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Business Profile

Emergency Disaster Preparedness

Science of Skill, LLC

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Science of Skill, LLC's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 207 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 36 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:11/24/2022

      Type:Delivery 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 ordered an item from the SOS company for the cost of shipping, $7.95 and two weeks later on 11/23, I was billed another $57. A Charge I did not authorize. After all the complaints about this business, they should be shut down.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/25/2022

      I'm sorry to hear there's some confusion about your order!


      The redwood Stiletto  offer you ordered was packaged and advertised as including a 14 day free trial to The National Self-Reliance Initiative, formerly known as Science of Skill Academy, which became a monthly subscription. This was described in the offer and on the checkout page.

       Your subscription was cancelled and refunded on 11/25/2022 09:07am  - Refunded - $57.00 Trans-ID: **********

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/12/2022

      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.
      On 10/10/22, I purchased a solar lantern from SOS Self-Defense. I was just going through my bank statement and noticed that they charged me $57.00 as a recurring charge. I did not consent to this and fear that they are going to continue charging my bank account. I have no idea how to even cancel my account or the charges. Please help!

      Business Response

      Date: 11/14/2022

      I'm sorry to hear there's some confusion about your order!


      The Steel River Solar Charger, Lantern, and Dry Bag offer you ordered was packaged and advertised as including a 14 day free trial to The National Self-Reliance Initiative, formerly known as Science of Skill Academy, which became a monthly subscription. This was described in the offer and on the checkout page.


      I've canceled the subscription for you, and refunded the charge per our return policy. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 11/14/2022

      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.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/03/2022

      Type:Delivery 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 ordered a knife that was only ***** for shipping and they charged me *****!

      Business Response

      Date: 11/04/2022

      m sorry to hear there's some confusion about your order!


      The Steel River *********************** offer you ordered was packaged and advertised as including a 14 day free trial to The National Self-Reliance Initiative, formerly known as **************** Academy, which became a monthly subscription. This was described extensively in the offer.


      I've canceled the subscription for you, and refunded the charge per our return policy. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/09/2022

      Type:Sales and Advertising 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.
      Had an item purchased from SOS SELF DEFENSE TOOLS online and had only to pay for shipping for the item.
      Now a time later they hit my with $57.00 like they have been doing to others as listed in the BBB website claims.
      I never agreed to any other charges from them since the initial purchase and charge of $7.95 so they have been using my card in further charges if it keeps going on.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/10/2022

      TheRedwood Stiletto  offer you ordered was packaged and advertised as including a 14 day free trial to The National Self-Reliance Initiative, formerly known as Science of Skill Academy, which became a monthly subscription. This was described in the offer and on the checkout page .


      I've canceled the subscription for you, and refunded the charge per our return policy. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 10/10/2022

      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.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/03/2022

      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.
      On 8/25, I was offered a free tactical knife, if I pay shipping for $7.99. Once I provided my debit card info, the site would not allow me to finish the transaction, without buying more. I decided to back out, and didn’t buy. But, they had my# already. They charge me for knife, and a subscription for$57.00. I contacted, they refunded part of it. I told them I will report to BBB, they said if I do, they wouldn’t refund at all. Now, they again charged $57.00 for a subscription to something I never signed up for. They claim they will refund, but I’m not certain they refunded any of the charges from 8/25. My card showed a credit, but it seems to have disappeared. They are scammers. Shut them down. Police in ***** need to be notified.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/03/2022

      The Steel River Midnight Stealth Stiletto + Baton offer you ordered was packaged and advertised as including a 14 day free trial to The National Self-Reliance Initiative, formerly known as Science of Skill Academy, which became a monthly subscription. This was described in the offer and on the checkout page along with a welcome email. I have attached a screen shot of the subscription along with the link to the checkout page you used.

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

      The subscription has been cancelled earlier today and the $57 charge that you requested from Sept 25th in the voicemail that you left. I confirmed as well in the conversation that you had with the rep. I have refunded the additional August 26th  charge for you as we have a  60 day return policy. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 10/03/2022

       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.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/03/2022

      Type:Product 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 ordered from SOS Self Defense 9/15 for $12.95. I received an unauthorized charge of $57 on September 29. I only ordered one item.

      I want a refund and cancel the membership I did not sign up for.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/03/2022

      The Steel River Solar Charger, Lantern, and Dry Bag offer you ordered was packaged and advertised as including a 14 day free trial to The National Self-Reliance Initiative, formerly known as Science of Skill Academy, which became a monthly subscription. This was described in the offer and on the checkout page .


      I've canceled the subscription for you, and refunded the charge per our return policy. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.


      I appreciate your reaching out with your concerns!

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/19/2022

      Type:Delivery 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.
      they pulled $57.00 out of my account on 8/18/2022 and on 9/18/2022 and i did not order anything!!!

      Business Response

      Date: 09/19/2022

      Both of these customers charges were refunded today  9/19/2022.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 09/21/2022

       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.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/16/2022

      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.
      August 5th, 2022 I ordered a knife that was supposedly free, you just had to pay for shipping. As I reviewed my card statement, I saw another $57 charge (August 18th) that I did not recall initiating or signing up for. I proceeded to Google the vendor and charge amount and found that I was not the only one who fell victim to this scam. I would like this refunded and my card to cease being charged.

      Business Response

      Date: 09/19/2022


      I'm sorry to hear there's some confusion about your order!


      The Steel River Midnight Stealth Stiletto + Baton offer you ordered was packaged and advertised as including a 14 day free trial to The National Self-Reliance Initiative, formerly known as Science of Skill Academy, which became a monthly subscription. This was described in the offer and on the checkout page .


      I've canceled the subscription for you, and refunded the  charge per our return policy. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 09/21/2022

      I am rejecting this response because:

      While I am thankful they refunded $57, perhaps it was because of the timing of my complaint, but it clearly said in my initial complaint that it was regarding the initial charge that occurred on 8/19. They charged my account again on 9/19, and refunded only the 9/19 charge. Both screenshots of the charges and sole refund are attached in one image. To resolve, I would expect the additional 8/17 charge refunded.

      Business Response

      Date: 09/23/2022

      We have refunded the second charge that you received . Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time .

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/15/2022

      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.
      So I had ordered this "solar charger" and when I opened it to examine the item, it turned out to have fake solar panels. They image shows solar panels but they are just fake. Its one big plastic piece with one photo-resistor/sensor which causes the LED to light up and make it look like the sun/light is charging it when that is in fact, NOT the case. I have 10+ years experience with electronics at the component level, as does my friend who also laughed at how fake this thing is when we took it apart to prove our concert that it is a fake. Have tried asking for my money back multiple times and get no response from them via email or there on-website "contact us" form. I lost $59.99 when this occurred back in June of this year (2022). Thats 5 payments of $7 they also tried to charge via a 3rd party website called "SoS" as you'll see in the emails.

      Business Response

      Date: 09/16/2022

      we have refunded the $7 charge that you paid for the charger . Please see the attachment . Allow 3-5 business days for bank process on your charge.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:09/11/2022

      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.
      On 8/6/2022 I bought a pocket knife from this company (hereinafter, ***), for $12.95) and paid with my Discover credit card. The *** emailed me a copy of the the order and shipped it to me. However, today I found another charge by *** made on 8/21/2022 for a mystery merchandise that I have never transacted for for which the *** charged the same credit card $57 dollars. Because the card payment is due on 9/28, I have proceeded to inform discover card of this occurrence immediately today and they will initiate a 30-day investigation while crediting this amount to me. I further noticed that on the bbb.org multiples references by other individuals describing exactly the same or similar instances they had with the *** whereas after buying a small item from it, sometimes for less than $10, being suddenly charged $57 dollars not once but twice in most cases since the beginning of this year or longer even - which is yet another reason for which I contacted discover card ASAP. As one of the complainants as well as an attorney, I am very interested in what, if anything, the BBB has done to investigate this company including were the results of such investigations so far, if any. Just to inform you further, I also intend to contact **** states attorney general to initiate investigation from their end. Please contact me for further details pertaining to this matter at your convenience. *****************************, Esq.

      Business Response

      Date: 09/12/2022

      I'm sorry to hear there's some confusion about your order!


      The  Steel River ********************************** you ordered was packaged and advertised as including a 14 day free trial to The National Self-Reliance Initiative, formerly known as **************** Academy, which became a monthly subscription. This was described extensively in the offer.


      I've canceled the subscription for you, and refunded the charge per our return policy. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.

    Science of Skill, LLC is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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