First: I am not calling N2 “fraudulent” as a fact.
I reviewed N2's public contract terms, its own website, Better Business Bureau records, public complaint sites, and searchable court records.
What I did find is enough to justify serious due diligence before a small business signs a long advertising commitment.
The public complaint signal is real.
As of August 2026, BBB's profile for The N2 Company showed:
BBB also showed a strong customer-review average, so the public record is not one-sided. Some advertisers report positive long-term results and good service.
The complaint themes that repeat
Multiple complainants allege they were told things about cancellation, placement, exclusivity, exposure or services that they later say were not honored. N2 often responds that the signed agreement controls.
Many complaints involve advertisers wanting out after poor results or changed circumstances and discovering that the contract or early-termination structure is much harder than expected.
Several advertisers report little or no attributable business. N2's own written terms expressly say it does not guarantee responses, views or business benefit.
Some complainants say billing continued while cancellation or breach disputes were being argued. N2's public terms say payment may not be withheld because of a dispute.
Some complaints allege missing magazines, distribution questions, or insufficient proof of delivery. N2 has disputed those allegations and in some cases says proof was supplied.
Complaints include wrong addresses, placement concerns, exclusivity misunderstandings and differences between expected and actual presentation.
The contract is the bigger story.
N2's public March 2024 print-advertising terms contain several provisions every advertiser should understand before signing.
One complaint deserves special caution
A 2026 BBB complainant alleged that a proposed termination arrangement required deletion of negative reviews and imposed a $5,000 penalty per violation for future criticism.
If anyone is offered a settlement containing confidentiality, non-disparagement, review-removal, liquidated-damages or venue provisions, read every word and consider legal advice before signing.
N2's side
N2 publicly rejects the “scam” label. Its responses consistently argue that advertisers sign binding agreements with stated terms; the program is intended to build recognition over time rather than guarantee immediate leads; it fulfills agreements by publishing and distributing contracted advertising; and some disputes arise because advertisers want to cancel after signing or because verbal understandings differ from the written contract.
The BBB record also includes advertisers who report years of positive experience, brand recognition and measurable business.
My risk assessment
The agreement is difficult for an advertiser who later decides the campaign is not working. Exit terms matter.
N2 expressly disclaims guaranteed responses, views and business benefits.
Repeated complaints allege oral promises that later conflict with the written agreement. Get everything in writing.
Fraud finding: Not established by the sources reviewed.
Buyer-beware finding: Absolutely warranted.
Before you give N2 a card number, ask these questions
The safest buying rule
Calculate the full commitment as if the advertising produces zero sales.
Marketing can work without immediate direct-response attribution. Brand advertising has real value. But a small business should understand the downside before committing cash flow to a long campaign.
Sources reviewed
N2 — Public Print Advertising Terms & Conditions N2 — “Is The N2 Company a Scam?” company response N2 — Advertising product claims and positioning BBB — The N2 Company complaints BBB — The N2 Company customer reviews Justia — Hoogeveen Health & Wellness v. N2 Publishing (dismissed by stipulation) ComplaintsBoard — N2 Publishing user complaints (anecdotal; lower evidentiary weight)READ BEFORE YOU SIGN.
A salesperson can explain the upside in 20 minutes. Your signature owns the downside for much longer.