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Business Profile

Ecommerce

Howly

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 156 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 46 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:06/04/2025

    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.
    Date of transaction is Tuesday June 3 2025. Amount is $38.00. Service is for reconnecting TV to cable (xfinity) hardware/software issues. Did not provide solution promised. Refered me to another website (**********************************. They do not provide phone #. got stuck on their website.

    Business Response

    Date: 06/16/2025

    Dear ***** *******,

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.

    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue. Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves. No accounts are created automatically at our service. To subscribe to our service, customers need to provide their billing information during the payment process on our website. Without the initial charge, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    We aim to deliver the best possible experience to all our customers. In this case, we were not able to locate any charges from our side based on the information available from your message on the BBB. We will reach out to you at the email address to request additional information so we could investigate this matter further.

    In case you have any other questions, please contact our customer support team at **************** or send us an email at ********************************* We will be glad to assist. We will also be happy to see you among satisfied Howly customers in the future.

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:05/28/2025

    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.
    didn't know what i did to make them charge me ***** more did not agree to this amount. would like my money back. it happen on April 29 2025

    Business Response

    Date: 06/04/2025

    Dear ******* *****, 

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.

    Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of USD ***** in charges to your bank account. We confirm the full refund of the said amount. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your bank account shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

    In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ***************************** will be glad to assist. 

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:04/28/2025

    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.
    This morning I noticed a charge for $38 on my checking account from some place called Howly. I didnt recognize this so I looked it up. It is a service that connects you to an expert and you can ask them questions. It said I had a membership. So I immediately wrote and canceled that! I work at a library, where all the information is free, I would never knowingly sign up for something like this! I looked back through my checking account and I had been billed a total of 3 times at $38 each. Feb 10, 2025, March 09, 2025, and April 08, 2025. Twice this charge resulted in an overdraft fee that I had to pay. I had my left eye operated on the end of February, so I wasnt keeping as close an eye on my checking account as I should. I didnt know, or wasnt aware that I had signed up for any membership with this group. I feel this is predatory, I am 64 years old and while I am very computer literate, I didnt catch this one.

    Business Response

    Date: 05/06/2025

    Dear ******** *********, 

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.

    Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of USD ****** in charges to your bank account. We confirm the full refund of the said amount. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your bank account shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

    In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ***************************** will be glad to assist. 

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/18/2025

    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 search how to log in to my ********* and The howly appear in my browser, and They told start chat with expert $1( fully refundable). I think its just $1 to talk and I applied. And then, they send me the email mention about the payment $69/ month. I didnt see it before. And when I talk to expert, they still not resolve my problem. I call to the company and ask about the payment $69. They told I subcription and agree with this service. While, I didnt know about that payment before. They look like a scam. They dont want get my fully refund back to me. Although, someone in howly tell me will get fully refund for me and now they told I just get 50% refund. They tried to charge me $35 for 30 minutes to talk. I just think its $1. ***************.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 03/19/2025

    Howly and I already contact by email. They agree to fully refund for me. Im waiting it. If after 5 business day, it dont have in my bank account. I will update the information

    Business Response

    Date: 03/24/2025

    Dear ****** ***,

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.

    Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of CAD ***** in charges to your bank account. We confirm the full refund of the said amount. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your bank account shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

    In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ***************************** will be glad to assist.

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

    Customer Answer

    Date: 03/24/2025

     
    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:02/24/2025

    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.
    They have been charging my ****** account every month. I need them to stop and refund all charges, I never authorized them.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/10/2025

    Dear ******* ********, 

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.

    Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of USD 250 in charges to your ****** account. We confirm the refund of $210. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your ****** account shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

    Unfortunately, we were unable to process the remaining $40 refund due to technical issues. Our billing team is currently investigating the matter and will reach out to you via email as soon as possible.

    In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ***************************** will be glad to assist. 

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

    Customer Answer

    Date: 03/10/2025

     
    Complaint: 22983598

    I am rejecting this response because: I'm waiting on the remaining $40 being refunded.

    Sincerely,

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

    Business Response

    Date: 03/20/2025

    Dear ******* ********, 

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.

    We are confirming the refund of the remaining $40 that was already accepted and processed on 11 March 2025. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your ****** account shortly. 

    Please wait a while for your money to appear in your account. It usually takes 5-7 business days from the day we accept the request.

    In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ***************************** will be glad to assist. 

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:02/10/2025

    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.
    This company has fraudulently charged my credit card for services I never authorized. I have never heard of this business. They charged me $38.00 along with ********* also charging me $38.00.Fees were charged from both companies on 12/25/24. Then again on 1/19/25, posted 1/27/25.I disputed this charge in December and again tonight. The bank issued a preliminary credit on my credit card on 1/28/25, acknowledging fraudulent transactions on my credit card.I only recently received my new credit card from this bank. Now due to my new dispute, the bank just closed the account again. This is horribly inconvenient and frustrating for me. And the "revolving credit accounts" are hurting my credit score. I want this fraudulent activity on the public record for this business. And stopped.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 02/12/2025

    Howly messaged me back today. Told me that they tried to refund the funds, but the bank wouldn't accept it.

    Looked at my statement, and found the bank has refunded the charges as fraudulent. I still wish to log a formal complaint publically against this business.

    Their fraudulent charges on my credit card is now resulting in my having to have two new credit cards on two months.

    This is resulting in profound inconvenience. In addition, it's hurting my credit score.

    I'm also angry that they got into my credit card account without me ever knowing of this business.

    They filed additional fees on my NEW credit card.

     

    Business Response

    Date: 02/14/2025

    Dear ******* ******, 

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.

    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue. 

    Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves. No accounts are created automatically at our service. To subscribe to our service, customers need to provide their billing information during the payment process on our website. Without the initial charge, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    With reference to the $38.00 charge that was taken in December, we regret to inform you that the refund was not successfully processed. We have emailed you at ************************ to discuss the issue and to suggest potential solutions.

    In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ******************************** will be glad to assist. 

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

    Customer Answer

    Date: 02/18/2025

    I explained to them in my prior message that fortunately, my bank credited the fraudulent charge back to me.

    Also, contrary to what I was told in this message, I had never heard of this business. And I absolutely never authorized those charges on my credit card account.

    I would like this to be formally added to the public record on this company. The public needs to be warned that they are guilty of fraud.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 02/18/2025

     
    Complaint: 22915191

    I am rejecting this response because:

    I explained in my prior message that fortunately the bank has credited my account regarding this fraudulent charge.

    In addition, contrary to their reply, I absolutely never initiated communication with this company. I never heard of them.

    I want this point to go on their public record, so other individuals could be warned.

    Sincerely,

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

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:02/03/2025

    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.
    Re **************************, I really dont remember signing up for it. I noticed last month that I was being charged $74. Per month since last June2024. I attempted to discontinue it but I see I am still being charged. I want to discontinue this service.

    Business Response

    Date: 02/14/2025

    Dear ****** *******, 

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.

    Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We confirm the full refund of $74.00. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your bank account shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

    In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ***************************** will be glad to assist. 

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:01/17/2025

    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.
    For over a month now I have been trying to get ************************ to help me get back the link between my computer and ********. My link was lost due to a cleaning program that was on my computer. Since then I have paid ************************ $78.00 to recover my ******** account. Their ad says it costs one dollar to get a question answered. However, without telling you they tack on 38 dollars onto your bank account. For the last two months, they have charged me $39.00 for each month and they still haven't fixed my problem of getting a reset link sent to my email. These people are scaming people of their money without giving them any help. Something needs to be done with websites like this.

    Business Response

    Date: 01/28/2025

    Dear *********** ******, 

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.
    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.

    Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of USD ***** in charges to your ****** account. We confirm the full refund of the said amount. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your ****** account. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

    In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ***************************** will be glad to assist. 

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

    Customer Answer

    Date: 01/28/2025

     
    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:01/06/2025

    Type:Product 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 canceled the subscription I purchased for services by this company. However, the company charged me an additional $35.00 (so I was charged $35.00 twice) even after it agreed to cancel my subscription.

    Business Response

    Date: 01/16/2025

    Dear **** ******,

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.

    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue. Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves. No accounts are created automatically at our service. To subscribe to our service, customers need to provide their billing information during the payment process on our website. Without the initial charge, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    We were not able to locate any charges from our side based on the information available from your message on the BBB.

    The screenshot you've shared displays a charge from the ********************** Please contact Legal Answers support team so they can assist you further.

    In case you have any other questions, please contact our customer support team at **************** or send us an email at ********************************************************. We will be glad to assist. We will also be happy to see you among satisfied Howly customers in the future.Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

    Customer Answer

    Date: 01/16/2025

     
    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:12/10/2024

    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.
    On Dec 2, 2024, I thought I was linked to the Sling Streaming website, turned out Howly's link is directly below Sling in the browser, with Sling listed, giving the appearance/allusion of being Sling!! Sling's current cheesy support is now online only, basically no more phone support! So, when the online Howly Chat Bot gave instructions to do a $1 returnable "test" charge for I believe "proof of legit person??" I naively accepted via ******, so I could hopefully have someone answer a "Sling Streaming Subscription Change Question", which the Howly Chat agent could not!! Within an hour afterward I received two emails from ******, that Howly charged the $1 and the first monthly $46 for an annual membership...that I DID NOT authorize or was even aware existed!! I contacted ******, they noted the occurrence as a "Dispute" and suggested I call Howly, which I did! The Howly agent said that bc ****** got involved, they can only cancel the membership, cannot credit my account until ****** concludes... Called ****** on December 9, the agent stated that the "Dispute" filing does NOT interfere with the merchant giving a credit?? I called Howly back, the guy, ******* wanted my email, said he'd get right on it...Just got another email from ******, indicating they've escalated this to a "Claim" status?? Will be calling ******...looks like my money is going to be tied up...

    Business Response

    Date: 12/19/2024

    Dear S *******, 

    Thank you for taking the time to submit your message through the BBB platform.

    Let us please note that Howly is an online expert question-and-answer website that connects users with verified technical experts who can assist with any tech-related issue.

    Creating an account on our platform is possible only by the customers themselves, through their own actions. Without the initiation of subscription, it is impossible to access a chat with an expert.

    We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. We have reviewed records in our database and identified a total of USD 47 in charges to your ****** account.
    We confirm the full refund of the said amount. We have already initiated the refund and you can expect to receive it at your bank account shortly. We have also canceled your subscription, there will be no further charges from our side.

    In case you have any other questions, our customer support team at ***************************** will be glad to assist. 

    Thank you in advance.

    Best regards,
    Howly

Howly is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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