business Response

      Date: 11/25/2022

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

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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated November 21, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On June 25,2022, 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 preview other books in the series for a 30-day period with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on July 12, 2022.

      On August 10, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent.That book was shipped on October 13, 2022, along with an invoice.

      On November 21, 2022, a return was processed, and refund was issued in the amount of $28.41 to this customers credit card.

      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.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

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

      Customer Answer

      Date: 11/28/2022

      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:11/17/2022

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      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 copy of Reader's Digest volume of Select Editions that I did not order. Along with this copy I received an invoice seeking payment of $34.29. I do not want this item as I did not order it. I will return it if I receive a shipping label.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/20/2022

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


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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated November 17, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      On August 25, 2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the ********************** Select Editions book series. As stated in the offer, when ordering this book, the customer would automatically be enrolled to receive other books in the series approximately every 6-8 weeks with no obligation to buy and the option of canceling membership at any time. We shipped the book on September 1, 2022.

      The next book in the series was shipped to the customer on November 11, 2022, along with an invoice.

      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.

      Please contact us if we can be of further assistance.

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

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

      Customer Answer

      Date: 11/23/2022

      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:11/08/2022

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      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 had previously cancelled magazine subscriptions. I received unsolicited magazines on 11/7/2022. Not wanting these types of items, I searched on the tmbi website for a way to cancel these. There is no clear, simple way to do this online. If you select subscriptions, the system responds with advertising or inquiries about more magazines. Then, I was provided an option for online chat in order to cancel the subscriptions. Finally, I was directed to a page that basically said that I had to pay for the chat.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/11/2022

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


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

      RE: Complaint #********

      I write in response to your letter dated November 8, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.

      Our records indicate a subscription to Birds and Blooms was entered on February 16, 2022, from a third-party subscription agency. This subscription is set to expire with the Dec/Jan 2023 issue.

      We also received a subscription to the ************************ on February 16, 2022, from a third-party subscription agency. This subscription is set to expire with the March 2023 issue.

      This customer will need to contact the third-party subscription agency to ensure all subscriptions are cancelled. The agency information is:

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

      We have also removed the customer from our promotional lists for new products. If the customer has received promotions by mail, it could take up to two months for these promotions to stop,since promotions are preprinted in advance. The customer should disregard any such promotions.

      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

    Trusted Media Brands, Inc. is BBB Accredited.

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