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Business Profile

Ecommerce

Howly

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

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Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 158 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 24 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:03/11/2024

    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 went on Instagrams website to see why a post I had made was taken down. After reviewing their Community Guidelines, I still couldnt figure out their reason so I accessed the help section which led me to a chat with an expert. It said that I would be charged $1.00 which would be refunded once the issue was resolved. I paid through PayPal. While waiting for the chat to progress after giving details of the issue, I ran out of time so saved the file link as instructed in the chat. I intended to continue once I had free time again. A few hours later, I checked my email account and saw that Ive been charged $69 plus a second charge of $1. I didnt approve a $69 payment, only the $1 payment that showed up when I followed the link from chat to PayPal. It turns out the $69 is a monthly subscription fee which I have cancelled. The way the *********** is presented is a scam and I want the $69 refunded. Thank you.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/20/2024

    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. We are not affiliated with Instagram. 

    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 confirm a full refund of $70.00 in charges to your account. You can expect to receive it soon. Your subscription has also been canceled and 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: 03/22/2024

     
    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:02/29/2024

    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.
    Yesterday (2-28-2024) I was on ************************* website trying to cancel my subscription. The service rep was texting with me. I somehow got switched to a Howly IT website which I didnt realize was not Peacock. They asked for my information including my credit card . I thought they needed this to process my refund. I admit I am not the sharpest tool in the IT shed and made a stupid mistake. However, it appears to me Peacock must be in cahoots with Howly IT on some kind of CC scam. I wound up being charged $55 to join Howly IT Services. My CC sent a standard message to my wife asking about this charge. She took over my feeble attempts was quickly able to cancel the Peacock subscription, but Howly would not refund the charge, only giving us half a refund, eventhough the subscription was clearly an error, and within five minutes after my inadvertent sign up, we cancelled and asked for a refund. After lots of time and much frustration I guess we are out the other half of our $55. Howly is not treating me fairly and they didnt even carry through with canceling the Peacock subscription

    Business Response

    Date: 03/14/2024

    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. We are not affiliated with Peacock. 

    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 confirm a full refund of $56.00 in charges to your account. You can expect to receive the whole amount soon. ****** note that this may be in several payments. Your subscription has also been canceled and 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: 03/14/2024

     
    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:02/27/2024

    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.
    On 02/14/2024 while trying to resolve a wrong delivery issue through chat on the Amazon website I was inadvertently directly to Howly. Once there I agreed to a trial price of $1 with the understanding that if I didnt cancel, within the trial period, I would be charged $55 monthly. I wasnt getting the results expected during my session with Howly and canceled within the initial hour, while stilling working with their expert. I received emails during the same timeframe stating that I had subscribed and canceled their services. I didnt notice that they intended to charge me the full $55 and not the $1 trial I had agreed to. On 02/20/2024 Howly charged me a $55 monthly fee for services I had not requested and again on 02/21/2024 they made another charged, this time the $1 trial I had agreed to. Although, I have no email concerning the trial fee, I would not have been charged a trial fee had I not requested a trial service.I contacted them on 02/27/24 about a refund of the $55 monthly subscription for which I had been charged but was denied.According to their policy, ...If you do not cancel your trial membership during the 7-days trial period, you will be charged the full Subscription Fee at the end of the 7-days trial period.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/12/2024

    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. 
    We strive to provide every customer with the best possible experience at our service. Kindly note that: 
    Your subscription has been canceled and there will be no further charges from our side.

    We have also reviewed records in our database and identified a total of $56.00 in charges to your account. We confirm a refund of that sum. It has already been initiated. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon. 

    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: 03/26/2024

     
    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:02/27/2024

    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 went online to update my payment info for *******************. By the internet I thought I was using the ******************* website. Within minutes my bank notified me of fraudulent transaction. I immediately contacted Howly concerning the subscription error and requested a full refund only to be told I would receive a partial amount of *****. 1. They never disclosed that they were not ******************* 2. Never informed of their policy 3. Did not approve any charges or subscription Never used their service or would have if they had told me who and what they were. Very shady business that is very deceiving

    Business Response

    Date: 03/12/2024

    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. We are not affiliated with *******************. 

    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. Your subscription has been canceled and there will be no further charges from our side.

    We have also reviewed records in our database and identified a total of $56.00 in charges to your account. We confirm a refund of that sum. It has already been initiated. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon. 

    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:02/22/2024

    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.
    Keep charging me for a subscription I didn't need,

    Business Response

    Date: 03/04/2024

    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. Your subscription has been canceled and there will be no further charges from our side.

    We have also reviewed records in our database and identified a total of $56.00 in charges to your account. We confirm a refund of that sum. It has already been initiated. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon. 

    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:02/20/2024

    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.
    Feb 16 2024 Was dealing with *** online trying to find my package when Howly.com appears on my screen offering to resolve my issue for a$1.00 using my Credit Card.I give them my credit card information and tell them my problem after which they are unable to provide a response. Then I find out they are charging me a $69.00 fee for every month I am a member of Howly which I didnt realize I was joining. I canceled my membership that day but they still put through the $69.00 monthly fee. This a scam as I wasnt even aware there was a monthly fee and I had no intention of joining Howly. I dont even know how I got to the Howly web site as I thought I was on the *** web site and *** wanted the $1.00 to resolve my problem.

    Business Response

    Date: 02/29/2024

    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. Kindly note that we are not affiliated with UPS.

    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. Following your request we confirm the full refund of $69. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon. 

    We hope this resolution demonstrates our commitment to customer satisfaction. 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: 02/29/2024

     
    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:02/16/2024

    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 was charged $55.00 for a subscription which I never requested. I only agreed to $1

    Business Response

    Date: 02/27/2024

    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. Following your request we confirm the full refund of $56. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon. Please note that you may receive the refund in several payments.

    We hope this resolution demonstrates our commitment to customer satisfaction. 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:02/16/2024

    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 was on the phone with an Epson tech trying to get my printer connected to my computer. She told me to call Howly to get the operating system. She stated it would only be $1. Howly charged me $55.00 instead. When I called Howly they said the $55.00 charge was monthly. I was given incorrect information from Epson. I will deal with ***** also for giving me false information.

    Business Response

    Date: 02/27/2024

    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. Kindly note that we are not affiliated with Epson.

    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. Following your request we confirm the full refund of $56. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon. Please note that you may receive the refund in several payments.

    We hope this resolution demonstrates our commitment to customer satisfaction. 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:02/12/2024

    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 suddenly received a charge on my pay. Palecount for $69. From howly which is not a company I recognize. I complained to them and they refunded me half. The money discompletely unacceptable.

    Business Response

    Date: 02/21/2024

    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. Following your request we confirm the full refund of $69. You should have received it in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon. Please note that you may receive the refund in several payments.

    We hope this resolution demonstrates our commitment to customer satisfaction. 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: 02/21/2024

     
    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,

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

    PS So far I have only received half the complete refund. But they say the one pictured will be in my account in the next six days.

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:02/06/2024

    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.
    I want my refund back I cancelled on the same day because I had made an error and got a subsription by mistake and I got half of my refund back but I still need $27.50

    Business Response

    Date: 02/20/2024

    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. 
    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 $56.00 in charges to your account. 
    We confirm a full refund of the said amount. That is we have additionally issued the refund of  $27.50 that you mention. You should have received the full refund in your account by now, or if not, you can expect to get it soon.

    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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