Shaw Academy

I received a 4 week trial for which I attempted to cancel prior to the initial two charges on 11/25 in the amount of $24.99 each time, totaling $49.98.I emailed Shaw Academy Billing on November 24th, 2019 to attempt to cancel. I received no communication back. Again on December 22, 2019 (through the correct email address on Shaw Account, as this becomes an issue later) to request assistance on canceling my account PRIOR to being charged again. There was no response to my emails and I was then charged for the third time by Shaw Academy on 12/27 in the amount of $49.99. Again I emailed Shaw Academy Billing on January 1st, 2020 with no reply or acknowledgement in order to cancel or at least receive guidance on how to cancel. I was then charged for a fourth time by Shaw Academy in the amount of $49.99 on January 25, 2020. Then Shaw Academy charged my account for a fifth time in the amount of $59.99 on February 24, 2020. Within this time, there were multiple emails sent to Shaw Academy via different email addresses to find my account.When they FINALLY looked, they found the initial account I requested in the first place.They claimed they did not have any of my email addresses on file and could not locate my account, UNTIL after I received my final charge, for they magically found my initial email address on file but it was too late.They knowingly charged my account after ignoring my multiple attempts of communication with them and refuse to refund any of the amount taken out of my account and cited their cancelation policy although I attempted contact with them for assistance for months. I have multiple time stamped emails requiring assistance, and their few responses stating they could not find my account after I gave them ALL email addresses I have to have magically found my account after I was charged again and again.
Product_Or_Service: Digital Marketing

Won't refund $69.04 although trial was canceled.
04/02/2020 My account was pending payment to Shaw Academy for $69.04.
Which wasn't authorized by me.
The Trial they had was cancelled before this charge, but they're saying it wasn't! I've emailed all accounts for Shaw Academy, called every contact number as well! I've gotten the run around on all occasions. They're telling me that they can not refund whatsoever because I didn't cancel trial, but I did do so on March 10, 2020.
I can't get anyone from Shaw Academy to help!

I canceled my 30 day trial after 3 classes and still got charged the 59.99 even after speaking on the phone directly to 3 separate people in regards to me canceling it. This is not okay!!!
Product_Or_Service: Beauty course 30 day trial

I signed up for the 1 month free trial but was charged $59.95 after 1 day of the 30 day trial period.
Product_Or_Service: Shaw Academy
Order_Number: N/a

I signed up for a 4 week free trial for a course. As I was setting up an account, I saw that it required me to purchase software for 29.99. I tried to cancel the trial, but was not allowed to for 48 hours. I clicked on a link to 'add to calendar' and it said that I just purchased the software. There was no way to call the company to complain.
Product_Or_Service: course

I signed up for a free trial and immediately canceled the account. I was charged on my Paypal account for $59.99 while I was out of the country and have yet to receive my refund. I never used this account other than the day I attempted to use a free trial but since it wanted me to schedule classes for a week later, I immediately cancelled the account.

On March 4th 2020 I was towards the end of a month long free trial of Shaw Academy that was set to end on March 11th 2020, taking a graphic design course online. A random "guidance counselor" called me multiple times from the number +1 (716) 393-2883 saying they were assigned to me to assist me in continuing my class. They called me again March 5th 2020 and I ignored it the first time, then accidentally answered the second time. The lady seemed to be helpful, I explained to her that I was only interested paying monthly to continue the class, and she said I would still have to chose to either finish the class in 3, 6 or 12 months. I told her I only wanted to complete the one class, in the 3 month period it was scheduled. She said OK, said she would hook me up with a free starter kit of some sort, and mark me for that plan. The following day I am charged $149.97 for a 3-month subscription with no confirmation email, and after telling her I was only interested in paying monthly for the class. I then proceed to call back the number 25 times between the times 9:53 am and 3:04 pm with no response, not put on hold or anything. In between calling, I emailed them 3 times to demand a refund, and explaining that I did not consent to paying 3 months at a time. Two times I was responded to with escapist emails avoiding answering my email and/or insinuating that my email I have been using the entire time was not associated with my Shaw Academy account. Finally as a result of the third email, I get a response the next day, saying "you had subscribed using your debit/credit card/payment method to upgrade your account to quarterly membership" which I had not, because the "guidance counselor" did whatever she did on her end, never specifying it was a one-time purchase or saying when the payment would be taken out. Then he goes on to say I knew of the policies and that because I didn't cancel before the renewal due date (which isn't even until March 11th) that I cannot receive a refund. He goes on to say "The first thing I have taken the liberty of doing is to confirm your membership is canceled thus ensuring no further payments as I am assuming that is what you want to do", so first they charge me a ton of money, then say they won't charge me anymore- even though there was no proof of cancellation in my emails or on my online account, and my card information is still connected. They then try to schmooze me by offering me a "FREE" Lifetime Membership, which I do not want, because they are making it difficult to even continue the one class I was taking. Frustrated I try to find a number on their app, website, anywhere that I can speak to someone directly, and of course there is nothing public. I have since tried to take my card off of my account, and I cannot follow through without "cancelling" my supposedly already cancelled account, which discontinues my access to any class I was taking and any progress I've made- yet still not enabling me to get a refund. So yesterday I received an email finally saying my membership has been cancelled, but it says "you are going to lose access to your course in 3 days"- even though they already charged me an unauthorized amount of $149.97 "over the phone" premature of my FREE trial ending, and are refusing to refund me my money. At this point I want nothing to do with them, I don't wish to continue with any classes- FREE or otherwise, and I am going to get every penny back that they stole from me. Any way you can make that happen would be greatly appreciated, and needed as I never had it in my funds to pay for 3 months worth of classes at a time. Thank you for your help.
Product_Or_Service: Online Classes

The complaint alleges that Shaw Academy is using deceitful business practices and harassing innocent consumers to scam money.
Shaw Academy had been advertising a free trial service to take one of their online courses. I signed up for the course on March 18, 2020 and have yet to start my course so it's stated on my account that I have 13 days left in my trial period before I am charged. When trying to view some resources and materials before my course started I clicked on a button stating "Module Tool Kit", without knowing that the button was a one-click purchase that would instantly charge my card without warning. I instantly emailed the company and was told I couldn't be refunded the $39.95 for the module toolkit. I think it's ridiculous that the make the button so small and don't put a price there so you don't even realize you're being charged something until it's too late and you don't even have the opportunity to confirm your purchased. Aside from that, I did my research and noticed hundreds of others who claimed to have been scammed and charged ridiculous amounts of money from Shaw Academy, whose customer service representatives fail to respond to you via email when you try to cancel your free-trial membership even after numerous attempts. When you attempt to walk through the steps of canceling membership via the website, they try to give you several offers to convince you to stay so they can keep taking your money, then they direct you to a number to call. As soon as you call the number, and automated voice system begs you several times to not cancel your membership and offers you more free-trial time, only then does it direct you to an email to contact and hangs up...no real representative to speak to. I have been emailing them now trying to cancel my membership and I am getting no response and I fear I will continue to be charged until I get a new bank card.

Signed up for trial, and now I am trying to cancel but there is no way to.
On Wednesday 04/01/20 I signed up for a free 4 week trial. I followed the instructions on their site today as to how to cancel: https://help.shawacademy.com/hc/en-us/articles/XXXXXXXXXXXX-How-do-I-cancel-my-s...⇄ In the account it asks you 4x if you do want to confirm cancellation, which I pressed to confirm each time. At the end of that it says

"We're sorry you're thinking of leaving us.
To confirm your cancellation you are required to call the number for your specific country provided below. Our operating hours are between 10am EST - 19pm EST Monday to Friday.
Country Number:
US
(XXX) XXX XXXX"

I called that number and followed the numerous prompts for cancellation. At the end it asks that you email ***@shawacademy.com to request cancellation. I emailed that email along with ***@shawacademy.com and ***@shawacademy.com today at 04/02/20 to request cancellation effective immediately. I was emailed back today 04/02/20 by Roy:

"Roy (Shaw Academy) Apr 2, 16:31 IST Hello ***,Thank you for reaching out to us!Your free trial is something very special and I would strongly encourage you to make full use of it.You started with real goals, goals that meant something to you and now I bet life has gotten in the way.Don't let it. Life is that which happens whilst planning for the future. You need to focus on your goals now.We have designed our services in the most flexible and convenient way possible.Did you know you can reschedule a class before or after it is due to occur, you can change all upcoming classes, you can restart an entire course and you can even do multiple courses and if all of that is still not enough you can catch up on recordings too? You can even pause your trial if needs be. There really is nothing stopping you.I want you to go back to your goals - they were serious for you. I want to support you and I want you to achieve your goals.What I want you to do is one thing - commit to attending one class. I want you to either attend your next upcoming class or reschedule within your members area and attend at a new convenient time.If you do that I am sure you will get back on track and achieve your goals and if not let's talk.Now that you are all set I wish you all the best with your studies and I am sure you will learn the skills you need to succeed - you just need to attend one class at a time, it is that simple.If you need any further assistance ever, please contact us back.Your Friendly Neighborhood Shaw Academy Support TeamKind Regards,
Roy
Web: www.shawacademy.com
Delivering great education, accessibly and affordably, to everyone"

I have also sent a DM to their instagram requesting cancellation and commented on their Facebook requesting cancellation.

Shaw refuses to cancel my free trial
I signed up for a free 4-week trial but realised right away that it's not the right fit for me, as pwmeople have to commit to a class schedule. I started the cancellation process via online member account. After clicking through multiple steps I was informed that I'm supposed to call a phone number in order to cancel. I called multiple times but wasn't able to get a hold of a representative. Therefore I emailed the customer service. But instead of sending a confirmation of cancellation, they tried to convince me to keep trying Shaw out. I emailed back saying that I definitely want to cancel, but got the same response. They refuse to let me cancel my trial.

Extremely difficult to get out of their "free trial". Customer service is non existent. Cancellation attempts will be ignored. Avoid like the plague.
I started the free trial option and quickly realized I didn't like the services they offered. Like many free trials they require your card details in the hope that you will forget to cancel subscription and pay a rolling monthly fee. The same day as I began free trial I started the lengthy process of trying to cancel my 'subscription'. I have not sent several emails clearly outlining that I wish to immediately cancel all dealings with shawacademy. These have been carefully sent through the correct channels and following their cancellation protocol. All to no avail. I would strongly recommend you do NOT even attempt to sign up with this company. Still trying to get a response and close my account. Avoid avoid avoid.

They lie about free class and charge your account; it takes excessive steps to cancel.
I received a sponsored ad via Instagram regarding the Shaw Academy's free photography course... I signed up and used a peer-to-peer card (like Venmo) because I was leery of companies like this and I leave the card with no money so it notifies me it's withdrawing from my actual bank account.
I got a message that The Shaw Academy was taking out $.50. Small amount but if they get enough people that's a lot of money over a month or year... especially during this time like a pandemic when they are vultures preying on people's time at home...
I wrote them on WhatsApp where they send class reminders letting them know I was going to report them. They returned the money... I immediately stopped attending classes... a customer service rep called me and wanted to get me back in attendance, when I explained he said, "I can't help you with that, my job is to get you back in the class."
I went on the Shaw Academy app to cancel my subscription, because I'm aware enough to know if you use your credit card then there is a cancellation protocol. The 1st time the app wouldn't let me cancel; the link to cancel wasn't working...
I waited a week and the link worked, but after going they the process it tells you that now you have to call... I called immediately and had 5 minutes on the phone going through 3-4 different automated prompts that each ended with press a number to cancel and resulted in another automated message with another option to cancel... after the last automated message the sound went dead (obviously some people would think that it's canceled and hang up) then it returned to the previous automated message however when I pressed the cancel request I was then told I had to email them now to cancel...
these are excessive steps and unethical practices designed to steal money from people in a way that can't get them sued...
reason being:
1) they tell u it's a temp hold on your card
2) the empty space when canceling hoping u will hang up early and they can site that u never fully canceled
3) the email process after u follow thru all the necessary steps
4) the repetitive automated messages with offensive/aggressive and bullying tactics like "you don't want to learn" etc

I'VE TRIED TO CANCEL MY FREE TRIAL BEFORE I GET BILLED THREE TIMES AND AM BEING REFUSED SERVICE MY CUSTOMER SERVICS REPS AND CANNOT DELETE MY ACCOUNT
Shaw Academy is giving me the runaround every time I try to cancel my free trial. I do not enjoy the class. I do not want to continue taking it. And I do not want to be billed in two weeks when it's up. They asked me to complete cancellation in the member portal, which I did. It asked me to confirm cancellation by calling XXX-XXX-XXXX which made me say 4 different times that I wanted to cancel and not continue, and at the end of their bullying cycle they said to complete cancellation I have to email ***@shawacademy.com which I did and have been given nothing but advice to "stick to my goals" and "keep going". I didn't ask for advice. I asked to cancel. The membership portal also will not let me delete my billing information. They are holding my credit card hostage at this point and I cannot be charged for this.

Trying to get trial subscription and confirmation of cancellation and met with suspicious evasion.
Hello,
I signed up for free courses on a trial membership basis, but after seeing their service and found it sub-par, plus reading the comments from other users, I want to cancel. You have to phone a phone number up, which noone answered (due to Covid-19 preumably) so an e-mail address to the support staff was provided. I have done this and recieved a reply saying that I have to send an e-mail from the registered e-mail address. THe email address I send the e-mail from IS the one that is registered and despite multiple replies , I have recieved no further responses. I am worried that at the end of April I am going to be charged, hence I want to get written confirmation that my membership has been cancelled.

During a free trial, and within the trial period, I cancelled and was billed anyways. After contacting via email, as phone lines are closed completely not taking calls, I was told basically I'm out of luck and they are not refunding me my money.
Product_Or_Service: Online Cheadle

Late at night on January 30th of 2020, I came across an ad for Shaw Academy on Facebook. It advertised a 30-day free trial to access and take their online courses, and if you chose to continue their courses after the 30-day trial period, you would be charged $24.99 per month. I was interested in online courses, so I signed up and went to bed. the next day, January 31st, I received a phone call from Shaw Academy. The woman claimed to be my "student advocate" and had me set up a schedule for my online courses, telling me I should take two per week. Due to my schedule, I chose my learning days to be Wednesdays and Fridays, with my first course being that night at 10 PM. Later that night, I decided to log in to get a feel for the website and learn how to navigate it. This was the first time I had ever logged into my account. It was just after 9 PM on January 31st. Immediately upon logging in, two pop-ups popped up on my screen. One of them closed on its own, so I clicked the X button at the top right hand corner of the remaining pop-up ad to close out of it. Just a few seconds later, I received an email from my financial institution with a receipt for my purchase. I was confused because I had made no purchase. I had only logged into my account and closed out of a pop-up ad. I immediately tried to call the number that the "student advocate" had called me from just hours earlier, only to find out it is not a working phone number. Then I emailed several email addresses belonging to Shaw Academy to try to find out what this $29.99 charge was for. It was too late to contact my financial institution, but so I wouldn't get charged again, I immediately canceled my account with Shaw Academy because of their shady business practices. The next morning, I filed a dispute with my financial institution. It took a few days, but I finally got an email response from Shaw Academy. They informed me that they advertise tool kits and eCertificates through pop-up ads and banners on their website, and that is what I was charged the $29.99 for. I informed them that I had canceled my account and wanted a refund of the $29.99 because it was charged fraudulently. They refused to provide me with a refund, stating that I should have read the fine print on the pop-up ad before closing out, as it states in the fine print that I would be charged by exiting out by clicking the X button. It has been over a month and Shaw Academy has ceased all communication with me. My account has not been active for over a month, and they are refusing to provide me with a refund. I never once authorized a $29.99 charge for anything from their pop-up ad.
Product_Or_Service: Unknown

I signed up for the free trial, but was unable to take the classes. I have tried to cancel and have been given the runaround.
I signed up for the free trial, but was unable to take the classes. I have tried to cancel and have been given the runaround.
First, I tried going through my account online. It asks about 5 different times if I am sure I want to cancel.
Then, instead of just canceling my account, it gives me a number to call. I call the number and listen to several different recordings that try to guilt me into staying with them. I choose the option to cancel every time. After about 3 or 4 times that I choose the option to cancel, I am directed to email the company.
I email the company and ask them to cancel. I get a message almost 24 hours later that asks me to reconsider canceling. I respond that I would like to cancel my account immediately. Their response is for me to cancel online.
This is an obvious ploy to keep my account activated long enough to charge me for a service I haven't used. Their terms say that you must cancel prior to the end of the trial period and I have tried to do just that. But they make it absolutely impossible.

I signed up for a free 4wk trial and requested to cancel 3 days later. Their response did not appropriately address that request.
Hi there, I am coming to you in advance of a potential fraudulent charge. I signed up for a free 4 week course through Shaw Academy (thinking they were a well-known Cdn online and brick and mortar school. I signed up on Monday, March 30 and have 30 days free. I did use my PayPal account as the pmt method.

Yesterday (Wednesday, March 31/20) I went to their site to learn about all that they have to offer. When I searched them up I immediately saw that there was a Revdex.com link. I clicked on it and discovered that they have one negative review after another - all around taking payment early and not honouring the client's request to cancel the membership.

As a result of my research, first thing this morning (no foolin') I went online to request that they cancel my account. I was given the run around with a voice mail system that kept trying to sell me on something else, and then they finally gave me an email to request cancelling. I did that. Later this evening they responded with offers to give me this and that. They also said that they noticed that I purchased and e-certificate. I did not. I have checked my account and it is still active. I have also checked pmt history and nothing is showing. And I did respond to their email to cancel my (trial) membership and close my account. I fully expect them to try to put some sort of charge through.

I would like to report that they are not acknowledging my request and my fear is that they will keep trying to put a fraudulent pmt through my paypal account.

I have notified PayPal of this potential fraud.

Shawacademy.com offers 30day free trials for their online courses and makes it hard to cancel. In my experience I would say impossible.
They are crooks, and online scammers.

I accidentally purchased a module kit for an online course not knowing
it was a one-click buy. I looked everywhere to cancel but could not find it
I accidentally purchased the module kit and I looked everywhere to cancel it but I couldn't find anything. I never started the course and I cancelled my membership so I would like a full refund of $35. I also noticed that in the other complaints that people have signed up as free trial and cancelled before their trial ended but still have been charged. I cancelled my membership but on the website nothing has changed it still says my trial is ongoing and that I have membership. I'm worried that the same thing will happen to me and I'll be charged again for a service I have not used. Thank you