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

Customer Complaints Summary

206 total complaints in the last 3 years.
36 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

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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:02/08/2024
Type:Product Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I purchased a two knife package for price of shipping only that was advertised by sos selfdefence aka sience of skill, llc. Just like all the other complaints they began charginging me $57 monthly from June 2023 thru February **** when I noticed it. There was no mention of a service or membership that I agreed to. I have received no service or products from this company aside from the two knifes I agreed to pay for. The website has no login or membership info to cancle. I did not authorize these charges. I am disputing 7 months of unauthorized charges of $57 totaling $399. I have canceled my card. Remove me from any membership and do not attempt any future charges. I request a full refund of the unauthorized charges or I will pursue fraud charges.
Business Response
Date: 02/09/2024
I'm sorry to hear there's some confusion about your order!

The Steel River Gentlemans #1 and Combat Dagger 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 past 60 days of charges per our return policy. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.

I appreciate your reaching out with your concerns!
Customer Answer
Date: 02/09/2024
I am rejecting this response, it is clear by the fact that every complaint you have against you that you are intentionally deceiving customers and making it nearly impossible for consumers to cancle this hidden subscription. I did not see any notes of a paid subscription when checking out or any way to opt out. I was sure to decline any extra offers. The order confirmation I received also did not make any mention of a added subscription or any way to cancle it.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/13/2024
I received only a refund for 2 of the 7 months they charged me.
Business Response
Date: 02/15/2024
Please see the check out page that was attached to your account for this order that shows the trial subscription and monthly charge:
******************************************************************************************************************************
Initial Complaint
Date:02/08/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
On February 8th, ****, I received a fraud alert from my credit union advising me that this business had unlawfully accessed my account and took $57.00. I don't know this company nor have I agreed to or authorized this withdrawal from my account. I made several attempts to contact the company with no response or answer.
Business Response
Date: 02/08/2024
The Steel River Colossal Fixed Blade and *********************** and 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.

I've canceled the subscriptions for you, and refunded the $57 charge per our return policy. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.
Initial Complaint
Date:02/07/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
Received a text from my bank (*****) that a purchase was made for $57.00. This was NOT a purchase I made.
Business Response
Date: 02/20/2024
I'm sorry to hear there's some confusion about your order!

The Steel River TDK 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. There are no charges to refund as the charge was declined.
Business Response
Date: 02/20/2024
I'm sorry to hear there's some confusion about your order!

The Steel River TDK 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. There are no charges to refund as the charge was declined.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/21/2024
Better Business Bureau:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
Initial Complaint
Date:02/06/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I ordered a "free" hatchet and paid shipping. Then when I got my credit card statement, I see a $9.95 and a $57 charge from Science of Skill. I never heard of them nor signed up with them. I see similar complaints as this now on the BBB web site. I filled out a cancellation form on their website and was charged an additional $37 to cancel. Scam company... Beware!
Business Response
Date: 02/07/2024
I do not know what website this customer went to . We do not charge anyone to cancel a subscription . Our customers can cancel at anytime. The customer was not even charge. We attempted to bill but the charge was declined by the bank for NSF in the account.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/07/2024
I am rejecting this response because: the original cost of the hatchet WAS charged and the “monthly” fee WAS charged. As seen, it was, in fact, paid through my account, I have sufficient funds and now I request a full refund. I will return your hatchet. Please stop any further charges to this account, provide directions on how to return your hatchet and refund my money.

Business Response
Date: 02/09/2024
Could you please respond with an email to [email protected] Attn Melissa in the subject and give the last 4 digits of the card that was billed so we can try and find this charge for you.
Initial Complaint
Date:02/03/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
ResolvedMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
In December of 2023 and into January of this year I accepted offers to purchase several items for shipping only for different products. After receiving these I started getting multiple attempts to collect different monthly subscription charges. After researching what these unknown charges were for I found that these offers came with a monthly subscription that "could be cancelled at any time". When attempting to try to cancel the subscriptions I could not ascertain how to do so. After researching my dilemma I found that many others had fallen into the same trap. The assertion that you were signing up for these services is buried in such small print that it was very easily missed. I did not lose any money as I used a prepaid **** *** account but they keep attempting to charge my card for several different subscriptions. I only want to know is how to cancel these subscriptions. I seek no money return as they were unable to collect any.
Business Response
Date: 02/05/2024
I do apologize, I did look for call or email for the request of a cancellation and could not find one. I have cancelled both your subscriptions.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/06/2024
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.
Initial Complaint
Date:01/30/2024
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.
liar rip-off says pay only $7. 00 shipping / handling no disclosure of $57 for self defense course ! left messages 4 x they do not answer phone , take calls or return them they are known scammers called ohio atty general filed a report !
Business Response
Date: 02/12/2024
Good Morning,

I was unable to find a call with the info provided in this complaint. I have attached the only account in your name which was back in 2020. If you could reach out to *********************** and in the subject Attn ******* and provide the last digits of the card we billed I will be more than happy to track down the charge.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/13/2024
I am rejecting this response because:

RECURRING PAYMENT AUTHORIZED ON 01/27 ****************** ************* ** **************** CARD **** this is a known scam many complaints they were refereed to st of **** atty general office for fraud prosecution indeictment is expected soon !
Business Response
Date: 02/14/2024
I believe I asked for this consumer to send an email to *********************** Attn ******* as the subject and the 4 digits of the card that was billed because we can't find a charge in his name. I sent screen shots of the only thing on his account. I have not seen an email to this point with that information. I'm more than happy to assist if I can find the charge in question.
Business Response
Date: 02/14/2024
Thank you for the information . I found the account under **** **** using the email address: ********************** . I have cancelled the subscription and refunded the charge. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time. That email address will receive 1 email showing the cancellation and then a second showing the refund.
Customer Answer
Date: 02/16/2024
I am rejecting this response because:

they will keep doing this to others they need to agree to NOT do this anymore to STOP playing games lying charging people w/. out permission they need to just go out of buisines they are evil
Initial Complaint
Date:01/30/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
September 11, 2023 was the first of 3 - $57 monthly charges that were charged to my credit card. The Company hid behind a similar reputable Company that offers goods and services to American Patriots. Once they offered something I was interested in and purchased they started the "monthly services charge"! They try hide behind some fine print hidden in their sales promos. They sought me out; I did NOT ask for their solicitations and ghosted me when I confronted them with my concern. I see no other recourse but to persue this through BBB. Thank you, *** *****
Business Response
Date: 01/31/2024
The customer was originally refunded the 2 charges of 12/10 and 11/10 through the money back guarantee that we offer with the subscription he received with the free product that he purchased this is described in the offer and the check out page. We hav had dealings with this customer through email which I will add in attachments he was not happy with the refunds that we gave him and filed a dispute for an additional charge on 1/8. I was only able yo add beginning of this conversation as screen shots to this complaint if the customer would like a reminder of the emails he sent where he was insulting to myself I will be more then happy to send them .
Customer Answer
Date: 01/31/2024
BBB,
Thank you for following up with my complaint. I'm 70 years old & unable to negotiate all the computer options in regards to attaching files, etc. SOS has given their side of the story but seems to be overly sensitive to my correspondence. I worked for a Fortune 500 Company for 35 years in Sales as a Senior Account Manager and dealt with thousands of customers. The basis of customer satisfaction is providing goods and services, honestly and transparently. SOS, while they say their policies are openly stated in attachments of their sales brochures; I can tell you that they are hidden in the fine print that, at least this 70 year old, DID NOT see.
The crux of my complaint is that they did not let me know anything about a "Monthy Suscription Charge" until they had siphoned enough money out of my accounts until I was notified by my bank! They fall back on a "can't (?) refund these bogus charges past 90 days". I say, "FOUL"! I always did whatever was necessary to provide customer satisfaction in my 35 years of sales experience. And, I will remind them, this whole predicament is a result of their jumping into a purchase I had with a very reputable company that DID honor my requests when it turned out they too wanted me to suscribe. 100% refund. That's what I expect from SOS. And they should put on their big boy (girl in this case) pants and do the right thing. Stealing from Seniors is a sin they will have to atone for at some point.
Thank you BBB (for helping law abiding citizens),
*** *****
Business Response
Date: 02/01/2024
Again at this point you have filed a dispute with your bank you bave to follow through with their process. We at this point are no longer required to refund anything for you .
Customer Answer
Date: 02/01/2024
I am rejecting this response because:
It is not my bank's responsibility for SOS fraudulant business activity. I'm quite sure BBB would agree with Wells Fargo that SOS fraudulant business activity should cease and desist; any company that dupes citizens with a monthly charge for good & services that were NEVER requested should be held to the highest standard of decency and face fines/penalties/imprisionment for such unscrupulous practices. Repay the stolen money and quite hiding from the TRUTH. I haven't asked my bank to be involved in any way.

Customer Answer
Date: 02/01/2024
BBB,
I looked over SOS response and evidently their Customer Service Department is on par with their Sales: They say, "I have filed a complaint with my bank" (never a thought, my bank didn't do anything wrong); the complaint has always been SOS's fraudulent business activity. Then they comment something about, "BAVE"?
My thought is that SOS is expecting to blow BBB and me off. There's no accountability in their dark world. I think that's there's strength in numbers and BBB could depose all SOS sales records and I'm positive that there will be MANY victims that just weren't willing to go through the trouble I would for $57. A Class Action suit against their tactic would get their attention I suspect. Go get 'em BBB; show them there is still business ethics and standards that must be adhered to in our Country. We will endure!
Customer Answer
Date: 02/02/2024
*** ******,
What part of this complaint do you not understand? Or, is it simply a matter of always siding with the businesses?
SOS charged a $57/month service fee even though it had NEVER been wanted! Also, they sought their victim out; I had made a transaction with Tactical USA and they made an unsolicited offer for some merchandise that was too good to be true. This should have been my red flag; "too good to be true usually is"! As it sits, do to your refusal to hold them accountable is an expensive lesson.
My first experience with BBB will be my last; it definitely doesn't really have any interest in "Better Business" unless screwing citizens out of hard earned money is their idea of fair.
*** *****
Initial Complaint
Date:01/30/2024
Type:Product Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I received an email offer for free knife just pay shipping skeptically I checked out the website SOS Self Defense ,or AKA. Science of Skill . Seemed like it was legit, if not I would only lose ****. They ripped me off for ****** dollars! What a SCAM I see Im not the only one to fall for it. Ive been reading about everyone else, same as me and wondering why the BBB has let them get away with this scam for so many years! I would have caught it earlier but I was in car accident , then COVID, usually Im on top of my bills. Ive cancelled the card I use for this transaction, and reported this fraud! Nothing in the offer said that I would have to pay ***** dollars a month for some BS membership , at least send me a hat and tee shirt that says ****** ! or CLUB MEMBER?
Business Response
Date: 01/31/2024
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 past 60 days of charges 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:01/26/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
i am being billed for a subscription that i cancelled and want to be removed from the billing list or whatever luckily my account didn't have enough money to cover the charges this time
Business Response
Date: 01/29/2024
Customers subscription was cancelled. 01/26/2024 04:30pm - Recurring turned OFF
Initial Complaint
Date:01/20/2024
Type:Billing Issues
Status:
AnsweredMore info
Complaint statuses
Resolved:
The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
Unresolved:
The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
Answered:
The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
Unanswered:
The business failed to respond to the dispute.
Unpursuable:
BBB is unable to locate the business.
I ordered a knife from this company in early December 2023. I received the knife but they signed me up for some sort of monthly program. I called them and they said they would credit back my card the $57.00 and cancel the membership that I didn't sign up for. They apologized and seemed sincere. Looking over my December credit card statement I see they did not credit back the $57.00 they said they would. Just noticed today that they billed me another $57.00 on 1/6/24. THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THEM. IF THEY GET YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER THEY WILL KEEP CHARGING UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES.

I DEMAND IMMEDIATE CANCELATION & FULL REFUND.
Business Response
Date: 01/23/2024
Good Morning January 20 was the first call that was made to our company for a cancellation there were also emails sent on the 20th but nothing before that . We are not in the office on weekends and get to calls and emails as quickly as possible on our opening day Monday I have however cancelled the subscription and refunded the Dec and Jan $57 charges. Please allow 3-5 business days for bank processing time.

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