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In today’s digital age, finding expert advice online is easier than ever. One platform that has gained significant attention is JustAnswer, an online question-and-answer service that connects users with professionals in various fields such as law, medicine, tech support, automotive, and finance. But is JustAnswer legit, or is it a scam that tricks users into unwanted subscriptions?
This article provides a comprehensive, unbiased review of JustAnswer, exploring its features, pricing, common user complaints, and whether it’s a trustworthy service. If you’ve ever considered using JustAnswer, read on to learn about real user experiences and the hidden pitfalls you should be aware of.
How JustAnswer Works
JustAnswer operates as a subscription-based expert consultation platform. Users post a question in a specific category, and a verified expert responds with professional advice. The process typically follows these steps:
- Ask a Question – Users type in a question and select a category (legal, medical, tech, etc.).
- Pay an Initial Fee – The website often advertises a low-cost trial fee, typically between $1 and $5.
- Get Matched with an Expert – A verified expert provides an answer, sometimes requesting additional details.
- Continue the Subscription – After the trial, users are automatically enrolled in a recurring membership, usually costing between $46 to $60 per month.
While the platform claims to offer professional advice quickly, many users feel misled about the pricing structure and automatic subscription model.
Common JustAnswer Complaints: What Users Say
1. Unexpected Charges and Subscription Issues
One of the biggest complaints about JustAnswer is that many users sign up for what they believe to be a one-time question service but later find themselves enrolled in a monthly subscription without clear consent.
User Experiences:
- “I thought I was paying just $5 for an answer, but then I was charged $50 for a monthly membership I never agreed to.”
- “They make it seem like a one-time payment, but they subscribe you automatically, and it’s not easy to cancel.”
2. Difficulty Canceling Membership
Many users report that cancelling JustAnswer is more complicated than it should be. While there is an option to cancel through the website, some users claim that the cancellation process is unclear, difficult, or ignored altogether.
User Experiences:
- “I canceled my subscription, but they kept charging me. I had to call my bank to block them.”
- “The cancel button is hidden, and they make you go through multiple steps just to stop the subscription.”
3. Unclear or Misleading Pricing
JustAnswer attracts users by advertising a low-cost trial fee (e.g., $1 or $5). However, what many users don’t realize is that this fee is just the beginning of a recurring subscription.
User Experiences:
- “I was charged $1 initially, and then a week later, I saw a $50 charge on my credit card.”
- “They should be more transparent about their pricing. It feels like a bait-and-switch.”
4. Expert Response Quality Varies
While JustAnswer claims to provide verified experts, users have mixed opinions on the quality of responses. Some find them helpful, while others say the answers are generic, vague, or copied from free sources online.
User Experiences:
- “I asked a legal question and got a response that was just a basic Google search result.”
- “Some experts are great, but others provide answers that aren’t helpful at all.”
5. Difficulty Getting Refunds
Users who feel they were unfairly charged often struggle to get a refund from JustAnswer, with many reporting that customer service is unhelpful or ignores their requests.
User Experiences:
- “I asked for a refund because I never agreed to a subscription, but they refused.”
- “I had to contact my bank to dispute the charge because JustAnswer wouldn’t help.”
6. Aggressive Upselling & Follow-Up Emails
Many users report that JustAnswer aggressively pushes additional services and upgrades, sometimes through persistent emails or calls.
User Experiences:
- “I kept getting emails and pop-ups asking me to upgrade to premium services.”
- “They called me trying to upsell a personalized consultation. It felt like a scam.”
Is JustAnswer Legit or a Scam?
Pros of JustAnswer
✅ Access to professionals in various fields, including doctors, lawyers, and tech experts.
✅ Quick responses compared to traditional consultations.
✅ Convenience of online expert advice from home.
Cons of JustAnswer
❌ Subscription model is unclear and results in unexpected charges.
❌ Difficult cancellation process, with reports of continued charges after canceling.
❌ Refund issues, with many users unable to recover their money.
❌ Varying answer quality, sometimes generic or unhelpful.
❌ Aggressive upselling and unwanted follow-up emails.
Overall, JustAnswer is a legitimate platform, but it operates in a controversial way that can mislead users. If you decide to use it, be aware of the subscription model and cancellation difficulties.
How to Cancel JustAnswer and Avoid Charges
If you signed up for JustAnswer and want to cancel before getting charged, follow these steps:
- Log in to your JustAnswer account.
- Go to the “Membership” section.
- Click on “Cancel My Membership.”
- Follow the instructions to confirm the cancellation.
- Check your email for a confirmation message.
- If you’re still being charged, contact JustAnswer support or dispute the charge with your bank.
To avoid unexpected charges, always read the terms before signing up and monitor your credit card statements.
Final Verdict: Should You Use JustAnswer?
JustAnswer can be useful for quick professional advice, but the lack of clear pricing and cancellation issues make it a risky choice. If you’re considering using the platform:
- Be aware of the subscription model and ensure you cancel before getting charged.
- Verify the quality of the expert responses before relying on the information provided.
- Read user reviews to see if JustAnswer is worth your money.
If you need professional advice, consider alternatives like free legal aid websites, tech forums, or telemedicine services that offer transparent pricing.
Have you used JustAnswer? Share your experience in the comments below!
References
These are some of the reputable references we have used to create this article and to answer the question: “Is JustAnswer Legit?”
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Complaints: The BBB has documented numerous complaints about JustAnswer, particularly concerning unexpected charges and subscription issues.
Clark.com Review: This review highlights how JustAnswer’s subscription model can lead to unexpected monthly charges if users aren’t careful.
ConsumerAffairs Reviews: Users have shared experiences about deceptive practices and challenges with refunds on this platform.
Reddit Discussions: Users on Reddit have discussed their experiences with JustAnswer, labeling it as a scam due to unexpected charges and deceptive practices.
Sitejabber Reviews: While JustAnswer has a rating of 4.3 stars from over 8,000 reviews, some users report issues with unexpected subscription fees and difficulties in canceling memberships.
Read Other Reviews
Besides JustAnswer, there are more platforms which cause confusion for the users. Here are some of the other common platforms you can read about:
Great read! This emphasizes the need for consumers to stay vigilant and informed about the services they use.
It’s alarming how common these misleading practices are online. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
Has anyone found alternative platforms that offer transparent pricing for expert advice? Would love to hear recommendations.
This article sheds light on the importance of understanding subscription models. Always be cautious of ‘free trials’ that lead to recurring fees.
I had a similar experience with unexpected charges after using JustAnswer. It’s crucial to read the fine print before signing up for online services.