Shaw Academy

I have been subjected to an act of entrapment where on the click of one button an amount of 29 EUR was taken from my AMEX account.
Dear Madam/Sir, Good day. As explained I want to complain about Sales malpractice in the way Shaw Academy entraps unsuspecting customers. An amount was taken from my American Express Account of 29 EUR.

This happened as while browsing the content of the course I managed to in one-click the section related to downloading content. Although I did not access the content it self never the less Shaw Academy charged 29 EUR.

Further background
I initially enrolled on a trial of the Design course for my own professional development. The trial was for free and was to last 45 days if I remember correctly. I enrolled on June 4, 2020. Some minutes later on the same day I unwittingly pressed the aforementioned button which then charged 29 EUR from my American Express account. Horrified that such a transaction occurred I immediately decided to cancel my account and raised a ticket with Shaw Academy to get a refund for the amount charged. The ticket number raised was #XXXXXXX.

Upon receiving my complaint Shaw Academy indicated that they could not refund the amount taken but were willing to give me free access to the Academy services for an amount of 199 EUR plus free e-certificate upon completion of the course. If replied that I wanted to cancel my account and have the 29 EUR refunded.

They replied back saying they could not refund me and offered improved conditions asking me to stay enrolled with them. In their reply they implied that they had not done anything improper and that I, the customer, was at fault, as the screen indicated it was a one-click purchase.. and that I knowingly purchased the 29 EUR download pack.

For me this is entrapment! It is not normal that a large amount is taken simply by one-click from a customer account. Especially when the customer has just joined the service minutes prior and has no idea how the service works.

Today I called Shaw Academy again to confirm that I am cancelling my account. Although they again tried to get me to stay by offering more access to their Service they accepted to have my account cancelled and sent me a confirmation. They also said that cannot do anything about the 29 EUR charged to my American Express account.

I imagine I am not the first nor even last customer of Shaw Academy to feel aggrieved at their sales practice entrapment to solicit money from unsuspecting customers. I hope you can bring instruction to them to review this practice. As customers we sign-up to on-line learning services in good faith and do not expect to have to go through such experiences.

Thank you. Kind regards

Signed up for a trial - it's impossible to cancel! This is unacceptable.
When you follow the steps to cancel, it leads you to a page that asks to call between 9am and 5pm EST. Every time I call, it rings once, and starts music. Nobody answers the phone, and there's no message of any kind to communicate it's even a business - just purely music.

This is the only way to cancel and avoid paying for this service, which I'm cancelling because it's also unfair that it promotes a promotional service (free) to then be forced to pay while inside anyways.

Everything about this experience feels like a consumer trap, and I don't think anyone should be subjected to this kind of challenge. No other service online makes it this difficult to cancel, and no other service is this deceptive with what you get.

I'm very disappointed and feel this company should be investigated for fraud. As evidenced by the number of complaints with the Revdex.com, this is a recurring problem, and it should be addressed.

I signed up- like many others - for a 'free' 4 week course that did not meet expectations. Upon cancelling, the number provided was not answered.
I signed up like many others for a free 4 week course saying I could cancel at any time. I have 3 days remaining before that month is up and have put a stop payment on my paypal so that they do not take any more money. When I attempted to cancel, it says I need to call a number but it just plays music and doesn't get answered effectively mean that I am unable to cancel my account. I accidentally clicked on one of their stupid one click purchases and requested a refund.

Shaw academy will not let me cancel my membership after the free trial date and will not respond back to the emails/ phone calls.

I called the customer service line and they did not cancel right after, they sent a email on may 29th stating that they will let me try the perks and if I am still not interested, I can cancel. I emailed them back on june 5th during their regular hours and no response. I called the number and they left me on hold for 15 minutes.
I have yet had the chance to cancel the membership.

SCAM!You offer a "Free 4 week trial" Then give NO WAY TO CANCEL. Calling your number results in hold music. Upcharges on everything. AVOID.
Cancel my account. NOW. Ive sat on hold for over an Hr with no answer because your website says to cancel you have to call in. It just plays hold music the whole time even "Monday through Friday 9-5 Eastern: as your site claims. Now I'm gonna have to order a new debt card and cancel my old one because you Scam piece of trash companies refuse to even let people "cancel" your trials. ON TOP OF THAT you up charge for EVERYTHING. Asking for "30$ for lesson material" and "50$ for a digital certificate" Go to *** you scam trash. CANCEL. MY. ACCOUNT. NOW.

Shaw Academy processed an unauthorized charge on my credit card and refused to refund the money although I have neverunever their services.
I joined what I thought was a free course but had to link to my PayPal.
Checked my PayPal a while later and seen a charge of $1 from Shaw Academy. But then there was a reimbursement of the $1 as well. I thought it was a bit odd but didn't think too much because it was just a dollar and was refunded. I didn't ended up using the courses I looked into because of my own time constraints figuring maybe I'll have time soon and check it out again. I signed up in March or April. Checked my PayPal last week and there is a charge for $70 no refund after this time. I quickly tried to find out why and seen that it's apparently a free trial which I didn't see. I tried to called thru the phone number as there is no other way given to cancel. The number gives you an automated voice who tells you to press buttons for certain help..when pressed the one for cancellations the automated person continues to try and upsell over and over. Finally after 5 or so minutes I'm able to cancel. Emailed the company to let them know what had happened and that I did not approve of them taking $70 out of my PayPal (attached to my credit card) they refused to refund and CONTINUED to try and upsell more to me.

Was denied refund after cancelling during the weekend.
I sent the following email to Shaw Academy after being charged for the service I did not use. They took no time to read the email and instead just replied with scripted answers saying I was NOT going to be refunded.

"I have cancelled my Shaw Academy account. I started the cancellation process on Saturday, May 30, when I received a code and was informed I needed to confirm my cancellation by phone. during regular EST business hours.

To my displeasure, on Monday, June 1, I was charged C$ 69.99 even though I had already started my cancellation process and was given no time to confirm cancelation by phone.

Today I was finally able to call and, after having a robot take me through exhaustive options to get me not to, cancel my subscription.

As I have not taken advantage of this platform at all, and was half way through cancelling, I would please like to be refunded the amount that was charged to my account."

Was told they cancelled my account when I called (mandatory to call) and then they are charging me again!
After fighting to get my first refund from an unauthorized charge from Shaw I was told my account was cancelled multiple times by multiple people. Imagine my surprise when I got billed another $35 for 4 weeks of access. This company is just a scam!

I subscribed to the 4 week program and cancelled immediately after 1 week with several emails after the week 1. With no answer, I submitted to PayPal
I subscribed to the 4 week program and cancelled immediately after 1 week with several emails after the week 1. With no answer, I submitted to PayPal. PayPal has decided to settle with seller even tho I provided 3 emails stating the dates and times I cancelled.

Signed up for a free trial. When it came time to cancel, they took money out of my account 3 days before the renewal date.
Renewal date was June 11. They took money out of my account on June 8th. When trying to cancel online, they make you call a phone number. No one answers the phone number. On hold for over an hour. No one ever picks up or returns the calls. They make it impossible to actually cancel a membership.

Student #XXXXX
I have tried to cancel, it tells me to call 732 702 3123 (I have the screen shot) but no one answers the phone, its just music.
When you call the cancellation number its just music. Just to get to the screen that says to cancel, call, you must say yes cancel like 5 times. Why can't they just cancel online?
On the Revdex.com website it lists a number as XXX XXX XXXX but that number is not in service.
I AM NOT PAYING FOR THIS SERVICE. I WANT IT CANCELLED IMMEDIATELY OR ELSE

In March, I subscribe for Shaw Academy (I assume it was when I click on an ad or something because since then I haven't opened their website and even couldn't remember their name). Since I signed up for this website, they didn't send me any emails later than March. At the end of May, I saw that Shaw Academy charged me for a paid subscription. Ok, technically it was my mistake, and I don't argue about it. But I'm wondering how a place that promises people to teach them marketing (as one of the options) demonstrate such a poor user experience:
1. You didn't send me any reminders that I'm supposed to pay soon although other online platforms sent me reminders when my trial period came to the end and I was supposed to start paying showing their high ethical standards (and I stay with them and pay them money). You also NEVER sent me a receipt that you charged a particular amount of money from my bank account.
2. When I tried to cancel my subscription, I COULDN'T DO it online. Shaw Academy requires me to give them a call during working hours to cancel it. How could t be such poor digital service in 2020?! Once again, I have several subscriptions, and I never had a problem to cancel or update them online.

Unable to cancel free trial subscription prior to end date of free trail. Emails and phone calls unanswered. No online ability or support to cancel.
Shaw Academy offered a free graphics course for the month of June. Credit card info was required to start free trial with the promise to not charge if the subscription is cancelled prior to end of trial date. I have had the free trail going for only a few days and I was getting spam emails for sales and course info that was wrong. I chose to remove my self from the trial offer. I have had no luck with being able to cancel my subscription online. They actually have you repeatedly click on cancel then leave you with a phone number to call to cancel. I have called this number several times and get nothing but music playing - on hold for nothing .I have emailed tech support, cancellations email address.. there has been no response and still I am getting spam emails and no cancellation or confirmation of cancellation. This I feel is a tactic to leave people helpless and possibly paying for something they don't want if they wait to long as there is no way to cancel.

Shaw Academy advertised a month long free trial period that you could cancel at anytime. Cancellation is impossible- the number provided is a dead end
On 5/29/2020 I signed up for a month long free trial of a graphic design course at Shaw Academy. It was an impulse decision based on an ad I saw on Instagram. I gave them my credit card info because the site very clearly stated that I could cancel at any time. As soon as I scheduled my first class, I started getting emails, hounding me, telling me I was missing my classes (at times that they weren't scheduled), telling me I'd be contacted by my instructor, that I was required to attend, that I was required to reschedule. That didn't sit right with me- this was supposed to be a free trial, I wasn't required to do anything. After a dozen emails I finally decided this was more trouble than it was worth and went to cancel- only to find it was impossible. You have to click "I want to cancel my membership and benefits" at least 5 separate times. And then the final page lists a phone number that you are required to call (X-XXX-XXX-XXXX) and your "student number" (in my case: XXXXX.) It also lists business hours as 11am-8pm EST. I called at 4pm EST and waited 20 full minutes. In that time the only thing I heard was various loops of hold music. No one answered the phone, not even an automated answer. And there was no option of entering any code in order to cancel. I then emailed their "billing" contact- told them what had happened and requested a way to cancel. They responded, provided me an ID number XXXXXXX and told me someone would be in touch in 48 hours or sooner. I don't have high hopes that anything will be resolved at that time.

Shaw Academy charged me $69.99 CAD during DAY ONE of my 4-week trial period without my knowledge, and now refuses to refund me.
On June 1, 2020, I created a 4-week free trial account with Shaw Academy's website (email attached showing date and timestamp of the free trial confirmation, as well as email showing receipt for $1 CAD charged for account registration, with timestamp).
On same day (June 1, 2020), the company, without my knowledge, moved my account to a Premium Membership, and charged my registered Paypal account $69.99 CAD. This was done without my knowledge, without any payment acknowledgement or approval from me. I was only aware when I checked my account profile and noticed the account status is now "Premium". I received an email receipt (attached with timestamp) indicating $69.99 was charged. Clearly as it is the SAME date I registered my FREE trial membership, there is no reason why I was charged the $69.99 (defeats purpose of FREE TRIAL).
I contacted Shaw Academy's customer service to resolve this matter and obtain a refund, and received this response from customer representative "Shane" on June 3, 2020:
- The subscription has been initiated as 4-week free trial.
- It was not cancelled during the trial period, so the payment was processed.
- We are unable to process subscription refunds unfortunately after the trial expiry, as per the terms and conditions.

The company attempted to close this matter with me by stating they cannot refund my money, but offering me 6 months of access for no further cost. This is unacceptable business practice, as I signed up for a 4 week free trial period, and on the very first day of my free trial, I was fraudulently charged $69.99 for a Premium Membership I did not want, and was not even informed of before the transaction processed. This is a fraudulent charge taken without my approval. I also have not taken any lessons nor received anything of value from this company from registration date to now (3 days).

I intend to share this terrible experience with Shaw Academy and their fraudulent sales practices with as many of my social network as possible (I work in the Education industry myself), local news media, and any other review websites.

I got charged after canceling twice, and was refused a refund both times. I lost over $100 from this. Feels like a scam. Still need my money back
Hi,

I once tried to cancel online and over the phone and my calls and emails were never returned. Then I got charged $60. I asked for a refund, was refused one, and was told they canceled my subscription for me. This month I got charged $60 AGAIN and when I emailed AGAIN asking for a refund I was, once again, refused one. I was told again that my subscription was canceled but I don't trust that because the same thing was said last time. I'm now out $120 for something I am not responsible for and it feels scammy. I know refunds are possible and it's so upsetting to me that I was not given one both times. What's worse is I was offered a "special deal" for free or whatever BOTH TIMES that money was taken from me. I don't know what to do because I really need a refund. That's a lot of money to take from someone.

Must call their number to cancel. 20 minutes, no answer, no message, just annoying music. Don't use this scam. They won't let you cancel.
I had my account for less than 2 days after realizing I couldn't actually study at my own pace. Tried to cancel, was told to call a service number to finalize, and do so. I sit on the line for a ridiculous amount of time without a message, acknowledgment, or machine. Just blaring music. I want out of this scam

Calling is the only way to request a refund and I can't get in touch with anyone! Feeling frustrated because I've been trying for over two weeks now.
I'm *** (Student Number XXXXX) and I've been trying to cancel my membership for over two weeks now. Every single time I call music plays, there are no directions given and I haven't been able to get in touch with anyone from the company and my credit card was charged $69.99 on May 24th, 2020. The website says to call and provide your student ID but how can I do so if no one will answer. After so many attempts to get in contact with them, someone finally answered today and says I mostly likely won't get a refund because I didn't cancel before the free trial ended. I've been trying to cancel before the trial ended however, it's not my fault that no one will answer and there are no verbal prompts. Not sure what kind of scam Shaw Academy is running but it's really not nice and is very unethical especially during a time like this. There should be an electronic way to cancel the free trial before you get charged. All I want is a refund and to never be charged again! This is really unprofessional. I've attached a screenshot of what the website tells me to do to cancel. The ticket number the women gave me is XXXXXXX.

Improperly labelled 1 click purchases have left me struggling to pay bills as they have taken £80.
I signed up, am looking at the home page. I see a button which says "diploma certificate", I click this and I get a thank you message saying I can download the certificate. I think nothing of it and do the same for a "tool kit". Turns out these buttons are 1 click purchases and they charged me £39.90 for the certificate (no where does it mention price) and then again for the tool kit.

I wouldn't have even know I was charged unless I had checked my bank.

I emailed them to ask for my account to be deleted and to request a refund, they replied and said they can't refund as I have the tool kit ( they didn't mention the certificate). They offered me an additional tool kit and certificate rather than a refund. This may be a kind offer but is unacceptable.

1. The 1 click purchase is completly unnecessary and not best practice at all. I can see I am not the only one to be caught/ tricked by this.

2. I have not downloaded the tool kit, I have not viewed it at all, I request my account be deleted and the refund made.

3. The certificate would not be awarded until the end of the course so this can definitely be cancelled and refunded.

My hours have been significantly cut down due to covid 19 and £79.90 leaving my account is going to cause me significant problems with paying bills. That was essentially all my groceries money.

This just feels so sneaky. I demand a full refund, I do not want the extra tool kits or certificates, I want to be able to eat. Please have some kindness and refund this clearly mistaken purchase.

And please remove the 1 click purchase or at least include a confirmation box, this is insanely bad practice.

I have no intention of continuing any courses, and will cancel the free trial once I am assured a refund is on the way.

I would like to reiterate how much I need that money right now, when it happened and I got the email from you to say you would not refund, I nearly had a break down.

Please do the right thing here.

It was clearly an accidental purchase for both tool kit and certificate, due to single click purchase, little signage, poor communication.

Please do the right thing.

Payment date 03/06/20
Amount two purchases of £39.95
I assume payment was from my card details

I was coaxed into a free trial. There is no way to quit. Numerous emails & phone calls, I've reached no one. They continue to bill $69.99/mo.
I was interested in specific content regarding online marketing courses a month ago. The site promised a free trial period - cancel at any time. There IS no way to cancel, so they are continuing to bill me $69.99 / mo. There is a link on their website that goes through a series of high pressure sales messages - 8 screens in all, promising to take you to the cancellation. At the end there is only a phone number, which they do not answer. I have been calling numerous times a week, on hold sometimes for more than half an hour, but there is no response. I've emailed their customer service email, but no response there either.