Tuesday, February 9th – Valentine’s Day is
approaching quickly. Online dating sites and match-making services typically
see a spike in memberships during this time of year. Often times, consumers are
solicited by mail, email, and online ads promoting these services. This is an
exciting, hopeful time for many people. Unfortunately, it also creates an
opening for fraud and scams.
Fraudulent companies claiming to be high-end matchmaking services may overpromise and make untrue claims about their ability to find you a match, and it can cost you thousands of dollars. Even when a company is legitimate, there are still risks. The potential romantic partner you’re connected with may also seek to scam you out of your hard earned dollars. This season, make sure to consider the following tips before you put yourself out there in the dating pool:
Before you commit to a matchmaking company:
- If they make promises such as having a 100% success rate, saying they can match you within a couple days, or that they already have someone in mind for you during your first conversation, and engage in high pressure sales tactics – take extra care in reading over your agreement. These promises are often too good to be true.
- Make sure to ask questions about their programs including how and if they conduct background checks, how they find their clients, the male to female ratio in their client pool, the company’s matchmaking process and how many clients actually live in your area.
- If the company you’re thinking of signing on with claims to have psychologists or other professional experts on staff, check their credentials.
- Do background research before selecting a service. If you have friends or family who are also looking for a match, ask what companies they have used and what their success rate and experience has been.
- Ask about and review the company’s cancellation policy. Connecticut law allows you to cancel your contract within three business days after receipt of your dating service contract or after the social referral service has been made available for your use, whichever is later.
Avoid potential matches when you see these signs:
- The relationship progresses more quickly than usual, with pronouncements of love or close friendship, but they have constant reasons they can’t meet in person.
- They claim to be a business person who needs your help with a deal or a new venture.
- You are quickly asked to communicate
via text, IM, or email instead of through the dating site.
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Contact:
Lora Rae Anderson
Lorarae.anderson@ct.gov
8602478711