Hibu, a digital marketing company, has a checkered past filled with numerous class action lawsuits accusing it of deceptive business practices, primarily targeting small businesses with misleading advertising promises and aggressive sales tactics. While Hibu denies wrongdoing, its history of settlements and ongoing litigation raise concerns for potential customers.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Levien v. Hibu PLC | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York | Misleading Advertising: Accused Hibu of exaggerating the effectiveness of online ads, misrepresenting leads and website visits, and pressuring businesses into long contracts. Settled for $32 million. | |
| 2019 | Pasno, et al. v. Hibu Inc. | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida | Phantom Charges: Alleged unauthorized charges for advertising services never rendered and difficulties in canceling contracts. Ongoing. | |
| 2020 | Green v. Hibu, Inc. | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia | Robocalls: Accused Hibu of violating TCPA by making unsolicited robocalls. Settled for $12 million. | |
| 2021 | Hibu PLC v. Yell North America Inc. | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida | Competition: Hibu accuses competitor Yell of using deceptive marketing tactics. Ongoing. |
Additional Concerns:
- Pattern of Allegations: Multiple lawsuits raise serious concerns about Hibu’s business practices, casting a shadow over their credibility.
- Millions in Settlements: Past settlements suggest potentially widespread issues and raise questions about continued practices.
- Ongoing Litigation: Unresolved cases like Pasno v. Hibu leave potential risks for future customers.
Recommendations for Potential Customers:
- Be aware of Hibu’s lawsuit history.
- Conduct thorough research before engaging their services.
- Carefully review contracts and terms of service.
- Seek alternative providers if concerns arise.
