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Business Profile

Publishers Periodicals

Challenging Times
BBB accredited business seal
BBB Accredited BusinessA+Rated by BBB

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 2 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 0 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:11/15/2022

    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.
    Challenging Times has been taking money out of my Mother-In-Law's checking account without her knowledge or permission. Over $100 just this month alone (11/2022), She is 92 years old, has no internet, no way to print anything, can't hardly see to read and never signed up for these puzzles. They are scamming her! According to their website it's only $25 for 6 months and $40 for the year. Withdrawals in 3 weeks have included $25, $50, $18 and $20.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 11/26/2022

    I have not heard from the business in response to my complaint.  As a matter of fact, they've taken another $20 out of my MIL's account last week.  It's over $125 that they took out in a month.  We've had to shut off her card and she's waiting for it to be reissued by the bank.

    I know you said not to mention any personal information, but I can provide a bank statement if you need one to prove the fraudulent charges.

     

    Let me know!

     

    ******

    Business Response

    Date: 11/28/2022

    I do not have a member by the name of ************************* in *************, **, so I am not refunding any money.

    CM Publications NEVER charges anyone unless we have written consent.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 11/28/2022

    Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

     

    I have said all along that this was coming out of my Mother In Law's account, not mine.  Her name is *************************** and she lives in ************, **.  They've stolen $120 out of her account in the last month.  ******** has since cut off her card and she has to wait for a new one before she can even go buy groceries.

    [You must provide details of why you are not satisfied with this resolution.  If you do not enter a reason for your rejection, your complaint will be closed as Answered.]

    Businesses and Customers should be civil, courteous and polite in their responses to complaints. It is important to remain professional and productive when participating in the BBB complaint process.

    FAQ

    Regards,

    ******

     

     

    Business Response

    Date: 12/01/2022

    Thank you for clarifying the actual player is ****************************  As requested BY *************************** all charges were processed from a SIGNED credit card form.  Therefore this is a false claim.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 12/09/2022

    Better Business Bureau:I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does not satisfy or resolve my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint # ********. Please add your rejection comments below; if you do not provide any details, your complaint will be closed as Answered. 

    I would like to see proof of her signature.  Again, they said she was a 'Player' in their online game.  She has no way of getting online.  Mom thought she was going to be mailed a crossword book every month for 6 months at the price of $24 as they advertised.  They have done a Bait and Switch on her and put her in this online gaming community. Plus, they have taken more than four times the $24 from October to November.

    Businesses and Customers should be civil, courteous and polite in their responses to complaints. It is important to remain professional and productive when participating in the BBB complaint process.

    FAQ

    Regards,

    ******

     

     

    Business Response

    Date: 12/23/2022

    Proof of signature has been sent to the credit card company.  This publication is NOT online, but a WEEKLY publication of word find puzzles. 

    Customer Answer

    Date: 12/27/2022

    [A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response.  If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

    Better Business Bureau:

     

    I don't so much as accept the 'business' response' but have solved it on our own.  ******** has rejected the checks, reversed the charges and she is now made whole.



    I have reviewed the response submitted by the business and have determined that the response does satisfy my issues and/or concerns in reference to complaint #********. I understand that by choosing to accept the business response that my complaint will be closed as resolved. 

    Regards,

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

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