Complaints

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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/26/2024

  Type:Customer Service 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.

  Identity Theft Fraud for course registration
  
  The organization failed to prevent a fraud that some one fraudulently registered a course under my name. I recently received an intuition bill informing me that I had registered a course and have balance due under my name. However, I didn't make the registration and it must be an identity theft fraud.
  I have reported the fraud to policy and have the policy report publicly available.
  Please correct the bill, the collection information and withdraw the fraudulent registration.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/26/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated January 26, 2024,
  regarding a complaint filed by ******** *****. Having reviewed Mr. *****'s files, I
  am pleased to provide the following information.I have authorized our Accounts Department
  to close Mr. *****’s file and waive the remaining account balance. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me
  toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through
  Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/17/2024

  Type:Billing 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.

  Hi BBB, I would like your assistance with this company. I do not have a contract with this company for this alleged debt. I would like the following provided to me: 1) An explanation of what this alleged account balance is for. 2) A complete Audit Trail calculation of this balance, including the complete payment history on this account, so I have proof that the amount is correct. 3) Documentation that shows I agreed to pay this debt with my signature and documentation shows I gave you permission to have my information and paperwork showing I gave you authorization to report this to my credit report. No consent to you having my information and unauthorized use of my social security number is identity theft and you will be reported for such. 4) The Agreement that grants you authority to collect on this alleged debt. 5) A copy of your state license, including license number that give you rights to collect in my state. 6. The purchase agreement 7. Swear under penalty of perjury you were present during the alleged debt) If your company cannot provide me with all of the following, I request that this debt n***ified and removed from my credit profile. Pursuant to the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 USC 1692c), you are hereby notified to immediately cease communications concerning the collection of the debt associated with the above-referenced account. This notice shall include, but is not limited to written correspondence, telephonic communication and reporting this account to any consumer reporting agencies. I demand that you delete this tradeline from all consumer reporting agencies immediately.

  Business Response

  Date: 01/22/2024

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated January 18, 2024,
  regarding a complaint filed by ******** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’ files, I
  am pleased to provide the following information.Ms.
  ****** enrolled in our Florist/Floral Design program on January 24, 2022
  through our website, ******************* at the discounted tuition price of $589.00 or 15 monthly payments of $38.60.
  The first set of study material was issued to Ms. ****** on January 27, 2022,
  to the address provided on her enrollment application. The United States Postal
  Service confirms the module was successf***y delivered on January 31, 2022.According
  to our records no correspondence or telephone calls were received from Ms.
  ****** for the duration of his enrollment however it is noted she successf***y
  registered for eService on our website on January 24, 2022 and provided the
  same e-mail address indicated in her BBB complaint. Registering for eService
  allows a student access to our online services, including the option to contact
  an Instructor, directly through the website, with any questions or concerns.
  While students may take up to 5 years to complete a program with SCI, tuition
  payments are due every 30 days from the date of enrollment until the account is
  paid in f***. No tuition payments were successf***y received after the initial
  $10.00 down payment. In an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous
  payment reminders were issued to Ms. ******’ mailing address with no reply. The
  account was eventually forwarded to an outside collection agency on August 1,
  2022 for the outstanding balance of $579.00.Students
  may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment
  with SCI. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and
  cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or
  telephone. Upon review of Ms. ******’ file, no cancellation request was
  received by any method.Although
  no cancellation request was received, I have authorized our Accounts Department
  to close Ms. ******’ file and waive the remaining account balance. The
  collection agency has been notified accordingly. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me
  toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through
  Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 01/22/2024

  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. 
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ******** ******
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/20/2023

  Type:Billing 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.

  On June 16th 2022, enrolled in a diploma/ program with Stratford Career institute: ID#******* Business Management. They never sent me the text book or anything, despite me paying every month starting in July 2022 until Nobemver 2022. The material was always in the mail, but never arrived. Now they have send my account to collections, but yet they have not send a single book or any other material. At this Pooint I am requesting your help. If they want me to pay, they have to credit me what I have already paid and send me all of the materials for the program I signed up for. I am also requesting for them to remove my negative remarks on my credit report ( all 3 bureau). I am attaching the proof of my payments. It is unreasonable for them to say I owed then, when they never sent any materials. I work from home and I am always home and we also have surveillance cameras in our home and they never delivered any packages. I have also requested proof that the material was sent. Your help in resolving this matter is really appreciated. I was reading the company review in Your site and apparently this is something this company does. Thank you in advanced.

  Business Response

  Date: 12/21/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 21, 2023,
  regarding a complaint filed by ******** *******. Having reviewed Ms. *******‘s files,
  I am pleased to provide the following information.Ms.
  ******* enrolled in our Bookkeeping and Business Management programs on June
  17, 2022 through our website, *******************,
  at the discounted tuition price of $449.500 for the Bookkeeping program and
  $494.50 for the Business Management program, with an initial down payment of $30.00
  for each. The
  first set of study material for each program was provided in a digital format
  as per Ms. Hubbard’s selection. I have attached a copy of the original
  enrollment applications. I would draw your attention to the Online Access
  portion of each enrollment application where the student selected ‘YES!’ I would like faster access to my
  program materials by using digital textbook and study guides in the online
  student center when available. I understand that if a module is not available
  digitally that it will be shipped to me via postal mail. All course
  material for both the Bookkeeping and Business Management programs are
  available digitally. Although Ms. Hubbard opted to receive her course material
  in a digital format, students may request to change the method of accessing the
  material at any time to delivery by United States Postal Service.According
  to our records Ms. Hubbard contacted our Student Services department by
  telephone on June 17, 2022 to request her student numbers for each program. No
  further communication, verbal or written, was subsequently received from Ms.
  Hubbard although several letters were issued to the address on
  file inquiring on her progress and no request was received to have the course
  material for each program issued by United States Postal Service. While students may take up to 5 years to
  complete a program with SCI, tuition payments are due every 30 days from the
  date of enrollment until the account is paid in full. No tuition payments were
  successfully received towards the Bookkeeping program after October 17, 2022.
  Additionally no further monthly tuition payments were received towards the
  Business Management program after November 17, 2022, although Ms. ******* did
  authorize Stratford Career Institute to charge her credit card for the monthly
  tuition payments towards each program. Her electronic signature was recorded as
  per the attached enrollment applications.In
  an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous payment reminders for each
  program were issued to Ms. ******* with no reply. The
  account for the Bookkeeping program was eventually forwarded to an outside
  collection agency on April 3, 2023 for the outstanding balance of $300.50 and
  the account for the Business Management program was forwarded to an outside
  collection agency on May 15, 2023 for the outstanding balance of $334.50.Ms.
  ******* is welcome to continue the Bookkeeping program and request to change
  her method of delivery for the material upon receipt of a partial payment of $66.00.
  Likewise, Ms. ******* is welcome to continue the Business Management program
  and request to change her method of delivery for the material upon receipt of a
  partial payment of $62.00. The payments may be made directly to Stratford
  Career Institute. The collection agency will be notified accordingly upon
  receipt of payment.Should
  you require additional information, please do not hesitate
  to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm
  (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/21/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  I never received any letters from them and when I was first contacted by the collection agency I told them, that I was willing to pay if I received the materials. Now they want to charge me more that what I agreed to pay. Not acceptable. They can stay with what I have already paid and closed the case. I am not willing to work with a company that does not works with me. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ******** *******

  Business Response

  Date: 12/22/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 22, 2023,
  regarding a complaint filed by ******** *******. Having reviewed Ms. *******‘s files,
  I am pleased to provide the following information.As
  requested, both the Bookkeeping and Business Management courses have been
  cancelled with no further balance owed.Should
  you require additional information, please do not hesitate
  to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm
  (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/19/2023

  Type:Billing 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.

  This is SCAM, I do not know this school and I have never given my information. However, my newphew who goes to school used my computer to sign up or something, as a result they told me I owe them money, which I dont, and then they send my information to collection. I need them to remove it and remove my name from their scammy school. Why the hell I need to study for electrician, I dont need it

  Business Response

  Date: 12/21/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 21, 2023,
  regarding a complaint filed by ********** *********. Having reviewed Mr. *********‘s files, I am pleased to provide the
  following information.Mr. ********* enrolled in our Electrician program on January
  23, 2023 through our website, *******************,
  at the discounted tuition price of $649.00 or 18 payments of $35.50 with an
  initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Mr. ********* on January 26, 2023, and confirmation of
  delivery provided by United States Postal Service on January 28, 2023.According
  to our records no correspondence or telephone calls were received from Mr. ********* throughout the duration of his enrolment although several
  letters were issued to the address on file inquiring on his progress. While students may take up to 5 years to
  complete a program with SCI, tuition payments are due every 30 days from the
  date of enrollment until the account is paid in full. No tuition payments were
  successfully received after the initial $20.00 down payment on January 23, 2023,
  although Mr. ********* did authorize Stratford Career Institute to charge his
  credit card 18 monthly payments of $35.50. His electronic signature was
  recorded as per the attached enrollment application.In
  an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous payment reminders were issued
  to Mr. ********* with no reply. The account was eventually
  forwarded to an outside collection agency on August 15, 2023 for the
  outstanding balance of $669.00.Students
  may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment
  with SCI. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and
  cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or
  telephone. Upon review of Mr. *********’s file, no cancellation request was
  received by any method.Although
  no cancellation request was received and we are unable to substantiate the
  claim that his nephew submitted the enrollment application in his name, I have
  authorized our Accounts Department to close Mr. *********’s file and waive the
  remaining account balance. The collection agency has been notified accordingly.
  Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate
  to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm
  (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/27/2023

  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, as long as they performs what they have stated in writing and all the balance removed from my account and collection agency cleans the records of any issue, Should there be any issue according to my account, they may contact me at ******************** or notify me if further action needs to be taken on my part, 
  
  Regards,
  
  ********** *********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/06/2023

  Type:Customer Service 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 am deeply concerned about the sharing of my nonpublic information with credit bureaus and the resulting inaccuracies on my credit report. This situation has caused significant financial and emotional distress.
  
  Under 15 USC 1681 Section 602, I have the right to financial privacy, and I expect my information to remain confidential.
  
  Furthermore, 15 USC 1681 Section 604(a)(2) states that a consumer reporting agency cannot furnish account information without my written instructions, which I have not provided.
  
  I have identified inaccuracies on my credit report from STRATFORD CAREER INSTITUTE, impacting my financial well-being. I request these inaccuracies be corrected promptly.
  
  Lastly, please remember 15 USC 1666(b), which prohibits treating payments on a credit card account as late under certain circumstances.
  
  For reference, my account details are as follows:
  Account Number: **********
  
  I request a thorough review of my account, prompt correction of credit report inaccuracies, and strict adherence to federal laws regarding my information.
  
  Failure to address these issues may compel further legal action. I anticipate your prompt response and resolution to these concerns.
  
  Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
  
  Sincerely,
  ****** ******

  Business Response

  Date: 12/07/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated December 7, 2023,
  regarding a complaint filed by ****** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I am
  pleased to provide the following information.Ms.
  ****** enrolled in our Medical Transcriptionist program on October 16, 2017 at
  the discounted tuition price of $789.00 or 21 payments of $36.61 with an
  initial down payment of $20.00. The first set of study material was issued to Ms.
  ****** on October 17, 2017, and confirmation of delivery provided by United
  States Postal Service on October 20, 2017.According
  to our records no correspondence or telephone calls were received from Ms.
  ****** until July 16, 2018 when she attempted to enroll in a new course of
  study, Administrative Assistant/Secretary, which was declined due to her
  current delinquent account. Ms. ****** contacted our Student Services
  department by telephone on July 17, 2018 to inquire on the status of the
  application for the new program and was advised the application was declined
  due to her delinquent account and that she was welcome to continue the Medical
  Transcriptionist program once the outstanding balance was paid. While students may take up to 5 years to
  complete a program with SCI, tuition payments are due every 30 days from the
  date of enrollment until the account is paid in full. No tuition payments were
  successfully received after the initial $20.00 down payment on October 16,
  2017, although Ms. ****** did authorize Stratford Career Institute to charge her
  credit card 21 monthly payments of $36.61. Her electronic signature was
  recorded as per the attached enrollment application.In
  an effort to bring the account up to date, numerous payment reminders were
  issued to Ms. ****** with no reply. The account was eventually forwarded to an
  outside collection agency on May 1, 2018 for the outstanding balance of $789.00.Students
  may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment
  with SCI. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to every Stratford Student and
  cancellation requests may be sent by any method including by mail, e-mail or
  telephone. Upon review of Ms. ******’s file, no cancellation request was
  received by any method.Although
  no cancellation request was received, I have authorized our Accounts Department
  to close Ms. ******’s file and waive the remaining account balance. The
  collection agency has been notified accordingly. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me
  toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through
  Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi HullSupervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/10/2023

  Type:Billing 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.

  11/10/23 12:00 pm.
  
  I enrolled into a career program, and I canceled because I found out they cant give an accredit degree. I cancelled and had a remaining balance. I called and made my first 40.00 payment of out of 300.00. I was able to reach a women on the phone who took my payment and it was successful. That was the last time I was able to get ahold of anyone to make remaining payments. I have several screen shots of the amount of times I called and there is no answer and no voicemail. I sent a check to the address they provided with the a $40.00 payment and a note asking for an updated number because the one on the statement wasn't working. They never cashed the check. I now have received a collections letter from a creditor for the remaining balance. This seems fraudulent to me, and I have been severely stressed over this.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/16/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated November 10, 2023,
  regarding a complaint filed by ****** ******. Having reviewed Ms. ******’s files, I am
  pleased to provide the following information.Ms.
  ****** enrolled in our Interior Decorating program through our website on May
  8, 2023 at the discounted tuition price of $689.00 and completed the first of
  the four modules in the program. A second module was issued to Ms. ****** on
  June 19, 2023. Ms. ****** contacted our Student Services department by e-mail
  on July 7, 2023 to request the cancellation of her program. Her program was
  cancelled and a balance of $155.60 was applicable as per the terms and
  conditions of the signed tuition contract and service guarantee.Ms.
  ****** subsequently contacted our Student Services department by e-mail on
  August 4, 2023 to inquire if it was possible to remit monthly payments towards
  the cancellation balance of $155.60. An e-mail reply was issued to Ms. ******
  confirming that she is welcome to remit monthly payments towards the balance
  until the account was paid in full. An additional e-mail was received by Ms. ******
  on August 11, 2023 indicating she was attempting to remit a payment but had
  received an error and was unable to reach us by phone. An e-mail reply was sent
  to Ms. ****** on August 14, 2023 recommending that she remit her payment
  through our online platform for which she was registered. Alternatively she was
  welcome to call our Student Services department at the toll-free number
  provided to all students.Ms.
  ****** successfully reached our Student Services department by telephone on
  August 25, 2023 to remit a $40.00 payment with a Visa Card and the payment was
  processed and applied to her account accordingly. No further payments were
  received after this date however a tuition reminder was issued to the address
  on file on September 26, 2023. As no further payments were received, the
  account was forwarded to an outside collection agency on October 31, 2023 for
  the remaining balance of $115.60.We
  have verified that there were no technical issues with our toll-free number,
  ###-###-####, during the time period between July 7, 2023 and October 31,
  2023, nor were there any issues with our voice messaging system. Ms.
  ****** is welcome to remit the payment of $115.60 directly to Stratford Career
  Institute by check, money order or credit card. Alternatively, she is welcome
  to remit the payment online via our online services platform, for which she is
  registered. Our Instructors remain available to assist Ms. ****** with payment
  arrangements and can be reached either by calling our toll-free number
  ###-###-#### or our local phone number, ###-###-####. Please note that long
  distance charges may apply when calling the local number. The collection agency
  will be notified and Ms. ******’s account will be closed upon receipt of the
  balance.Should
  you require additional information, please do not hesitate
  to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm
  (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/13/2023

  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.

  If I could give 0 stars I would. They duped me into a course making it seem like I would become accredited. I signed up and did 1 week, than realized that the school will not give me accreditation. I decided to stop doing the work and call them to stop the course. At which time they told me I still must pay 465 dollars CAD even though I did 1 week and because they are not very forth-right when you speak to them personally, they make you think you will end up with accreditation and a career which is absolutely false. Even worse is I just landed as a Permanent Resident and they basically dictated to me "too bad you must pay us anyways". This school is a borderline scam in my opinion, why pay for courses that will get you nowhere? They are taking advantage of poor people with little options and they ought to be at the very least considered predatory. Taking a course for 1 week and realizing what they were telling you is different than your agreement should be considered misleading at best and fraudulent at worst.

  Business Response

  Date: 09/18/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated September 13,
  2023, regarding a complaint filed by ******-*** ********-******. Having reviewed Ms. ********-******’s files, I am pleased to provide the following
  information.Ms. ********-****** enrolled in our Dental Assistant program on August
  17, 2023 through our website at the discounted tuition price of $795.00. If the
  student wishes to remit monthly payments, a 17% financing rate is applicable
  and the interest is calculated into the tuition payments. Alternatively, the
  student may remit f*** payment of $795.00 and the interest of $109.18 is
  waived. Ms. ********-****** chose to remit 17 monthly payments of $50.00 and
  one final payment of $44.18.The
  first module in the program was made available online as per Ms. ********-******’s
  preference indicated on her enrollment application. According to our records
  she successf***y completed all 3 corresponding exams. The second module was
  shipped to the mailing address on file on August 22, 2023 and the student completed
  2 of the corresponding exams.Students
  may discontinue their studies at any time over the course of their enrollment
  with SCI. All students are given 5 calendar days in which to evaluate their
  program and first study package. Cancellation policies are included in the Service Guarantee that is issued to
  every Stratford Student upon enrollment and cancellation requests may be sent
  by any method including by mail, e-mail or telephone. Ms. ********-******’s
  electronic signature agreeing to the terms of the contract was recorded.Upon review of the file, Ms. ********-******
  contacted our Student Services department by telephone on August 29, 2023 to
  request the cancellation of her program. Her account was cancelled in
  accordance with the terms and condition of the tuition contract which I have
  attached for review. As Ms. ********-****** cancelled past the first 5 days of
  enrollment and exams were received from 2 of the 5 modules in the program, her
  cancellation balance was calculated at $462.50. Stratford
  Career Institute is a non-accredited, distance learning school that offers
  career diplomas intended for vocational purposes. No claims of accreditation are
  made, whether verbally or in writing. On the contrary, the following message
  appears on our website under the course outline, which Ms. ********-****** accessed
  to proceed with her online enrollment application:This educational program is an
  introductory course designed to help students gain knowledge necessary for the
  vocational application of this subject. Completion of this program does not
  fulfill the legal requirements of particular provincial licenses or certifications,
  which may require additional training or apprenticeships. One or more of the
  course subjects/textbooks may vary as courses are updated.Given
  the above information, it is clear that Stratford has in no way misrepresented
  the nature of our programs and subsequently no refund is applicable. Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate
  to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm
  (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/02/2023

  Type:Billing 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 signed up for "Drafting with AutoCAD" in February 2023 and was assured by student support staff on the phone that after I finished each module the materials would be delivered. I received only Module 1 and finished it in March.
  
  I contacted student service (see attached emails) but Module 2 of the original syllabus has never been delivered. After I started the course, the SCI changed substantially the course syllabus dropping entirely geometric constructions, engineering graphics and applications in mechanical drafting, turning the course into an architectural drafting course only (see attached Syllabus at the enrollment and after changes).
  
  As of July 31, SCI continues misleadingly advertising the old syllabus at its website ****************************************** ******** This called Bait and Switch and is against the law. In mid-May, I contacted student support staff on the phone and explained that I signed up mainly because of the engineering graphics and mechanical drafting as I am working as a mechanical drafter.
  
  On the phone the student support staff told me they would cancel my enrollment and offer me a refund. I was very surprised when I received the bill from SCI and they threaten to send collections after me. I want this resolved. At this point i dont need a refund I just want them to cancel the account for good and all "payments" associated with it, meaning none.
  
  I've sent a letter to collections as well and I will attach it here showing I did try to resolve this amicably

  Business Response

  Date: 08/08/2023

  Good afternoon,I am in receipt of your
  e-mail dated August 3, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ***** *****. Having
  reviewed Mr. *****’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Mr. ***** enrolled in our Drafting with AutoCAD program
  on February 15, 2023 through our website, *******************. The initial cost
  of the program was $1069.00, payable in 24 equal monthly installments of
  $44.54. The first set of study material was issued to Mr. ***** on February 15,
  2023 in a digital format as per his preference indicated on the enrollment
  application. Mr. ***** completed the corresponding exams on April 2, 2023. Unfortunately,
  as the course was being updated, the second module in the program was on
  back-order however to mitigate any down-time, the fifth module was subsequently
  made available in a digital format for download on April 25, 2023.  Included with the first module was the course
  syllabus, detailing the contents and subject matter for each module in the
  program. I have attached the original syllabus, titled ‘Drafting with AutoCAD_Original
  Syllabus’ for your review and would like to draw your attention to the first
  page where it states:“The exact titles of the books, or the order in
  which you learn certain topics, may be somewhat different from what is
  indicated. We maintain the right to revise the course and the instructional
  materials to bring you the most current and practical information. However,
  even if there is a slight change in the book titles or topics, the overall
  educational content of your program will be the same. You need not inform your
  instructor of a modification to the program content, but we always invite you
  to contact us if you need instructional assistance.”Unfortunately, in circumstances beyond SCI’s
  control, the textbook that was to be issued with the second module of the
  program is no longer in print and our institute could no longer source an out-of-print
  textbook from the publisher. A new textbook was sourced and selected, and all
  syllabi and course outlines, both digital and printed, were immediately updated
  accordingly. Please refer to the attached document titled ‘Drafting with
  AutoCAD _Updated Syllabus’.Mr. ***** contacted our
  Student Services department by telephone and email on several occasions,
  beginning on April 24, 2023, to inquire about the second module in the program
  and he was advised on each occasion that the previous textbook that had been
  selected for the second module was out of stock however the fifth module was
  available for download. According to our records Mr. ***** did not access the
  fifth module prior to cancellation.Contrary to Mr. *****’s
  claim that he was advised that a refund would be issued upon cancellation, it
  is noted in his file that he was advised a balance would be owed when he
  contacted Student Services by telephone on June 5, 2023. Mr. ***** also
  provided his authorization to keep the current payment information on file to
  remit payment towards the cancellation balance of $90.24. The cancellation
  balance was calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
  tuition contract issued to Mr. ***** during the online enrollment process, on
  which his electronic signature is recorded.The first payment of $45.74
  towards the cancellation balance was received successfully on June 15, 2023.
  The final payment of $44.54 was returned on July 21, 2023 as NSF and an invoice
  was issued to the address on file. A $30.00 bank fee was applied to the account
  for the returned payment. Mr. ***** contacted our Student Services department
  by e-mail on August 2, 2023 indicating his refusal to pay the remaining balance
  owed due to the changes in the course syllabus. An e-mail reply was issued on
  August 2, 2023 advising Mr. ***** that the balance remains due and payable
  however the $30.00 bank fee could be waived upon successful receipt of payment.
  Mr. ***** issued a reply by e-mail on August 2, 2023 reiterating that he will
  remit no further payments.While we acknowledge Mr.
  *****’s disappointment with the updated material, we feel that the replacement material
  selected does not substantially change or negatively impact the overall content
  of the program. Should you require additional information, please do not
  hesitate to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am
  to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. Sincerely, Brandi H***SupervisorStudent Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/08/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  You substantially changed the course that it was no longer useful to me. You’re twisting the truth here by using the law to cover yourself. Yes by your terms you can revise the course , however revision is not the same as restructuring. Which is what you did you can clearly see the difference in content so that’s not what I bought from you guys initially. I bought a course on the grounds to upskill my mechanical drafting skills not civil drafting “Feeling like it didn’t change” isnt a good defense because as a customer I didn’t get the value that I was looking for. I’m professional who was upskilling in drafting skills for MECHANICAL DRAFTING. So no the course content changed substantially to the point it was useless. Civil drafting has no correlation for my job skills. You ruined the course when you changed itSo you practically did a bait and switch. That is a serious offense and you clearly seem to ignore it. You advertise one thing and in the middle it completely changes to another.The course was constantly back ordered and I never got my materials. I was also left in the dark no matter how many times I reached out to you through email and through phone I ended up blocking my card because you guys didn’t listen , didn’t care charged my card. So I just cancelled and made a new one. For me the best resolution is to just close my account for good , no more payment , no more debt collecting. I’m not expecting a refund but I have serious grounds here on why I’m not paying. this not just a matter of policy it’s matter of integrity. Are you delivering you what you say you would deliver. The answer is no , you didn’t. So you since you didn’t deliver I’m not paying , simple as that
  Regards,
  
  ***** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 08/14/2023

  I am in receipt of your
  e-mail dated August 8, 2023, regarding a complaint filed by ***** *****. Having
  reviewed Mr. *****’s files, I am pleased to provide the following information.The Drafting with AutoCAD program offered by
  Stratford Career Insitute is intended to be an introduction into the field of
  drafting. While the previous material offered in the program focused primarily
  on Architectural applications, the newly updated and enhanced version of the
  program offers a wider focus for the application of AutoCAD. This update was
  based on feedback received from current and former students who have
  successfully graduated the program.As previously stated, while we
  acknowledge Mr. *****’s disappointment with the updated material, we maintain our position that
  the replacement material selected does not substantially change or negatively
  impact the overall content of the program.Unfortunately, the applicable cancellation
  balance remains due and payable as per the terms and conditions of Mr. *****’s
  signed tuition contract.Should you require
  additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me toll-free at
  ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through
  Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays. Sincerely, Brandi H**lSupervisorStudent Services

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/31/2023

  Type:Customer Service 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.

  On April 14, 2023 510.84 cents was paid to allow for student ******* to complete their high school program. In May I called to check the status of the books being sent out and was told the program was being reactivated. It is July 31, the books for the rest of the modules were not received and yet again another agent "Alexander" stated that the program had to be reactivated. The money was received but no services were rendered four months later.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/01/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated July 31, 2023,
  regarding a complaint filed by ***** ******* on behalf of ***** ********. Having reviewed Mr.
  ********’ files, I am pleased to provide the following information.Mr.
  ******** enrolled in our High School program on September 14, 2011 at the
  discounted tuition price of $689.00 and completed 5 of the 19 modules in the
  program. A tuition payment of $37.72 was due every 30 days from the date of
  enrollment until the account was paid in full. Unfortunately Mr. ********
  defaulted on the tuition payments and his account was forwarded to an outside
  collection agency on November 19, 2012 for the outstanding balance of $510.84.An
  online payment of $510.84 was received on April 14, 2023. A 30-day clearing
  time is applied to any payment received towards an account that has previously
  been sent to an outside collection agency. A $30.00 administrative fee is
  applicable to re-activate the program and can be paid at any time prior to the
  re-activation of the account. Additionally, it is considered the student’s
  responsibility to request the re-activation of the program once the final
  payment has cleared.Upon
  review of Mr. ********’ account the $30.00 administrative fee was applied on
  June 9, 2023 however the account was not re-activated at that time and we offer
  our sincerest apologies for this error. Mr. *******’s account was successfully
  re-activated as per his payee’s request on July 31, 2023 and the next module in
  the program has been ordered for shipment, with an expected delivery time-frame
  of 10 business days.Should
  you require additional information, please do not hesitate
  to contact me toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm
  (EST) Monday through Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor of Student Services

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/01/2023

  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. 
  
  
  
  Regards,
  
  
  
  ***** *******
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/15/2023

  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 was mislead thinking I could use this for college, Im just now getting knowledge of the ftc case they have with the Stratford career institute. Didn't know the diploma wasn't accredited.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/15/2023

  I am in receipt of your e-mail dated June 15, 2023,
  regarding a complaint filed by ***** ****. I have reviewed the complaint, along with the picture of the diploma however I was unable to locate a previous student with the name of ***** *** **** Jr.  Additionally, I was unable to locate any file with the address, telephone number or email address provided.In order to locate the file and respond accordingly, we will require the student number and/or the mailing address on file at the time of Mr. ****'s enrollment. Once received, a reply will be issued accordingly.Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me
  toll-free at ###-###-####. Our hours are from 8:00am to 4:30pm (EST) Monday through
  Thursday, and until 3:30pm on Fridays.  Sincerely,Brandi H***Supervisor Student Services