• Scribd

Scribd

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Overview

Scribd has a rating of 1.4 stars from 877 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Scribd most frequently mention credit card, free trial, and customer service problems. Scribd ranks 199th among Ebook sites.

  • Service
    145
  • Value
    137
  • Shipping
    82
  • Returns
    109
  • Quality
    128
Positive reviews (last 12 months): 0%
Positive
0
Neutral
0
Negative
5
130
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How would you rate Scribd?
Top Positive Review

“Surprisingly good”

Dominik K.
7/10/23

Been a user for about 3 years now and I'm continually surprised by what I can find here, from mags, through books to audiobooks. All at a bargain price, half of ehat audible charges for 1 book a month.

Top Critical Review

“Not even worthy of one star!”

J. R.
3/18/24

Joined Scribd/Everand a month ago. Their "free trial" is not free. They charged my account twice within that 30-day free trial period...once after two weeks of the trial and then at the end of it. I canceled my subscription and notified my bank of the fraud. Not only am I disputing the charges but a Have had the bank remove the card from my account so they can't continue to steal from me. I had hoped this subscription would be good...it seemed so at first. Then, I found out that not only are they fraudulent in their charges but there's a limit on how many books you can read in a billing cycle. Initially, when you search online for a good ebook subscription, Everand seems like a good choice until you actually have to deal with them. The complaints about them outweigh the good reviews and all seem to have a common thread - deceptive business practices.

Reviews (877)

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Reviews that mention popular keywords

credit card (172) customer service (117) trial period (29) bank account (28)
Thumbnail of user siljaz
Finland
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
January 24th, 2021

I thought that I had unsubscribed only to find out that the automatic billing still keeps paying Scribd after the procedure. Now few months later when I found out about this, I went and tried to unsubscribe again, and to my surprise it required over 5 times to confirm to complete the cancellation.

After I thought I cancelled the deal, I was led to another page, which gave me the assumption I had succeeded. There was a bold font text saying "You still have 7 days to read" etc. BUT each and every one of these pages just gives this impression that I had succeeded to cancel the subscribtion, without actually completing the cancellation! There would be just a tiny mention in the end of the page that states "are you sure to cancel the subscription?", at least 5 times!

After all the confirmations the page gave a green notice that I had indeed cancelled the deal. Others guys here have stated that their billing has still continued, nevertheless had they really successfully cancelled the subscribtion. So I'll lay in wait whether there's still surprise bills to come in near future...

Tip for consumers:
I would first confirm the trustworthiness of the company, research well to make sure the company is liable.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Thank you for informing us - please know, we cannot charge an inactive account, so something must have gone wrong with your cancelation. We have reported to our product design team concerning the issue with the multiple-step cancelation process and we are hoping it will be simplified in the future.

That said, our customer care team is readily available to help with cancelations and refunds in the meantime. To get in touch, please use this link: https://scr.bi/assist and your case will be escalated to the top of our queue so we can help you out ASAP

Thumbnail of user odetteh2
Oregon
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 3rd, 2017

I bought Scribd membership with the intention of using it just one month to download a PDF of a text that I wanted... then I realized there are LOADS of books, even VERY technical texts on Scribd. Plus loads of audiobooks that I can access. Now before I buy a book on Amazon, I first check Scribd to save myself some money.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Odette! We are really excited that your are enjoying your time at Scribd. We also have our unlimited and Scribd Selects section for books that do not require monthly credits! If you need any assistance at all, please feel free to email us at help@scribd.com. Thank you for your feedback! -Donni, Scribd Customer Support

Thumbnail of user skullees
New Zealand
1 review
4 helpful votes
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March 31st, 2019

Last year I signed up for the trial. I forgot that I'd signed up and was charged $8.99, but it was no big deal. I had forgot to cancel it so it was my fault. I cancelled my subscription, or so I had thought, and assumed that was the end of it.

Recently I was checking my bank account and noticed that I was still getting charged for scribd despite trying to cancel months ago. I have been charged 4 times after my first initial erroneous charge in November. I have tried my best to cancel, but the website employs multiple deceptive tactics in order to stop customers from being able to cancel their subscription. These include:

1. Disguising buttons that you don't want to people to press.
2. Requiring an nontrivial amount of clicks to perform what should be a simple action.
3. Hiding successive cancellation buttons far down the screen on the mobile site, presumably so that some people trying to cancel assume they have already cancelled if they don't bother to scroll down far enough.

Altogether there are 4 different pages you need to get through.

After contacting me, they refunded $8.99. I am still owed $26.97.
Given that they are willing to scam users out of their money, I would advise anyone to NOT use Scribd.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi there,
We're truly sorry for the cancellation issues. If you'd like to follow up about this, please feel free to reply to our recent email, a member of our team is more than happy to assist you in any way we can. Thanks!

Thumbnail of user majap17
Canada
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
August 22nd, 2023
Verified purchase

... and they do not want to credit back... scammers...I complained and they said I did not cancel, so I had to block my card, to make sure they do not withdraw again.

Tip for consumers:
avoid them

Products used:
book

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Maja, thank you for bringing this to our attention! We're so sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused you, but we want to assure you that we cannot charge you once a subscription has been successfully canceled. If you've reached out to us through a support ticket, can you please update your review here and provide that ticket #? We'll have a member of our escalation team follow up with you to ensure there are no further charges. Thank you again! -MW

Thumbnail of user rachelh222
Virginia
1 review
2 helpful votes
  • Send Message
November 7th, 2018
• Updated review

UPDATE: Upon receiving your response, I emailed the help email address, and I have still not received any response from Scribd to my initial request last Sunday, or to the new request submitted by email. I will be reporting this "service" to the Better Business Bureau.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Rachel - I'm sorry to hear this! Could you please update your review with a ticket number from your email to us? That way, I can personally respond to it!

Bait and Switch
November 5th, 2018
• Previous review

I signed up, saved a number of audio books to my lists, then downloaded a few 1-hour short stories. Signed back on the next day to find that all of the remaining books on my lists are no longer available, though they will ALL be available in December. So much for unlimited. When I sign out they still appear in a search so it's not that the publishers have pulled them offline. The only conclusion I can reach is that I downloaded too many items at once, though the short stories I downloaded are the equivalent of one full length novel. I'll finish the short stories by tomorrow, and then have to wait until next month to get another book? And what, will I only be able to read one? I don't have any more information because in addition to this bait and switch, they have not responded to my customer service request. I'm posting here because someone here apparently responds, unlike with their own customer service system. Poor business practices, and probably criminal fraud.

Thumbnail of user allendres
Australia
1 review
2 helpful votes
  • Send Message
January 26th, 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.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

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 help@scribd.com for support. Take care!

Thumbnail of user maxxm3
Pennsylvania
1 review
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
November 13th, 2019

I signed up for scribed when i was a sophomore in highschool 3 years later i decided to google my phone number and scribd popped up with not only my name and complete full address but also my credit card Bin number expiration month and year, and Cvv did i mention i was in the 10th grade with my full address on the worldwide web

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Max - We do not store or publish your personal information on Scribd. If you have come across a document with sensitive information, please visit our Copyright Resource Center here, https://www.scribd.com/copyright for assistance with this. Thank you!

Thumbnail of user sergiol61
Wisconsin
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
March 8th, 2021

I've opened a ticket with their support: #*******
I cannot cancel my subscription from Scridb, already tried with all my emails, facebook, etc and all the accounts says i am not a "full member" or an active plan, but i am receiving TWO debits from my credit card:

My credit card number ends on 722 VISA
I need you to take off me from your page and STOP charging me this.

I logged to Scribd with all my emails, facebook account, google accounts, and none of those ones has any active subscription or credit card info added there.
I need you to STOP this, otherwise I will need to talk with a lawyer, I do not want any refund, i just need you to STOP CHARGING ME!

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Sergio, thanks for providing your ticket number! We've located your case and a specialist is responding to you now. Please keep an eye on your inbox and direct all further correspondence to us via email so we may best assist you. Have a wonderful day! -VG

Thumbnail of user jillians128
Australia
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
March 31st, 2022

Customer service do not reply, money was charged without subscribing and using any of their services…… If you do not want your money "DONATED" to this company, DO NOT register at all. Absolutely ridiculous

Service
Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hello, we are sorry to hear you have not heard back from our support team. We would love to look into your invoice inquiry! To better assist you, please update your review, to include your ticket number and we will get it assigned to a specialist. Thank you! - MR

Thumbnail of user christinam132
Ireland
1 review
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
September 10th, 2017

Sick to my stomach to see all the reviews on here. I am still being charged after canceling my monthly membership after the first month. I was thinking that it was an honest mistake but NO seems to happen to most people. STAY AWAY FROM THIS BUSINESS. I am hoping that the reply and refund me though it seems like they leave customers hanging.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hey Christina. We sent you a message last week for additional information to locate your account. Please email us at help@scribd.com and we'll be able to further assist you. Thank you. -Donni, Scribd Customer Support

Thumbnail of user hansolc
Washington
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
May 20th, 2021

I have been charged the monthly subscription for almost a year, even though I do not have any accounts. I have deleted my account many months ago, following step by step detailed in the directions. When I try to login, the login screen displays that the account was deleted. Yet I am still being charged monthly?

Additionally, there are no phone numbers or emails regarding customer service present on the Scribd website, making it difficult to reach out. The company recognizes these complaints (of being charged), yet completely disregards them by not having any form of direct customer service.

Reading the previous reviews, it concerns me how many people have not received the proper help to get their money back. This "ticket" system that verifies profiles does not work, as many people have proclaimed they do not have an account anymore (similar to my scenario). Through my bank app, I found a number related to the company; four-one-five, two-three-three, six-two-three-zero (this website censors phone numbers, thus why I typed it out). I will call them ASAP and see if it can help.

Scribd is a complete scam. Do not sign up for this app whatsoever. Reading through the previous reviews, I know I am not the only being fraudulently charged. I have filed a refund through my bank and will file a chargeback. To the many that are in the same situation, FILE A CHARGEBACK. Unlike a refund, a chargeback can negatively affect a company/business. The amount of reviews I've read of people being charged and not getting their money back is ridiculous! Give me and other people their money back!

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi there, Hansol - Thank you for your feedback and we're sorry for the experience here. According to a support ticket you have with us, you are in current communication with our support staff regarding your account. You will be receiving a reply back within 24 hours. In the meantime, please direct any further questions back to your support ticket so that we may best assist you. Thanks! -AR

Thumbnail of user laurenr259
Tennessee
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
June 20th, 2020

Scribd continues to charge me TWICE a month for an account that doesnt even exist. I never signed up for a free trial or created an account. I even called my bank and cancelled my credit card, I got a new card and they still somehow charged my new credit card. I dont have any emails that are linked to the website. FRAUDULENT COMPANY.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Oh no! I am so sorry for the trouble here. Our system is set up to continue to charge bank accounts after updating your card number so subscribed users can continue to use our service without interruption. That said, I am so sorry this is having a negative effect on your account! As we are not able to charge canceled accounts, it sounds like you may have two duplicate accounts with us that are continuing to be charged. However, please do not worry! We have specialists who can absolutely help you with this. Contact us at help@scribd.com and update this message with your ticket number so they can help you as soon as possible - thanks for your time!

Thumbnail of user timb111
Mexico
1 review
3 helpful votes
  • Send Message
April 5th, 2016

I just found out about there change in service. I only read a certain type of books and there unlimited books do not interest me. I live in Mexico that is why I have this. Where else can I go

Thumbnail of user kevinl113
Egypt
1 review
5 helpful votes
  • Send Message
May 11th, 2016

I Have Two Documents For Sale On Scribd, Yesterday They Closed My Seller Account For No Reason... I Got This Message From Scribd Into My Account " Your account isn't eligible to sell documents "... I Heard Later That They Do That Randomly... Contacted Them On Support, No Answer Till Now... Yeah We All Know That Their Support Team Is VERY SLOW.
My Account Email: *******@gmail.com... Do YOU EVEN CARE, Jerry G (Scribd Rep)?

Thumbnail of user kaylav12
Connecticut
1 review
7 helpful votes
  • Send Message
February 16th, 2018

I seemingly cancelled my membership MONTHS ago. Yet this company is still taking my money. BY THE WAY they are also sending me emails urging me to sign up again, meaning they know very well that I cancelled my membership and are still continuing to charge me. If I don't hear from a representative ready to reimburse the money they STOLE from me- in the next 24 hours, I am contacting the authorities.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Kayla - I'm so sorry to hear this, we will absolutely refund your charges. Please send us an email to help@scribd.com and we're more than happy to help.

Thumbnail of user debbiem1564
Texas
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
October 11th, 2022

My husband wanted to give scribd a try so I signed him up for the FREE trial - he decided not to go with it so we CANCELLED his FREE trial the same day. We have been charged the monthly fee from February to September - I contacted Scribd and the pending charge for September was returned but not the remainder. (This was after several emails and providing documentation.) I then contacted them again and I just got an email saying they will refund us for July and August. I proceeded to tell them that it was THEIR FAULT NOT OURS! I am not happy, to say the least. I have again sent them an email and asked who to talk to regarding this issue. So far I CANNOT recommend this site - if this is what they do to people and how they treat them when it was THEIR FAULT, I hate to think how many others they have scammed out of money.

Tip for consumers:
BEWARE!!

Service
Value
Returns
Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

We're sorry to hear about any trouble with canceling your subscription. Per our Refund Policy, we can only issue refunds within 30 days or however many charges may have incurred after you emailed us due to support delay. That said, it sounds like one of our agents was able to issue a partial refund as a courtesy exception and I would be happy to possibly escalate your case further. If you already emailed us, please update this review with your ticket number so I can find your ticket. Thanks in advance! -EC

Thumbnail of user haydenk16
Kansas
1 review
19 helpful votes
  • Send Message
October 23rd, 2014

Tried canceling account 3 different times, then was charged. Thankfully I used my Discovercard so I can dispute the charge, but seriously this company is just a scam. Stay away.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Hayden. I'm glad Discover has your back, but I want you to know we do too. Our customer service team would be happy to help you cancel your subscription and reverse the unwanted charge. Would you please email support@scribd.com so we can sort this out? If you have the order number from the receipt that was emailed to you—or your username—it would be great to include those, but we can help even if you don't have this info. I'm so sorry for the frustration. —Jerry, Manager, Scribd Customer Service

Thumbnail of user sergiol60
Argentina
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
March 7th, 2021

I, I cannot cancel my subscription from Scridb, already tried with all my emails, facebook, etc and all the accounts says i am not a "full member" or an active plan, but i am receiving TWO debits from my credit card:

My credit card number ends on 0722 VISA
I need you to take off me from your page and STOP charging me this.
This is happening for the last 5 months and i need a, refund for this.
If you need anything else, let me know, thank you.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Thank you for informing us! Please know, we cannot charge a canceled account nor a single account twice so something is likely wrong with your account. So we can help you, please use this link to submit a ticket; https://scr.bi/assist and one of our agents will assist you ASAP

Thumbnail of user lisey5
Denmark
1 review
0 helpful votes
  • Send Message
January 6th, 2022

I have been charged 8.99 USD today and I don't event have an account! How am I supposed to cancel or get a refund when I can't sign in? What a scam company!

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Lise, we're truly sorry for the frustration with this unexpected charge. The only reason you would be encountering a charge from us is that you have an account with us with an active subscription, which may be listed under a different email address that you're submitting when trying to log in. Please create a support ticket with us here https://scr.bi/assist so we can get you a reply for a resolution to this as soon as possible. Thanks! -AR

Thumbnail of user ashtons27
Tennessee
1 review
2 helpful votes
  • Send Message
March 29th, 2019

I signed up for a 30 day free trial and loved it, decided to continue with the service. When my 30 days were over I was double charged ($8.99 twice). I figured this was a fluke so I just let it go. 30 days later I'm double charged yet again. I sent them a message, no response. Sent another message a week later, still no response. On the other hand I initially joined because of the "unlimited" amount of audios I could access. Turns out "unlimited" is about 2-3 audios a month then I only have the option of a very limited amount of no name books and classics that don't appeal to me at all. Again, very minimal selection even of these. So I cancelled and proceeded through all these pages (seems like it was 5 or 6) to "confirm" my cancellation. Get into the app today and it looks like I never cancelled. So I went through the process yet again. I'm due to be charged again in 2 weeks if this cancellation doesn't work and I don't want to give another dime to these lying crooks! They still owe me $18 for the 2 months I was double charged! Absolutely DO NOT recommend this for anyone. I will stick with audible. It's more expensive but at least they are honest and their customer service will actually respond to you and resolve issues.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hey there Ashton - Our support team can definitely assist you with this! It's most likely you have 2 active subscriptions on separate accounts. Please email us at help@scribd.com, then update your review with your ticket number and we'll reach out to you shortly. Thanks!

Thumbnail of user audreyd15
Florida
1 review
2 helpful votes
  • Send Message
September 12th, 2017

Downloaded a textbook to my computer and everything worked fine. After about a month when I no longer needed the membership I canceled. The textbook is now "corrupt," I can't delete it or open it. THIS WEBSITE IS A SCAM. Pretty sure I downloaded a virus on my brand new computer using this service. I wouldn't trust downloading anything from this scammy site

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hey Audrey. We sent you a message last week for additional information to assist you with the issue you're having with this textbook and your computer. Please email us at help@scribd.com and we'll be able to further assist you. Thank you. -Donni, Scribd Customer Support

Thumbnail of user gusk12
Texas
1 review
8 helpful votes
  • Send Message
December 20th, 2017

I hate sites that won't let you know what they're about unless you enter your credit number. If I'm offered a 60 days free trial, Give me that. Don't ask me for a credit card number!

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Gus - I'm sorry to hear about this. We ask for a credit card so we can provide seamless service once your free trial ends. If you have any questions, please email us at help@scribd.com. Thanks!

Thumbnail of user andreap158
New York
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
June 10th, 2018

Saw a charge from them on 6/9 (yesterday). Immediately checked my email to see if they had sent me anything as I don't check my email often. Found that someone had registered for an account and obviously had access to my credit card information and email. I am unsure if this is someone I know or don't know but regardless I was unaware of this and did NOT authorize this charge. I didn't even start this account and the worst part is I don't even know how to get into the account since I don't have the password. And I am now being charged for something I personally never even registered for or utilized and cannot even stop.

I want this account to be cancelled immediately as I do not have access to it, did not authorize these charges and most importantly I want to be refunded.

Someone please help as to what I do?

I see horror stories on this site and I'm really hoping I don't have to fight tooth and nail with this company but I will if I have to because this is not even right. I never once got an email indicating that I would even be charged which is what I went into my email to check.

Please tell me how they can refund me... this is absolutely incorrect. I will be contacting my credit card company but am hoping I can resolve it with the company first.

Again, I really don't know who got access to this information and how and am extremely upset about that but more importantly i do not know if it is someone I know or don't know.

Anyone who can help and offer advice would be much appreciated.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Andrea - I'm so sorry to hear about your unexpected charge and we will absolutely cancel this account and issue a refund. Please send us an email to help@scribd.com with ATTENTION JAMES in the subject line and I'll personally resolve this for you. Thank you!

Thumbnail of user angelay109
Australia
1 review
1 helpful vote
  • Send Message
April 8th, 2019

Two years back I subscribed to scribd to read some books and documents, however after not using it for awhile decided to cancel. Months later I found that scribd was still taking away my money, so I went into account settings to realise that it wasn't cancelled. So, i cancelled AGAIN. Now in 2019, I realise that scribd has still been taking money from me. I CANT STAND THIS ANYMORE. I went into the account settings to find exactly what a scam looks like, once you click cancel subscription, it comes up with a fake page intending to give you the impression that you have already cancelled. BEWARE- you need to scroll all the way down til you see this tiny looks that says something like, proceed to cancel. Only two pages later, will you actually be able to cancel subscription. THIS SKETCHY AND DECEIVING TRICK has made me so anxious that I am checking every week into my account to see whether I am still subscribed.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi there Angela - Our support team is more than happy to confirm your cancellation and issue you a refund for the confusion. Please email us at help@scribd.com, then update this review with your ticket number and we'll reach out to you shortly. Thanks!

Thumbnail of user afiqahj
BN
1 review
4 helpful votes
  • Send Message
February 1st, 2019

I canceled my membership late 2018, and I am still being charged exactly today. I have emailed both the Support and Help email. Please do help to sort this out soonest!

Thank you.

Thumbnail of user jerryg31
Scribd S. – Scribd Rep

Hi Afiqah - I'm sorry to hear about your unexpected charges. Could you please update your review with your ticket number? That way, I can take care of this personally. Thank you!

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