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Business Profile

Stock Photos

Getty Images

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

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

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 290 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 91 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

    Sort by

    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/09/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I was unaware of my active membership because I had registered for an account with two email addresses with ****** sign-in, and I was not aware of my membership, nor did I authorize the charge for $70, for the membership. I did not download anything and have not logged in since creating the account with the ****** sign-in, which went all too quickly that I did not realize that I had inadvertently also signed up for a membership. I called them to remedy and the phone representative **** was dismissive of my concerns and basically said that they have a "very strict policy" and that basically once I accept the terms and conditions they do not offer refunds. I let **** know that I was not aware of my active membership and did not authorize the charge and she still refused to do anything about it. I asked to speak with the manager and they were "in a meeting" and was told that they would get back to me by email within 24 hours. They gave me the runaround and at the end of the day this is a bad business because it takes money from people who are unaware of the charges they are incurring, and even when it was a very honest situation that I did not know about the charges, they did not honor the customer and took money from a customer the wrong way. I would like to be refunded for the $70 the membership I wasn't aware existed and did not authorize payment for.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/19/2024

      Our records indicate Ms. ******** contacted our **************** team and this issue has been resolved.  Ms. ********** subscription was cancelled as requested and she was refunded appropriately. 

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/19/2024

       
      Better Business Bureau:

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

      Sincerely,

      *** ********

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/07/2024

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      To Whom It May Concern,I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out regarding a charge of CAD ***** (issued today) applied to my account after the trial period for my iStock Getty Images Canada subscription. Unfortunately, I forgot to cancel the subscription before the trial ended.I did not use the service during the subscription period and reached out to request a refund. However, my request was declined. Additionally, my subscription was manually canceled, which prevents me from utilizing the service for the paid amount.I kindly ask for your understanding and consideration to process a refund for this unused subscription fee. I greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.Thank you for your time and *************** regards,Denisa Satalikova *************************** *****************

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/11/2024

      I should have added to my complaint #******** that I used email address: ************************************************************************ to register with iStock Getty Images.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/16/2024

      Ms. ********** opted into a Free Trial subscription on November 7th, 2024, and downloaded two images during the trial period. After the trial ended, her credit card was charged for the first month of the annual subscription.
      Customers are notified that they can cancel their free trial at any time before it converts to a paid subscription, either through our self-service feature or by contacting ***************** Additionally, a reminder email was sent to Ms. ********** two days before her trial ended.  On December 9th, Ms. ********** contacted ***************** and her subscription was canceled as requested. However, as she actively downloaded images during the trial period, she does not qualify for a refund in accordance with our cancellation policy, which can be found at ********************************************************************************.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/05/2024

      Type:Order Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      The site of Istockphotos.com/Getty Images is highly deceptive. I attempted to pay for 10 images, but I was compelled to commit to a year-long commitment. When I contacted customer service about the poor quality **********************, they informed me that I had signed up for a yearlong subscription, something that I was not aware of. They refused to cancel my subscription, even though I was not pleased with their product. Then, after letting them know my concerns about the quality of the product, they said they would cancel my year-long subscription for a $50 fee.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/16/2024

      Mr. ****** subscribed to an annual plan on November 12th, 2024, and actively downloaded 10 images after signing up. He accepted the subscription terms and conditions at the time of purchase.
      We understand that circumstances can change, leading customers to make unplanned decisions regarding their subscriptions. As a result, we have canceled Mr. ******* iStock subscription and refunded the most recent charge to his credit card.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/17/2024

       
      Better Business Bureau:

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

      Sincerely,

      ***** ******

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/28/2024

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I was recently a victim of online bullying and discrimination . Everytime, Istock does cookie and background analysis. They found out I am black African American, so they charge me higher price, and did not give me a free trial. When I go to my other computer of white friend, they get free trial ONE-MONTH FREE TRIAL $7.00 $0 with a free trial Get any 10 images First month free, then $70/month Cancel anytime during your trial month Learn more about the Free Trial

      Business Response

      Date: 12/11/2024

      Our free trial offer applies exclusively to annual plans for new customers. Ms. ***** enrolled in a monthly plan, which does not include a free trial. Since she is already subscribed, she does not qualify for the free trial. However, it seems this may have been an error. As a courtesy, we have refunded the charge for her first month. We hope she views this as her "free trial" month and continues to enjoy the benefits of iStock.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/26/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I signed up for a trial of ***************************** in September for my college class, but I forgot to cancel it before I was billed. As soon as I saw I was billed in October, I canceled my subscription of what I thought was a monthly membership because it said I would pay $70/month if I didn't cancel. Then I got billed again today for November. I went back to check my account and it looks like I'm signed up for a year of paying $70/month. I don't remember seeing that or agreeing to that anywhere. All it says on the homepage is "sign up for an annual or month to month plan". I picked month to month because I knew I would only need it for this one class, and if I forgot to cancel (which I did) I didn't want to pay a huge annual fee. I thought i was choosing a monthly subscription vs an annual one, not 2 different ways to pay for a yearly subscription only! But now not only am I paying for a year's subscription I don't need, but I'm also paying a higher price per month! I feel like I was scammed. I just want out of this subscription that I don't feel like I honestly signed up for since I didn't know it was a year's membership no matter which option I chose.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/09/2024

      We would be happy to assist Ms. ****** in resolving this issue. However, we have been unable to locate an iStock subscription under her information. If she could provide the email address associated with her iStock account, we will gladly investigate further.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/09/2024

       
      Complaint: 22608168

      I am rejecting this response because they are requesting more information from me.

       

      I am happy to provide the requested information, but I'm not sure if I do that here or in another step in the process.

       

      Just in case there isn't a way to follow up with the message, the email address associated with my account is **********************

      Sincerely,

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

      Business Response

      Date: 12/16/2024

      With the additional information provided, we were able to locate and cancel Ms. ******** iStock subscription as requested.  There will be no additional charges to her credit. 

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/16/2024

       
      Better Business Bureau:

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

      Sincerely,

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

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/22/2024

      Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am in the same boat with many other upset customers. This company has decietful subscription practices. They are refusing to provide me a refund. They have stopped my service and revoked access to the 1 pictured I accessed. I am in need of a refund. While yes they did send an e-mail before my subscription was cancelled, I had no access to e-mail as I was being given treatment for a medical condition. How ********* can this company be?I would have cancelled this subscription in time had I been able to. I am still seeking a refund.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/03/2024

      *** ***** actively opted for a Free Trial subscription on October 16th, 2024. After the free trial period concluded, we billed her credit card for the first month of the annual subscription. Its important to note that customers can cancel their free trial subscription using the self-service feature or by contacting **************** prior to the conversion to a paid subscription. A reminder email was also sent to *** ***** two days prior to her free trial ending. As a courtesy to *** *****,and because of her limited use, we have refunded the one month she was charged. 

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/22/2024

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      This company's advertising and communication wording mislead me (and many others if you search on-line) that their annual subscription can be cancelled any time. I have downloaded photos during the free trial, since then I have not used their service and decided to cancel. I do not think I will be needing photos from them any more. However upon contacting their customer service, I was told that I have to subscribe for one full year. Why should I pay for service that I am not and will not be using?

      Business Response

      Date: 12/03/2024

      On October 8th, 2024, Ms. **** actively signed up for an annual subscription, not a free trial.  She agreed to the terms and conditions of the subscription.  We understand that circumstances change, and customers may need to make decisions that were not anticipated at the beginning of their subscription purchase. We have carefully reviewed the circumstances surrounding this matter and have cancelled Ms. ***** subscription and there will be no additional charges to her credit card.  

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/21/2024

      Type:Order Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I signed up for a trial of this product and due to fogginess from chemo drugs I had a difficult time cancelling. I never intended to keep and requested a courtesy refund. This is a financial hardship for me as the $70 is more than half of my expendable income and also goes towards medication.I barely used the service and there was no further contact about this during the trial. I am requesting a $70 refund. I don't have alot of energy and it would save me the trouble of making additional contacts to the attorney general.I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a favorable result.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/02/2024

      Ms. ****** contacted our **************** team on November 20th, and her subscription was cancelled as requested. As a courtesy to Ms. ******* and because of her limited use, we have refunded the one month she was charged. 

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/20/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I had a free trial and cancelled it and they have been charging me for an annual subscription without my consent and refuse to cancel

      Business Response

      Date: 12/19/2024

      Ms. ****** opted into a Free Trial subscription on February 8th, 2024, and downloaded eight images during the trial period. After the trial ended, her credit card was charged for the first month of the annual subscription. On March 8th Ms. ****** contacted **************** and her ********************** subscription was cancelled as requested.  Because Ms. ****** actively downloaded images during the trial period, she does not qualify for a refund according to our cancellation policy, which can be found at ********************************************************************************. Subsequently, on June ******, Ms. ****** subscribed to another annual plan and downloaded two additional images. This subscription has also been canceled, and no further charges will be applied to her credit card. 

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/18/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I signed up to getty images for their free month trial. I forgot to cancel the subscription for the first month. Once I realized I turned off auto renew but the company still continued to charge me. I realized several months later that canceling auto renew did not stop the monthly payments. Despite clearly not using the service they would not refund my money. They canceled my subscription one day into the month I had just paid for but didn't give me access for the month I paid. When I called back to at least regain access for the month I paid they said that because I didn't use the service they allowed me to cancel without charging me the cancelation fee and that if I wanted access they would have to charge me that as well.

      Business Response

      Date: 11/27/2024

      Mr. ******* actively opted for a Free Trial subscription and downloaded 4 images during the trial period.   After the free trial period concluded on July 15th, we billed his credit card for the first month of the annual subscription.    Its important to note that customers can cancel their free trial subscription using the self-service feature or by contacting **************** prior to the conversion to a paid subscription.     A reminder email was also sent to Mr. ******* two days prior to their free trial ending.  Mr. ******* contacted our **************** team on November 18th, and his subscription was cancelled as requested.  ******************* has not used his subscription since the trial period, as a courtesy to Mr. ******** we have refunded the last month he was charged.       

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