Media contact: Janet C. Hart, APR, CFEE (704) 927-8617 office
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s a special time for people in love. However, if you are still looking for love, the BBB has advice to keep you from getting your heart broken.
“People are willing to pay to find true love,” said BBB President Tom Bartholomy.
According to recent surveys, the amount that individuals will spend on U. S. online dating services this year is nearly one billion dollars.
“Complaints against dating services are on the rise because more people are trying them.” said Bartholomy. “The point where the relationship gets rocky occurs when the consumer wants to cancel the dating service contract.”
Dating services include personalized matchmaking services and online dating websites.
Matchmaking Services - Matchmaking and local dating services can cost thousands of dollars and promise to introduce you to other area singles that meet your specified criteria. Complaints include disputes over the caliber of singles promised, high pressure sales tactics and fewer arranged dates than expected.
· Great Expectations, (BBB Grade B+), is a local dating service based in Fort Mill, S.C. The company has had nine complaints in the last 36 months which focus on contract, refund and billing issues.
Online Dating Services - Many online dating websites provide a forum for users to post a profile and view profiles from other singles. The services normally require a specific length of membership and charge a monthly fee which is automatically drafted from your checking account. The contract is typically renewed automatically when it expires. Consequently, two-thirds of the complaints cite contract and billing issues, and difficulty canceling after signing up.
· Match.com LLC – (BBB grade - No Rating) - Match.com is accredited by the BBB, but is currently under review as it responds to complaints. The popular website has generated 1,098 complaints in the last 36 months. The majority of the complaints focus on automatic renewal and cancellation issues.
· eHarmony, Inc. - (BBB grade A+) – eHarmony.com is accredited by the BBB. Although the popular website has generated 771 complaints in the last 36 months, the company has worked to resolve all of the complaints.
The BBB offers the following advice for finding your perfect match:
· Don’t fall in love too quickly. Beware of exaggerated advertising claims that promise more than they deliver.
· Say ‘NO’ to blind dates. Do a background check on the dating service with the BBB to make sure they don’t have a love-hate relationship with their customers.
· Don’t be pressured into commitment. Before you sign a contract, read it carefully, and make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
· Know what a ‘divorce’ will cost you. The dating service contract is like a pre-nuptial agreement. It details the costs associated with your relationship with the dating service and the costs associated if you ‘break-up’ with the dating service. Do not assume that the billing will stop when the contract ends. Many online dating sites automatically renew memberships unless the consumer specifically cancels the service.
For more information, please visit BBB or call the BBB (toll-free in N.C. and S.C.) at 1-877-317-7236.
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