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:10/14/2026

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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 September 15, 2026, REMOVEDHalf recruiter B. REMOVEDrecruited me for a DataAnnotation Accounting and Finance AI-training opportunity. His written email provided a DataAnnotation assessment link and explicitly promised $240 for completing the Starter Assessment, regardless of whether I passed or failed. Payment was to become available through REMOVEDseven days after completion.On September 22, REMOVEDHalf approved my request for an extension. On September 27, I completed and submitted Accounting Starter Assessment V4.1 through DataAnnotation's platform. My account confirms the submission, yet my earnings remain $0.00.On October 9, REMOVEDHalf informed me that DataAnnotation considered my assessment the incorrect version and would not pay me. I dispute this refusal. I followed the recruitment instructions and assessment link supplied by REMOVEDHalf. I was never informed that the assessment made available through DataAnnotation's platform would be ineligible for the promised compensation.DataAnnotation subsequently displayed invitations for additional assessments on my account, yet has not explained why payment for the completed assessment was withheld.I contacted DataAnnotation on October 6 and October 8 and formally escalated the matter again on October 14. I also disputed the refusal with REMOVEDHalf and filed a corporate complaint.Any discrepancy between REMOVEDHalf's recruitment instructions and DataAnnotation's assessment requirements should be resolved between those companies, not used to deny compensation promised to a candidate who completed the assessment in good faith.I have the written $240 payment promise, assessment link, extension approval, submission records, $0 earnings screenshots, and correspondence documenting the refusal.I request payment of the outstanding $240, a written explanation of the alleged assessment discrepancy, and review of the recruitment and assessment procedures that resulted in this dispute.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/12/2026

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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.

  Problems with Product/Service Unpaid earnings BUSINESS: DataAnnotation.tech COMPLAINT DESCRIPTION:I worked as an independent contractor on the DataAnnotation platform from June 2026 (Worker ID: REMOVED. Payments are made only via REMOVED, and withdrawals must be initiated by the worker with the "Get Paid" button.On October 4, 2026, my Transfer Funds page showed $3,430.00 available for withdrawal and a scheduled next withdrawal time. Shortly after, the available balance, the withdrawal timer and the "Get Paid" button disappeared. My account now shows the message: "Your account is currently unavailable for new projects due to work below our customers' quality bar or a violation of our Terms of Service." I did not receive any explanation by email or in the platform Inbox, and I was not told which work or which rule was the reason.According to my account page, my Total Earnings are $18,572.04, Total Paid Out is $12,892.52 and Pending Approval is $96.84. This means $5,582.68 has already been approved by the company but not paid out. In my Funds History these entries are marked "Transferrable", which according to DataAnnotation's own onboarding documentation means the work has been approved and is available for withdrawal.I contacted DataAnnotation Support n requesting the release of my approved earnings and an explanation, and offered to answer any questions about my tasks and reported time. As of today I have not received a response.The company may decide not to give me new projects, but I believe that work that was already completed and approved should be paid.DESIRED RESOLUTION:1.Release of my approved earnings of $5,582.68 to my REMOVEDaccount on REMOVEDwritten explanation of the specific reason for the restriction on my account.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/11/2026

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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 joined DataAnnotation Tech in June 2026. Over the four months I worked on the platform, I completed tasks consistently and successfully received multiple regular payouts without any issues. Because my daily schedule allowed for it, I dedicated significant time to completing available projects that I was qualified for, always logging my hours honestly and accurately.On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, I worked on several available projects from roughly 10:00 AM until 2:00 AM the following morning. On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, I resumed work from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM. Upon completing the final project, I logged out.Approximately an hour later, I logged back in to check for new tasks and was greeted by a full-screen termination message stating that my account was permanently suspended for alleged "multiple attempts to defraud our payment system."I have never attempted to defraud the payment system, nor have I violated any platform policies. I believe my intense, continuous working hours over those two days triggered an automated flag in their system without any manual review or prior REMOVEDaccount currently holds $698.11 USD in pending earnings, which includes work completed prior to that final sprint (starting Sunday, September 27, 2026). Because the account block removes access to the platform's routing interface, I am completely unable to access the standard payout button to withdraw my funds. I have sent multiple polite follow-up emails to both the DataAnnotation Tech support team and Surge AI support, but I have received zero replies.I am not asking for my account to be reinstated, nor am I disputing the platform's right to end contractor relationships. I am simply requesting the $698.11 USD that I legitimately earned for work completed in good faith prior to the account block.Desired Resolution: A manual review of my logged hours and a direct payout of my earned balance ($698.11 USD) to my registered REMOVEDaddress.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/06/2026

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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.

  Over the last few weeks, I worked for DataAnnotation and did many tasks and completed many analyses and tests for them. Abruptly today, they accused me of violating their terms and conditions, and defrauding them, without evidence and any official process. Instead, they hide behind "the bot detected fraud or violations" and there is no indication of any wrongdoing on my side. Even worse, I did not have any chance to explain nor clarify what they are accusing me of. I cannot let them not pay and pretend they can accuse me of wrongdoings without real substantial proofs from them. Moreover, they have been scamming several other people the same way. See REMOVEDand REMOVEDand there are several others. They need to stop scamming people and pay correctly. If your tesla is on autodrive and hit another car, you cannot say your tesla did it - same for the bots by dataannotation and they cannot hide behind this fake excuse to not pay 1000s of people who did work for them.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/01/2026

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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 need an update on payment to me, as you promised 3-4 days after completing the assessment, which I completed on REMOVED's now 9-1-2026. You explained last week that Data Annotation is behind in payments - That is collectively 'not our problem' - Speaking for EVERYONE that has not yet been paid. Timeline:8-6-2026: I completed the REMOVEDassessment, spending 8 hours on said assessment. You stated REMOVEDpays within 3-4 days of completing the assessment REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU PASS SAID ASSESSMENT.8-10-2026: We spoke on the phone and I explained I still have not be paid.8-17-2026: After not hearing from you, I texted AND emailed you on this day. You asked if I had the correct email for my REMOVEDand did I check REMOVED(laughable questions, truly). YES OF COURSE I DID. You texted back again, stating something about the 'person in charge of this account.'REMOVED: No response from you to my email (trail below) so I emailed you again on August 19th. Last week: I texted you AGAIN, you never read that REMOVED9-1-2026: I called you, you did not answer. I texted you, and you immediately wrote back that you emailed me something 'a colleague said that should help.' The email you sent me today is instructing ME to chase down REMOVEDto get paid - You are kidding right????

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/01/2026

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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 tooik a REMOVEDnd for more than 2 weeks no results waere given.,.i know my soluytions were correct

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/24/2026

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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 worked as an independent contractor through DataAnnotation.tech and had a positive experience with the platform. I successfully completed numerous projects and previously received payments without issue.Immediately before my account was placed under review, DataAnnotation emailed me stating Great job and confirming that I had earned $2,889.86 the previous week. I also retained a photograph of my DataAnnotation dashboard showing $3,820.93 in total earnings since July 2026 and a completed payout of $941.07 for 105 REMOVEDaccount was then temporarily suspended pending review. DataAnnotation requested explanations for 15 time reporting entries. I completed and submitted all 15 explanations as requested, and the platform confirmed that my submission was successfully received and under review.Since then, I have been unable to access my dashboard or Funds page. Because my access was restricted, I cannot determine the exact amount of my remaining unpaid earnings. I have contacted DataAnnotation Support multiple times requesting an update regarding my review and earnings and asking whether additional documentation was needed. I have received no response for approximately two weeks.I understand that DataAnnotation may review contractor accounts and reported time, and I am willing to fully cooperate. However, I complied with every request and have received no communication regarding the outcome or payment for my completed work.I genuinely enjoyed working with DataAnnotation and would like to continue working on the platform if this matter is resolved. I am requesting completion of my review, a full accounting and payment of all eligible outstanding earnings, a written determination regarding my account, and restoration of my account.I have documentation supporting these statements and can provide it upon request.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/04/2026

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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 filing this complaint regarding the deactivation of my DataAnnotation account and my inability to obtain a clear explanation or meaningful review of the decision.I performed work through DataAnnotation and made a good-faith effort to follow the instructions and policies provided to me. My account was later deactivated without a specific explanation identifying what conduct or rule caused the decision.Because some project information is confidential, I cannot provide proprietary details publicly. However, the applicable guidance addressed the use of certain AI-assisted tools and included a process for workers to disclose their use. I followed that process and did not intentionally conceal or misrepresent my use of any tools.I personally reviewed the relevant source materials, checked the information I submitted, and made a good-faith effort to comply with the project requirements.I am concerned that my account may have been deactivated because of activity I reasonably understood to be permitted under the instructions provided to me. If so, I believe the decision deserves a manual review.I have attempted to contact DataAnnotation for clarification and review. I am not requesting special treatment, only that the decision be reviewed against the rules and instructions that applied to my work.If DataAnnotation believes I violated a different policy or requirement, I would appreciate being informed of the general nature of that REMOVEDrequested resolution is a manual review and reinstatement if the deactivation resulted from a misunderstanding or incorrect interpretation of my activity. If reinstatement is denied, I am requesting a general written explanation of the reason for the decision.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/28/2026

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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 23, 2026, I completed both the Starter Assessment and Coding Starter Assessment for DataAnnotation.tech. Although both submissions appeared to be completed successfully, I have not received a decision, an expected review timeline, or any meaningful status update.I later submitted a support request under Onboarding or Account Status Starter Assessment Status, asking whether my assessments had been received and when I could expect an update. I have not received a response.I am concerned that applicants are asked to spend considerable time completing unpaid assessments without clear information about review timelines or whether unsuccessful applicants will be notified. I am not disputing a payment or requesting a criminal penalty.I am requesting written confirmation that both assessments were received, my current application status, a clear acceptance or rejection decision, and an explanation of the companys assessment-review and communication timeline.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/24/2026

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  UnpursuableMore 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.

  In April/May 2026, I completed a DataAnnotation project requiring contributors to upload personal financial records. Following instructions, I spent hours manually redacting personally identifiable information from at least 15 multi-page documents (bank statements, payroll, auto loans, credit cards, and utilities). Based on what I submitted, the project promised $400$600 in document-based compensation, plus hourly pay. While I received hourly pay, my account was deactivated shortly after submission; therefore, I was essentially denied the document payout.I received only the generic "death screen" citing quality concerns or terms of service violations, with zero specific details, evidence, or opportunity to appeal.DataAnnotation collected sensitive financial records under a payout promise, then cut off my platform access.Crucially, the project instructions state: All uploaded data will be stored securely... for a limited retention period. You will have the option to Opt Out at any time - during or after data upload - and your files will be removed...However, Section 4.3 of the consent form states model-training data may be retained indefinitely, and Section 5 states data added to datasets will not be deleted upon withdrawal. This directly contradicts the project's explicit opt-out promises.If my documents were retained or used, I expect the promised document-based compensation to be honored. If they were not used, I request verifiable confirmation that they were not retained or incorporated into any dataset.If DataAnnotation refuses to pay the promised compensation for retained or incorporated documents, I demand the immediate removal of all my files from all datasets, collections, and systems, along with proof of their prior use and written confirmation of deletion.