No, Howly is not entirely legitimate in the traditional sense. While it operates as an online expert consultation platform, many users have raised concerns about its business model, pricing, and customer service.
What is Howly?
Howly is an online service that connects users with experts in various fields, including law, tech support, and finance. It functions on a subscription-based model, meaning users pay a recurring fee to access expert advice. However, many customers report being unaware of the subscription charge, leading to complaints about unexpected billing.
Key Concerns About Howly’s Legitimacy
Several factors raise questions about Howly’s legitimacy:
1. Subscription Model Without Clear Disclosure
Many customers report that they were charged a monthly subscription fee without realizing they had signed up for one. Howly often offers a low-cost trial, but after a short period, the trial converts into a costly recurring subscription. Some users claim they were unaware of these charges until they saw them on their bank statements.
2. Difficulty in Canceling Subscription
A major red flag with Howly is the reported difficulty in canceling memberships. Several users have complained about unclear cancellation policies, long response times from customer support, and unauthorized charges even after attempting to cancel.
3. Mixed Customer Reviews
Online reviews for Howly are highly mixed. While some users claim they received useful advice from experts, others describe the platform as a scam. Common complaints include poor-quality responses from so-called “experts,” copy-paste answers, and a lack of real assistance.
4. Experts’ Qualifications Are Questionable
Howly claims to have professionals in various fields, but there is little transparency regarding their qualifications. Unlike traditional legal or financial advisory firms, Howly does not provide clear information about the credentials of its experts, making it difficult to verify whether users are getting reliable advice.
Legal and Consumer Protection Aspects
From a legal standpoint, Howly’s practices raise potential issues under U.S. consumer protection laws, including:
Deceptive Business Practices: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prohibits misleading advertising and unclear subscription terms. If Howly fails to disclose charges transparently, it may be violating consumer rights.
Unauthorized Charges: If users are being charged without their consent or after cancellation, it could constitute fraud. Consumers can dispute these charges with their bank or credit card provider.
False Advertising: If Howly promotes itself as a premium expert service but delivers low-quality responses, it could be subject to legal action for misleading consumers.
What Can Consumers Do?
If you have been charged unexpectedly or feel misled by Howly, here are some steps you can take:
Cancel Your Subscription Immediately – Check the cancellation terms on the Howly website and follow the process. Keep records of any emails or chat conversations with their support team.
Dispute the Charge with Your Bank – If unauthorized payments continue, contact your bank or credit card provider and request a chargeback.
File a Complaint – You can report Howly to consumer protection agencies like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the FTC, or your state attorney general’s office.
Leave Reviews – Sharing your experience on platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, or BBB can help warn others.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Howly?
Due to the concerns regarding hidden charges, questionable expert qualifications, and difficulty in canceling, Howly does not appear to be a completely legitimate service for those seeking expert advice. If you need professional help, it’s better to consult licensed professionals or reputable firms rather than relying on a platform with inconsistent reviews and transparency issues.
Bottom Line: Howly has red flags that suggest it may not be a trustworthy service. If you’re considering using it, proceed with caution and read the fine print carefully
