- The FTC has reached a settlement with Match Group, Inc. and Match Group, LLC (collectively, “Match”)—the owners and operators of online dating services Match.com, OkCupid, PlentyofFish, The League, and other dating sites—to resolve allegations that it engaged in deceptive advertising, cancellation, and billing practices in violation of the FTC Act and the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act.
- According to the underlying FTC complaint, Match allegedly misled users by allowing communications from suspected fraudulent accounts to entice them to subscribe, failed to adequately disclose restrictive terms of its subscription guarantee (such as an offer of a free six-month membership if users did not “meet someone special” in their first six months), retaliated against users who disputed charges by withholding paid-for services, and made it difficult to cancel subscriptions.
- Under the terms of the settlement, Match will pay $14 million to compensate injured consumers. The settlement also requires Match to: clearly disclose all terms and conditions of any offers; refrain from misrepresenting material restrictions, limitations, or conditions relating to any guarantees; end retaliatory practices against customers who file billing disputes; and implement clearer subscription and cancellation processes.