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A Match.com user has filed a class action lawsuit against the company alleging that paid subscriptions involve messages from fake profiles and are in violation of consumer protection laws.
Lead plaintiff Matthew Ditnes recently filed a class action against Match Group LLC, claiming that they do not sufficiently warn members that paid subscriptions involve messages from fake profiles portrayed as real members.
Match.com was launched in 1995 as an online dating site and reportedly helped launch the online dating industry. “Among its distinguishing features is the ability to both search profiles, receive algorithmic matches and the ability to attend live events, promoted by Match, with other members,” the Match.com class action lawsuit states. Match limits the functionality of free membership and therefore has a high percentage of paying users.
Match reportedly offers paid subscriptions to its services for a fee between $15.99 and $35.99 per month. The website allegedly solicits these subscriptions without informing potential subscribers that they will receive messages from “persons identified as members who are not.” According to the Match.com online dating class action, users only learn that the profiles are fake after they pay for a subscription.
Ditnes argues that Match sends messages from “users” which can only be accessed and replied to if users upgrade to a paid subscription. “In many instances, the communications consumers receive are not from actual users of Match’s online dating service. Many users routinely discover that the profiles of the persons who purportedly are interested in them are fake or fraudulent profiles and not associated with anybody whom they can date or even communicate,” the Match.com paid subscription class action lawsuit claims.
The Match.com class action claims that this model wrongfully induces consumers to upgrade to a paid subscription by convincing them that real people are trying to communicate with them. In reality, the messages are allegedly from fake profiles and a ploy to get users to upgrade to paid services.
Many users other than Ditnes have allegedly experienced a similar “scam” and have left reviews on Consumer Affairs about their experiences. Scott of Florida wrote: “I’ve investigated this site and there are very few real profiles but mainly fake profiles and photos that the staff there e-mail to current and future prospects and customers just to provide them false hopes and to keep the money rolling in!”
The Match.com fake profiles class action lawsuit claims that this business model is deceptive and unfair and violates various consumer protection laws including the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Illinois Dating Referral Services Act. The Match.com class action also brings counts of breach of contract and unjust enrichment.
Ditnes seeks to represent a Class of people who paid for a Match.com subscription and received messages from people identified as Match.com members but who were not in fact persons who are members of the site. The Match.com class action seeks actual damages, treble damages, disgorgement, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.
The plaintiff is represented by William M. Sweetnam and Natasha Singh of Sweetnam LLC.
The Match.com Paid Membership Class Action Lawsuit is Ditnes v. Match Group LLC, Case No. 1:18-cv-03128, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
UPDATE: The Match.com Fake Profile Class Action Lawsuit was dismissed on August 31, 2018. Top Class Actions will let our viewers know if a new lawsuit is filed.
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321 thoughts onMatch.com Class Action Says Fake Profiles Violate Federal Law
Not only does match have fake profiles but pof also. I keep getting emails saying someone wants to meet but when i go to my email box nothing is there. I have also emailed ladies and never recieved a message back. Thesr sites need to be shut down
I will never get on another dating site. Full of scammers who send fake pictures and lie about who they are. These dating sites allow these people on their sites especially when you pay them.
I would like to be a part of this. I often wondered why I would email several people only to find that none have responded the next day. Now I think the reason is because they didn’t exist to begin with. Not only have they wasted my money but they have also wasted my time.
Add me to the list please. Match.com is a huge fraudulent enterprise. After getting fed up with the BS I unsubscribed and hid my profile “no one can see your profile”.
I now get email from them that claims 37 people have “liked” my profile. Also, the upgraded service I signed up for says you can send mail to anyone. I saw someone I know on Match and sent a note. She isn’t a member any longer, and she never got my message. SCAM
Why was this lawsuit “dismissed”??
Please open a lawsuit against these people
Dear Julia
I am unable to locate the profiles on zoosk etc with photos that you posted.
please share a way for me to contact you, as i would like to file a civil complaint against Perry Chappano as well. I feel it would be helpful if we file a joint complaint.
Mary
this individual Perry has been stalking me for three years! please supply an email or another way that i could contact you to dis usa this ongoing harassment from Perry Chappano
Thank you
Mary
I am currently a member and am quite sure I have been ripped off. I have suspected the attractive men are fake. I would be interested in joining the class action suit. It has been very frustrating. I have a feeling a fellow who lived way out of my zone is trying to find me. I did not give him my address. He found me on Facebook through his deceased wife account. He sent letters (I have them) to two of my addresses (1 former) and recently sent a bouquet of flowers. I think he was trying to find out my apartment number, but deliveries go to an office here. I suspect his profile isn’t real. I have kept most data on guys that may help you. I am pretty sure there are fake ones.
Many fake profiles on Match.com . It is not safe and very dangerous to sign up and not too many users are successful finding love on this dating site. This dating site is hurting many users is including myself. I met a fake profile who became a scammer and he scammed me over a quarter million dollars, Match.com does not care the money I lost . They just said deeply empathy. Match knows that many fake profiles on their dating site and has no warning for theses words “ fake profiles”. Who can help me against Match .com.
They also cancel subscriptions shortly subscribers pay citing fake TOS violations. Of course they don’t provide the details you have to have an active court case to subpoena the alleged violation.
I guess they are still at it.
I paid 6 months contacted 82 woman with only 1 return, who wasn’t suitable.
When I complained, the dropped me after only 2 & 1/2 weeks, they say for subscription violations
Same here. Strange, I went on Plenty Of Fish and almost everyone I message, messages me back! And Match continues to email me that people are interested even though I cancelled my membership! Why was the lawsuit dismissed?