Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/17/2025

  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 have now received two copies of **************** that I neither requested a trial or subscription for. I contacted ******* magazine to tell them this was a fraudulent subscription. I did not order this nor will I pay for it. Esquire was able to cancel future issues from being sent but cannot cancel the subscription because it was submitted by a "third party". They provided the name of this third party, Strategic Media LLC, and an email address for them. I have not yet emailed them myself because when I googled them I found numerous similar complaints on BBB and after reviewing some decided the only way action was taken was by filing with BBB. This company needs to be shut down for filing false subscriptions - someone will get scammed into paying for something they never ordered nor want.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/17/2025

  Dear ********** My name is ***** ****** and I'm the President of Strategic Media.  The subscription to Esquire was a gift from an online site to thank you for visiting or purchasing from them.  This is a 100% free subscription -- no bill, no autorenew.  We never got your billing information so it's impossible for you to be charged.  We are very sorry for any inconvenience this has caused and I have asked my team to immediately issue a cancellation and to add you to our Do Not Promote List so you won't get any more offers from us in the future.  Please be advised that the mailing labels are pre-printed so you may still receive 1-2 more issues but I am confirming that the subscription has been cancelled.  I hope this response meets with your satisfaction.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/22/2025

  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:05/21/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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 was subscribed to two magazines. I did not make those subscriptions. They are fraud

  Business Response

  Date: 05/21/2025

  This is ***** ****** with Strategic Media. I spoke with *** ****** and answered her questions.  At her request we are cancelling her subscriptions and adding her to our Do Not Promote List so she doesn't get any further magazines in the future.  I am sorry for her inconvenience.   I let her know she may still get 1-2 issues but we have already processed the cancellations.  Thank you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/27/2025

  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:05/14/2025

  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 receiving unsolicited magazine subscriptions from a third-party company called Strategic Media LLC. These include titles such as **************, ****, and *************** which are all published under Hearst Magazines. I never signed up, paid, or authorized any magazine subscription through this company or any affiliated service. These magazines are arriving weekly, and I now receive multiple titles, which is overwhelming and unwanted.There is no clear method provided to unsubscribe, and I suspect my information was obtained through a sweepstakes or promotional database without my consent. I have not been charged financially (to my knowledge), but I am requesting that Strategic Media LLC remove all of my personal information from their systems and immediately stop all magazine mailings to my address. I am also requesting they confirm the removal of my information from their marketing database and any third-party lists they may have shared it with.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/15/2025

  Hi - This is ***** ******, President of Strategic Media.  You are correct you were not charged for these subscriptions and I'm happy to cancel them all and remove you from our database at your request.  Please note that since the labels are pre-printed you may still receive 1-2 issues but I am putting the cancellation and removal from our database through today.  Sorry for any inconvenience.  Should you have any additional questions we can be reached at ********************************  Thank you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/22/2025

  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:04/21/2025

  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 have been getting unsolicited magazines in my mailbox for a while ****** started with ************** and ************ Now in addition to those, I started receiving ****, ***********************, ********** traveler, and now I'm getting Town and country, and finally Esquire. When I tried stop them from coming, I contacted the magazines directly and they all pointed to Strategic Media LLC.When I tried to cancel via the online form, the email got bounced back.I didn't ask for all of these magazines and they are filling up my mailbox. This company needs to stop sending out unsolicited magazines that people didn't ask for.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/21/2025

  Hello - this is ***** ******, owner of Strategic Media.  I just spoke with *** ****** and explained how he got the magazines and also assured him that I would cancel all of them and add him to our Do Not Promote List.  He seemed satisfied with the conversation and said he would also be writing to the BBB regarding this.  I did let him know that he may still get 1-2 more issues as the labels are pre-printed but we have put the cancellation through.  Our email is ******************************* is anyone wishes to reach us we typically respond within 1-2 business days, often quicker!  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/21/2025

  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 received a magazine from Esquire. I immediately noticed that the first name was not spelled the way I use it. I decided to look into it. I found out that this third-party had placed an order for me for a mens magazine, which I never requested, nor did I receive notification about. It ordered two years worth of this magazine for $40. On February 27, 2025. Now they wanna send me the bill for it. I contacted **************** and they told me that I could stop the deliveries of the magazine, but I cannot cancel the order because it was placed by a third-party. This is a complete scam. I have an ID protection company that I reported this too. I also reported it to my local ********************They said there was nothing they can do other than have me file a complaint. I also emailed the company that originally placed the order because that's what Esquire told me to do as well. In order to cancel it. They have not responded to me at all. I have since done research on The web and found out that many people have had the same issue. Can you please help me with this.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/21/2025

  This is ***** ******, owner of Strategic Media. I just spoke with *** ****** and apologized that our team had overlooked her email to us.  I also explained how she got the free subscription and also assured her that I would have it cancelled.  She may get 1-2 more issue as the labels are preprinted but I have processed the cancellation.  Thank you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/23/2025

  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 was told the subscription was going to be canceled and now it is only been suspended indefinitely. That is not what I asked for. I want the thing canceled and they said the only way that it could be canceled is through the third-party. Who told me directly on the phone they were going to cancel it. 

   

   

   

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

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** ******
  
  
  
  
   
  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/24/2025

  This is ***** ******, owner of Strategic Media.  I did speak with *** ****** on 4/21 and told her we would cancel the order for Esquire.  We process cancellations weekly and are doing so this evening, 4/24/25.  Once the cancellation is submitted to Esquire it will take a little bit of time for them to process.  But please be assured it is being cancelled.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/15/2025

  Type:Delivery 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 am receiving **************** that I did not order and am requesting that the subscription be canceled and refunded. I did not authorize this purchase. ******* says it is $40. Attaching a copy of the billing label.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

  Hi,

  This is ***** ******, owner of Strategic Media.  Today I spoke with ***** ***** and explained how they got **************** and since there is no charge for it they have decided to keep it until it expires in a year.  

  Thank you.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/16/2025

  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.
  

  Im confirming that My lawyer and his have come to an agreement.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****
  
  
  
   
  

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/10/2025

  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 have been receiving an unsolicited subscription to *********************** for several months. I have never requested or had one in the past. I have made several attempts to cancel and have this delivery stopped without success. I am asking to have this subscription cancelled immediately. I would also like my name removed from any further marketing or unwanted subscriptions. Thank you.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/10/2025

  This is ***** ******, President of Strategic Media.  I did try to reach ** **** with the phone number provided in the complaint but it is not a working phone number.  I had hoped to explain how it is he got this subscription.  It was included as a gift from a site where he purchased some sporting equipment as a thank-you gift.  The site did send out an email notifying them of the free gift with an opportunity to decline the gift.  The Wine Spectator subscription is 100% free and you will never be billed for it.  That said, I am arranging to cancel this gift subscription.  You may still get 1-2 more issues as the labels are pre-printed but I am putting the cancelation through today.  I trust this has satisfied your inquiry.  Feel free to email us at **************************** if you have any additional questions.  Our team responds very promptly and completely to all emails received.  Thank you.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/04/2024

  Type:Delivery 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 received several issues of *********** which I never ordered and it went to my previous address. I am not sure there are any charges associated with this but I would like the desired resolution below. Thank you. In addition, I have enclosed a photo of the mailing label (upload) from the magazine below. PLEASE NOTE, if you need to contact me about this complaint, please do so with my EMAIL address, as the street address on the subscription is no longer valid.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/04/2024

  This is ***** ******, President of Strategic Media.  This subscription came to you at no cost as a gift from an online site you have ordered from in the past.  As per your request I have asked for it to be cancelled.  You also will be added to our Do Not Promote list so you don't get any more offers like this.  In addition I have requested your info be removed from our database.  Please be advised that you may still receive 1-2 issues as the labels are pre-printed but we have processed the cancellation.  We hope this response meets with your satisfaction.  Have a nice day.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/09/2024

  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:08/26/2024

  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 have been receiving magazines from wine spectator that I never signed up for. When I called the company they said the subscription was set up by a company Strategic Media. I have tried to contact the company to stop them from setting up any subscriptions in my name but I have not had any success. This seems like fraud as they make it hard or impossible to stop these subscriptions. Please help.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/27/2024

  This is ***********************, President of Strategic Media.  We have gone ahead and cancelled this subscription.  Just as an FYI this was a totally free one-year gift from an ecommerce site in the food & beverage space to thank you for your loyalty.  It would not have renewed and we did not get your email or credit card info at any time.  We only had your mailing address to send the 1-year free gift subscription.  We have processed the cancellation at your request.  You may still get 1-2 issues as the labels are preprinted but it has been cancelled.  If you have any further questions please email us at ********************************  We'll be delighted to assist you.  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/14/2024

  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 recently received a magazine from Cigar Aficionado that I never signed up for. When calling to cancel the subscription, they informed me that I was signed up by strategic media. After filling out the form online, the email bounced back. I also called the number listed on the website and never received an answer or a call back. I am trying to cancel whatever subscription that they have signed me up for.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/28/2024

  Hi - my name is ***********************, President of Strategic Media.  If you emailed us at our corporate site (*************************) those emails go directly to me and I always forward to our customer service.  If you emailed customer service ********************************* and did not get a response I will investigate as I am bcc'd on all of those emails as well and we typically respond within 1-2 business days especially for a simple question like this.  This subscription was included as a thank-you gift from a cigar site you have purchased from in the past.  An email announcement was sent to you with all the details.  It was totally free to you and had no automatic renewals.  At your request we will cancel the subscription.  You may receive 1-2 issues as the labels are preprinted.  Thank you.