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2.0 38 Reviews

Nielsen Complaints Summary

9 Resolved
29 Unresolved
Our verdict: When using services from Nielsen with a poor resolution rate, be vigilant. Understand the common pitfalls other customers have faced. Prepare thoroughly for any interactions with their customer service, and consider alternative solutions if your issues are not addressed satisfactorily.
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Nielsen reviews & complaints 38

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12:06 pm EDT

Nielsen Rude repeated phone calls

Scarborough Research calls our home no less than 8 times a week, sometimes 4 times a day despite multiple pleas to stop calling us. Their phone people do not/will not listen and continue to call and ask for us to do a survey. Since when has the word NO become confusing? Where - please tell me, is their DO NOT CALL list. It is ridiculous. We have stopped answering our home phone line because of them and other telemarketers.

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8:25 am EST
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Nielsen phone survey bait and switch

I want to pass along an experience I had with Arbitron (remember them? The tv-ratings people?)

Warning!

I get so many computer-assisted telemarketing calls, so my machine is always on. These companies cut off the call when they sense at 2 rings that there is a machine, but I got so sick of seeing Arbitron on the Caller ID that I finally decided to take the darn survey. It'll be 5 minutes of tv questions, right?

It took close to an hour. Lovely African A woman in Dallas----------I learned in general chit chat that they do not get paid if someone decides not to finish the survey, so I stuck with it.

Only the first questions were about radio stations (how many hours a day for each one) and tv viewing.

The litany of "survey" questions morphed into age categories, education, money, banking, Do you plan to buy a car in the next six months? Major appliance? Take a trip? How many times did you travel to a resort in the past 6 months? Who do you bank with in your area? Which sports games do you attend? What kind of magazines do you subscribe to? etc...

And on and on. They strayed far afield of Which local news do you watch? These are questions about how much money you spend, what you spend your money on, and what you might spend your money on.

I suggest that you don't give a real response. I ended up saying Refuse or No to most all of those questions because Arbitron is clearly collecting information that will be sold and used for multiple clients----questions that have nothing to do with tv or radio program ratings.

NOTE: Making up an "opinion" answer is not a good idea. You might get on the wrong lists and your neighbors will find out that you are a member of Soldiers of Fortune or the Sexual Aid Appliance of the Month Club and plan to do some nude body building at a Mexican resort after you finance the new mortgage and pick out the perfect truck. (But then again, maybe you will get a whole new set of prison penpals. )

I'm telling you this in case you get called, because I doubt that you would want to knowingly spread information about you all over the web or cause the call center person to lose $ because you got fed up part way through. I am hoping that they throw my name out.

It's all about nameless companies getting tons of info and causing us to be inundated with more calls, junk emails, and junk mail.
We give them the data for free because we remember tv program surveys from decades ago and think that Arbitron is our pal!
(Meanwhile, we get no compensation for our time and they make clients happy and get well compensated.)
You're welcome.

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7:14 pm EDT
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Nielsen - Whole company, data mining for Obama/Democratic Party

Haven't all you people figured all this stuff out yet? Scarborough ISN'T a survey company, they are a data miner for the ultra-radical left extremist end of the American Democratic Party, and Obama Administration ultra leftists. Their main objective is to gather as much information on everyone they can, for the not too distant into the future United Nation...

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10:38 am EST

Nielsen There is no possibility to get a refund

I had the unfortunate opportunity to meet with The Nielsen Company representative searching for people who would be interested in becoming a "Nielsen Household". After a brief explanation of what this would entail, my wife and I agreed to sign on. We lost $3000 and there is no possibility to get a refund.

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Heather Elisabeth Randolph
, US
Sep 02, 2021 5:10 pm EDT

Nielson asked me to extend my contract with them because they did not want to take my equipment due to Covid. I was offered a special rate to continue participating and I agreed to it. Then I called them to find out why I had not been paid in awhile and was told I was taken out of the ratings several months ago. The rep told me that he normally explains that the normal extension is from 3-6 months to people but I was not told this. Rather than leave it to chance I feel Nielson at least has an obligation to send a letter when one’s service is complete so I would know to schedule equipment removal.

Heather

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woodyou
Dallas, US
Jun 30, 2014 11:16 pm EDT

That is true, Nielsen collects zero money from their cooperative households. But will; talk you in to being a sample home where they will place a "small" box on the back of the tv. Actually its a large computer with lots of wires, you can't move anything, not even a game without calling their tech out. You will be hit with demographic questions, lots of them many times a year. Any problem results in phone calls from their rep or office and visits to fix the problems. If you get tired of all the contacts and don't answer your phone they will camp out your house until you show up. When you want out it takes an act of congress for them to pull their equipment. Most homes are set for 5 years only 5 percent make it that long due to all the harassment. What they tell you it is and what it really is, totally different. And their field reps are worked to death and if they need an evening off for a ball game they must get manager approval first. Because they are required to work m-s 8 am until done which is usually after 10 pm or later This is called a "flexible schedule" only work in the field if you want to destroy your personal life! Note; fired home office employees in Florida and replaced with Indians from India..nice..

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n8whit
Fort Meade, US
Jun 12, 2013 10:56 am EDT

Nielsen pays the household a small fee to be a "Nielsen Household" and definitely does not require payment.

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4:59 am EST

Nielsen You will find yourself paying more for this BS than if you had robbed a bank

I received a check in the mail for $2, 400.00 from Nielsen Research Group, along with a Western Union Survey. On the back of the form it says that this is a paid survey and that if I participate I will get $300 and distribute the rest in a transfer and fee's. I spoke with a bank rep at Bremer Bank and gave the account number and the name that was on the account. UNLESS YOU ARE ATTENDING CENTURY COLLEGE any checks drawn off this account are FRAUDULENT. DO NOT CASH THEM, as much as we all need money you will find yourself paying more for this BS than if you had robbed a bank. So please be ware.

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Desmond K.
, US
May 03, 2012 6:27 pm EDT

Nielsen Research Group hired me to evaluate several companies like Western Union, Walmart and so on. I was given check that I had to deposit in my account and use that money to buy stuff and evaluate service. When I came to bank I was told that check is fake and it was probably scam attempt.

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3:33 pm EDT
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Nielsen culture jamming

I took the call. So here are some tips:

To keep it short, tell them you're married to Rupert Murdoch.

They will ask if you or anyone in your family works for a radio, newspaper, television, etc. If you want to keep it short and not have them call you again, the answer is "yes." They will ask which? I said all of them, I'm married to Rupert Murdoch. They were going to end the survey but I told them I was kidding so I could find out more.

Also, they need to get through the survey as quickly as possible. So if you have the free time, see how long you can keep them on the phone. Ask them their opinion on things, ask them the same questions they're asking you, whatever...and then when they ask the last 2 questions: how many live in your household and how old are you, give them ridiculous answers. It invalidates the survey.

I kept them on the phone for almost a half hour.

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mcruz0567
Dallas, US
May 08, 2014 1:03 am EDT

You should have finished the survey with them, it's helps your local media so your local radio stations and tv stations can see the pre fences on different households and to better serve us as consumers! Plus you get paid by completing the survey. Don't be rude it actually benefits YOU!

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4:50 am EDT
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Nielsen victim of a scam

I received a letter from nielsen with a contrac agreement, evaluation reports & a check (made out to me) for $ 4, 300 . the instructions I got after I call the # and spoke to a guy named Jeff, is that I need to go through three hours of training & deposit the check, the funds will be available to me and then I can start my assignments. I went through the training, the money was in my account...so far everything seems very legit. First I needed to go to the bank & take out $ 3, 800, when I question it, he explained that they wanted to see how I handle big amount of cash. My first assignment was to go to Walmart & by from three different departments no more then $ 100 with merchandise that I can keep but one I'll have to return the day after to see how they handle returns, while at the store I needed to see the over all look of the store, if it is clean, stocked & if the employees wear there uniforms & name tag .I had to filled out a evaluation report, keep all receipts & call him. My next assignment was to go to Western Union at Publix supermarket and make a money transfer to the United Kingdom for a $ 1, 700. I had to come up with a name to send the money too( so I did not suspect any thing) and see how much they charge for service charge & again observed the store & there customers service, I was told that the next day my assignment will be to cancel the transfer & see if they will give me the service charge back to.I did it, filled out my report & call him.the next assignment was to go to anther western union at a different Publix ( which they had problems with, he sad..) & make another transfer to the UK, this time for $ 1, 730. after I was done with my three assignment he congratulated me for work well done, ask me for all the receipts details, he told me then that he would evaluate my performance & that I'll get paid the next day. when I called the next day he did not answer the phone..I tried all day to reach him even call the toll free # & this one was disconnected. The following day I call the bank & they inform me that they just got notice that the check had been return!. So now I own the bank $ 3, 800. I was a victim of a scam!.

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Luna Johnson
, US
Apr 29, 2023 6:03 pm EDT
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To whom it may concerns this is my experience with the fake binary options , I traded with 365-fx binary options. I wanted to earn some money to pay for some bills so I invested $56,000, these brokers said I will be able to withdraw about $85,270 to $98,000. The brokers calls me everyday to deposit to invest and make good profits, I told them all my funds are in the trading account and I can't deposit more money anymore. They became so rude and stopped calling and also stopped responding to my messages and finally blocked my account. I wanted to withdraw my money and I couldn't, they denied me my access to withdraw my money, Months went by and I still couldn't withdraw my money. I was advised to seek a recovery company, Fortunately I found on the forexpeacearmy website a funds recovery expert Mr Eddie Wilfred who I reached out to and explained my issue to him, God so kind he was able to get my funds back including my bonus, i am happy to share my experience with you, I advise everyone out there to be very careful with the brokers they invest their money with there have been a lot of unregulated brokers, it took 7 working days to get my funds back. I feel obligated to recommend him with funds recovery strategy, feel free to reach out to him via his email address: eddiewilfred816@gmail.com,if you are having issues withdrawing your money he will assist you on how to claim your investment back.

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Idocare
Washington DC, US
Apr 30, 2012 5:03 am EDT

Wow. I feel really sorry for you! These scams are getting very good at tricking people. I would NEVER deposit a check in the bank and withdrawl funds with out being sure the check cleared. BUT you never know. Good luck!

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2:30 pm EST

Nielsen My ongoing nightmare with Nielsen

In late October of 2010, I had the unfortunate opportunity to meet with a Mr. Tony Hennies who was going from door to door in my neighborhood attempting to find a family who would be interested in becoming a "Nielsen Household". After a brief explanation of what this would entail, my wife and I agreed to sign on. As it was explained to me, we would receive a $50. cheque as well as a monthly payment of $1.00 for each component Nielsen monitored.

As we have a fairly substantial home entertainment system, I was under the impression payment would be made for two VCR's, a DVD player, a surround sound system, our DirecTV HD DVR as well as our large 60" television. We also have a second smaller television in our bedroom that was to be monitored. In total, there are seven components that Nielsen has "wired" into their system for monitoring.

The nightmare began the day of the installation. From their brochure, they advised that the components would be wired into their system which could then be "neatly" placed and hidden behind our television. My wife and I incorrectly assumed a small box or boxes (perhaps the size of a clock radio) would be used to monitor our system. We could not have been MORE WRONG!

The installation was started at 10:00 a.m. and unfortunately, I was out of town leaving my wife to oversee this procedure. I must have gotten at least 10 calls from her that day advising how "ugly" things were getting. They virtually had EVERY single component of our system in pieces on the floor while performing their connections. What we assumed would take an hour or two ended up being an all day affair with the technicians finally leaving at around 6:00 p.m. that day. What they left behind was ANYTHING but "neatly" hidden. The devices used for monitoring look like something out of Frankenstein's lab with literally 20+ wires coming out of them and hooking into my components. The actual monitor box is about the size of large box of cereal. To "conceal" these boxes, our rep went to a local craft store and bought a couple of wicker baskets to place over the top of them. To say the least, these baskets were "tacky" - not to mention had no relation to our already existing decor.

At the time of our last phone call, my wife advised that the technician had "done something" to our television which was now producing a slight shadow on all of the screen images. Now, we're not talking about a small, inexpensive television here. This was a $5, 000 Sony Grand WEGA that we purchased not long after they became available. To date, the only thing we had ever done to the television was replace the LCD bulb which blew just before our third year. The replacement bulb has been in the system for over four or five years now and we still have a back-up which was purchased to ensure we would not be without the television if this second bulb ever went bad.

Our Nielsen rep assured us that they would take care of the problem and apologized profusely for this error by their technician that caused the "shadowing". Upon my return from my business trip, I noted several other items that were damaged during the installation process. One was they had broken a "tab" off of the cover door for my Sony Betamax VCR. Yes, you read that right - we still have a fully operational Beta VCR. Not a big problem - I was able to repair the tab with some superglue. But when I turned the unit on, I discovered that the sound and tracking lights were no longer operating, which they were prior to this installation. I also noted a "chip" in the glass on the bottom shelf of our television stand.

Tony and Adam returned early the following week with a television technician named Rusty. At that time, they advised they would take care of replacing the glass as well as would take the Betamax for repair which was supposed to take a week or less. Rusty also attempted to adjust the balance of the television via our remote to rid it of these new shadows however, due to the complexity, he needed to research the system and remote to see exactly what he would need to do to make these adjustments. He was to call us back and make another appointment to come back within the next day or so. As has been the case with just about everyone involved with Nielsen, we never did receive a return call.

I finally ended up contacting their corporate offices and was transferred to their field office here in Cincinnati at which time I spoke to a supervisor named Mimi. She apologized for all of the delays and assured me that everything would be taken care of. I finally did hear back from the technician the following day and he made a second visit the day after that only to advise that the shadows could not be repaired via the remote and there was an internal part that would need to be replaced. He advised he would forward this information onto Adam and Tony and they would get back to me. Again, the better part of another week went by before I had to contact Mimi.

This takes us to last week and although I spoke to Mimi on both Monday and Tuesday, she doubted that she would be able to get anything done or any answers due to the holiday however, she was to call me back today. It also appears that Nielsen may be "waffling" on their promise to repair our television as they are now advising that they have researched our particular model and its has been known and documented that the part that is causing the shadow problem has been defective and nothing that they did during the installation would have caused it to go bad.

This is TOTAL B.S. Nielsen came into my home, completely dismantled every component, including my $5, 000. television and in the process, moved and bounced this television around so it could be accessed for their wiring. From what I understand, the part has something to do with an "internal balance" and I don't see anyway in the world how this piece could just suddenly go bad after seven or eight years. They are contending that the part could have gone bad at any time and it just happened to do so on the day of their installation. I contend that may be POSSIBLE, but it is also COMPLETELY possible that the part would have NEVER gone bad had they not been moving and dismantling the set.

I did a little research myself and while I did find some complaints regarding our particular television, most of them had to do with a completely DIFFERENT part which was causing completely different screen and image problems as compared to ours. Not to mention that while there may have been hundreds or maybe even thousands of complaints, I didn't see even ONE that matched what has happened to our television. And even if the complaints ARE in the thousands - Sony probably produced 10 to 100 times as many of these units. That would put their complaint level somewhere between one and ten percent. Isn't that just about average for MOST products?

Nielsen has yet to make a decision on what they are going to do to rectify this situation. My last conversation with Mimi has led me to believe that they are going to take the stance that "it was nothing they did" and based on the contract we signed for them, they would only be responsible for half of the $1, 200. repair. If this is the case, I will CERTAINLY be hiring an attorney.

To date, I still have a broken piece of glass (Mimi has advised that they have the replacement however are awaiting the Betamax repair to be completed before they return so both can be reinstalled at the same time) as well as the aforementioned missing VCR (I have no idea where they took it to be repaired, nor did they offer me any type of receipt or compensation for the time it has been gone).

To top it all off - we finally received our $50. sign-up cheque last week, but our six month advance for the component monitoring was only for $12., which would consist strictly of the two televisions. When I spoke to Mimi about this, she advised that we would only be paid for the two televisions and two VCR's. I advised that if every component was being monitored, then we should certainly be compensated accordingly and not only that, we didn't even receive compensation for the two VCR's. She advised they would only monitor the televisions and VCR's, but I have proof otherwise as there are wires from their monitoring system going into every one of the previously mentioned components. She was to get back to me on that.

At this point, we have advised Nielsen that once everything is "back to normal" we will be demanding that their systems be removed from our home. I would certainly advise anyone and everyone that if they are considering allowing Nielsen to invade their homes and systems that they seriously review this complaint and see what they might be in for.

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Frances Blankinship
West Monroe, La. 71291, US
May 11, 2022 11:39 am EDT

My husband and I would love to be paid for the radio survey that was promised to us. (Radio survey, done in March or April, 2022)

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Ani7
, AU
Feb 06, 2018 9:53 pm EST
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I completed a 3hour 40 minute survey from Nielsen via Pureprofile.a survey company. On submitting the survey a message came up on the screen "OOPS SORRY ITS OUR FAULT NOT YOURS, PLEASE RESUBMIT YOUR SURVEY" It would not let me submit my survey again advising me that I had already completed it ! This was worth $35 AUS Pureprofile have no record that I did the survey and Nielsen are asking me for an account ID when I don't have one with them. I will not be doing anymore NIELSEN surveys...scam

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The Ceej
Manchster, GB
Nov 20, 2016 9:14 am EST

Nielsen is not a legitimate company. I knew better than to agree to their crap. I sent their garbage back with a legally binding cease and desist order and they chose to break the law and violate it, repeatedly. Their reps were incredibly abusive when I called then to threaten them with a lawsuit, and it turns out that they've bought an A+ from the Better Business Bureau (I've offered to pay to have their grade changed to an F, and I'm just waiting on the BBB's response).

Your experiences with Nielsen are the norm, not the exception. Nobody likes them. Nobody wants them to exist. They're nothing more than a mafia.

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12:58 am EST
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Nielsen Relentlessly RUDE

This company began calling me a few weeks before Christmas & they haven't stopped since (they literally call anytime during the day/night). They call 2-4x/wk & REFUSE to listen to me. I have told them I do NOT want to participate as I do NOT have cable, read/get the newspaper, nor listen to the radio - & I do NOT want any of those services. They initially told me they can call specific people back at specific numbers & times - which means that they're lying when they later claim that my number is coming up "randomly" - ESP when they call for me by my PERSONAL name & NICKNAME (often mispronounced). I told them I'm on the Do-Not-Call List, I told them to take me out of their database, I told them I had a private/unlisted number for a reason, I toId them I wanted to speak to a supervisor, also told them they would be reported to the BBB & I would file a police harassment charge against their company next time they call, I've been rude - nothing stops them. Despite their customer service message - I am NOT going to provide further numbers & times when I can be better reached IN ORDER to remove me from their system (this is a recorded msg). I see some of their employees have posted extremely obnoxious comments on other complaints about their company & I hold this as evidence of why no one likes them. Go ahead Scarborough Research call me again & I will start the call tracing, then call the police who will then be contacting YOU!

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jonocry
dibidibi, US
Oct 11, 2013 12:28 pm EDT

you spend more time ### and complaining than you would spend doing the 5 minute survey. you sound like a looser.

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swordman
polk city, US
Feb 02, 2012 5:19 am EST
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Oh my God! How stubborn can these people get? I've been getting unsolicited calls, too, and they're just so annoying! I've reported all the phone numbers to Callercenter.com and I guess that got them blacklisted because a lot of people read from there. But I'm hoping I could get these people spend time reflecting on how disgusting they are, inside their prison cells. That'd surely make me feel a lot better!

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3:51 am EST
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Nielsen constant calls

We too, have received numerous calls from this company. I have told them DO NOT CALL, we are also on the do not call registry.
Well, they sent a post card stating "We didn't mean to upset you... but we will try calling again. Please talk to our interviewers when they call".
I have blocked their #, yet they have called about 10-15 times since... so I picked up the call & told them again... DO NOT CALL.
or I will pursue further with the Atty General or Colorado Public Utilities Commsn. "LISA" just laughed at me. She told me I have
to call a special # to get my # removed. They can't remove it, it's on a dialing system. (I know how these work & THEY CAN remove my phone #!). She claims they are not bound by the DO NOT CALL REGISTRY since they are not a telemarketer.
I have all the calls logged on my caller ID for proof. Any other ideas?

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mcruz0567
Dallas, US
May 08, 2014 1:10 am EDT

Do the survey?! They will stop calling you. Why is everyone scared of doing a survey, it's about your preferences, your opinions. It benefits your local media. And you as consumers! Plus you get paid for it

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Astorian
, US
Sep 14, 2017 4:42 am EDT
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Replying to comment of mcruz0567

Scarborough does not have a right to anybody's info. If people don't want to receive calls, they shouldn't be forced to do a survey in order to make the calls stop. I made the mistake of completing one of their surveys and providing my email address and I am still getting spammed by them years later and after repeated requests to unsubscribe/remove my email address from their database/panel, etc. Just don't do it.

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10:38 pm EST
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Nielsen Agressive callers/Company does not remove number from call list despite multiple requests

This company repeatedly has called our home phone--off and on for way too long. We've answered, asked them to stop calling and each time have been peppered with questions in response, until finally forced to end the calls after a "Thank you. Goodbye." Again, the calls have resumed, and deceptively and disingenuously, Scarborough Research blocks their identity. Their caller ID simply indicates "Florida, " which, their website informs us, indicates the calls to our home originate in their Sarasota, FL call center. I was finally driven to distraction today, answered the phone and again asked politely to have our phone number taken off their list. No surprise--I could not get YES for an answer. Instead, the young woman caller peppered me with questions, to which I responded each time that that we do not welcome calls at our home; that we do not wish to receive phone calls from them again; and to please permanently remove our number from the company list. On the fourth or so go-round, when the caller's response was an incensed: "WELL don't you VOTE?!?!", I remarked that I was offended by this; that I should not have to repeat my request for our number to be removed from their list; that her response was wholly inappropriate and that I wished to lodge a complaint. She finally said she was not able to remove my number from her list, but that I would need to call [protected] to make the request. I called the number immediately (at 3:50 pm Eastern time on a Sunday), and guess what?-- Yes, I received only a voicemail message. I hope the person who works at the other end of that line is home enjoying uninterrupted time with family--the same as we request for ourselves.

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Nielsen Harassing Phone Calls

They keep calling wanting to talk to the female head of household only. I don't want to give out ANY information and have told them so but the person on the phone says she cannot remove my name from the call list, and also said the "do not call list" does not apply. They keep calling back. They say I have to call their 800 number to be removed from the call list. What is there about "privacy" this company doesn't understand. I used to work for a Nielsen company and am appalled at this harrassment. This is no way to get information. I felt like taking their survey and giving them all kinds of false information. I finally threatened to call my attorney, but I'll bet they call back anyway. Stupid, stupid - makes me angry. Don't use this research company.

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Nanbug
, US
Apr 12, 2018 5:49 pm EDT
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I feel like I was totally violated by this company, and now feel totally stupid for completing their online survey. Stay away from them! I don't think they are affiliated with the respectable "Nielsen" Group you associate with TV ratings. It consisted of questions on an area we used to live in, but was addressed to ""Our new city" area household", with our new address? Very fishy? And having worked with market research myself, looking back, the survey was not all that well put together, from what you would expect from a well known company. This has "Cambridge Analytical" scandal written all over it.

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Very Angry in North Carolina
Asheville, US
Jun 17, 2011 1:23 pm EDT
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This company called my home phone number at least twice a day, sometimes after 10:00 PM for two solid months. My husband contacted them and asked that they immediately remove our phone number from their database yet the calls continued unabated for another week. We are on the Do Not Call list and the FTC makes it very clear that companies MUST STOP calling you if request that they do so. Scarborough Research/Scarborough Survey is a FOR PROFIT company, not a non-profit and they SELL the information they collect. This is a direct contradiction to the posts- most likely from Scarborough representatives- claiming that Scarborough Research/Scarborough Survey is EXEMPT from contacting consumers because they are conducting surveys. Again, according to the FTC, THEY MUST CEASE AND DESIST harassing consumers if you tell them to remove your name from their database. A gentleman named Ray left a voice message on my phone last night; you may reach him directly at [protected]. Please flood him with calls- turnabout is fair play. I told him that my husband and I filed a formal complaint with the FTC and also a formal complaint with the Attorney Generals of both New York and Florida, where the call center that employs the telemarketers harassing us is located. I was so angry I could barely speak as they have been calling me when I am trying to rest and recover from surgery. Please visit the Do Not Call website and file a complaint every time you receive a call from them. If they call our number again, we are going to hire an attorney and sue them for harassment.
AGAIN, this abhorrent company is NOT EXEMPT from the DO NOT CALL REGISTRY. THEY SELL YOUR INFORMATION! If they are calling you from a state other than Florida, file a complaint with the Attorney General. KEEP A DETAILED RECORD OF HOW MANY TIMES THEY HAVE CALLED YOU, YOUR ATTEMPTS TO HAVE YOUR NUMBER REMOVED FROM THEIR DATABASE, AND THE NAMES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES AND SUPERVISORS YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO. IF THEY PERSIST, SUE THEM!
Here are their addresses:

Headquarters
Scarborough Research
770 Broadway
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 646.654.8400
Fax: 646.654.8450
info@scarborough.com

Survey Operations Center
Scarborough Research
3111 N. University Drive, Suite 106
Coral Springs, FL 33065
Phone: 800.753.6043
info@scarborough.com

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Nielsen Harrassing/Repeated Phone Calls

Scarborough Research has called multiple times in the past few months. I've asked them to stop calling. They call at all times of the day (8AM until 9PM) and have woken my two year old daughter a few times. When I ask to be taken off of their list, I was told that they have no control of the list and the numbers are randomly generated. I was pretty sure that random dialing was no longer legal.

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Nielsen Harassment

I have received at least ten or twelve calls from Scarborough Research wanting me to complete a "...short survey concerning local radio/tv preferences". They have been repeatedly told that we do NOT participate in any phone surveys or solicitations, but these representatives will not take NO for an answer. They are pushy, aggressive and totally oblivious to our requests to cease calling. I should not have to explain ANYTHING to these people once I tell them I do not participate. Hanging up on them, being polite to them...nothing at all seems to work. They are about the MOST OBNOXIOUS people with whom it has been my total displeasure to hear from.

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Dr1/&
, US
Sep 10, 2023 5:02 pm EDT

Unless you say, “Place me on the Do not call list,” Nielsen will call you about 45 times or more, to ask for your participation. It is their policy. Saying you don’t want to participate and that you’re not interested in participating is not enough to make them stop calling you. Don’t bother being polite. Your politeness is an invitation to persuade, something which Nielsen requires their employees do at least twice, or until persuading is no longer productive. And, even if you do ask to be placed on the DNC list, due to general incompetence of their employees, they still might call you.

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MsDG
Tampa, US
Dec 20, 2020 10:24 am EST

You can request that you be put on the Nielsen Scarborough's DO NOT CALL List!

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9:21 pm EDT
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Nielsen Privacy breach

I cooperated with a very lengthy phone survey with Scarborough Research. I specifically requested that the company NOT send me a follow-up paper survey, and declined to give my name and address when asked. I stated that I wanted to protect my privacy and also not do another survey. The result: a few days later, the paper survey arrived in the mail.

This company does not respect privacy.

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guess wh
Memphis, US
Dec 21, 2013 8:20 am EST
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That's what the b****** did to me but I went off on them and told them if the contact me again im gonna sue for harassment. Them ###s lied and try to say they sent me $10 for the 7day survey but didn't, since I cuss their ### out and sad I will sue.Now their change their story what a ###ting ### company avoid those clowns.DON'T TAKE THEIR SURVEYS CROOKS AT THEIR BEST.

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shadowkat
, US
Mar 15, 2013 9:24 pm EDT

exactly what happened to me. I was nice enough to take their very lengthy survey, they asked could they send me a short follow up survey and they already had my address so I said yes. They sent me $2.00 for my time with a 7 day TV viewing diary. I am not spending 7 days, writing down all the shows I watch for $2.00 They have called me up to 5 times a week since. Tonight they called after 9p.m. When I told the girl the time, she said they are not telemarketers so they are not bound by the 9 p.m. laws. Okay smart lady, then never call me again. I try to help with telephone surveys but a company like Scarborough would turn anyone off from survey takers. They are getting paid by companies to get this info yet they send me $2.00 to take up 7 days of my time. what a laugh. they claim to be under the Nielsen family umbrella, but I doubt it, as Nielsen is nothing like Scarborough.. AVOID Scarborough from the star, wish I had of

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4:21 pm EDT
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Nielsen unethical practices

This componay called me 25 times when i finally agreed to take their over the phone survey they told me they were gonna send me 50 dollars for a tv report of what I watch and a household item list of what I bought they did'nt, I then contacted the company and spoke to a very rude man who was no help at all. I cant wait for them to call back again Im gonna give them hell. I might evan just call them over and over to see how they like it, after all it can't be illegal if they do it to us and get away with it.

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RealityCheck928
San Antonio, US
Sep 28, 2012 3:52 pm EDT

Seriously! I work for this company mailing out surveys with REAL money attached. This is a Market Research firm that conducts surveys (mostly regarding newspaper, television, and radio). We send out money upon completion of the surveys in the amount of $5 to $50.

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msandra
, US
Aug 30, 2012 2:56 pm EDT

I just received one of their surveys by mail along with what they claim to be a dollar bill. (It's slightly larger than my dollar bills and feels and sounds like regular paper.) They said they would send a total of $5 if I filled out the survey and sent it back. So, maybe they've broken the law by using what appears to be counterfeit money.

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Donald 1948
Troy, US
May 24, 2012 9:48 pm EDT

They are a sleazy company. Also arrogant, rude, and unethical. You should NOT have to call a 1-800 number to be left alone. They have been pestering me for weeks and I finally called the 1-800 number and requested to be taken off their list on 5/24/12. The woman I spoke to was extremely rude. They LOVE to point out that they are "exempt" from the Do Not Call law, but the law states that any entity which one requests to cease calling, do so immediately. If I get more calls after the 72 hour wait, then I will do what so many other decent citizens are impelled to do when playing by the rules fails: flood them with calls. Tie up their lines. Insult their decision to work for a dishonorable entity. There is no need to be polite to these people.

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emmitk
oroville, US
May 18, 2011 4:13 am EDT

This is a sleazy company. They've been calling me every day for about a month. If I want it to stop the only way is to call their 800 number? Are you kidding me? Why is it my responsibility to call THEM to get them to stop this harassment? What a scam. I really launched on the last caller but it won't do any good, just made me feel a little better. I guess the national do not call list doesn't work anymore like it did for the first couple years.

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11:21 am EDT

Nielsen Rude callers

Brea Howard from Scarborough Research called and badgered us constantly to participate in their survey. I told her no, and she continued speaking, saying that the "do not call list" doesn't apply to them and that they would continue to call. The number she provided to me to speak to her supervisor is a dead end. This is a sleazy person from an even sleazier company...hang up on them hard.

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jonocry
dibidibi, US
Oct 11, 2013 12:32 pm EDT

Maybe you are sleaze. I know that company. It is true they are relaxed in their style, tut not sleaze. Do you know what sleazy mean?. They want your opinion period. Maybe your limited vocabulary stops you from doing the survey and you mix up their endurance for what you are for lack of words.

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Very Angry in North Carolina
Asheville, US
Jun 17, 2011 1:30 pm EDT
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The DO NOT CALLS DO APPLY TO THEM! THE INFORMATION BELOW IS TAKEN FROM THE DO NOT CALL WEBSITE:
If I register my number on the National Do Not Call Registry, will it stop all telemarketing calls?
No. Placing your number on the National Do Not Call Registry will stop most telemarketing calls, but not all. Because of limitations in the jurisdiction of the FTC and FCC, calls from or on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors would still be permitted, as would calls from companies with which you have an existing business relationship, or those to whom you’ve provided express agreement in writing to receive their calls. However, if you ask a company with which you have an existing business relationship to place your number on its own do-not-call list, it must honor your request. You should keep a record of the date you make the request.
THEY MUST HONOR YOUR REQUEST NOT TO CALL YOU!

What about telephone surveys?
If the call is really for the sole purpose of conducting a survey, it is not covered. Only telemarketing calls are covered — that is, calls that solicit sales of goods or services. Callers purporting to take a survey, but also offering to sell goods or services, must comply with the National Do Not Call Registry.
THEY DO SELL THE INFORMATION THEY COLLECT SO THEY ARE NOT EXEMPT!

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Nielsen Rude service

I would like to file a complaint about a Company called Scarborough Research. They called me numerous times at all hours of the day or night and even left a message on my answering machine! These people are very rude and won't take no for an answer. I was told that my phone number can not be taken off their list. I do not wish to take their survey and most of all I do not want them to call me again. If they were polite I wouldn't have a problem, but they are aggressive and rude. I do not think I have to explain myself after I say no thank you! The Company information follows:
Scarborough Research
4801 NW Loop 410
San Antonio, TX [protected]
[protected]
This is what I found on their web site : "call [protected] or to E-mail our Web site, to verify that it is really you asking for the change". I guess I will have to call them to let them know that I do not wish to be called again!

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Dikshat goyal
, IN
Jul 06, 2019 11:25 pm EDT

I redeemed my amazon gift voucher on 23 Junr, 2019 of 1000 points on Amazon gift voucher but I can't receive it yet. Its my humble request please give me my Amazon gift voucher as soon as possible.

guess wh
guess wh
Memphis, US
Dec 21, 2013 8:07 am EST
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Scarborough Research ###s should be sued due to harassing people and sending those stupid ### surveys to residents and don't pay them.The ###s owe me money and don't wont to pay, went the hell off on those fools.Another thing they don't pay everyone the same like they claim ###s need to stop the obama spying ###. Don't do the surveys their racist too.

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bigpic
, US
Mar 14, 2016 6:20 pm EDT

I just received the letter, survey and dollar bill in the mail today. Naturally I was interested in the pros and cons before choosing to participate which led me to this site. I see all these complaints about people being upset about all the phone calls they are receiving and am a bit confused. It clearly states on the survey that by participating you agree to be contacted by phone to discuss further research opportunities as well as it might be via automatic dialing system. Always read the fine print and interpret what is being said. Also, all actions result in a reaction. In other words, rudeness causes rudeness in return. This goes both ways. From the employee or the participant. Just one last comment. If you have a legitimate issue and can't resolve it through other avenues there are these wonderful things called class action lawsuits where those with the same unresolved issues can come together and have a law firm settle the grievance.

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The MOB BOSS
, US
Oct 17, 2014 7:50 pm EDT

Here's a good idea how about if we all set up a computer to dial your number (SCARBOROUGH RESEARCH) all day I'm talking everybody that's been called by this number maybe they will get the message and stop

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Sharonlk
Solomons, US
Aug 08, 2014 8:48 am EDT
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I too, was contacted by this company. It was 9 p.m., when my husband handed me the phone, saying, the person wanted to talk to the person in the house who had the last birthday. And so I took the call. At 9:37 pm, I got off the phone. The next day I got an email about the online survey which was "a short" one, the website promised. SEVENTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER, I pushed the final button to complete it. That is not a short survey, in my opinion. And then there was the television survey. I am not a big tv watcher, so it didn't take long and they wIll probably be disappointed with the results of that one. All told, this whole experience consumed about 2 hours of my time, which is also valuable. And for all of this, I received $7. You do the math. I didn't do it for the money, but if I am willing to participate, don't insult me with .06/minute, and call me at a decent hour please.
The computers can be programmed to not call anyone in a certain time zone after a certain hour, if indeed it is the computer that dials and not the survey taker. My husband works in the programming field, he says it can be done. In fact your average high school computer savvy kid can probably do it. So, there's that problem solved! I'll take a percentage of the profits to be made after figuring that one out!

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John.Berkey
Ellenton, US
Apr 19, 2014 12:20 pm EDT

Am I the only one troubled by the fact that "reps" from Scarborough are on this site rebuking posters? If they are truly interested in performing a task of value would they not just gracefully learn from the complaints and adjust their processes?

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John.Berkey
Ellenton, US
Apr 19, 2014 12:15 pm EDT

I have received two calls from this agency. The first time, I refused to submit to the survey because they wanted to speak to an adult (over 18) with the most recent birthday. I inquired why the birthday requirement. The caller responded that it was to ensure randomness. I explained that is NOT random. Random would be whoever answered the phone.

I just got my second call, I explained to the caller that we just spoke the other night. The caller admitted seeing the comments in the computer. Again, I refused to go any further. She did not want me to terminate the conversation. I asked them to remove me from their call list. She wanted to give me an 800#. I stated that to the best of my knowledge that all I had to do is speak to a telemarketer directly. She immediately responded that she was not a telemarketer and as such not part of the national do not call list program. The 800# was to their corporate offices. I told her I was ending the call immediately.

Irate, I decided to call the number that came up on my caller ID when they called. I received a recorded message asking me to just leave my name and phone number if I would prefer to not receive any future calls. My question is why couldn't the rep do it directly? Also, how does asking for a specific person in the household determine any randomness?

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John.Berkey
Ellenton, US
Apr 19, 2014 12:08 pm EDT

I just received my second call from Scarborough Research. I explained on the first call that the reason I refuse to participate is because it is NOT random. They only want to speak to the person in the household over age 18 that had the most recent birthday. I can appreciate the need to be over age 18 but to be random it would be the person who answers the phone NOT the most recent birthday.

I asked them to discontinue the calls, the second caller says she sees comments from the first call but can not discontinue calls unless I call an 800#. It is my opinion that is not my responsibility.

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noworlaser
, US
Mar 06, 2014 2:51 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I agree with the general complaint but I never found them rude. There were always cordial on the phone. However, they lied to me two times about my compensation. First lie. After very long phone interview I was promised $50 to complete online portion and booklet. Second lie, when booklet arrived, I called and told them that there was no mention of the $50 compensation. They told me not to worry because they would send it after I sent the book back and that it would take two weeks. Well, two weeks go by and I don't hear from them of course. When I call, they tell me there was never any compensation and unless I received a letter stating compensation I would not get any. I was a sucker and trusted them. I spoke with Sandy the manager in Florida and they really don't care. She just kept saying sorry. She would not tell me who her supervisor was and when I told her I wanted my information back she told me it was too late. It was already processed and SOLD. They sell to clients she says. God only knows who those clients are. I would never have given my info if they were selling my information.

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Reyna828
San Antonio, US
Jan 24, 2014 11:37 am EST

You people are just complaining over no big deal. Just do the survey and there will be no more calls. How hard is It to take 10 min out of your day and if you don't have time when they call you, tell them when would be a more convenient time. Don't be rude just because we have the right to call you, If we have the right we obviously are doing something important don't you think? So instead of being grumpy just do the darn survey to get it over with. And if you don't want to do the survey don't hang up and listen to what the interviewer has to say to get your number removed don't be an idiot and hang up cause we will keep calling unt you do the survey or until you yourself get your number removed.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Nielsen

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Is Nielsen a legitimate market research company?

Yes, Nielsen is a globally recognized and legitimate market research company.

Can I trust Nielsen with my personal and survey data?

Nielsen follows industry standard practices for data privacy and security. However, you should read their privacy policy to understand how they use and protect your data.

Does Nielsen offer legitimate paid surveys?

Yes, Nielsen offers paid surveys and other opportunities for consumers to earn rewards through their Nielsen Consumer Panel and Nielsen Digital Voice programs.

Are the rewards and incentives offered by Nielsen real?

Yes, Nielsen offers various types of rewards including gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and cash rewards depending on the specific program.

How reliable is Nielsen's customer service?

Nielsen offers customer support, but experiences may vary. It's advisable to look for online reviews for a better understanding of customer satisfaction.

Is Nielsen's mobile app safe to install and use?

The Nielsen mobile app is considered safe to install and use. It follows standard security measures to protect user data.

Does Nielsen share my data with third parties?

Nielsen does share aggregated, anonymized data with third parties for research purposes, but individual personally identifiable information is generally not shared. Always check their privacy policy for more details.

How long has Nielsen been in operation?

Nielsen has been in operation for over 90 years, with its founding in 1923.

Can I trust online reviews about Nielsen?

When researching Nielsen, consider multiple reviews from different sources to get a well-rounded understanding of the company.

Does participating in Nielsen surveys or panels expose me to spam or unwanted marketing?

Nielsen aims to respect user preferences regarding communication. If you experience unwanted communication, you can adjust your preferences or contact their customer service.

Are there any known scams associated with Nielsen?

While Nielsen itself is a legitimate company, it's important to be aware that scammers sometimes pose as known companies. Always verify communication from Nielsen through their official contact methods.

How can I sign up for Nielsen surveys or panels?

You can sign up for Nielsen panels or surveys through their official website or approved mobile apps.

How does Nielsen use the data collected from surveys and panels?

Nielsen uses the data to provide insights to businesses about consumer behavior and market trends.

Is participation in Nielsen surveys or panels anonymous?

Yes, Nielsen generally reports data in an aggregated and anonymized format to protect the identity of participants.

Can I opt-out of Nielsen panels or surveys at any time?

Yes, you can generally opt-out of Nielsen surveys or panels at any time by contacting their customer service or following the instructions provided in their communications.

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