Internet News United States

Subscribe

Advertise your job ad
    Search jobs

    Online dating services uses fake profiles

    WASHINGTON, USA: A British-based online dating service admitted to US regulators that it created fake, computer-generated profiles to lure users into upgraded memberships.
    Jessica Rich, the FTC offical in charge of consumer protection has fined JDI Dating $616,165 for using fake user profiles to sollicit payments from users. Image:
    Jessica Rich, the FTC offical in charge of consumer protection has fined JDI Dating $616,165 for using fake user profiles to sollicit payments from users. Image: CVgadget

    The Federal Trade Commission, in its first law enforcement action against a dating service, said it reached a settlement with JDI Dating Ltd., which operates the websites Cupid's Wand, Flirtcrowd and Find Me Love.

    The company agreed to pay $616,165 in refunds and to stop using phony profiles.

    According to the FTC, the websites offered a free plan that allowed users to set up a profile with personal information and photos.

    But when users set up a free profile, they began to receive messages that appeared to be from other members living nearby, expressing romantic interest. In order to connect with these fictitious members, the users had to upgrade to a paid membership at a price of $10 to $30 per month.

    FTC officials said the messages were almost always from fake, computer-generated profiles designed to closely mimic the profiles of real people. The fake profiles were indicated with a small "v" that indicates these were virtual profiles, but most users did not notice or understand this, according to the agency.

    "JDI Dating used fake profiles to make people think they were hearing from real love interests and to trick them into upgrading to paid memberships," said Jessica Rich, Director of FTC consumer protection.

    "Adding insult to injury, users were charged automatically to renew their subscriptions -- often without their consent," she added.

    The websites failed to tell subscribers that their subscriptions would be renewed automatically and that they would continue to be charged until they canceled.

    In settling the charges, the company agreed to cease further misrepresentations and to disclose billing options before they are charged.

    Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge

    Source: I-Net Bridge

    For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.

    We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.

    Go to: http://www.inet.co.za
    Let's do Biz