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:11/29/2023

  Type:Service or Repair 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.

  Charged programs without my consent, $3995. Sold products with glowing accolades, only to have an inside agent tell me that in actuality the promoted product recommended to unsuspecting customers lost money 971% of the time in 12 months! The promotional advertisements occurred on November 3, 4, and 5, 2023, and I was informed by an employee of said company some 25 days later that the $795 product was a complete loser and cost customers 971% of money invested.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/04/2023

  Complaint has been resolved to the satisfaction of the parties.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/01/2023

  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.

  Date of transaction 01/22/2023 until present
  Money owned to me $568
  
  On Jan. 22 I was charged $15 with money back guaranteed. If I am not happy with the service I will get my money back no question asked, I have to cancel before 30 days is over for no new charges.
  .
  I sent an email to cancel my subscription on 02/16/2023 to Mr. Alex J******, Senior Manager ********************, (I have a copy of the email). When I didn't hear back from them I sent a second email on 02/20/2023 this time to [email protected] requesting cancelation.
  (I have a copy of this email and all emails I sent them).
  
  03/01/2023 and 03/21/2023 sent other emails to cancel membership but no one reply. I called them few times but the call does not go through until one time I reach the customer service desk. I explained my dilemma, she promised to cancel membership. I thought I am done.
  
  Few months later I noticed that $79 charges on my credit card. The charges went from March to September. I called the bank to dispute the charges since I canceled my membership and I have proof. Not until then Mr. Alex J****** called me and acknowledge receiving my cancelation and asked me to withdraw the claim with the bank and he will return all the charges they took from me.
  The bank couldn't go back more than 4 months of refund. Mr. Alex is asking me to withdraw my claim to get the rest of the money back. I decided to file claim here to show everyone what kind of a company they are. I need the help of The BBB to get all my money back. I was not satisfied with their service and I canceled membership way before the month was over. My next step will be to file a complaint with Customer protection agency, FINRA and NASDAQ if I don't get my money back.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/06/2023

  This issue has been resolved directly with the customer.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/06/2023

  Per phone call from customer 11/6/23 this complaint has been resolved, refund check has been received.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/03/2023

  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.

  On July 29, 2023, I purchased a book from Schaeffer's Investment Service, 5151 Pfeiffer Rd Blue Ash OH 45242 for $14.00. I received a call from the company on July 31, 2023 indicating I had already purchased the item and they would roll-over my payment for their "Playbook" which cost "3995". Considering the fact that the book cost $14.00, I assumed the charge for the Playbook was $39.95, but when I checked my credit card, I discovered the charge was $3,995. Nathane S****, the salesman, never said "Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-five dollars". On further research, I discovered I'm not the first customer that was over-charged based on fraudulent business practices (check Internet reviews for details). I immediately contacted the company, stated I did not authorize the $3,995 charge and requested charges be reversed and services be cancelled. The salesman refused my request, insisting I agreed to it. I then contacted my credit card company disputing the charge. I'm seeking your help because potential customers should be made aware of their deceptive business practices. BUYERS BEWARE! It's at least unethical and probably fraudulent in the worst case. I hope you can help. Thank you for your consideration.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/07/2023

  This matter has been resolved directly with the customer.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/07/2023

  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. 
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ***** *********
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/23/2023

  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.

  Schaeffer's sales rep Alex J****** told on April 21 to cancel all programs and he agreed to do so.
  On July 11 found charge $1,985 on cancelled ***** **** card from Schaeffer's dtd 4/21/2023.
  E mailed and called Mr. J****** asking for credit and he said he had cancelled existing programs and that I unilaterally ordered three new ones .....Overnight Trader, Powertrend, Weekly options trader. Why would I cancel three and then order three new ones " Just doesn't take sense" I said and he then abruptly said "There was nothing he could do" and hung up on me. I then asked in a new e mail if he could tell me the subscription period the new money paid for and that I had not authorized these new subscriptions and would he rebate back the money . No response. Pls help.***** 7/23/2023

  Business Response

  Date: 07/26/2023

  Please allow me to provide an overview of your account to
  clear up any misunderstanding.  On 4/20/23, you agreed to purchase the
  WEEKLY OPTIONS COUNTDOWN PLUS, WEEKLY OPTIONS TRADER and VERTICAL OPTIONS
  TRADER.  It appears you disputed these charges with your credit card
  provider shortly thereafter.  After reviewing your call from the sale, your
  credit card provider ruled on 6/21/23 these charges were valid because you
  provided proper consent to the transaction.   Furthermore, the
  POWERTREND program was not purchased on 4/21/23 but on 1/5/23.  The
  OVERNIGHT TRADER was not purchased on 4/20/23 but purchased online on 9/1/22
  under NON-REFUNDABLE terms.  In terms of subscription term, the WEEKLY
  OPTIONS COUNTDOWN PLUS is a 12 months subscription while the WEEKLY OPTIONS
  TRADER and VERTICAL OPTIONS TRADER are on lifetime status.  Please let us
  know if we can be of further assistance.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/10/2023

  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.

  Negative 5 Stars for
  
  Ryan B******
  
  Senior Account Executive
  
  Schaeffer’s Investment Research, Inc.
  
  5151 Pfeiffer Road, Suite 450 | Cincinnati, OH 45242
  
  ###-###-#### |
  
  Check Trade Service Prices and
  
  Trade Track Records before ANY purchase
  
  Ryan cold called me to sell me ******** Trader for $1295 on sale from 1995
  
  I agreed, but found price to be$ 495 on his website the same day
  
  I notified him of the 800-dollar overcharge by email
  
  He told me I got a good deal, and he was not going to change price
  
  I emailed him for 3 days, and threatened a credit card dispute
  
  He then said my price was right and did the refund of 800
  
  It is my opinion that his responses were abrasive and extremely unprofessional
  
  He cold called me the day after ******** Trader purchase , and strongly recommended Weekly volatility trader and Weekly option trade for $1705
  
  He explained that in this volatile market, long-term trades are difficult; The money is with the quick in and out trades which is what this ***** *** Trader service will give me. He said he was so confident I would be happy; he would give a 1300 refund after 90 days if I was not happy
  
  Guy seemed euphoric about these trades. On and on
  
  I agreed based upon his verbal representation, but requested trade tracks for both traders
  
  We were clearly talking about current market conditions, but he gave me 3-year tracks with a positives number Not at all what I asked for on the phone Anything will look good if you go back that far
  
  I requested YTD tracks on each trader
  
  WVT
  
  Total Profit: -297.1% negative!!!!!!!!!
  
  SWOT
  
  Total Profit: -145.0% Negative !!!!!!!!!!!
  
  Ryan, recommended these loosing traders for current market conditions , and assured me that I would be happy
  
  OK, these obviously are not doing well under current conditions
  
  I demanded a refund by email over 3 days
  
  He was extremely rigid , unreasonable, and insulting
  
  He only offered to use the 1700 for other services and he was not going to refund the 800 either For 3 days he just told me I was talking about an expired offer on ******** trader
  
  If he gave me accurate information on the phone, I never would hav3e purchased these train wreck services
  
  He refused a refund after 4 days of email, so I filed a dispute with ******* ***
  
  He wrote back and stated he was going to fight dispute with the recording of me agreeing to the charge Recording will also reflect any deceptive statements he may made, and I have at least 30 emails back and forth which clearly reflect t what happened Now I need to collect about 30 emails as proof of his deceptive business practices
  What a mess to have this guy represent Schaefer's Investment
  Past representatives were very professional Ryan sounds like a pumped up frat boy.
  
  I also have ***** Trader Big Loser Can't use it now, but it was great in the past
  If you are considering any service, call Ryan and get YTD Tracks
  
  Do not buy anything off the site without getting recent tracks from Ryan by email He is a quick talker who is focused on closing a sale
  
  Look at the reports, and filter out his enthusiasm for Losing Programs Be aware that he will send you multiyear reports to show you a positive ROI
  
  With both programs, he expected me to rely solely on his verbal representations I had to ask for the YTD Tracks
  watch out for this guy

  Customer Answer

  Date: 07/17/2023

  The Ceo of this comapny is extreamly professional and reasonable The straitented out the cituatio immedicatel I would like to drop my complaint and delete my review
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/09/2023

  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 the “lightning trade” program from Schaefer Investment research cause of the record they tought in their marketing emails. The marketing material says that they have an 80% trading win record . So far their percentage is close to zero . I have a marketing email that says over the 4 day Memorial Day week there trades were up 485% that week . That is a darn right lie cause I purchased their recommendations and they were all
  Down between 70-90% . This company misrepresent their winning percentage and I’m pretty sure they don’t know what they are doing when it comes to option trading . They lewer you in with their so called winning record but it’s not true . This company needs to be honest about their winnings and losing percentage. I want future “suckers” such as me (cause I fell for it) to know what they are Getting into before they sign up with this company. Seriously, they have no idea what they are doing .

  Business Response

  Date: 06/20/2023

  RE:  Complaint * ********
  
  Please allow me to provide some much needed
  clarification.  You are correct, you’re currently subscribed to the
  LIGHTNING TRADER among a host of other programs.  The marketing material
  referencing the minimum 80% win rate guarantee during the first 12 months
  relates to our PREMIUM TRADER and WEALTHBUILDER programs.  Both of these
  programs involve selling premium or more specifically, credit spreads. 
  Industrywide, credit spreads have a much higher win rate than buying a straight
  call or put such as you do in the LIGHTNING TRADER.  Keep in mind, the
  tradeoff for a consistent high rate such as credit spreads means you are
  sacrificing the potential for big wins in excess of 100% or greater involving
  long calls or puts.  In terms of the Memorial Day marketing material
  referencing the 485% gain on TSM, that promotion is tied to our GRAND SLAM
  COUNTDOWN program.  The GRAND SLAM COUNTDOWN exclusively provides debit
  spread recommendations.   You are not currently subscribed to this
  program.  As a reminder, your LIGHTNING TRADER is covered under our full
  money-back performance guarantee.  The program is ineligible for a refund
  at this point in time.  We guarantee to deliver a minimum of 100
  recommendations over the initial 24 months that result in 100% or more
  gains.  If we fail to meet this benchmark, we must provide a refund in
  full.  The guarantee reads as follows:  “Your subscription fee is
  fully refundable after 24 months if this service has not delivered 100 winning
  trades of +100% or more over that 24-month period, as calculated by Schaeffer's
  Investment Research using our normal performance tracking methodology. This
  special guaranteed offer is only available to new subscribers and applies only
  to the first 24 months of your subscription. Subscribers must contact
  Schaeffer's Investment Research within the first 14 days after the initial
  24-month period to request a refund. Due to the exclusive nature of our
  subscription services, your subscription fee is otherwise
  non-refundable.”  I want to emphasize the fact that we have been in
  business for over 42 years and considered a leader in the options trading
  industry.  We are completely transparent in regards to our performance.
   We strongly encourage you to spend time studying the probabilities in
  options buying and how to best utilize this strategy to generate a profitable
  portfolio. A successful options trader needs only a 35-45% win-rate to be
  profitable, focusing on an average winner that greatly outweighs the average
  loser (because losses are an unavoidable part of premium buying). We apologize
  that your expectations were not met.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/27/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ** ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, reasons for rejection are included below.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  **** *****
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/06/2023

  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.

  After reading reviews it seems they have a history of misleading customers. I won’t mention a name as you already know who the crooked sales person is. N.S.. They say they have a recording of the conversation. They intentionally mislead you again by stating facts that are not true. He offered me a deal that what I thought was $39.95. Next day my account was charged $3,995. He clearly stated that the cost was in his words “thirty nine ninety five.” Of course I thought it was $39.95. I called him and he said that in the recording he told me it was $3,995. I asked for the recording to prove he did not say $3,995. He just laughed. Also I have received several emails mostly to purchase more info. I want a refund of the $3,995 as they purposely mislead me. If he had said “three thousand nine hundred ninety five” I would never have approved that amount. As they have mislead others from the reviews they should be investigated. Also, that price included 6 recommended stock picks emailed to me on every Sunday. I have not received anything from them on any Sunday since I was charged the $3,995. It’s been 5 weeks now.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/08/2023

  Thank you for your feedback!  Since the charge in
  question is currently under dispute with your credit card provider, we must
  follow our internal protocols of communicating directly with your financial
  institution until the dispute has been resolved. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/05/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising 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 writing on behalf of my friend who inadvertently agreed to subscribe to a 24 month Overnight Trader Option subscription without completely understanding what she was getting herself into. The company name is Schaeffer's Investment Research. She is also being charged $49/month for a subscription from this same company. She is 82 years old and French is her primary language. Her credit card was charged $3995.00 for the subscription. She disputed the charge with her credit card company but due to the standard boiler plate contract this company sent to the credit company by this Investment Research group her dispute was lost and closed. I have read the complaints regarding this company on the Better Business Bureau website and their tactics are nothing new. If she agreed to the subscription it was only over the phone. But she did not understand what thew agreement meant. There is nothing in writing that ******* agreed to the subscription. Only an e-mail from the company thanking her for subscription. I did see an e-mail from the company that requested that she respond to their e-mail to start the subscription but also later in the same e-mail it noted that if she did not respond within 24 hours it was assumed that everything was good from her end. She never responded to the e-mail but was roped into the subscription anyway. I am requesting that this company make an exception to their "rules" and refund my friend's subscription and stop the monthly $49 charge. It's about time that a company looked at human errors that can occur and not just regurgitate a standard response. Thank you for your time.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/08/2023

  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.  I
  see all of the purchases in question are currently under dispute with your
  credit card provider.  In review, the $995 charge from 1/15/23 for the
  EXPIRATION WEEK COUNTDOWN as well as the $795 charge from 1/16/23 for the
  OVERNIGHT TRADER were online purchases.  These “inadvertent” purchases
  require a great deal of effort on our client’s behalf such as making multiple
  clicks, selecting the form of payment as well as agreeing to the non-refundable
  terms and conditions before the order is capable of being processed. 
  Needless to say, these charges are unable to be incurred “inadvertently” or
  “haphazardly”.  In terms of the $3995 LIGHTING TRADER purchase, the
  customer verbally agreed to this transaction.  When the initial
  transaction failed to process successfully, the client contacted her credit
  card provider on the phone to approve the purchase.  The client ended the
  call with her credit card provider after an extended holding period.  The
  customer then called back to say she was tired of holding and wanted to attempt
  to process the $3995 order using a different credit card.  The charge
  processed successfully on the second credit card.  The LIGHTNING TRADER is
  covered under our full money-back performance guarantee.  The guarantee
  reads as follows:  “Your subscription fee is fully refundable after 24
  months if this service has not delivered 100 winning trades of +100% or more
  over that 24-month period, as calculated by Schaeffer's Investment Research
  using our normal performance tracking methodology. This special guaranteed
  offer is only available to new subscribers and applies only to the first 24
  months of your subscription. Subscribers must contact Schaeffer's Investment
  Research within the first 14 days after the initial 24-month period to request
  a refund. Due to the exclusive nature of our subscription services, your
  subscription fee is otherwise non-refundable.”  The LIGHTNING TRADER
  may potentially be fully-refundable at the end of the initial 24 month term if
  we fail to meet our benchmark, however, it is currently non-refundable until
  the 24 months have concluded and it has been determined we failed to deliver a
  minimum of 100 recommendations resulting in 100% or greater gains.  The
  $49 monthly charge to the OPTION ADVISOR has been cancelled per your
  request.  No further charges are pending on the account.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/08/2023

  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.  I
  see all of the purchases in question are currently under dispute with your
  credit card provider.  In review, the $995 charge from 1/15/23 for the
  EXPIRATION WEEK COUNTDOWN as well as the $795 charge from 1/16/23 for the
  OVERNIGHT TRADER were online purchases.  These “inadvertent” purchases
  require a great deal of effort on our client’s behalf such as making multiple
  clicks, selecting the form of payment as well as agreeing to the non-refundable
  terms and conditions before the order is capable of being processed. 
  Needless to say, these charges are unable to be incurred “inadvertently” or
  “haphazardly”.  In terms of the $3995 LIGHTING TRADER purchase, the
  customer verbally agreed to this transaction.  When the initial
  transaction failed to process successfully, the client contacted her credit
  card provider on the phone to approve the purchase.  The client ended the
  call with her credit card provider after an extended holding period.  The
  customer then called back to say she was tired of holding and wanted to attempt
  to process the $3995 order using a different credit card.  The charge
  processed successfully on the second credit card.  The LIGHTNING TRADER is
  covered under our full money-back performance guarantee.  The guarantee
  reads as follows:  “Your subscription fee is fully refundable after 24
  months if this service has not delivered 100 winning trades of +100% or more
  over that 24-month period, as calculated by Schaeffer's Investment Research
  using our normal performance tracking methodology. This special guaranteed
  offer is only available to new subscribers and applies only to the first 24
  months of your subscription. Subscribers must contact Schaeffer's Investment
  Research within the first 14 days after the initial 24-month period to request
  a refund. Due to the exclusive nature of our subscription services, your
  subscription fee is otherwise non-refundable.”  The LIGHTNING TRADER
  may potentially be fully-refundable at the end of the initial 24 month term if
  we fail to meet our benchmark, however, it is currently non-refundable until
  the 24 months have concluded and it has been determined we failed to deliver a
  minimum of 100 recommendations resulting in 100% or greater gains.  The
  $49 monthly charge to the OPTION ADVISOR has been cancelled per your
  request.  No further charges are pending on the account.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/08/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, reasons for rejection are included below. The way it happens real different Mr Booth call me to tell me they had charge too much for the week end I was suppose to pay 8.00 then he charge on my ******* card $ 1895. so I call him back telling its not right it was suppose to be $8.00  so he try again with the *** **** card and they did not let him go in so He call me back asking for a new card and I said the only other car was my **** ****** card and I do not like to use it He said Do you want your money or not So since I did not want to lose  over $1800.00  I finally gave him the new Card and without  saying me anything he Just charge $3995.00  on my ****** card  If it not a thieve what is it The reason I was not buying anything  was that I have problem paying for my meds I did not buy anything for a long time in trade 
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ******* ******
  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/19/2023

  After reviewing the calls in question, there wasn’t
  any offer nor attempt to charge $1895 to the customer’s credit card.  The
  customer was offered an $1895 discount off the sale price of the LIGHTNING
  TRADER, not a refund.  After utilizing the credit, the net charge for the
  LIGHTNING TRADER was reduced to $3995.  The customer agreed to the $3995
  charge but the initial transaction failed to process.  Once the customer
  was notified by their credit card of the failed $3995 transaction, she called her
  credit card company to personally approve the charge but the wait time was
  excessive.  The customer said she hung up because she refused to wait on
  hold any longer.  She then called our firm back to provide a new credit
  card to complete the $3995 transaction which processed successfully. 
  Needless to say, the customer provided proper consent to the $3995
  charge.  I fail to see how the validity of this transaction could be
  misinterpreted.  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/19/2023

  After reviewing the calls in question, there wasn’t
  any offer nor attempt to charge $1895 to the customer’s credit card.  The
  customer was offered an $1895 discount off the sale price of the LIGHTNING
  TRADER, not a refund.  After utilizing the credit, the net charge for the
  LIGHTNING TRADER was reduced to $3995.  The customer agreed to the $3995
  charge but the initial transaction failed to process.  Once the customer
  was notified by their credit card of the failed $3995 transaction, she called her
  credit card company to personally approve the charge but the wait time was
  excessive.  The customer said she hung up because she refused to wait on
  hold any longer.  She then called our firm back to provide a new credit
  card to complete the $3995 transaction which processed successfully. 
  Needless to say, the customer provided proper consent to the $3995
  charge.  I fail to see how the validity of this transaction could be
  misinterpreted.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/19/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ** ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, reasons for rejection are included below.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ******* ****** This is not true at all...They charge without my permission 1895.00 at my *** ****  so I complained and he said I'll refund your money He hang up and call me a bit later to tell me that BayBank did not want to let him in so he tell me give me a new card number so I can refund you I did not want to because I do not like to use my Citi card for anything else than Costco He said very rude you want your money or not  so  since I never had any trouble with trade Research thinking they were honnest I finally gave him the number so I could have my money back  I have 2 friends that were with me at that time  and they remember very well the phone call I never used their  Research  because  I never read there e-mail sometime 12 to 15 a day it was really harassment  I kept  hundreds of them  if you want to see them Mr ***** was very rude every time we finally talk to him and he hang up  for no reason at all while we were calling him

  I tried a few time to talk to the boss to explain to him that he had a very bad person working for him  I explain to him that is no way to do business...but he never responded I haven't been  doing any trading for the last three year because the market was so bad and anyway I did not have any money  anymore I let go of 3 very good  Research  for that reason Never had any complaint against them  If you want to know those  just ask me I'll let you know  With all my Thanks  in trying to help me  I really do not have the money to pay  my credit card back  ******* *******

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/19/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, reasons for rejection are included below.
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ******* ****** This is not true at all...They charge without my permission 1895.00 at my *** ****  so I complained and he said I'll refund your money He hang up and call me a bit later to tell me that ******* did not want to let him in so he tell me give me a new card number so I can refund you I did not want to because I do not like to use my **** card for anything else than ****** He said very rude you want your money or not  so  since I never had any trouble with trade Research thinking they were honnest I finally gave him the number so I could have my money back  I have 2 friends that were with me at that time  and they remember very well the phone call I never used their  Research  because  I never read there e-mail sometime 12 to 15 a day it was really harassment  I kept  hundreds of them  if you want to see them Mr Booth was very rude every time we finally talk to him and he hang up  for no reason at all while we were calling him

  I tried a few time to talk to the boss to explain to him that he had a very bad person working for him  I explain to him that is no way to do business...but he never responded I haven't been  doing any trading for the last three year because the market was so bad and anyway I did not have any money  anymore I let go of 3 very good  Research  for that reason Never had any complaint against them  If you want to know those  just ask me I'll let you know  With all my Thanks  in trying to help me  I really do not have the money to pay  my credit card back  ******* ******.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/03/2023

  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 had several subscriptions to their alert services, weekly volatility trader and overnight trader and were mostly losing trades and not performing as expected and wanted to switch to another product, the option advisor newsletter. I called the company and spoke to a rep, did not expect a refund and the rep said could not do the switch as the subscriptions were heavily discounted the way it was. The rep recommended another product and said would give me credit for my current subscriptions and apply it to new service. He said they would monitor my trades for 90 days and if I wasn't happy, would only cost me a small amount for that quarter. I advised the rep I didn't want to put any more money into their services. The rep went to to tell me about their winning trades and success rate. I said I wasn't interested as I was not having success with my current products and didn't want to purchase new products. Rep was very short with me, he said he tried to help me and hung up.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/04/2023

  Thank you for your feedback.  We appreciate the fact
  you have been a loyal customer for many years.  However, your complaint
  neglected to mention that you haven’t purchased any programs in well over three
  years.  I’m not sure if you recall, but several years ago you were
  unsatisfied with one of your programs.  I provided a free 30 day trial of
  another program for you to evaluate.  Once the trial met your approval, I
  provided an even swap, per your request, as a one-time exception.  From a
  business perspective, it doesn’t make much sense to allow a customer to
  purchase a program or two then continually swap throughout our entire product
  line of 30+ programs.  I’m sure you will agree.  Your Account
  Representative is correct.  Typically we do not provide an even swap but
  we will provide a portion of your previous purchases to be used as a credit to
  offset the purchase of a new program.    I’m sorry this
  situation did not meet your satisfaction.  If you would like, I will be
  happy to provide a FREE 30 day trial to the Option Advisor for your
  review.  The free trial will expire automatically at the end of the
  term.  Please advise if this is a suitable resolution.    

  Business Response

  Date: 05/12/2023

  *****
  
  Please remove ****** *******s duplicate complaint # ********.  His original complaint was adequately resolved on 5/5/23 under complaint # *********
  
  Thanks,
  
  John V***
  Director of Operations

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/17/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint. 
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ****** ******
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/20/2023

  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 invested $4,000 in their options trading system which came with a 90-day guarantee. However, the service has been unsatisfactory and resulted in significant financial losses. I request a prompt and full refund.
  
  I made two requests for a refund, but there was no response. Since the system is not helpful, and I lost money, my next step is involving my credit card company. They had promised a money-back guarantee but failed to respond to my request.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/21/2023

  Thank you for your feedback.  Please allow me to
  provide additional clarification that may prove helpful.  On 3/21/23, you
  purchased our Lightning Trader program.  The program was accompanied by
  two separate, distinct guarantees.  The first of which was our 90 day,
  pro-rated satisfaction guarantee.  This guarantee allows you to evaluate
  the program over the initial 90 day period.  Once the 90 day period has
  concluded, we provide a 14 day window thereafter to request a pro-rated
  refund.  As you can see in the guarantee language included within your
  complaint, the guarantee states :  “ Your order comes with our
  90-day satisfaction guarantee. This means that you are committed to the first
  90 days of the service and after day 91 you will have the following options:
  you may transfer your remaining credit towards another service OR you may opt
  out and be refunded on the remaining unused portion. All you must do is notify
  SIR within 14 days after day 91 to request a refund. Your order is otherwise
  non-refundable.”  Perhaps further explanation is in order. 
  Essentially, this means you may request a 75% refund, for any reason
  whatsoever, within the proper refund window of June 20th through
  July 4th.  The second guarantee on your Lightning Trader is a
  full money-back performance guarantee.  We guarantee to deliver a minimum
  of 100 recommendations, over the initial 24 month period, that result in 100%
  or more gains.  If we fail to meet this lofty benchmark, you may request a
  refund in the 14 day window following the completion of your initial 24 month
  term.  The second guarantee reads as follows:  “Your subscription
  fee is fully refundable after 24 months if this service has not delivered 100
  winning trades of +100% or more over that 24-month period, as calculated by
  Schaeffer's Investment Research using our normal performance tracking
  methodology. This special guaranteed offer is only available to new subscribers
  and applies only to the first 24 months of your subscription. Subscribers must
  contact Schaeffer's Investment Research within the first 14 days after the
  initial 24-month period to request a refund. Due to the exclusive nature of our
  subscription services, your subscription fee is otherwise non-refundable.”  
  As demonstrated above, your subscription is ineligible for a refund at this
  point in time.  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/24/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********* and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, reasons for rejection are included below.
  

   

  I wish to execute the refund ASAP. I've LOST WELL OVER 1,000 dollars on their so called recommendations. They aren't a certified financial advisory company and they failed to give me Finra Disclosures. They gave me bad advice and took my money. 

   

  
  Regards,
  
  
  ******* ****