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Scribd Reviews Summary

The company's reputation is significantly marred by widespread customer dissatisfaction, particularly concerning its subscription model and customer service. Many users report unauthorized charges, difficulties in canceling subscriptions, and a lack of responsive support, leading to perceptions of deceptive practices. While some customers acknowledge the potential value of the service for avid readers, these positives are overshadowed by frustrations with the platform's functionality and the quality of customer interactions. Overall, the feedback indicates a pressing need for improved communication and more transparent billing practices to restore customer trust.

This summary is generated by AI, based on text from customer reviews

service
164
value
151
shipping
87
returns
120
quality
141

We monitor reviews for authenticity

Australia
1 review
3 helpful votes
Follow Troy P.
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Scammer
February 28, 2020

I signed up for a 30 day trial on 31/12/19 and cancelled on 25/01/20 within 30 days.

You charge PayPal $9.89 USD despite only agreeing to ever pay $8.99 USD

I dispute it you lie to PayPal.

I cancel on PayPal on the 7/2 and then log in today and you were going to charge me again
Ok couldn't view books on my phone so your service is not fit for purpose.

I will contact the bank who's credit card you charged and dispute it

I will be asking for a copy of the merchant slip I signed accepting your terms of trade with my signature

04. 03. 20 my ticket number is ******* and I will be listing on all sites that accept reviews what you have done till resolved

Date of experience: February 27, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Troy, thank you for the feedback. We're sorry for the cancellation difficulties you've encountered, as well as the confusion with the tax charged. I’m happy to help with any questions you have about your subscription.

In some countries or localities, a premium membership with Scribd is subject to tax. Where applicable, you’ll see tax charged on your subscription payment. The amount charged depends on your local tax laws, based on where your payment method is registered. Taxes may be subject to change as determined by your city, state, or country. Many localities have recently initiated new tax rules for online purchases or subscription services. However, your subscription rate itself has not changed.

We are more than happy to take a look at your account and confirm that you have canceled this subscription, and answer any further questions you may have. Reach out to [email protected] and update this review with your support ticket number so we can follow up with you. Thanks!

Australia
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow gary H.
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I tried their site for the free month and read only one article that was not helpful, and I sent them an email saying I did not wish to continue but they have been charging my card ever since and ignore and requests and never reply I thing it is a total SCAM stay away and report them

Date of experience: February 24, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Gary, we're truly sorry for the experience here and we would be glad to make sure this subscription is completely canceled for you. If you have already reached out to [email protected], then update this review with your ticket number so we can follow up. Thanks!

Texas
1 review
3 helpful votes
Follow Ashley G.
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This website has committed fraudulence on hundreds of people. I have had $83.54 stolen from me. THIS IS A SCAM! I urge anyone who is thinking about subscribing to this website, to look away immediately. I hate this because I am a broke, college kid who pays for school independently! I had never even heard of the website until I saw monthly charges on my account! And no, Jerry G, I don't need or want your response. I believe you are the sole creator of this monstrosity and I am very upset by the decisions you have made. How dare you.

Date of experience: February 20, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hey Ashley - We apologize for any confusion or frustration here! Just to clarify, Scribd does not "sign up" or "start subscriptions" for our users without their consent. In order for someone to have an active subscription with us, the only way to do so would be for them to sign up when creating an account or restart/renew their membership from their Account Settings page. We'd be more than happy to look into this for you and make things right. If you could please email us at [email protected] and provide your support ticket #, we can get you connected with someone who can help with this right away. Thanks!

Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Charee J.
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Horrible Site!
February 16, 2020

I signed up for scribd and like everyone else keep getting charged despite cancelling. Company is horrible and says they will only refund 30 days despite charging me for a full 4 months. I would like a full refund

Date of experience: February 15, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Charee - We apologize for any frustration here. We'd be happy to take a second look and have a specialist assist you in resolving this. If you haven't already, please reach out to our support team at [email protected] and update your review with your ticket number. Once this is done, we'll have someone follow up with you right away. Thanks!

GB
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Jono R.
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Fraudulent company
February 15, 2020

Cancelled subscription straight away, got a confirmation. They kept charging me, wouldn't respond to emails.
I reported SCRIBD INC to my bank who said they are recognised as scammers and have been reported to the consumer complaints commission and UK banking ombudsman.
I am getting my money back via my bank but others may not be as lucky.

Date of experience: February 15, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Jono - We were able to locate the support ticket that you sent into us this morning. As a gentle reminder, wait times for a response from our support team can take up to one business day. Upon review of your account, there was no previous cancellation performed by you and we can also confirm that you did not enter the cancellation flow. We've gone ahead and canceled your subscription and refunded the most recent charge in accordance with our Refund Policy (https://support.scribd.com/hc/en-us/articles/210133986-Refunds). Please allow 3-5 business days for these funds to be credited back to you. We've also followed up via email with all of this information so that you may have it for your records. Thanks for your patience!

Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
Follow Harrison B.
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Never have been to this site or heard of it until I see its charging my card for no reason like wtf stop charging me for $#*! I never signed up for

Date of experience: February 12, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Harrison - Our support team is more than happy to investigate this and stop any future charges. Please reach out to us at [email protected] and update your review with your ticket number. Once this is done, we'll get you connected with a specialist who can assist ASAP. Thanks!

Texas
1 review
8 helpful votes
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Disappointed and duped
February 10, 2020

This is one at the worst audiobook services that I've ever used (and trust me, I've tried them all!) The more you use their services, the more of your "saved" list they take away from by saying the title (conveniently) will not be available until the day after your free trial ends. Boycotting this app not just for the dishonest billing policies but on principle if nothing else

Date of experience: February 9, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi there Jacklyn, we can assure you that the free-trial we offer to new subscribers is the same as how your subscription would work while it's being paid for. While you may find some titles not immediately available due to individual reading habits, there will always be something to read or listen to! Our article here, https://bit.ly/2yPhpTq can help you with this, or we encourage you to email us at [email protected] so we can look at your account and provide a more personalized answer regarding this. Thanks!

California
1 review
52 helpful votes
Follow robbie p.
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You guys are crooks! When i finally get an email back after numerous complaints. It states you cant find my info. I cant log on because my account dose not exist. NO CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT! Now they take the payment 3 days earlier when it used to be taken out on the 10th. Maybe we need to find an attorney who will handle a class action law suit against these bastards. I wonder how much they have stolen from numerous people over the years.

Date of experience: February 7, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi there Robbie, we're truly sorry for the cancelation difficulties you experienced here and we would be happy to look into this for you. Please update this review with your support ticket number so we can be sure to follow up, thanks!

New York
1 review
3 helpful votes
Follow Serena G.
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I registered for a trial, and forgot to cancel the membership. I was fine at that time for the fact that they charged me five months, because I forgot to cancel the membership. I asked them to cancel my membership immediately and it was cancelled. I thought everything should be fine. HOWEVER, after a year I found out they are still charging me money EVERY MONTH. I sent email to them and they said they can't find the purchase and there's nothing they can do about it. Now they don't reply my email anymore. They just disappeared. I can't imagine how many customers are being cheated by them right now because they don't check their credit card item one by one. I've already had an attorney on board on this. This is a total crime.

Date of experience: February 6, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi there Serena, that definitely sounds frustrating and it is not our intention to keep you waiting so long for a reply from us. Can you please update this review with the support ticket number you received when you emailed us last so we can follow up on this? Thanks!

Georgia
1 review
4 helpful votes
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UPDATE A Reply from ScribD About My Post Here
February 5, 2020
Updated review

I Did contact customer care and after 3 exchanges your rep Finally admitted that some may not see your practices as Limitted, "depends how you define Unlimitted" is how she put it. News Flash! Unlimited gas already been defined and it means Without Limit... apparently not to companies looking to bamboozle the public.

I also have a problem Paying for a service that Pads their library with FREE LibriVox books & other Public Domain books. And then to tell me I have a free month credited to my account is ludicrous considering I would have to resume my membership. That is Not "Free" if I have to auth ScribD to charge my card. And after the numerous complaints about ScribD continuing to charge after cancelation, I am Not likely to trust ScribD with my authorization. I'd have to be an idiot to do so, especially after being scammed on the NOT unlimited Bait n Switch, the Attempt to Redefine Unlimited,, and seeing the Horrible reviews. My only regret is that I didn't check reviews Before I bothered with ScribD. But I will Warn everyone I can to check reviews first

Date of experience: February 5, 2020

Bait & Switch! NOT Unlimitted As Advertised!
January 17, 2020
Previous review

They advertise Unlimited but as soon as they see your interests, especially in series books, Suddenly the books become "unavailable" until whatever your next payment date. When I contacted them I was told it was coincidence, then in the second communication the CSR said that they rotate their books, in the 3rd round thr rep Finally came as close to Admitting it as they could by saying "Well, some may think its limited but it depends how you define Unlimitted". I canceled and said that Unlimited Means Without Limit! The next day I got a message that my Canceled account was given a free month. Nice try, but No Sale!

UPDATE: I Did contact customer care and after 3 exchanges your rep Finally admitted that some may not see your practices as Limitted, "depends how you define Unlimitted" is how she put it. News Flash! Unlimited gas already been defined and it means Without Limit... apparently not to companies looking to bamboozle the public.

I also have a problem Paying for a service that Pads their library with FREE LibriVox books & other Public Domain books. And then to tell me I have a free month credited to my account is ludicrous considering I would have to resume my membership. That is Not "Free" if I have to auth ScribD to charge my card. And after the numerous complaints about ScribD continuing to charge after cancelation, I am Not likely to trust ScribD with my authorization. I'd have to be an idiot to do so, especially after being scammed on the NOT unlimited Bait n Switch, the Attempt to Redefine Unlimited,, and seeing the Horrible reviews. My only regret is that I didn't check reviews Before I bothered with ScribD. But I will Warn everyone I can to check reviews first

Date of experience: January 16, 2020
Wisconsin
1 review
3 helpful votes
Follow Bee F.
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Never heard of this company, nor did I sign up for it, yet I am being charged for two months of it. REFUND MY MONEY. This is pathetic. I am reporting this as fraud to my bank.

Date of experience: January 31, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi there Bee, we're truly sorry for the confusion here and our team of dedicated support specialists would be happy to help. Please reach out to [email protected] to connect with us, then update this review with your ticket number so we can follow up - Thanks!

Spain
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Arya F.
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Unfortunatelly not all the books I'd like to read can be found on scribd and some oif them are only in audio format which I don't like either. Still it's nor a bad option especially if you're looking for something inexpensive. Once I also had to pay for one month of inactive subscription, and the problem was about apple subscriptions and how they work rather than about scribd. Or at least that's what their support agent said, but that's kind of weird...

Date of experience: January 30, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hey Arya - Thanks for your review! You raise some very good points, and I think our team will benefit from hearing them. I’ll be taking your thoughts and feedback back to my team for them to review when it’s time to revisit our current policies. We’ll continue to discuss our readers’ feedback as we grow and shape the future of Scribd, and I appreciate you taking the time to be a part of that. We wish you all the best and hope that you continue to enjoy Scribd. Thanks again!

Australia
1 review
2 helpful votes
Follow Allendre S.
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SCAM! STAY AWAY!
January 27, 2020

They take your money even after you have canceled the subscription! Scammers.
FRAUDULENT. Then once canceled it takes a month for the cancellation to actually happen.

Date of experience: January 26, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi there Allendre, we're truly sorry for the difficulties you had canceling your subscription with us. When you cancel your subscription, we'll ensure it remains active until the end of the month that you've paid for, but will not bill you again. We recommend checking out this article on how to successfully cancel your subscription located here https://support.scribd.com/hc/en-us/articles/210134046. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] for support. Take care!

Italy
1 review
18 helpful votes
Follow Cristiano D.
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They say you have a month to try this app and you can cancel your subscription anytime you want. Well I did it immediately because I realized very soon that their material didn't interest me, but the button to cancel your subscription, takes you in another page and you think they won't take your money, but that's wrong because the only way to stop them is by removing them from paypal or changing your credit card.

Date of experience: January 21, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Cristiano - When you cancel your subscription with us, you will immediately receive a confirmation email of the cancellation to your primary email address on file. If you did not receive this confirmation email from us, then the subscription cancellation was not completed by you. We make this very clear in our cancellation guide, found here: https://support.scribd.com/hc/en-us/articles/210134046-How-to-cancel-your-premium-membership

Please reach out to our support team at [email protected] and we'd be happy to get this resolved for you ASAP. Thanks!

Canada
1 review
3 helpful votes
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Continued charging
January 16, 2020

I canceled my membership right after it began as Scribd didn't have the book I needed. When I saw my card has been charged the next month I tried to email and call multiple times but no response. My card has continuously been charged for 8 months now and I can't contact anyone at Scribd. DO NOT GET THIS MEMBERSHIP.

Date of experience: January 16, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Lindsay, we're truly sorry to hear of the difficulties and would be happy to look into this for you. We do not offer phone support at all, however please update your review with the ticket number associated with the email you sent us and we would be happy to follow up and look at your account. Thanks!

California
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow David T.
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Continued Charging
January 10, 2020

I am being charged even after canceling my subscription last year. The lack of a phone number or actual response from Scribd adds to my frustration. I can't even remove my card details from their site. This is unacceptable. Stay away from this site.

Date of experience: January 9, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi there David, We're truly sorry for the difficulties you've encountered with the cancelation of your membership with us and would be happy to look into this for you. Please update your review with the ticket number associated with the email you sent us, and we'll follow up with you after that. Thanks!

Sweden
1 review
1 helpful vote
Follow Tatyana O.
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Ticket nr. #*******.

In August 2018 they advertised with the "free trial"-offer. Again. I was stupid enough to click on it, and what happened? I was charged. Mailing back and forth with the costumer service, they admitted that the fault was theirs, that "it should have displayed a message letting you know that the account did not qualify for the free trial offer since it's an account that has been in the system for a little close to 3 years now", yet I got no refund. But this is not all. Of course I cancelled the whole subscription - but now I just found out that they have actually been charging me monthly since August 2018 (on one of my less overviewed accounts)! If this is not a fraud I do not know what is. Absolutely unspeakable. You wonder what the costumer service education actually looks like. I have just e-mailed them and demanded a refund, but I doubt that they have shame enough to give me me money back. Theft is the word. I wish, wish, wish I had read the reviews before having anything to do with them as a scholar. I am devastated. Will warn everyone I know.

--- UPDATE:
Scribd refuse to meet my request, and claim I made the subscription. They blame their costumers for not remembering that free trials are for "new members only". Ever heard of Netflix charging the costumers who forget that and happen to click on their offer? I will now call my card issuer for a chargeback.

Date of experience: January 5, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Tatyana - Your case was escalated to one of our support specialists who has just responded to your support ticket. Please continue to follow up with them via email with any further questions or concerns in the meantime. Thanks!

Missouri
1 review
5 helpful votes
Follow Madaleine M.
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I wish I'd seen these reviews before subscribing to Scribd. Similar experience of being charged for four months after the subscription was canceled, catching the error on my bank account, and then having to go back, and forth by email with a bunch of dullards pising as customer service representatives. My case involves actual fraud, as they attributed charges made to my credit card to another subscription.
As an attorney, I will be taking further action if they do not remedy their mistake today. Please consider doing likewise. Fraud by internet companies costs consumers thousands of dollars every year, and is also a crime.

Date of experience: January 3, 2020
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Madaleine - Upon review, it looks like one of our specialists, Vanessa, was able to get this resolved for you in your support ticket, #2467073. You've been issued refunds for the additional months as a one-time courtesy, your subscription is canceled, and you will not be billed further. Please allow 3-5 business days for these funds to be credited back to you. Thanks!

Oklahoma
1 review
3 helpful votes
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Poor Business Practice
December 31, 2019

This site offers a lot of books and audiobooks for around $10.00 per month. However, in other categories it is mostly input from fellow users so you'll find several instances of poorly uploaded material. I am mainly giving them 2 stars because of their very poor customer service. After having a subscription for over a year, I went in to renew my credit card information (my card was about to expire) and before I could do so, they had frozen my account. When I inquired about what had happened, I received an email saying I had made a fraudulent claim against them which was totally false. When I addressed this, I received no response. I emailed again and nothing. Finally, after not contacting me following my inquiries, they deleted my account. So, there's some good stuff here but don't expect much from the company itself.

Date of experience: December 30, 2019
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Bailey - This definitely sounds frustrating. We'd like to take a second look at this and escalate your case to see what happened and make things right. Could you update your review with your ticket number? Once this is done, we'll get this sorted out for you. Thanks!

Italy
1 review
3 helpful votes
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If you are a creator of any content, scribd allows anybody to post it, and profits from it without any right to do so. Then the author and copyright holder, has to chase down each link and try to get it removed from the website. Years of work shamelessly stolen from thousands of creators. That's what scribd is...

Date of experience: December 26, 2019
Scribd S. — Scribd Rep
over a year old

Hi Robert - We apologize for any confusion here, and we'd be happy to provide some clarification.

All documents on Scribd are uploaded by our users without editorial approval or intervention from Scribd employees. We have no specific information about agreements between our users and third parties. Scribd enters into no special agreements with users apart from our General Terms of Use and related policies.

If you are the copyright holder of a document that is on Scribd without authorization, please see our Copyright Resource Center (http://scribd.com/copyright) for instructions on how to request removal of the document. Thanks!

From the business

Explore over 170 million documents and counting from a global community of users. Find and upload text on every topic and niche, including research papers, official government documents, user manuals, and more!

Our monthly subscription starts at just $11.99 USD and automatically renews unless the subscription is canceled at least 24 hours prior to the next billing date.
A Scribd monthly subscription also includes access to Everand (ebooks, audiobooks, and more) and SlideShare (presentations and professional content).

Please visit our Help Center for answers to frequently asked questions and the option to connect with our support team for further assistance: https://support.scribd.com/hc/categories/360005188511


scribd.com
Founded in 2007
San Francisco, California, United States