Shutterstock
Reviews and Complaints

I was a Shutterstock contributor for over a year with a clean record. On April 29, 2025, my account was suspended for alleged copyright infringement. I immediately submitted multiple outtakes from the same photoshoot, full EXIF data, and a clear explanation showing I own the content.

They never replied. Two months passed. I followed up multiple times. Nothing.

Shutterstock is treating contributors with zero respect. They profit from our work, then ignore us like we don’t matter. I demand a clear response, not silence.

#Shutterstock #UnfairTreatment #SupportCreators

Shutterstock has blocked my account, which I have been actively working on for 5 years and generating passive income from. As a citizen of Ukraine, I am a victim of the war, a refugee. My city is completely destroyed, I am from the frontline zone of Ukraine, where active warfare is ongoing. And to add to this, Shutterstock has blocked my account. Unfortunately, they are not providing me with any response. The contract states that Shutterstock can terminate the agreement at any time. It's a very strange and unclear situation. Please help me understand this.

I always used this site, and they charged me only on the months I downloaded from them. Apparently, they changed that and put me on a yearly plan, like many people here and the reason they have such low rating.

Their photos are not great, and I do not find them any purpose, so I won't pay for something I won't use. If I would´ve paid a yearly membership, that would be on me, but that is not the case.

This company is deceiving in their practices to make a buck from unsuspecting people since these are not standard practices.

I am not looking for a refund, but to cancel my membership without any fees so they can implement a more transparent business practice.

I also filed a complain with the BBB.

On November 6, 2023, Shutterstock made an unauthorized transaction using my bank account or bank card. The transaction was made, to the best of my understanding, [facts included] illegally (because they have no legal authority to take my money or transact within my bank account), deceptively and unethically (because when a company takes or attempts to take money without notification or permission but under the cover of darkness, it is deceptive and unethical), and by all appearances, fraudulently (You tell me: If a company illegally goes and tries to take money from a bank account without authorization, what should one best call that under the law?).

FACTS:

1. Shutterstock accessed my bank card data by apparently sending "instructions" to my bank to withdraw funds with no authorization from me at any time whatsoever.

2. My financial identity in this particular exclusive instance was effectively stolen with no traces of criminal wrongdoing or suspicious activity from any place *except* Shutterstock itself. Whether or not this was planned or intended or some mishap is beyond my knowledge. What I do know is that my financial data was breached and Shutterstock exclusively is the ONLY entity with guilty or suspect or involved "fingerprints."

3. I do not have an account or a business relationship with Shutterstock.

4. I do not have my credit or bank card set up with Shutterstock.

5. I do not have a partnership or affiliate connection to Shutterstock.

6. I do not have any financial or business or personal connections with Shutterstock.

7. I provided no authorization whatsoever at any time to Shutterstock to access or charge my bank account or credit card.

I have registered on Shutterstock for the "FLEX 25 Annual Subscription, Monthly", due to this, I had a discount.

I don't use their platform anymore and tried to cancel but was not possible (they don't give any options) they keep charge me for the susbcription and their answer was this:

"I checked your account and the charge you're seeing is the monthly payment for your annual plan, which includes a discounted monthly rate. When you activated your plan, you opted for the annual commitment with the option of paying on a monthly basis. For those reasons we can't cancel your subscription at this time."

I've read the terms of agreement and it doesn't say anywhere that I can't cancel this subscription. It is outrageous! Am I obliged to pay them for the rest of the year?!

What can I do to get out of this? Please help!

I have tried to log on to my Shutterstock account to download an image several times today, however as none of my remembered passwords have worked, I have requested a 'reset password' several times, but have not yet received any link or email to do this from Shutterstock.

I also added a complaint online with my contact details several hours ago and have had absolutely no comment or response from Shutterstock whatsoever.

Considering the monthly charge is quite high for something I hardly use and now cannot access, I believe I should receive a refund for the amount just deducted today – particularly if I am not assisted to log on so that I can actually use the service I am paying for regularly.

My intention was to download some images and then to cancel my account, however if I receive no help or other a refund, I have no option but to instruct my bank to cancel this direct debit immediately – however I feel I am owed at least 30 images for all of the months I have paid for and not used this account. It really is a con and massive rip-off to have to sign up to a monthly account just for occasional downloads of images, many of which can be found for cheaper or even free via other suppliers or the internet.

Not giving any help to your paying customers is a pretty big offence and really should be investigated. Very unimpressed, appalled and disgusted by these failures.

Back in October of 2020 I purchased 5 images for a website project I was working on. Thought that was the end of it. Fast forward to Oct 2022 I notice a charge on my credit card account for $51 and some change. I log back into my Shutterstock account and notice that I have been charged for the past 3 years. When I called them to inquire about this they said there is a check box that you have to UNCHECK when you are making the purchase to turn off the auto-renewal. It is such a sneaky business practice. I will never order anything from them again.

Crooks! After 2 years of still billing me they finally cancelled my account as requested. Claim I reinstated my account yesterday and downloaded photos. Charged me 53.00 this morning. Customer service will not refund the charge and will not let me talk to a supervisor. they also claim it came from my IP address which is absolute nonsense and frankly quite a bit disturbing. I am the only one who has the password, and my office is locked and alarmed with cameras. I was travelling the last several days so no, I did not rejoin and download anything! These people are just plain crooks. Something needs to be done!

my master card was charged todays morning when i wake up. i dont know who charged from my card because no one has my information i need my money to get refund and want to know from which email address did he make the transaction.

Transaction Details

Time:10:10:47

Date: 15-June-2022

Location: STK*Shutterstock [protected] NY

Account No 60100XXXXXXXX018

i dont know what happen how happen i need the details from my card who did make the payment because no one has my card number

It’s a scam! There’s no flexibility in cancelling subscription such as a simple ‘cancel my subscription’ button whereas they made their website for effortless. You either auto-join for an annual subscription or you have to to contact the customer service which literally makes u beg them to not steal your money. Once the free trail is over you have to pay an extra fee just cancel it. If it’s not a scam then I don’t know what is! Okay! Take my money! But you won’t be taking others as much now! So many bad reviews with literally the same problems like me. No wonders!

Here is the thing...

I'm a design professional have been for 40 yrs. You have been charging my wife's card since 2018. Without a notice! Without an email! or even a request.

How could in good conscience you do that? I would love to see the images that we used or the discounts we received over the course of five years.

Carl H. Bradford III

Studiob3 Creative

554 Chateau Way

Vacaville, CA. 95687

studiob.[protected]@gmail.com

[protected]

I continually receive emails from Shutterstock. There is no means of unsubscribing on the email. I have never used their services, don't have a logon, don't have an App. I don't seem to be able to block them.

They have charged my card without giving me any intimation. I checked all my accounts and it seems un charged.

Have never initiated a transfer to these guys and have asked how and why have I been charged an amount of AED 109/-

No response from their team. It seems a little fishy when company's look a little desperate to charge people without their consent.

My name is Mahima Singh,

$32 is being deducted from my hdfc account, when i dont even have a shutterstock account

I bought one image from Shutterstock in Dec 2021 and knew and approved the charge. In Feb 22 I browsed images and downloaded 6 textures that I thought were small and would have the shutterstock watermark which was what I needed (free). I was notified by Paypal that I was billed three times 29$ for three 365day plans without my approval or my knowledge! I have no idea what this plan is. I called to resolve this and the customer service man was extremely unhelpful and could not do anything to reverse the charges. When I purchased the 1 image back in DEC I was not asked to join any plan, yearly or on demand. I paid 21$ and that was it. apparently what I I purchased was an "on Demand" plan for two images and they automatically put me on this plan for future downloads without my approval. I did not know it. I am very careful to understand charges. the Shutterstock man said I purchased on demand. I did not do such thing and and can prove with screen shots that the page does not alert you, you are about to make any purchase or join any plan. I would not willingly purchase 3 expensive monthly plans in less than one hour at 29$ for only two images each. After this encounter I searched for reviews and found to my horror that was not the only one scammed.

Hello,

First they charged our debit card 3x.

Then they refunded.

Then they finally provided correct subscription.

They cut off our subscription prematurely.

Trying to get them to resolve, since this is unethical behaviour from them.

I have paid in advance for a service that 1. did not calculate the correct start time due to the previous 2 refunds. 2. cut short the subscription 1 day early.

Still have 150 photos to download as part of subscription.

They are only prepared to provide 50.

I want access to the remaining 150 photos for 1 day at least and then be done with them..

I was charged 29 USD and I immediately sent a mail asking for cancelation and refund of the 29 USD back to my card. I was promised a refund within 5 business days. I been way more than 5 days and u haven't seen any refund. Please the company should give me a refund back. I am a sincere African student and 29 USD is basically my feeding for a month. Please shutterstock.

I have just emailed this support again, and it is no longer active, so I have sent to help centre on website. These are my emails to them, see below.

After last email March last year, we were hit with the pandemic crisis, and I have not picked up the pieces until now. Then I see they are still taking my money! It is impossible to cancel online, I have tried many times and all it says is contact customer support! CLEARLY THEY DO NOTHING!

To: [protected]@shutterstock.com
Subject: URGENT URGENT-STOP TAKING MY MONEY ID [protected]
Importance: High

URGENT!
I AM GOING TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION
YOU ARE STILL TAKING MY MONEY WHEN I EMAIL TWICE TO CANCEL SUBSCRIPTION OVER 18 MONTHS AGO!

THIS IS THEFT!: I AM GOING TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION.

I HAVE BEEN ROUND& ROUND IN CIRCLES ON YOUR WEBSITE TO CANCEL MY SUBSCRIPTION

I CANNOT EVEN DELETE MY PAYMENT METHOD

ID USER [protected]

YOU HAVE UNLAWFULLY TAKEN $574.20 SINCE MY FIRST REQUEST 5th Feb 2020

CONTACT ME TODAY! I AM GOING TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION. YOU MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CANCEL. YOU JUST KEEP SAYING CONTACT SUPPORT AND 18 MONTHS AGO YOU DID NOT CANCEL MY SUBSCRIPTION AFTER I EMAILED TWICE TELLING YOU TO CANCEL!

I AM AFRAID TO DELETE MY ACCOUNT BECAUSE YOU WILL PROBABLY STILL TAKE MY MONEY BECAUSE YOU HAVE MY CARD DETAILS

THIS IS A DISGRACE.
CONTACT ME!
LISA

— Original message —
From: Lisa & Brad
Date: 31/3/20 20:33 (GMT+10:00)
To: [protected]@shutterstock.com, [protected]@optusnet.com. au
Subject: RE: Shutterstock Support Email

ATTENTION! CANCEL MY SUBSCRIPTION
I already sent an email and got exactly the same reply so this is what I sent you and you sent me the exact same reply. I am getting charged for this so call free trial of $31 each month. Stop my subscription because I cannot do it myself online that is why I contacted you in the first place it does not allow me to do it. If you do not cancel my subscription and give written confirmation I am going to take further action

See the attached screenshot and also the copy paste email and timestamp of when I sent you this

From: Lisa Marree & Brad Flynn
Sent: Sunday, 29 March 2020 3:30 PM
To: '[protected]@shutterstock.com'
Subject: RE: Shutterstock Support Email

Hello
I have been charged 5th Feb AU$ 31.90 and 5th March AU$ 31.90 according to my bank account.
I DO NOT wish to continue.
I tried to cancel, it said contact support, that is why I am talking to you.
Please cancel my account, I do not wish to pay any more.
Regards, Lisa

— Original message —
From: [protected]@shutterstock.com
Date: 31/3/20 02:15 (GMT+10:00)
To: [protected]@resultsreasy.com
Subject: RE: Shutterstock Support Email

Hello there,

Thank you for contacting Shutterstock!

I checked your account and see you have signed for a free trial, and as stated on our page you had 30 days to cancel at no charge. Follow the instructions to cancel your plan after the free trial period.

Based on the length you have had your annual subscription, your total monthly savings are A$40 to date. With your consent, we can process the A$40 adjustment using your payment method on file.

I need your consent to charge the fee and cancel your plan definitely.

Kind Regards,
Shutterstock Customer Care

— Original Message —
From: Lisa Marree & Brad Flynn [[protected]@resultsreasy.com]
Sent: 3/29/2020 1:30 AM
To: [protected]@shutterstock.com
Subject: RE: Shutterstock Support Email

Hello
I have been charged 5th Feb AU$ 31.90 and 5th March AU$ 31.90 according to my bank account.
I DO NOT wish to continue.
I tried to cancel, it said contact support, that is why I am talking to you.
Please cancel my account, I do not wish to pay any more.
Regards, Lisa

From: [protected]@salesforce.com On Behalf Of [protected]@shutterstock.com
Sent: Sunday, 29 March 2020 6:58 AM
To: [protected]@optusnet.com. au
Subject: Shutterstock Support Email

Hello there,

Thank you for contacting Shutterstock!

Thank you for holding!

I checked your account and see you have signed for a free trial, and as stated on our page you had 30 days to cancel at no charge. Follow the instructions to cancel your plan after the free trial period.

I checked your account and see that you are on an active annual subscription, which gives you a discounted monthly rate for a one year commitment. If you need to cancel this plan before the year commitment is over, we can assess a plan price adjustment and cancel it for you. The price adjustment accounts for the savings you have received with the annual plan.

Based on the length you have had your annual subscription, your total monthly savings are A$40 to date. With your consent, we can process the A$40 adjustment using your payment method on file.

Once it has been processed, you will retain access to any remaining downloads in your current monthly cycle, which ends on 04/07/2020 at 07:54:38 PM (24h display - US Eastern Time). After that, your plan will end and you will no longer be charged.

Alternatively, you can keep your annual subscription until the year commitment ends and turn off auto renewal during the final billing month of the plan to prevent it from renewing for an additional year term.

Please let me know if you would like to continue with the adjustment and I will be glad to help.

Kind Regards,

Shutterstock Customer Care Error! Filename not specified.

Money was taken from my bank account without my knowledge or consent. After reading reviews on Trust Pilot, it appears I'm not the only one. As far as I was aware, there was never an auto-renew feature being active on my account for the 365-day images on demand, with 5 Standard License downloads. This is a one-end product, not a subscription model! The last time I bought this product was in 2020. This is fraudulent and trying to contact them is near impossible. They should be expelled from the internet completely. They have literally stolen from me.

Every picture that I posted was worthy of submission. But reviewers (whom I assume are not good photographers, at all) reject my images for nefarious reasons. Wont explain why. I deleted my account and wont be back. I will make sure other photographers/artist friends are made aware that this site is a waste of time.