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 ComplaintThe 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:10/24/2022
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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 a letter from Trusted Media Brands dated October 17, 2022 reflecting Account #************* and asking for further credit card info for a gift subscription to Readers Digest that I supposedly ordered for someone. I DID NOT. The letter further stated that "Your recipient will receive their issue in the near future and an invoice will be sent to you (me) shortly thereafter." Again, I did not order a subscription for anyone and want to know what further action I should take should I receive an invoice. Thank you.Business Response
Date: 10/28/2022
******* *** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** * *********** ************** ******
*** ***************
***** ***
********** ** *****
RE: #********
I write in response to your letter dated October 24, 2022 regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
Please be advised that this customers gift subscription to Readers Digest has been cancelled today, October 28, 2022. This customer *** disregard any notices or bills for this subscription 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 **************Initial Complaint
Date:10/17/2022
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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 just received a book I did not order with an invoice attached for $27.51 It was mailed to my previous address. This is the second time this company has pulled this scam on me. I used to subscribe to handyman magazine but have not renewed a subscription for years.I want this invoice voided and any old account information they have under my name removed from their data base. If they want their book back they can have *** pick it up at my current address.Business Response
Date: 10/20/2022
******* *** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ******
*** ***************
***** ***
********** ** *****
RE: #********
I write in response to your letter dated October 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 March 15,2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Family Handyman 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 March 24, 2022, along with an invoice.
On August 01, 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 07, 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.
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 CenterInitial Complaint
Date:10/11/2022
Type:Billing IssuesStatus: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 claim I singed up for a book club, and keep billing me for it. I wrote them repeatedly asking them to cancel, but they keep sending me bills. I want to get this canceled.Business Response
Date: 10/13/2022
******* *** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ******
*** *****************
***** ***
********** ** *****
RE: #********
I write in response to your letter dated October 11, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.On November 17, 2021, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Family Handyman Handy Hints 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 29, 2021.
On April 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 June 14, 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 CenterInitial Complaint
Date:09/21/2022
Type:Product IssuesStatus: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 May 2022, I received a book from Trusted Media Brands **** via the US ************** that I did not order. The book was called Family Handyman Handy Hints and included an invoice. Since I never ordered this book, I immediately sent the book back return to sender via the US ************** AND I emailed Trusted Media Brands to notify them I was returning it and would not pay for it. They never responded to that email. Then, in September 2022, I got an overdue invoice from them. On September 10, I emailed them again explaining the situation that I had returned the book and to please stop invoicing me. As of today, September 20, 2022 they have not replied to either of the two emails I sent to them asking them clear out that I owe them for this book.Business Response
Date: 09/22/2022
********* *** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ******
*** *****************
***** ***
********** ** *****
RE: Complaint # ********I write in response to your letter dated August 16, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On March 24, 2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Handy Hints 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.
On March 25, 2022, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent. That book was shipped on May 20, 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 CenterInitial Complaint
Date:08/22/2022
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus: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 subscription for the digital The ************************* Their app crashes and limited, to no access to the present and past issues. Support isn't helpful, NO SUPPORT! they blame it on Apple. I got Apple support involved and shared my screen with them, they agreed that the app crashed and saw that issues I have downloaded issues needing to be re-downloaded after the app had crashed. The download also freezes. Apple ran a diagnosis check on my iPad to make sure that it wasn't my equipment and they said that my equipment is running correctly and that the issue is solely with the developer. I have saved a video of what is happening and sent it to Readers Digest.Apple suggested leaving a review in the App Store, which I did, and noticed that many others are having issues also.Business Response
Date: 08/23/2022
****** *** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ******
*** ***************** ***** ***
********** ** *****
RE: Complaint # ********I write in response to your letter dated August 22, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information and clear up any misunderstanding.
We are unable to locate an account for this customer for the Family Handyman Digital edition.
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 CenterCustomer Answer
Date: 08/23/2022
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]
That really funny since I've never had an account directly with them, it's always been through Apple. My subscription is to renew this next month and I've had it since 2015. IF they cannot see my subscription how do they confirm that I have an account when I call?
They stated on the phone that they weren't about to see my subscription even through Apple. I had an Apple tech on the phone and on screen share and they agree that the app is extremely buggy and crashes. They said they are unsure why they cannot see my account. Look at the reviews I'm not the only one that has a problem with their app or subscription.
I have many saved emails over several years with this problem.
So for them to say that they cannot see my subscription ISN'T a way out of getting their app to work.
Here is a video of their app "at work". It is saved in my dropbox since it is over 33MB. ******************************************************************************************
In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.
Sincerely,
***********************
Customer Answer
Date: 09/05/2022
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]
He sent me exactly what the last message was and I answered that. So this is not to my satisfaction as a solution to the problem.
In order for the BBB to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.
Sincerely,
***********************
Business Response
Date: 09/07/2022
********* ** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ******
*** ***************** ***** ***
********** ** *****
*** ********* * ********
I write in response to your letter dated September 06, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer.A member of our team has reached out to this customer through the email address provided in this complaint. This member requested the customers phone number and availability for contact
Sincerely,
***********************
Customer Service CenterInitial Complaint
Date:08/17/2022
Type:Sales and Advertising IssuesStatus: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.
Trusted Media Brands WILL NOT remove my personal information, and DELETE by account ********** I have NO pending purchases so there is NO REASON that they can not remove my information.This is against my protected PERSONAL PRIVACY.************* ***************** ********** *** ****** = BNB New Email = *****************Business Response
Date: 08/17/2022
****** *** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ******
*** *****************
***** ***
********** ** *****
RE: Complaint # ********I write in response to your letter dated August 17, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
We have removed this customers personal information from the account.
We have also removed the customer from our promotional lists for new products. If the customer has received ******************, 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 CenterInitial Complaint
Date:08/16/2022
Type:Billing IssuesStatus: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.
Trusted Media, through Country Books, continues to send me invoices for $34.96 for a product that I did not order. The invoice is marked OVERDUE and states that it will be forced to send this outstanding balance to external collection. On April 7, 2021, I paid for a **************** subscription for $27.51 with a check. That check was cashed on April 13, 2021. After that time, I received communication that **************** was not going to be published anymore. I thought that was the end of business with ****************. I want these invoices to stop coming and that Trusted Media/**************** desist sending me any communications.Business Response
Date: 08/16/2022
****** *** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ******
*** *****************
***** ***
********** ** *****
RE: Complaint # ********I write in response to your letter dated August 16, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.
On April 03, 2020, we received an order from the customer for a book in the A Year in the Country 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 April 13, 2020.
On January 7,2021, we mailed an advance notice advising the customer of the next book in the series to be sent. That book was shipped on March 04, 2021, along with an invoice.
On January 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 March 18, 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 CenterCustomer Answer
Date: 08/18/2022
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:07/27/2022
Type:Billing IssuesStatus: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 want to cancel a subscription to Reader's Digest apparently facilitated under a 3rd party - Trusted Media Brands, INC. I am unable to find any contact information about this subscription which I don't remember agreeing to. Account number *********** listed on invoice.Business Response
Date: 07/27/2022
**** *** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ******
*** ***************** ***** ***
********** ** *****
*** ********* *********I write in response to your letter dated July 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 March 29, 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 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 April 15, 2022.
The next book in the series was shipped to the customer on June 21, 2022, along with an invoice.
The next book in the series was shipped to the customer on July 19, 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 CenterInitial Complaint
Date:07/24/2022
Type:Delivery IssuesStatus: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 KEEP RECEIVING BOOKS I DID NOT ORDER. READER'S DIGEST HAS SIGNED ME UP TO A RECURRING DELIVERY WHICH I DID NOT CONSENT TO.ACCOUNT NUMBER: ***********Business Response
Date: 07/27/2022
**** *** ****
****** ** ****** ******** ****** *********** ************** ******
*** ***************** ***** ***
********** ** *****
RE: Complaint #********
I write in response to your letter dated July 25, 2022, regarding the complaint by this customer. I would like to provide some information about the customers order and clear up any misunderstanding.Best of Readers Digest
On January 21, 2022, 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 January 28, 2022.
On April 25, 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 29, 2022, along with an invoice.
Readers Digest Select EditionsOn June 8, 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 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 18, 2022.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
On July 25, 2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Laughter is the Best Medicine 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. This item is preparing for shipping.
Reminisce
On January 21, 2022, we received an order from the customer for a book in the Reminisce 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. This item is preparing for shipping.
We have discontinued the customers enrollment in all the above series and cancelled any unpaid invoices for the series. The customer *** keep the books and should disregard any further invoices that *** be in process for the books.
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 CenterCustomer Answer
Date: 07/27/2022
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,
*************************
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