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Business Profile

Self Defense

Spy Briefing, LLC

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 36 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 7 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.

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Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:06/23/2025

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    ResolvedMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Hello,
    My 88 year old mother, ***** ****** *** ** **** *** ********* ** ***** ordered a book from Spy Briefing on April 28, 2025. They have now charged her:
    4/28/25 $24.77
    4/28/25 $77.00
    4/28/25 $98.02
    4/28/25 $98.02
    5/28/25 $77.00
    This is a total of $374.81. She has received one book (of very low quality).

    My mother has dementia and lives off of her $1013 monthly social security check. The extrq charges were not warranted nor did she receive anything other than one book. The charges have resulted in $120 overdrafts on her account as she clearly does not have an extra $374 to absorb the continual billing.

    On advice of her banking institution I am requesting a refund to her card and cancellation of any and all further charges for any and all services or materials.

    Business Response

    Date: 06/24/2025

    Dear *******,

    We sincerely appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention. 

    We want to first express our understanding and concern regarding your mother's situation, and we are committed to resolving this promptly and respectfully.

    After reviewing her account, here is a breakdown of the charges made on April 28, 2025:
    $24.77 – This was for the Self Defense Kill Strikes product, which was delivered digitally.
    $77.00 – This was for her Spy & Survival Briefing Membership.
    $98.02 – This charge was for the Digital Dark Age Bundle, which included a bonus Crisis Proof Book and the 2-Second Survival video set. These digital materials were sent to her email address and can be accessed through a secure link.
    $98.02 (Duplicate) – This was a duplicate charge and was refunded in full on 4/29/2025.
    $77.00 on 5/28/25 – This was a recurring monthly charge for the Spy & Survival Briefing Membership.

    We understand how unexpected charges can be distressing, especially for someone in your mother’s situation. To make this right, we have processed a total refund of $276.79 back to the card ending in ****. We have also canceled her membership and any further charges to ensure no future billing will take place.

    Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or need additional assistance. We are here to help and sincerely apologize for any distress this may have caused.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 06/24/2025



    Better Business Bureau:



    I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 23505167, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.




    Sincerely,



    ******* *******
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:05/26/2025

    Type:Order 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.
    Business keeps billing my account for a subscription I really did not ask for. And did dont send media that was ordered.

    Business Response

    Date: 05/30/2025

    Dear *******,

    I hope this message finds you well.

    I am writing to inform you that a refund of $321.86 was successfully processed to your card on 05/26. Please allow some time for the transaction to reflect on your account, depending on your banks processing times.

    Additionally, one of our agents has provided you with the link to our website along with your username. You can use these details to log in to your account and access all relevant information. If you have any further questions or require assistance, please dont hesitate to reach out to our customer support team.

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/19/2025

    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 ordered a free book and was only to pay the shipping and handling. I never received it. They are charging me ***** on my credit card. I never signed up for a membership. I just want a refund, they could keep their book. After reading all the complaints I want nothing to do with them.

    Business Response

    Date: 04/01/2025

    Hi ****,

     

    I am seeing a refund of $67.58 that was issued on February 26th at your request. 

     

     

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:09/17/2024

    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.
    This company is promoted a self defense tool that is sold on various sites for 12 dollars like amazon but stating from Jim hanson that this is something he developed himself and is selling this is fraud and deception and to profit for his benefit it's a total lie.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/18/2024

    Hi Robert, I'm not sure what you're referring to and I don't see that there was a charge of $49. Would you please reach out to our customer support for clarification so we may issue you a refund for the item(s) you purchased. Thank you.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:07/15/2024

    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.
    This business is sending out phishing emails. Beware

    Business Response

    Date: 07/17/2024

    Hi *****,

    I am very sorry to hear this. What exactly are you referring to? We don't send out any phishing emails on our end. Our emails go out to those who subscribe to receive them regarding our offers and products that we sell. We don't send emails to get people's information, ever. I would be happy unsubscribe you from our emails, if you are not interested in receiving them. However, I was unable to find you in our system under the email address provided. If you wish to be removed as a subscriber, please let us know the email address you are receiving them at. You can reach us by phone or email, Monday- Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm EST. ************ or ********************************** 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/21/2024

    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.
    Jason advertises a product and book form and digital form called the rat fat 2.0 in that description it tells you how you’re going to learn to defend yourself and moves that no one can defend against and all these tactics that Paul teaches the navy seals and and it All nothing but self-defense and you buy it and I bought the book and the digital copy and there’s nothing in the digital copy that has to do with anything in the advertisement on my copy all there is is a man talking letting his students do a couple things and one little 15 minute segment on tat Spaces defense there’s nothing else and it’s supposed to be all of these different self-defense tactics and when you listen to the advertising it tells you how you’re gonna be able to defend yourself in your family and moves that no one can defend against and none of that is in there and I have contacted them And they said that they’re not gonna do anything about it that my time limit on a refund has lapsed which I was not in a position to open this digital copy up until I guess after the a refund policy was over but that does not entitle them to sell a product with false advertising Where you get nothing that you were promised you were going to get and then they won’t do anything about it they will not answer their phone they will not return phone calls and if or even if they do respond to an email it’s 8 to 10 days later and they don’t tell you anything we looked into it there’s nothing we can do And this is not the first time that this is happened with these guys and if you pay for something and they advertise that it contains certain things it should contain that and they will not do anything about it I have contacted them 10 times and they’ve answered me one time It’s ridiculous it’s false advertising and something needs to be done about it I don’t expect to get my money back because it’s past the time but I do expect to have the prop problem remedied and I asked them to look at my digital copy and tell me how to get to the rest of the information and there is no more so they’re advertising something that’s not even true

    Business Response

    Date: 03/22/2024

    Hi *****,

    I am very sorry to hear that you did not like the RAT Fight 2.0 video. Additionally, our return/refund time frame is 12 months which is extremely generous for a business. All of our receipts reflect our refund/return policy listed at the bottom, so that our customers are aware. I see that we did issue refunds recently for you, for other items you were not satisfied with, which we are happy to do when they fall within the time frame to do so. As for any confusion with what you ordered being a physical product or digital, our order/sales pages specify that it is a video that you will be given instant access to. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 03/23/2024



    Complaint: ********



    I am rejecting this response because: 

    i’m rejecting their response because I did not get what I paid for I know that the return policy is over I do not want my money back I want what I paid for in that video everything that they advertise is not in there they can delete that video and reapply it back to my dashboard and see if I get everything that I’m supposed to get they’re supposed to be multiple training videos in that rat fight and there’s only one everything that they advertised is not in there that’s all I’m asking for is to get what I paid for and what was advertised I don’t care about the return policy I do not want my money back I want what I paid for they need to fix this issue and this is not resolved



    Sincerely,



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

    Business Response

    Date: 03/26/2024

    Hi *****. I apologize for any confusion in my understanding of what you were seeking as a resolution. I see that the RAT Fight 2.0 Video is in fact in your account and has been since February of 2023, along with several other online material that you purchased. Nothing has been removed from your account. I was able to login to your account and see that the course in question is there, and it even shows the course has been completed. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 03/27/2024



    Complaint: ********



    I am rejecting this response because:



    Sincerely,



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

    Customer Answer

    Date: 03/27/2024

    There was supposed to be multiple videos and there is only 1 video. According to what I originally purchased and according to your advertisement there was supposed to multiple videos on RAT fight 2.0. 

    Business Response

    Date: 03/28/2024

    *****, the RAT Fight 2.0 Video is 1 video by Paul V****. I'm not sure where you saw that it was multiple. I'm unsure exactly what else we can assist you with. Your initial request was for a refund, which we explained is outside of our refund time frame. You then stated you were not seeking a refund, but access to the RAT Fight 2.0 video that you stated had been removed from your account. We have provided proof that the material purchased is in your account and that you do have access and have had access to since you purchased. All issues in this complaint have been addressed. I apologize for any confusion on the material you purchased.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:02/18/2024

    Type:Delivery 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 equipment from Spy Briefing and entered my address in the shipping section and they added my old address to the invoice- so both addresses were listed and they shipped $800 in equipment to my old address- I sent 11 emails and left 3 messages before I received a call back from Sue and told her she’s sending my equipment to an address I haven’t lived at for 4 years. And since it’s in another state I can’t just run over and see if they will be honest enough to give it to me since it’s over $800. In value. So she wrote down the new address that I entered on all the orders I placed and said she’d send it in 7-10 business days and I said please give me a tracking number this time so I can track this very expensive shipment. I get the email two days later saying everything is shipped and here’s the tracking number and they sent it all to my old address AGAIN. I find a very hard to believe that somebody could claim to be an officer in the CIA and yet be so incompetent. I even sent the original invoice to them with the old address marked out so they could see the correct address. Why would they put two addresses on the invoice? Why don’t they reply to messages? Why don’t they reply to emails? I’ve called and left several messages with the correct address and I’ve sent probably a dozen emails with the correct address. I was so excited about the equipment or I wouldn’t of spent over $800 on it but honestly I’m done with this game. Truthfully after everything you’ve put me through you should send the equipment & Refund my money! This is unbelievable. How do not understand with messages, emails and a voice to voice conversation. Pictures don’t show the EMAIL & Invoice from today where they sent it to the wrong address AGAIN.

    Business Response

    Date: 02/19/2024

    Hi *****. I see that we did in fact create the replacement order for you to the correct address. The shipping email you received was part of your original orders, it was for the Stiletto Knife that had not yet shipped. You should have seen an order # on the shipping email that would have confirmed that. The replacement order should ship out tomorrow, as it was sent to our fulfillment team this morning. You should receive another email with tracking information in a few days. I apologize for any delay you experienced, but it appears we did return several of your calls and emails and the issue has since been resolved. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 02/19/2024



    Complaint: ********



    I am rejecting this response because: The email reply is junk and I’m submitting copies- You returned one call. Sue called and I told her you have two addresses on my invoices the correct is Arnoldi Rd. MO. I haven’t lived in Illinois for 4 years. And the knives are being sent to the old address. I’ve entered my new address because it’s required for Billing. Or my credit card wouldn’t work. You are a liar. Refund my money



    Sincerely,



    ***** ******

    Business Response

    Date: 02/21/2024

    Hi *****. As you mentioned, Sue did create replacement orders. I'm not sure why you are calling us a liar. The notification you received the other day that you are inquiring about was part of your initial order of products, and the shipping notification was delayed. I've already confirmed new orders were created with the correct address, Sue confirmed she corrected the address and created replacements at your request. I am not sure what else you wanted from us. Your replacements are in transit, I can't issue a refund until products are returned. We can't send replacements AND issue refunds. We fulfilled your request to create replacements to the correct address, if you'd like to receive a refund instead, you can send the products back to us. Once we receive them, we will issue a refund. You will need to contact our office for return instructions. M-F 9am-5pm ET. ###-###-#### or ***********************. Tracking for the 4 Tomahawks: **************** Tracking for the Flashlight, Tanto, Berkserker & 2 Stiletto Knives: **********************************
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:02/05/2024

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I ordered the spy and survival app on my phone and the company supposed to give a free spy blade if you get the app. I never got the blade

    Business Response

    Date: 02/05/2024

    Hi *******,

    I'm sorry to hear you did not receive the Spy Blade. Was our customer support unable to assist you when you contacted us? Or were you unable to contact us? We would be happy to send you the Spy Blade that was to be included with your app but we need to confirm some information. Please contact our customer support to get this taken care of. ************ or *********************************** M-F 9:00am-5:00pm EST. 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:01/21/2024

    Type:Delivery 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.
    Today I received a book entitled "R.A.T. Fight... " from Spy Briefing LLC Rochester New York. I DID NOT ORDER ANYTHING from this company. I will now go online to see if they fraudulently charged my account. I DID NOT, AND DO NOT WANT ANYTHING from this company except a refund, if applicable.

    Business Response

    Date: 01/23/2024

    Hi *****,


    I am sorry to hear that an order was placed without your knowledge. It looks like you filled out an order form, put all your address information (as we do not have a way to know that or get that), and then card information to place the order. I see that someone already spoke to you on 1/16 regarding the order and issued a full refund, so I am not sure how else we can help you. Refunds do typically take 3-5 business days, so that would NOT include any weekends, but ultimately it is your bank that determines the refund speed. If you have not received your refund as of yet, I would be happy to speak with someone from your bank, if you'd like to have them give us a call at ###-###-####. I also wanted to let you know, that the email address that you provided through BBB is not associated with our company. I located your order under the email address *******************, so please reference that email if you need to contact us in the future so that we can assist you accordingly. 

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:12/02/2023

    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 did not order spy briefing.I do not even know what spy briefing is about.I tried calling but I didn't understand what they're saying with the automated message. I just want a refund for something that was charged to my account that I didn't order.

    Business Response

    Date: 12/04/2023

    Hi *******,

    I am very sorry to hear you were charged for something you did not order. It looks like you placed an online order for the Operation Triumph System, and accepted an upsell that was offered along with it for online videos. All receipts and information regarding your purchase were sent to your email address, but I know sometimes emails can end up in the spam folder in error, so you may not have received them. I see that we did issue a full refund today when one of our customer support agents returned your call. You should see your refund in 3-5 business days. I have also attached your invoice showing the refund was issued today. 

    Please feel free to contact us during our business hours if you need any further assistance. Monday- Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm ET. ###-###-#### or *********************** 

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