Business Profile

Magazine Publishers

Highlights for Children, Inc.

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Highlights for Children, Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Customer Complaints Summary

151 total complaints in the last 3 years.
15 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.

Initial Complaint
Date:11/20/2023
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.
A now decest family member purchased this for my son. Since her death I was given a magazine and told Iif I didn't return it they would make me pay for it. I returned it. I have subsequently been given bills and more magazines I do not want. I have sent a letter stating this also yet I am being mailed bills. I do not want their magazine or there unsubstantiated bills.
Business Response
Date: 11/22/2023
Hello Mr. *******, I have received a copy of your
complaint to the Better Business Bureau. I am sorry for any misunderstanding
regarding your Puzzle Buzz account. Providing a world class customer experience is our top
priority and I apologize that it wasn’t demonstrated to you.

Our records show that we received a response to a promotional
mailing for Puzzle Buzz and it was processed on August 31, 2023. The
promotional material for parents included with the order form indicated that
you could receive an introductory shipment of Puzzle Buzz, for
which you would be charged $6.95 plus a nominal shipping and handling
charge. A free book and tote bag were also to be included in the
introductory shipment. The details stated that you were free to cancel and
return one of the books with no further obligation. Or, if you chose to
continue in the club, you would receive two new Puzzle Buzz books every three weeks at $13.90, plus shipping and handling.

It is clear from the information you sent to the BBB that you
never intended to order Puzzle Buzz. Your account was
successfully canceled and all charges have been removed. The final
shipment mailed October 5, 2023. Please disregard any notices or mailings that you
may have received and keep the items with our compliments.
Once again, I sincerely
apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. Should you have
any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at
###-###-####, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, EST.
Thank
you, Jeff C******

Customer Answer
Date: 11/22/2023
I accept the business's response to resolve this complaint.

Regards,

******* *********
Initial Complaint
Date:11/06/2023
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.
Started the highlights subscription and had no issues until my son was offered two free puzzle books and a tote bag if we sent in two upcs and shipping and handling, we were then sent bills for $18 and saying it was overdue. Both received the same day! I looked it up and it’s a total scam. I want my account closed and balance to be zero. How has the BBB not closed down this notorious scam
Business Response
Date: 11/06/2023
Hello Mr. ****, I have received a copy of your
complaint to the Better Business Bureau. I am sorry for any misunderstanding
regarding your Puzzle Buzz account. We strive to provide
superior customer satisfaction to all of our customers.

Our records show that we received a response to a promotional
mailing for Puzzle Buzz and it was processed on August 31, 2023. The
promotional material for parents included with the order form indicated that
you could receive an introductory shipment of Puzzle Buzz, for
which you would be charged $0.99 plus a nominal shipping and handling
charge. A free book and tote bag were also to be included in the
introductory shipment. The details stated that you were free to cancel and
return one of the books with no further obligation. Or, if you chose to
continue in the club, you would receive two new Puzzle Buzz books every three weeks at $13.90, plus shipping and handling.

It is clear from the information you sent to the BBB that you
never intended to order Puzzle Buzz. Your account was
successfully canceled and all charges have been removed. The final
shipment mailed October 5, 2023. Please disregard any notices or mailings that you
may have received and keep the items with our compliments.
Once again, I sincerely
apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. Should you have
any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at
###-###-####, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, EST.
Thank you, **** *******
Director, Customer Contact Centers
Account # *********

Customer Answer
Date: 11/07/2023
I accept the business's response to resolve this complaint.
Initial Complaint
Date:09/28/2023
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.
I simply want to cancel my account and stop all subscriptions. I started calling Highlights for Kids August 14. Every time I called them I got a recording that said "this car cannot be connected at this time". I found a second telephone number and tried it and got the same recording every time. I started sending emails in September to customer Service requesting they cancel my account and never received a response.
Business Response
Date: 09/29/2023
Hello Ms. ****, I have received a copy of
your complaint to the Better Business Bureau. I am sorry for any
misunderstanding regarding your High Five Activity Box subscription. Providing a world class customer experience is our top priority and I
apologize that it wasn’t demonstrated to you. Our records show a new shipment is delivered every three months and I was unable to locate a cancellation request. We offer a 100%
satisfaction guarantee for all of our
products.
It is clear from the information you sent to
the BBB that you never intended to continue your membership. We have reviewed your account and processed a cancellation to ensure no additional shipments will be processed or mailed. Your account
was successfully canceled and the final shipment mailed September 6, 2023. For the inconvenience, I have processed a refund for the latest shipment. Refunds take 3-5 business days to receive. Your account is now closed and balance is $0.00. Please keep the items
with our compliments. I have sent a response to your personal email address regarding this matter.
Once again, I sincerely apologize for any
inconvenience you may have experienced. Should you have any further
questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at ###-###-####, Monday
through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, EST.
Thank you, **** *******
Director, Customer Contact Centers
Account # *********
Customer Answer
Date: 10/05/2023
I accept the business's response to resolve this complaint.
Initial Complaint
Date:07/11/2023
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.
Spam emails, I have called and unsubscribed and I’m still receiving emails.
Business Response
Date: 07/24/2023
Hello Mr. *********, I have received a copy of your complaint to the Better Business
Bureau. I am sorry for any misunderstanding regarding the removal from our email list. Providing a world class customer experience is our
top priority and I apologize that it wasn’t demonstrated to you. I checked our records and it shows your email address has successfully been removed from our email list from all further contact. Please allow 48 hours for all emails to fully cease. Once again, I sincerely
apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. Should you have
any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at
###-###-####, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, EST.

Thank you, **** *******
Director, Customer Contact Centers
Account # ***
Initial Complaint
Date:07/10/2023
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.
I began receiving invoices from Highlights Magazine, telling me I had to pay for my subscription. But I do not have a subscription; I did, over three years ago. I have not received magazines from the company in years. I emailed the company, telling them the same, but they kept sending me invoices, and then began calling my phone, I spoke with two representatives, and told them the same thing. I still received invoices, and calls, but began letting the calls go unanswered. Just today, I received an email stating that I am now in Credit Default for a Gift Subscription, which I never ordered. There is a number to call; I called the number and got an person on the line who said, "We're having technical difficulties and can't do anything with your account right now. Call back in an hour."
Business Response
Date: 07/11/2023
Hello Ms. *********, I have
received a copy of your complaint to the Better Business Bureau. I am
sorry for any misunderstanding regarding the billing of your High Five
subscription. Providing a world class customer experience is our top
priority and I apologize that it wasn’t demonstrated to you. After reviewing
our records, it shows that the charge is for the renewal of the High Five
magazine through continuous service. You should have received an email about 30
to 45 before the renewal processed, letting you know it would be expiring and
would automatically renew on the card previously used for the subscription so
that the child did not miss an issue. It is clear from the information you sent to
the BBB that you never intended to renew your High Five Magazine. Your account
was successfully canceled and all charges have been removed. Your account is now closed and balance is $0.00. Please
disregard any notices or mailings that you may have received.
Once again, I sincerely apologize for any
inconvenience you may have experienced. Should you have any further
questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at ###-###-####, Monday
through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, EST.

Thank you, **** *******
Director, Customer Contact Centers
Account # *********

Customer Answer
Date: 07/11/2023
I accept the business's response to resolve this complaint.

Regards,

******* *********
Initial Complaint
Date:06/24/2023
Type:Customer Service 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.
Previous tennant at this rental home moved and left no forwarding address. I contacted the magazine "Highlights for Children" to stop delivery, in addition to returning the magazine to sender. Supposedly it will stop after 4 more issues. The major problem is they added me to their spam e-mail advertisements, which do not have an unsubscribe button, and they come at least once a day. PLEASE MAKE THEM STOP THE E-MAILS! And I thought all businesses were to provide an "Unsubscribe" link on their e-mail advertisements?
Business Response
Date: 06/26/2023
Hello
Ms. *******, I have received a copy of your complaint to the Better Business
Bureau. I am sorry for any misunderstanding regarding the removal of an account.
Providing a world class customer experience is our top priority and I apologize
that it wasn’t demonstrated to you.

Unfortunately, I’m unable
to locate an account using the information provided in your complaint. We’ll be
reaching out via email shortly to get more information on the account/invoice
so we can further assist.
Once again, I sincerely apologize for any
inconvenience you may have experienced. Should you have any further
questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at ###-###-####, Monday
through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, EST.
Thank you* **** *******
Director, Customer Contact Centers
******* * ***
******

Customer Answer
Date: 07/02/2023
I accept the business's response to resolve this complaint. But there has been no mention of adding an unsubscribe button for persons that have the same issue I had. Not many know of how helpful the Better Business is. I have not been receiving any more "spam" e-mails from Highlights. If they start up again I will file another complaint.

Regards,

******* *****
Initial Complaint
Date:06/24/2023
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.
I have never subscribed to this company i had a letter when i moved in for a “free” book so I responded. Never once did i receive this book nor any other book or magazine from this company. All that I receive almost every single day are urgent letters of an amount due and now letters of collections. I want this to stop I am being harassed by this company. Please STOP
Business Response
Date: 06/26/2023
Hello Ms. ********, I have received a copy of your complaint to the Better
Business Bureau. I am sorry for any misunderstanding regarding the billing of
your Highlights magazine subscription. Providing a world class customer experience
is our top priority and I apologize that it wasn’t demonstrated to you.
Our records show we received a response to a
promotional mailing insert, and it was processed on December 22, 2022. This offer
presented the opportunity to order a 1-year subscription for $29.64 (plus
applicable sales tax) and included a free Hidden Pictures bonus gift with each
order. The first issue of Highlights and Hello should have arrived starting with the February 2023 issue and nothing has been returned as undeliverable. I have cancelled your two subscription orders and removed all charges so please disregard any notice for payment. Your account is now closed, and balance is $0.00. I personally sent you a email with confirmation of cancellation.
Once
again, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have
experienced. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please
feel free to contact me at ###-###-####, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to
4:30 PM, EST.
Thank you, **** *******
Director, Customer Contact Centers
Account # *********
******
Customer Answer
Date: 07/06/2023
I accept the business's response to resolve this complaint.

Regards,

******** ********
Initial Complaint
Date:06/02/2023
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.
I continue to receive unwanted invoices for items that I don't ever recall receiving or even ordering. The amount due is $49.14 and the account number is **** **** * * These practices by Hidden Pictures seem more like a scam than an actual operating model. I never knowingly even signed up for these additional services.
Business Response
Date: 06/02/2023
**************

I have received a copy
of your complaint to the Better Business Bureau. Thank you for your feedback,
we really appreciate it. Providing a world class customer experience is our top
priority and I apologize that it wasn’t demonstrated to you.

Our records show that we received a response to a promotional mailing for Hidden
Pictures Let’s Play going to two children and it was processed on July 27, 2022. The promotional
material for parents included with the order form indicated that you could
receive an introductory shipment of Hidden Pictures Let’s Play, for which you
would be charged 99¢ plus a nominal shipping and handling charge. A free
book and bookkeeper were also to be included in the introductory
shipment. The details stated that you were free to cancel and return one
of the puzzle books with no further obligation. Or, if you chose to continue in
the club, you would receive two new Hidden Pictures Let’s Play books every
three weeks at $13.90, plus shipping and handling.
As we have no record of receiving a cancellation
request, we continued to send shipments in good faith in accordance with the
details of the promotion. It is clear from the information you sent to the BBB
that you never intended to order Hidden Pictures Let’s Play. Your account has
been successfully canceled and cleared effective today, June 2, 2023. Please
disregard any invoices or mailings that you may have received and keep the
items with our compliments.

Once again, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have
experienced. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please
feel free to contact me at ###-###-####, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to
4:30 PM, EST.

Thank you,

**** *******
Director, Customer Contact Centers
Account # *********

Customer Answer
Date: 06/13/2023
I accept the business's response to resolve this complaint.

Regards,

*********** *****
Initial Complaint
Date:05/29/2023
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 and paid for a subscription to High Five magazine for my granddaughter on 3-15-23. She has yet to receive an issue.

I contacted the company with the information: order number, name and address of where the subscription was to be sent, my name, address, phone number and email. I also included payment method (Mastercard) and last 4 digits.

They basically did not read my email and asked me to resend who the subscription was for and address (which I had already) done.

Order #********** Order date 3-15-23 and paid 3-15-23 with Mastercard ending in **** for $35.64. Subscription to be sent to ****** ******** **** ***** ***** *** *********** ** ******
Business Response
Date: 05/30/2023
Hello Ms. *****, I have received a copy of your
complaint to the Better Business Bureau. I am sorry for any
misunderstanding regarding delivery of your High Five subscription, and the
delay of our email response. Providing a world class customer experience
is our top priority and I apologize that it wasn’t demonstrated to you.
Our records show that the first issue of
High Five should have arrived within 3-5 weeks from order date starting with the May 2023 issue and nothing has been returned as undeliverable. We have confirmed the delivery address as provided and extended your subscription for missed issues. A replacement for the latest issue (June 2023) has been mailed, please allow 2-3 weeks to receive. Your subscription will now expire with the June 2024 issue. Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience you
may have experienced. I personally sent a response to your email regarding this
concern.

Thank you, **** *******
Director, Customer Contact Centers
Account # *********
Customer Answer
Date: 05/30/2023
To date (5-30-23) the subscription has not been delivered. Highlights claims it will be another 2-3 weeks until that happens. At this time, I have no way of knowing if it will be delivered.
I am requesting this complaint stays open.
Thank you.
Regards,

***** ******
Initial Complaint
Date:05/12/2023
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.
Our household is receiving threatening invoices to pay for "book covers" we did not consent to buying. It is signed from a **** ******* Supervisor Collections and I googled this and everywhere is coming up saying this is a huge scam by this company. I am absolutely appalled that a children's company (i think?) would send threatening invoices to unsuspecting parents. I never provided any financial information to this company, and i never agreed to anything. I am guessing a relative gave one of my kids a subscription to this and then somehow now we are getting billed? I have literally no idea what they are even billing me for, but am getting aggressive bills being signed from collections. Seems very dishonest and predatory. I would like this to be rectified immediately.
Business Response
Date: 05/15/2023
*********************
I have received a copy of your complaint to the
Better Business Bureau. Thank you for your feedback, we really appreciate it. Providing
a world class customer experience is our top priority and I apologize that it
wasn’t demonstrated to you.

Our records show that we received a response to a promotional mailing for Which
Way USA and it was processed on December 6, 2022. The promotional material for
parents included with the order form indicated that you could receive an
introductory shipment of Which Way USA, for which you would be charged $7.95
plus a nominal shipping and handling charge. A free book and bookkeeper were
also to be included in the introductory shipment. The details stated that
you were free to cancel and return one of the state books with no further
obligation. Or, if you chose to continue in the club, you would receive two new
Which Way USA state books every three weeks at $15.90, plus shipping and
handling.
As we
have no record of receiving a cancellation request, we continued to send
shipments in good faith in accordance with the details of the promotion. It is
clear from the information you sent to the BBB that you never intended to order
Which Way USA. Your account has been successfully canceled and cleared
effective today, May 15, 2023. Please disregard any invoices or mailings that
you may have received and keep the items with our compliments.

Once again, I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have
experienced. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please
feel free to contact me at ###-###-####, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to
4:30 PM, EST.

Thank you,

**** *******
Director, Customer Contact Centers
Account # *********
******

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Highlights for Children, Inc. is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.