Shaw Academy

I sign up for a free membership. I reach a dialog box to receive your toolkit, and it charges me $40 I didnt agree to.
August 19th in the evening I signed up via PayPal for a free trial. I sign up for a class and a box pops up saying I need a toolkit. I cant navigate away, and I hit buy now, without anywhere indicating the cost. I figured under a free trial, I wouldn't be charged, especially not $40. The next morning I have a quick search and find that the whole company is a scam and I may not ever get a refund or be able to cancel my membership before it charges me a monthly fee. I have contacted their support, their paypal account, and made a claim through PayPal as well, to demand a refund and also cancel my membership, and haven't seen a reply yet, but it's still been less than 24 hours.

Billed after cancellation
I enrolled in period for this service on July 12, 2020. On July 17, after clicking through all the pages requesting to cancel, I was was required to call Shaw Academy directly, which I did. (See attached screenshot) Upon following their prompts, a recorded message told me my subscription had been successfully cancelled.
My card was still charged at the end of the trial period. My email request to correct this was denied, as they determined my account had not been cancelled within the time allowed.
They did 'offer' me 6 months free. I do not want 6 free months of a service that I don't want. It's not free if I've been charged fraudulently.

The Shaw Academy took Two(2) unauthorized withdrawals from my checking account after concting them within their cancellation period.
After sending a note to cancel my account (attached) I noticed two withdrawals on my checking account of 69.99 from Shaw. I have contacted them several times via email about this matter to only receive computer generated message and nothing further. No one will contact me! I want my money back! I have attached a copy of my cancellation request, the withdrawals from my bank and letters from my mother regarding this matter as we share a checking account. This has been ongoing since June 9, 2020. Their "ticket" number is #XXXXXXX. The account email is ***@yahoo.com. They deleted the account but did not refund the money. Per the bank, to stop the withdrawals I had to change my Bank debit card.

Scam to get membership and money and no response to the many emails
I was on a free trial with Shaw academy which was supposed to turn into full time paid membership on 5th August. There was no easy way for me cancel the membership. I had to call their help desk, they cancelled the membership but I was already charged $69.99 on my visa that morning. When asked for refund they directed me to billing's email as they apparently had no correlation with the billing's team. I mailed the billing to issue a refund because I did not use their service but they never got back to me.
Even while on trial I was forced to click a button on their faulty/sticky app to proceed further and I was immediately billed $45.99 for a package that I never needed or used. When I reached out to their team, they kept giving me more things that I didn't need instead of addressing the ask.
It is a sales scam and their response for anything other than purchase is very unethical.

I signed up for free trial and have been charged 49.99
I signed up for a free trial on 19/08/20, this stipulated no commitment to payment until trial ends. The terms and conditions state that card details are needed for fraud purposes. Upon registering there was an option to select *toolkitfor course which I presumed was also free as I'm not sure how you can do the course without the relevant materials. There was no confirmation button stating this would be charged, therefore no option to decline. I simply clicked *get toolkitand 49.99 was taken from my account. Very deceitful! Worse than this, upon trying to retrieve the toolkit that I do not want or need (as I am cancelling straight away) it is not accessible anyway, when you click on it nothing happens. I would like a full refund for this and have cancelled membership. As a therapist I had hoped this would be a good addition to my practice, but it's really just a scam.

Refusal to cancel and delete account
This organization is a known fraud. My mistake for making an account but I have been trying to make them delete the account fully and they will not. This is extremely frustrating. I will be asking my credit card company to stop payment because there is no other way to get this company to respect my wishes.

Was charged even though I cancelled before the trial ended.
I signed up for a trail with Shaw Academy. You have 4 wks to cancel. I called and spoke with Monica R to cancel the trial on 7/10, they charged my card on 8/3.

I was charged $39.99. I just started my free trial today (08/19/2020. However, I tried to cancel, but I need to call. I need to be refunded, I have yet to use this program. Please let me know what information is needed with issuing my refund.

I signed up and gave my credit card information. The same day I tried to cancel, I had to call, and it is impossible to talk to someone.
I signed up for Shaw academy, and gave my credit card details. Then I started realizing it was a scam. I tried to cancel, which is impossible. They instruct you to call in, but when you call all you hear is many people talking.
This all took place today, August 18, 2020. Between 8-9am

I signed up for the free trial of the beauty class. I cancelled within the trial. Weeks later had 48.99 come out of my bank from them.
I signed up for the free trial. During the trial noticed that the email links and the app would take me to two different sets of courses. I contacted them to be sure there were not two accounts in my name. I was assured it was a glitch and that it was being addressed. I continued to have issues with the course so canceled my subscription they offered a reduced rate I said no and continued to cancel. Deleted the app etc. Fee weeks later I saw $48.99 was withdrawn from my account via Shae academy. I messaged them and asked why they had charged my account. The only response I received was from " Sebastian"

Sebastian (Shaw Academy)

Aug 18, 2020, 1:07 PM GMT+1

Hi ***,

Thank you for reaching out to us.

We apologize for the inconvenience caused to you

However, we can confirm your membership is cancelled thus ensuring no further payments will be processed.

We are also providing you with 6-months access. You will be able to complete the courses you initially joined and many other courses.

Shaw Academy Support Team.
Kind regards,

This absolutely does not resolve my complaint. I do not want six months of courses I want my money refunded! I cancelled my account and should have never been billed.

Poor Customer Service and Billing Department refuses to refund.
I am livid with this "company" more like scam! I entered into a trial period for a course and was never able to watch a class due to time so I went to cancel and thought I ended the subscription but just paused instead according to the representative. Charged $69.99 which changed to $70.69 after the paused trial. I had to call a number and talk to a representative that was difficult to understand with noise in the background on his end and unprofessionalism. He just added a "tool box" for the class I wanted to unsubscribe from and cancel my account. Then I had to ask the billing company for a refund which they refuse.

I want my refund back I buy a course from Shaw academy one was assignment tools and the other was the eCertificate plus I got the premium membership
my refund for the payment I did for my course on New Personal Beauty my module 1 course toolkit and module eCertificate because I never did the assigment and never receive the eCertificate of the module 1 on New Personal Beauty. I attache the bank copy of the payment I did on the course and and the date I purchase.

Here is the last 4 number of the card I did the purchase is: ***
The total amount of the course toolkit: $39.99
The total amount of the eCertificate: $39.99
An the payment date I was: 08/07/2020 and 08/08/2020

my refund back I make a payment of the membership on 08/13/2020 for total amount of 199.95 but I not happy with the services. I finish the New personal beauty module 1 and buy the module toolkit and the eCertificate, and what happen I can not get my eCertificate and the toolkit is not complete where is the final assignment and the final text or quiz to the the diploma. After I purchase the membership I still waiting for the email to continue my course and nothing happen. I not happy with the servicer lack of communication and get more email that I missing the payment of the eCerticate and toolkit for the New personal beauty module 2 her is attach of the copy of my bank account saying the payment for online shaw course.

Here is the last four digit of the card I did and is: ***
The amount I pay is: $199.95
And the date of the payment was on: 08/13/XXXXX

I had tried to cancel my subscription on multiple occasions, and never used my free trial, and keep on being redirected to continuing my subscription.
I had registered for a ShawAcademy free trial due to my temporary LOA from work while I was getting tested for COVID19 virus, but did not get the chance to use it as I returned to work full time as a healthcare worker shortly after. I had signed up for a nutrition class, but missed it due to work-related responsibilities. I had tried to cancel my subscription 2 weeks prior, knowing I would never use the service due to the uncertainty and increased work flow. After going through several prompts that insistent on me keeping the subscription, I reached the page saying that I had to contact the customer care line to cancel. I was able to speak with a representative, who assured me that I can start my nutrition course whenever my schedule allows. I told him that I didn't know when I could even start the classes, and he said that the free trial will be extended for another 30 days and that I could start on my own time, which I understood to mean that the trial would not start until I actually registered for the course. I was also assured that I would be emailed or texted a warning about the free trial's ending date once I began the courses. I agreed to this, thinking that it would do me no harm and that the person was very generous to offer me this. Those affirmations never happened. The trial was active, and I was never notified once that it was so. I wasn't even emailed about the credit card charge, which was $69.99; the only way I found out was by looking at my mobile credit card account. I was charged for a class I never physically registered for myself. I didn't even open up the account since the time I had tried to cancel the subscription. I tried to cancel the subscription again, and was again prompted to call customer service after several pages essentially urged me to keep the subscription. This customer service agent was cordial with me, but did not listen to me when I clearly said I wanted to cancel my subscription entirely. She gave me another 30 days, which I didn't want. I asked for who I could contact to cancel my subscription, and she said I could email billing about my refund. I emailed billing, and was told that they cannot give me my refund per their free trial subscription policy. They then assured me that they will cancel my subscription, but also gave me 6 months free access despite me not wanting to continue with their services.

I am incredibly frustrated that they are making it so difficult to cancel a subscription or remind you about upcoming payments, yet they bombard you with emails daily about lessons, material, and toolkits that cost even more money. I felt misled by the first customer service provider, as he worded his responses as if my trial will be activated once I schedule a class. He flat out lied to me about being sent a warning email. I do not recommend Shaw Academy to anyone, unless they are ready to cough up $69.99 for a few lessons. I should have read the reviews online before signing up, as this doesn't appear to be an uncommon issue among others.

This was advertised as a free trial and I was charged the first day.
On August 7 I signed up for a free trial with Shaw Academy. My class started at 10am on August 10 however I was 2 minutes late to this prerecorded class. I clicked on see the review, it asked me if I was sure and then charged me $69.99 for a membership. Immediately I cancelled the subscription using the number provided and saw that the transaction was still pending in the bank. I thought it was over but on August 12 I was charged the $69.99 on my debit card. I emailed the billing address explaining the situation making it clear that my purchase was unintentional, I did not use any of the services and I can't afford that right now. The next day I received an email back saying they would not give me a refund but instead would offer 6 months free. I responded insisting that I don't want 6 months free I just want my money back. When I pressed the button that unlocked the membership there was no warning that I was about to make a purchase. I am still within the window of my 4 week free trial and I would like a refund.

Unwillingly charged for subscription, after account cancellation failure. No warnings We're sent to let me know this was to happen.
After signing up for the free trial period on 7/14/2020, I immediately cancelled my subscription on the same day, as I was aware of the monthly charges that would be processed if not. The website cancelation process asked on about six different pages to confirm my cancellation, and I was confident it had processed and gone through as the final page clearly informed me of this fact. Throughout my free trial period I received countless emails regarding signing up for a diploma and paying an additional 39.99. Many of these emails ended up within my spam box, but none brought up any warnings of a subscription fee that was going to be charged. Thus adding more confirmation that I had cancelled. However, on 8/11/2020 I was charged the monthly 69.99 fee, and after contact with Aiden in billing support they claim not only did I not cancel, that I had received emails at least 3 days in advance to remind me of the charges- which I never did. Support simply kept repeating the same information, explaining they can only provide 'solutions that greatly outweigh the cost of the refund request'. It is clear here from the many reports of complaints occurring that this is simply not true. I would like a refund for a charges I did everything in my power to avoid, and that I was lead to believe would not occur.

Website was misleading and charged my card for a purchase that I did not intend to make. Cost was not clearly labeled & request for refund was denied
On August 13, 2020, I signed up for Shaw Academy's 4-week trial Photoshop course. My credit card information was required for me to proceed further. I agreed that I was willing to pay if I chose to continue after the 4-week trial.

After signing up, I scheduled my class sessions and clicked on the first module. In their Module 1 page, there was a button that said "download toolkit 1." I clicked it because I thought I would need that toolkit to proceed with their online lessons. I did not realize until after clicking that there was a price sign on that button. Given my understanding that the course was free, I was not expecting a cost to be attached to the module. As it turns out, there was messaging in very faint, light grey font saying that this was a "one-click purchase" and I was charged CAD $69.99 for clicking that button.

As I had not meant to purchase the toolkit, I did not download it onto my laptop and insured that I did not click any additional buttons on the website. Furthermore, I deleted the course from my account to prevent any further fraudulent charges.

Within 30 minutes of the initial sign-up, I tried to cancel the free 4-week trial, request a refund, and delete my account. However, the website does not allow me to directly cancel the account without talking to a customer representative.

I called the provided number (X-XXX-XXX-XXXX) and told the lady who picked up the call (Sodeeqah Abrahams) that I had changed my mind and that I would like a refund for the toolkit which I had unintentionally purchased.

However, she ignored my request and instead offered me a free e-certificate and free module 1 toolkit. When I pressed her about how to proceed with the refund request, she said I needed to send an email to their billing department at ***@shawacademy.com. I then sent an email to their billing department requesting the cancellation of my account and processing of the refund.

In addition, I contacted my credit company and the representative tried to talk to Shaw Academy and was also given the runaround. The credit card rep was unable to get past the automated messaging system as my "student number" was not "valid."

On August 14, 2020, Samantha from Shaw Academy replied that she "can confirm my membership is cancelled thus ensuring no further payments."
However, she also said that since I "manually unlocked Module 1 lessons from the member area," they are not able to process the refund. However, it is obvious from my account that none of the lessons were accessed before deletion.

The website was designed to be intentionally misleading and cause people to click for a download that required a purchase without clear, explicit messaging about the costs involved. Furthermore, the website requires numerous page views before providing a phone number and every single page of their website is filled with buttons trying to trick people into making a purchase.

What's stranger is that I was invoiced for a "Shaw Academy Premium Membership - Monthly Subscription," not a "Module 1 toolkit."

Canadian consumer protection rights should allow me to change my mind, especially as the website was designed to force people to unwittingly make a purchase. Their website is misleading and fraudulent in their claims of providing a free trial. I want a refund, but if not, at least, I want to warn everyone to not trust this falsely advertised "education" company. It will be a waste of your hard-earned money and valuable time.

Signed up for the free trial and was unable to access any of the "classes." I was also charged for purchases I did not agree to then refused a refund.
I saw an add for Shaw Academy and a free trial for the classes. When I signed up I was unable to access any of the content and therefore got nothing from it. At the same time I was charged for supposed "tools" that I would need in class without my consent. When I reaches out to them telling them I did not purchase the tools, I got no communication back for weeks, and when I finally reached out again they refused a refund or explanation for why I couldn't access classes. Still don't have my money back.

R1000 was taking from my account after I was told I won't be charged for material. Numerous emails was sent and tried to phone but no feedback.
On the 9/7/2020 I signed up for my free 4 week course. However decided to cancel as I can not afford to continue the course after the 4 week free trail and tried to cancel over the phone on the same day. The lady suggested to finish the 4 week free trail and she would offer the material fee as well as the certificate and after the 4 weeks I can cancel. I received an email confirming that I will not be charged for the material and certificate and later that same day 2 payment of R499 when out of my account that I did not authorize. I informed the bank of this immediately, but after a few weeks(05/08/2020) they said Shaw Academy is refusing the refund and that I need to contact them directly. I cancelled 21/09/2020 and have since sent about 7 emails 7/08/XXXX - XX:XXAM and again 13:44PM and received an response that they would get back to me in 1-2 business days and also an automatic response saying they would call. Then 2 follow up emails sent 13/08/20 and an automatic email was received asking to inform that they will get back as soon as possible and that I should let then know what day and time suites me for them to call. . Another follow up email sent 14/08/2020 and the same automatic response was received, however no feedback. Another follow up email was sent 17/08/2020 as no feedback received form Shaw Academy to date. I tried calling 17/08/2020 however I am unable to get through as my student number is incorrect according to them.

Refuse to refund although promised account & free trial was paused, and would resume at MY CONSENT in regards. Company resumed without consent.
I was promised a 30 day free trial for which I signed up for on may 31st, 2020. I called in June 17th before my free trial was up to cancel the subscription as I never utilized anything and wanted to ensure I wouldn't be charged and was making it known I was not consenting to any charges. The representative I spoke with stated she would pause my account, free trial and subscription for me to be able to resume whenever I had decided to and it would then allow my 30 day free trial to resume so I could see if it would be a good fit for me. Keep in mind the representative stated even after I received an e-mail while still on the phone about it resuming in July, that nothing would be resumed until I consented again and reinstated my account. Today August 17th, I got charged the full subscription today of $70 dollars. I never resumed any free trial, utilized any classes, & so forth to this date. When I even spoke to a representative this morning, the guy was even confused as he said he could see all of the notes noted on my account, that I had yet to utilize anything, the free trial was paused and instructed me to reach out to billing as they should be able to do something as I never used any services, personally resumed anything in regards to my account and it was probably a mistake. I received an e-mail from billing trying to tell me that they would not be allowing any refunds and that my account was never paused and that I failed to cancel before the end of my free trial period so they wouldn't do anything but could promise now they have cancelled but I have 6 month access? I find it very strange that I spoke to one representative this morning who could see everything, notes in regards to paused account no classes scheduled or free trial used at 9 am and at 10 am all of sudden the account was never paused, I just failed to cancel it in time? I never gave my consent for anything to resume, as I was told from a representative of the company, I could resume it whenever I decided to. Upon researching the company, I have found multiple complaints of the same issue and even more, even after cancelling the company still continuing to withdraw money from people even though they have not given any consent to which is why I wanted to leave this complaint to warn any one else from using this company.

AVOID! I signed up for a free trial and canceled through both my membership portal and then calling a phone number to complete the process. I kept documentation of phone calls and emails.
I was then charged for the next four months.

After calling me numerous times to try and sell me a "lifetime membership", I refused and they refunded half the amount. I then responded back to an email correspondence and asked where the remaining amount was. They called and once again tried to get out of refunding and said the remaining amount would be processed within 5 days. Only a remaining month was refunded, not two. I emailed them again and asked when the remaining month would be processed. A Shaw rep called, but then said someone had already talked with me and mumbled about someone calling me back and they hung up. I emailed them back and stated I was reporting their company.