That 'free' citation just cost you $9.95 a month, didn't it? It’s a classic Citation Machine move. And it's not just you. Its parent company, Chegg, has a shocking 1.3-star rating on Trustpilot. Seriously, they've also had over 1,100 complaints lodged against them with the Better Business Bureau in the last three years alone. The most common complaints flagged online are for billing issues and the near-impossible task of canceling a subscription you never knowingly signed up for. It’s beyond frustrating. Official site: Visit Citation Machine
Best ways to complain to Citation Machine
They don't make it easy. Forget about a phone number or a straightforward email. Your options are limited, and they seem designed to make you give up.
Contact Method | Details & Availability | Why use this instead... |
---|---|---|
Help Center / Contact Form | Available 24/7 via their website. | This is your primary, official channel. Use it to create a paper trail for your complaint. |
Social Media (X/Twitter) | @CheggHelp | For public complaints. Companies sometimes respond faster when their reputation is on the line. |
⏱️ Estimated Response Times from Citation Machine After Complaining
Good luck getting a quick reply. It feels like sending a message into the void.
Method | Expected Wait Time |
---|---|
Email / Contact Form | 24-72 hours (or never) |
Social Media | Varies, often ignored |
🔍 Tips to Get a Quicker Response from a Complaint
- Be hyper-specific. Include your account email, the exact date of the charge, and the amount.
- Use keywords like "Formal Complaint" and "Billing Dispute" in your message subject line.
- Attach screenshots of the charge from your bank statement. Proof is everything.
How to Escalate Your Complaint
If Citation Machine (or rather, Chegg) ignores your emails, it's time to escalate. Your best bet in the US is the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
How to file a complaint with the BBB:
- Go to the BBB website and search for "Chegg, Inc." (their parent company).
- Fill out the online complaint form with all the details of your issue, including the steps you've already taken to resolve it.
- The BBB will forward your complaint to the company and ask for a response, usually within 14 days.
The BBB process works, but prepare to wait. Chegg usually responds to BBB complaints because it affects their rating, but you might have to be persistent to get a real resolution.
Email Template to Complain to Citation Machine
Subject: Urgent: Formal Complaint Regarding Unauthorized Charges - Account [[Your Email Address]]
I am writing again to resolve an issue with an unauthorized charge on my account.
On [[Date]], I was charged [[$Amount]] for a 'Citation Machine Plus' subscription that I never consented to. I used the free citation tool, and at no point did I agree to a recurring monthly payment. Frankly, discovering this charge and having to chase a refund has been a complete waste of my time.
To resolve this, I require an immediate and full refund of all charges. I also need written confirmation that the subscription has been permanently canceled and my billing information has been deleted from your systems.
Please be aware that if I do not receive a satisfactory response within 48 hours, my next step will be to file a chargeback with my bank and report this practice to the Better Business Bureau.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Additional Helpful Tips to get Your Complaint Resolved
- Mention the magic word: 'Chargeback'. Companies often take you more seriously when you state your intention to dispute the charge with your bank.
- Go public. Post your complaint on their Twitter handle, @CheggHelp. Keep it polite but firm.
- Follow the Reddit advice. One user on /r/Chegg said the only thing that got them a refund was filing a BBB complaint. It seems to be the most effective tactic.
- Keep a log. Note down every time you contact them, who you spoke to (if possible), and what was said. This is crucial for escalations.
Let Pine AI Help Raise the Complaint to Citation Machine
Tired of digging through help articles just to find a contact form that goes into a black hole? Sound familiar?
Pine AI handles the whole mess for you. We navigate the terrible website, draft the complaint, and handle the back-and-forth with their support team. No more waiting for an email that never comes. Seriously. Let us deal with the headache so you can get your money back and move on with your life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Citation Machine Complaint Filing

Olivia Harper
Content Manager
Olivia Harper, a Content Manager with nine years of experience, creates user-focused guides on subscription services. Featured in Digital Consumer Reports, her work simplifies subscription terms and cancellations.