Online dating and companion service sites are popping up everywhere on the web. Many new sites target the senior population and promise to connect you with the person of your dreams. Beware: many people who have gone online looking for love find only headache, heartache or an emptied wallet.

Canadians spend millions of dollars on online dating sites each year. Whether you’re 20 or 75 years old, whether you’re willing to pay thousands for a matchmaker or $50 a month for a website membership, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into and exactly how to get out of it, when it comes to online dating services.

The dating services industry is divided into two categories: personalized matchmaking companies and online dating websites. The two services take a different approach to helping people find love and, as a result, the types of complaints to BBB are divergent.

Matchmaking Complaints
Matchmaking and local dating services, which can cost thousands of dollars, promise to introduce people to other area singles that meet specified criteria.

Common complaints for matchmaking services reveal:

• Dissatisfaction with the number of arranged dates.
• Available singles not up to par.
• Poor or rude customer service and high-pressure sales tactics.

Online Dating Complaints
Unlike matchmakers and local dating services, most online dating websites provide a forum for users to post information about themselves and offer the opportunity to peruse the site for other singles.

Common complaints for online dating services include the inability to immediately cancel after signing up, general dissatisfaction with the company and its process, and the practice of the company contacting other singles on behalf of the complainant.

BBB offers the following advice on matchmaking and online dating services:

• Don’t fall in love with the advertising. Beware of claims such as, “an exclusive network of people,” “for sincere daters only,” and “beautiful singles just like you.”
• Do your homework. Check out the company with BBB (www.bbb.org) to make sure it has a history of satisfying customers and resolving complaints.
• Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Sales associates may tell people that a low price is only good for that day and ask them to sign a contract immediately. People should take the contract home, read it carefully and make sure they understand what they are signing up and paying for.
• Know how to break up. Consumers should not assume that they will stop being billed once the contract runs out. Many online dating sites automatically renew memberships and there are steps that must be taken, such as calling the company, to keep from being billed again.

For more trustworthy information on matchmaking and online dating services, consumers can access BBB Business Reviews free-of-charge at www.bbb.org

APRIL 2011 SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND & VANCOUVER / LOWER MAINLAND