BBB: Consumers allege online retailer charging fraudulent fees

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning against online retailer, Primitive Survivors, also known as Superior Global Marketing DBA Primitive Survivors.
The retailer claims to be based in Oregon and specializes in outdoor recreational equipment. BBB Northwest + Pacific has received 123 complaints against the business for misleading advertising.
In an investigation that started on Jan. 27, BBB recognized a pattern of complaints from consumers.
Consumers report they took a survey or responded to an advertisement with the promise of a “free flashlight.” Consumers were asked to pay $4.99 for shipping and handling and provide their credit card information to cover that shipping.
However, later on, consumers found that their credit cards were billed a subscription fee of $39.00 to $49.00 per month for a service they were unaware of.
BBB continues to receive complaints against Primitive Survivors alleging the same misleading advertising and practices.
BBB has reached out to the owner on several occasions. The retailer’s owner blamed “rogue affiliate websites” for advertising their products fraudulently, then duping consumers into a subscription.
Though Primitive Survivors claimed they would take the necessary steps to weed out the rogue websites, BBB has asked for updates and more information and found Primitive Survivors to be uncooperative.
Following a thorough investigation, Better Business Bureau has terminated the accreditation of Primitive Survivors for violations related to our Code of Advertising.
BBB advises consumers to take the following steps to stay safe online:
- Shop with a credit card. In case of fraud, a credit card provides additional protections and is easier to dispute a charge.
- Keep documentation of orders. Save a copy of confirmation page or email until item is received. Be sure to know and understand the return and refund policy.
- Research before purchasing. Inspect the company’s website for a physical address and phone number. Check online reviews and customer complaints at BBB.org.
Consumers can file complaints with Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org. Consumers can also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Protection at https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc.
ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust. In 2019, people turned to BBB more than 160 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including BBB Northwest & Pacific, which serves more than 15 million consumers in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Hawaii and Western Wyoming.