ComplaintsforSouthern Maryland News

• Initial Complaint

  07/05/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  They keep sending me bills with different names with my surname. I have never subscribed to their service/product. After multiple attempts to let them know that no one lives in the address with the name they are sending bills to my address, they are not stopping to send me the bills. No one answers to the phone number provided for the customer service.

  Bureau response

  07/05/2023

  Sharif ****
  
  * *** *****
  
  
  Dear Sharif ****:
  
  Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received the complaint that you submitted on 7/3/2023 against Southern Maryland News.  For your records, this complaint was assigned ID ******** in our system.
  
  Before BBB can proceed with the conciliation process, we need some clarification from you on the following issues.
  
  Please provide a bill.
  
  Once clarification has been received, BBB will be able to continue processing of the complaint. Please be aware that should BBB not receive clarification within 5 calendar days the complaint must be closed accordingly, if you require additional time to provide a response please let me know and I can provide you an extension.
  
  

  If you received this complaint via Postal Mail, you may respond online using the link below or respond by mail using the address above.
  To access/respond to this complaint online:
  Go to: ****************
  Enter the following code: **************

  Thank you for your prompt reply.
  

  Sincerely,

  Heather ******
  Dispute Resolution Specialist
  *************************
  Phone: ###-###-####

  Customer response

  07/05/2023

  Please find the copy of the bill attached.

  Bureau response

  07/06/2023

  Southern Maryland News 
  ** *** *** ****** ** *****
  
  
  Dear Representative Southern Maryland News:
  
  Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received additional information from one of your consumers. The original complaint was submitted on 7/3/2023 and was assigned an ID of  ********. Below is the information provided by the consumer. BBB requests that you please review this information and respond within 7 calendar days of receipt of this notice. All responses will be copied to the complainant.

  
  

  If you received this complaint via Postal Mail, you may respond online using the link below or respond by mail using the address above.
  To access/respond to this complaint online:
  Go to: ****************
  Enter the following code: **************

  Please understand that the consumer’s complaint and your response may be publicly posted on the BBB Web site (BBB reserves the right to not post in accordance with BBB policy). Please do not include any information that personally identifies your customer. By submitting your response, you are representing that it is a truthful account of your experience with this consumer. BBB may edit the complaint or your response to protect privacy rights and to remove inappropriate language.
  
  If you should have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
  

  Sincerely,

  Heather ******
  Dispute Resolution Specialist
  *************************
  Phone: ###-###-####

  CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE INFORMATION
  
  Customer Information:
  Sharif ****
  
  * ** *****
  
  Daytime Phone: ###-###-####
  E-mail: *********************
  
  
  The details of this matter are as follows:
  Complaint Involves:
  Advertising Issues
  
  Customer’s Statement of the Problem:
  They keep sending me bills with different names with my surname. I have never subscribed to their service/product. After multiple attempts to let them know that no one lives in the address with the name they are sending bills to my address, they are not stopping to send me the bills. No one answers to the phone number provided for the customer service.

  
  
  
  Desired Settlement:
  No further contact by the business
  
   

  Additional Comments from Consumer:
  Please find the copy of the bill attached.

  Bureau response

  07/13/2023

  Southern Maryland News 

  ** *** *** ******* ** *****
  
  
  Dear Representative Southern Maryland News:
  
  

  This is our second attempt regarding this complaint. For your reference, the complaint was submitted on 7/3/2023 and was assigned an ID of ********.  

   

  BBB forwarded you a complaint filed by Sharif ****. We have not received your response in the time frame allotted. If you have responded directly to your consumer and reached a resolution, let us know so our records are current. If this was a simple oversight, please provide your response at this time. BBB understands that there are two sides to every story is interested in your perspective.

  
  In the interest of time and good customer relations, please provide BBB with written verification of your position in this matter within 7 calendar days.   
  
  We encourage you to use our ONLINE COMPLAINT system to respond to this complaint. If you received this complaint via email, the fastest and easiest way to view and respond is to the simply click on the “Respond to this Complaint”, link located on the left, when you are ready to answer. 
    
  

  If you received this complaint via Postal Mail, you may respond online using the link below or respond by mail using the address above.
  To access/respond to this complaint online:
  Go to: ****************
  Enter the following code: **************

   

  Please understand that the consumer's complaint and your response may be posted on the BBB Website (BBB reserves the right to not post in accordance with BBB policy). Please do not include any information that personally identifies your customer. By submitting your response, you are representing that it is a truthful account of your experience with this consumer. BBB may edit the complaint or your response to protect privacy rights and to remove inappropriate language. 

   

  We look forward to your prompt attention to this matter.
  

  Sincerely,

  Heather ******
  Dispute Resolution Specialist
  *************************
  Phone: ###-###-####

   

  CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE INFORMATION
  
  Customer Information:
  Sharif ****
  
  * ** *****
  Daytime Phone: ###-###-####
  E-mail: *********************
  
  
  The details of this matter are as follows:

  Complaint Involves:
  Advertising Issues
  
  Customer’s Statement of the Problem:
  They keep sending me bills with different names with my surname. I have never subscribed to their service/product. After multiple attempts to let them know that no one lives in the address with the name they are sending bills to my address, they are not stopping to send me the bills. No one answers to the phone number provided for the customer service.

   

  
  
  
  
  Desired Settlement:
  No further contact by the business
  
   

  
  Additional Comments from Consumer:
  Please find the copy of the bill attached.

  Bureau response

  07/21/2023

  Southern Maryland News
  ** *** *** ****** ** *****
  
  RE: Final Notice of Complaint
  
  Dear Representative Southern Maryland News:

   

  This message is in regard to a complaint submitted to the BBB about your business on 7/3/2023 by Sharif ****.  This complaint was assigned ID ********.
  
  

  Why am I receiving a "final notice" letter?

  Previously our office provided your company with a complaint from the consumer listed above. Our records indicate that we have not yet received a written response from you to address this matter. Please note, this will be our final attempt to contact you about this matter.

   

  How do I take care of this?

   

  Your BBB is requesting a written response to this complaint by (7) seven calendar days, Your prompt and professional response greatly enhances the chance for a successful resolution. We encourage you to use our ONLINE COMPLAINT system to respond to this complaint. If you received this complaint via email, the fastest and easiest way to view and respond is to the simply click on the “Respond to this Complaint”, link located on the left, when you are ready to answer. 

    
  

  If you received this complaint via Postal Mail, you may respond online using the link below or respond by mail using the address above.
  To access/respond to this complaint online:
  Go to: ****************
  Enter the following code: **************

  What should I include in my response?

  Please provide an explanation of the events from your perspective and/or a concrete plan for how to work toward a resolution. Copies of any supporting documents can be uploaded to the caselink or forwarded via email, fax, or postal mail. BBB also offers mediation and binding arbitration services to help resolve particularly difficult or

  complex situations. These services may be an effective means of resolving the matter without going to court. If you are interested in utilizing these services, please confirm this interest in your written response and your caseworker will follow up with additional information.

  
  

  What information will be posted to the website?

  Please understand that the complaint content and your response will be publicly posted on the BBB web site (BBB reserves the right to not post in accordance with BBB policy). Please do not include any information that personally identifies your customer. By submitting your response, you are representing that it is a truthful account of your

  experience with this consumer. BBB may edit the complaint or your response to protect privacy rights and to remove inappropriate language.

  
  

  What will happen if I do not submit a written response?

  Your BBB develops and maintains Business Profiles on companies in our service area. This information is available to the public and is frequently used by potential customers. Your cooperation in responding to this complaint becomes part of your BBB Business Profile. Failure to give attention to this matter may be reflected in the report we provide to consumers about your company and may have a negative effect on your BBB Rating.

  
  

  What if I've already resolved the matter directly with the customer?

  Great! Please just provide us a description of what you did to resolve the matter in writing so that we may update the case and close it out accordingly.

   

  Sincerely,
  
  Heather ******
  Dispute Resolution Specialist
  *************************
  Phone: ###-###-####
  

   

  
  
  CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE INFORMATION
  
  Customer Information:
  Sharif ****
  
  * ** *****
  Daytime Phone: ###-###-####
  E-mail: *********************
  
  
  The details of this matter are as follows:
  Complaint Involves:
  Advertising Issues
  
  Customer’s Statement of the Problem:
  They keep sending me bills with different names with my surname. I have never subscribed to their service/product. After multiple attempts to let them know that no one lives in the address with the name they are sending bills to my address, they are not stopping to send me the bills. No one answers to the phone number provided for the customer service.
   
  
  
  
  
  Desired Settlement:
  No further contact by the business
  
  
  Additional Comments from Consumer:
  Please find the copy of the bill attached.

  Business response

  07/24/2023

  Thank you for bringing this to our attention at APG Media of Chesapeake, The Southern Maryland News. I am sorry to hear that it has been such a struggle to be able to reach a live person within our company. We will be looking into this and working to resolve any future problems as such to help alleviate others frustrations. The subscription that you noted you had been receiving was a free trial at no cost to you. The renewal notice that was mailed to you was if you chose to continue to receive the Southern Maryland News, you could mail in a payment with that slip, however, if you chose not to sign up, that is perfectly fine and you can discard that renewal notice and any future ones from us. I have put a stop to the current free delivery of the Southern Maryland News as of this week. If you decide sometime in the future that you would like to sign up, please do not hesitate to contact myself. 

   

  Thank you,

  Heather ******

  Circulation Manager

  *******************

  ###-###-####

  Bureau response

  07/24/2023

  Sharif ****
  
  *** *****
  
  
  Dear Sharif ****:
  
  This message is in regard to your complaint submitted on 7/3/2023 against Southern Maryland News.  Your complaint was assigned ID ********. 

   

  BBB has received a formal response from Southern Maryland News. We ask that you review the response and understand that BBB is here to assist both parties in reaching a fair and reasonable resolution.

  Please review their response to your complaint and advise us of your position in the matter within 5 calendar days. If we do not hear back from you, BBB will assume you are satisfied and will close your complaint as answered.

  Please be sure to indicate whether the business' response is satisfactory or not and how you would like to proceed in this matter.

  If you received this complaint via Postal Mail, you may respond online using the link below or respond by mail using the address above.
  To access/respond to this complaint online:
  Go to: ****************
  Enter the following code: **************

  Sincerely,

  Heather ******
  Dispute Resolution Specialist
  *************************
  Phone: ###-###-####

  
  MESSAGE FROM BUSINESS:
  
  

  Thank you for bringing this to our attention at APG Media of Chesapeake, The Southern Maryland News. I am sorry to hear that it has been such a struggle to be able to reach a live person within our company. We will be looking into this and working to resolve any future problems as such to help alleviate others frustrations. The subscription that you noted you had been receiving was a free trial at no cost to you. The renewal notice that was mailed to you was if you chose to continue to receive the Southern Maryland News, you could mail in a payment with that slip, however, if you chose not to sign up, that is perfectly fine and you can discard that renewal notice and any future ones from us. I have put a stop to the current free delivery of the Southern Maryland News as of this week. If you decide sometime in the future that you would like to sign up, please do not hesitate to contact myself. 

   

  Thank you,

  Heather ******

  Circulation Manager

  *******************

  ###-###-####

  Customer response

  07/24/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Sharif ****

  Bureau response

  07/24/2023

  Complaint Handler
  Southern Maryland News 
  ** *** *** ******* ** *****  
  
  Dear Complaint Handler:
  
  This message is in regard to a complaint submitted to BBB about your business on 7/3/2023 by Sharif ****. This complaint was assigned ID ********.
  
  BBB would like to thank you for your cooperation and response to the above-referenced consumer's complaint. After forwarding the consumer your response, the consumer notified our office the matter is resolved. Therefore we have closed this case accordingly.
  
  If you have any questions, however, we are happy to assist you. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter and for your support of our self-regulatory goal.
   
  Each year, millions of consumers contact BBB for pre-purchase information, and your response to this dispute will assist your future customers with making valuable purchasing decisions.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Heather ******
  Dispute Resolution Specialist
  *************************
  Phone: ###-###-####
  
  MESSAGE:
  
  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Sharif ****

  Bureau response

  07/24/2023

  Sharif ****
  
  ** *****
  
  
  Dear Sharif ****,
  
  This message is regarding Complaint ID # ********- Southern Maryland News
  
  

  Thank you for using BBB Serving Greater Maryland to assist you in the resolution of your complaint. If you were pleased with the free service you received, you might consider a tax-deductible donation to the BBB Maryland Foundation.

  
  Your BBB® is a leader in providing a variety of educational outreach programs to help prevent members of our community from becoming victims of untrustworthy transactions and scams. Below is a brief sample of the many free services your BBB provides to the Maryland community:
  

  * BBB Shred Day: Did you know Maryland ranks 9th in the country for Identity Theft victims? BBB Serving Greater Maryland provides free annual document shredding to all Maryland residents to help fight this rising statistic.
  

  * BBB Military LINE: Military members and their families are a favorite target of scam artists and unscrupulous businesses. BBB Serving Greater Maryland partners with Ft. Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground and other military resources to offer educational programs to keep our service members protected and informed.
  

  * BBB Outsmarting Investment Fraud: Most people are familiar the words' Ponzi scheme's or shell company's;, but may not know how identify them. BBB has partnered with FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) to educate Maryland residents & senior citizens about the psychology of fraudsters and the tactics used to swindle life savings
  
  Your tax-deductible donation will help ensure these services continue to be provided to your local community.
  
  

  Follow the link below to make a secure online donation:
  
  

  ****************
  
  

  If you would prefer to donate by check, please make checks payable to the "BBB Educational Foundation" and send via postal mail to:
  
  

  BBB Serving Greater Maryland

  Attn: BBB Maryland Foundation

  *** ** ***** **** *** **** ********** ** *****
  
  

  The BBB Maryland Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization funded solely through donations and receives no state or federal money. Our federal ID number is **********. Your time and consideration is greatly appreciated!

  Heather ******
  Dispute Resolution Specialist
  *************************
  Phone: ###-###-####

• Initial Complaint

  08/10/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Southern Maryland News keeps sending us renewal notices for subscriptions to their paper which we did not subscribe to. We had this happen to us now several times before. Liaison with their office and explaining the issues works temporality; however; the harassment is starting all over again with more notice for payment and paper deliveries. We are senior citizens and I'm a disabled U. S. Marine Corps veteran.

  Business response

  09/09/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2022/08/22) */ Mr. ******* was apart of a sponsored program to received a free subscription for 3 months to the Southern Maryland News. The renewal notice was sent as a chance to renew should he choose too. At this time, the subscription has been terminated and his contact information along with his mailing address removed. Thank you. Consumer Response /* (2000, 10, 2022/08/24) */ (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.) The business didn't indicate to me at any time there was a three trail period to see if I wanted to subscribe to the newspaper, so I disagree with the response they made regarding this. I'm glad they are removing my name, for I am not interested what they are peddling. Thank you,

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩