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Lifemates Canada Ripped Me Off Thousands of Dollars-a Total Scam
Dating Service - Complaint
Review by jordanstinson on 2012-05-04
Rating: 
MISSISSAUGA,ONTARIO -- After talking to my friend who signed up for Lifemates by being deceived, manipulated and pressured out of her thousands of dollars all at once, I did a thorough investigation of the company myself.
You see I was also going to sign up with Lifemates Canada, but after listening to my friend's frustrating and awful experience with Lifemates Canada, I think it is in every consumer's best interest to check out the Better Business Bureau's Rating which is F for Lifemates Canada, as they ignore completely all consumer complaints and steal your hard earned money.
The Better Business Bureau has a rating of F for Lifemates Canada. Be aware of the so called good experiences and comments posted on the Internet about Lifemates Canada, most of these good experiences are posted by Lifemates company themselves to lure people. This company wants thousands and thousands of dollars for their service, and that's why they don't tell you over the phone if you ask about the cost. They first want to see how much money you make in a year, then they will charge you accordingly by asking you what the line of credit is on your credit card and how much you have in your savings and chequing accounts.
Also I think it is in the Consumer's best interest to check out this website in which CBC News Market Place sent it's own investigators with cameras to see how Lifemates Canada operates by manipulating and using their high pitch sales tactics to steal people's hard earned money by making people sign their contract on the first day when they come in for appointment. Lifemates Canada is a morally and ethically bankrupt company who cannot make money ethically, so they make money by manipulating and deceiving people out of their hard earned money. The CBC News MarketPlace website which investigated Lifemates business conducts undercover at their appointments is
http://www.cbc. ca/marketplace/pre-2007/files/services/dating/index.html
This company, Lifemates does not care about the people at all and are pretty much ripping people off of their hard earned money. Once they lure you into the appointment, they will first be very smooth talking and then put pressure on you to sign the contract right away, and if you hesitate or say that you want to think about it, they gear up their high sales pitch tactics, and manipulate you emotionally, so that they can just get you to sign their contract. Once you sign their contract, you can kiss your money goodbye. Being manipulated by a company into signing a contract is ILLEGAL. Once you sign the contract, even if you call back within 24 hours and say you want to cancel Lifemates ends up bullying you, play mind games, make you run around and exhaust you for your own money. My friend was sent this waver to sign by the director of Lifemates Shaun [snip], which pretty much says that she can get half of her money back if she agrees to sign this waver. that says she can't talk about her story in any forum blog that might be viewed by the larger public and also she can't seek legal action against Lifemates for any wrong doing. The director Shawn [snip] wouldn't have sent this waver unless they were seriously doing something wrong. This waver pretty much is telling her to shut up and it takes away all her legal rights. My friend paid $2933.70 and called within 24 hours to cancel with Lifemates, but she was given the run around. We have gotten the email from Shaun [snip], and if they deny sending it, we will be happy to forward the email to anyone that requests to send it. We have proof of the email. This is the waiver the director Shaun [snip] sent:
Membership Cancellation Refund Waiver
I, (HER NAME), in consideration of the refund of membership fees in the amount of $1,466.85; hereby release Elite Singles Canada Corp. O/A Lifemates -The Relationship People, together with officers, directors, employees and agents of and from any claims, damages, causes of action and liabilities of any kind and however arising. I fully understand that Elite Singles Canada Corp. O/A Lifemates The Relationship People owes no further obligation to me whatsoever in respect of my former membership or otherwise. I agree to keep the terms of this Cancellation with Lifemates strictly confidential. This includes, but is not limited to any past or future dissemination involving third-party publications, websites, forums, clubs or blogs that might otherwise be viewed by the public at large. Should a breach of this confidentiality occur, Elite Singles Canada Corp. O/A Lifemates The Relationship People shall seek any legal remedies as permitted by law.
Name:____________________________ Signature:_________________________
Lifemates Canada does not even refund what they are legally contracted to refund which is half the money in case you decide to pull out, instead they bully you ( example of waver above)and make you run around and exhaust you for your own money. I am sure that Lifemates Canada has sent this waver to many people to sign and shut them up, so that the poor people can get some of their money back. During the appointment, my friend said that Lifemates consultant Janey asked her how much money she had in her savings and chequing account, and what the credit line was on her credit card? She thought they were checking to see if her credit line was good, but no this was to see how much she can get them to pay that very same day at The appointment!!!
This is my friend's horrible Experience with the company:
I had an appointment at Lifemates Edmonton office on March 17 with a consultant named Janey at address #150-10216-124th Street. I felt three quarters through the appointment, I got manipulated and pressured into signing a contract which I was not ready for. Janey was very smooth talking towards the beginning of the appointment, then the contract part moved really fast and I felt the consultant didn't spend a lot of time on the contract at all. It seemed she just wanted me to sign papers. I kept telling consultant Janey that I needed some time to think about this contract because it was a lot of money. She then demanded "Why was I here?". I told her that I was there to check out the company and it is common that most people come to the appointment to see what the company is all about. She was telling me that I was there because I was serious about starting a relationship, that's why I was there. She told me that I had waisted her time and came to the appointment and she kept asking me why I was there at the appointment? I felt really pressured. I also told Janey that I needed to discuss this whole thing with my family because it was an important step in my life, because my family and I are very close and they would like me to discuss this with them before going forward. Janey than said that "I was a big girl and I didn't need to check with my family." I was exhausted and I felt she had made me feel guilty about being there and that I had waisted her time. She took my credit card, in which she went right ahead and processed the charge of $2933.70. She came out with the contract and said sign this, and put your initials on every one of these circles. She had gotten ahead start on the contract by writing the final charge which was $2933.70. She told me the package cost was $2495 but she came out with $2933.70. Where did the extra charges came from? She told me that is for the photography. I asked her well you didn't even mention the photography costs. It was moving so fast. She then said "Okay I need you to sign the credit card statement." I said wait I need to know more about the company and your rules and refund. She said "I will bring all that stuff out in the welcome brochure" I said but I need to know about the company and the rules. It was moving so fast. The contract was in very fine print and Janey didn't even spent time going over the contract. I felt there was very little time spent on the contract. I told her that this was a lot of money and I needed to think about it because it was not small money, this was thousands of dollars. I was not given the option of waiting. Janey basically demanded " You either commit today, or I am done with you" . I felt pressured and I felt I was definitely taken advantage of. Janey did not respect my decision that I needed time to think about signing on because it was a lot of money.
When I walked out of the office that day, I felt very sad that Janey had manipulated me into taking my hard earned money of $2933.70. When I went home that day, I really went over everything in my head over and over and I felt I had been robbed of my hard earned money. How could this happen to me? During my interview I also recalled Janey asking me how much money I had in my savings and chequing accounts and she also asked what the limit was on my credit card and, I thought she was checking to see if my credit line was good, but no this was to see how much she can get me to pay that very same day!!!I felt Janey's actions were highly unethical, deceptive unprofessional and immoral to force someone to join. I called Lifemates Headquarters on March 18th within 24 hours the very next day and talked to a lady named Tina and I told her that I had been pressured and manipulated out of my hard earned money and I wanted to speak with the manager and cancel with Lifemates. She told me that there was no manager there at the moment and I should talk to one about the situation. She then pretty much told me that she was being paged and that she had to go. What kind of customer service is that? Also heads up Lifemates Canada has Caller ID, and if you are someone who got manipulated into signing the contract and if you want a refund, the ladies at the headquarters are well trained to give you the run around. They can see your number and can pull up your information that you want a refund and want out. I had to block my number a few times when I called, so that I could at least talk to a manager. After 3 days of trying to get in touch with the manager and trying to have him call me back because the ladies at headoffice told me that he was either in meetings or was not there. I finally got to speak to Craig [snip] about cancelling with Lifemates and he was pretty blunt and said that I can only get half of my money back. I told him that it was totally unfair, unethical and very crook like the way they were being with me. After calling and faxing and emailing Lifemates since March 18th about getting my hard earned money back, the company's Director Shaun [snip] sent me an email saying that if I signed a waiver that I will not discuss the cancellation with anybody and that this was strictly confidential than they would give me what they're legally contracted to refund me of only half of my money. We have gotten the email from the director of Lifemates Canada Shaun [snip], and if they deny sending it, we will be happy to forward the email to anyone that requests to read it. We have proof of the email. I feel they are bullying me into signing a document to keep my mouth shut about my unfair experience with this company, so they can protect themselves and not have anything to do with me. I initially did write a cancellation note in the beginning but now they want me to sign another note to shut me up and only give me half the money. I felt this company has stolen my hard earned money and given me the run around just so Lifemates can make easy money. IT IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY. They have provided no service to me at all because I called within 24 hours to cancel with them, but they have taken my hard earned money. I even sent registered mail to them to Life mates Elite Singles head office to general manager Craig [snip] (the address that Better Business Bureau has as the main address), the mail came back to me as saying there is nobody there under that name. I have the returned mail as proof, I have all the letters that I sent to them that I want my money back. I just want somebody to help me get my money back. I have tried a lot since March 18th, and now I think I should get help from another source. Lifemates knows the game, if they get you to sign on, they have got you on the hook and then they screw around with you. This whole experience was not fair to me as I was manipulated. The Ceo of Lifemates had announced that if you call within 24 hours to cancel joining them you get all your money back. I read it at this website http://www.cbc. ca/marketplace/pre2007/files/services/dating/
I have also emailed Lifemates Canada with Attention to the CEO, but no answer from the CEO, he is probably on a cruise somewhere on my money. Lifemates Canada is playing up with me, and giving me the run around. THIS COMPANY LIES, TWISTS YOUR WORDS AROUND, CHEATS, MANIPULATES AND IS TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNETHICAL. It's been over a month since I cancelled with this company and they have refunded me nothing instead they have bullied me ( example of waver above) and exhausted me and made me run around for my own money. WHY CANT THE GOVERNMENT SHUT THIS COMPANY Lifemates CANADA DOWN-THEY ARE CROOKS! THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD POLICE THEIR CONTRACT AND THEIR DECEPTIVE AND MANIPULATIVE WAYS SO THEY DON'T RIP OFF THE CONSUMER'S HARD EARNED MONEY. THEY ARE THEIVES AND CROOKS.
THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO REFUND MY MONEY RIGHT AWAY AS I HAVE CANCELLED WITH THEM WITHIN 24 HOURS, BUT THEY HAVE STOLEN MY MONEY AND ARE SITTING ON IT. THEY HAVE REFUNDED ME NOTHING YET. I WILL KEEP THE FORUMS AND BLOGS UPDATED WITH WHAT THE COMPANY WILL DO NEXT.
Examples of other People on the Internet who were also been given the run around after being manipulated and deceived out of their money at their appointment with Lifemates Canada. These examples are from:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/dating_services/Lifemates.html
Yasmin of Toronto, ON on Dec. 13, 2011
Satisfaction Rating: 1/5
I went into Lifemates dating agency to do some research. I was completely taken advantage of for 4 hours. I was in the office with a consultant, who started bullying me into signing a contract. I advised this sales consultant that I did not have the money to sign up for this service, and was only there to do research for the future, when I would be ready to sign up. She continued to pressure me into signing this contract, and I felt pressured. She said "we'll do the paper work, get it prepared, and just put a deposit for now. If things don't work out with your approval for the line of credit, not to worry, Greg the general manager will understand, and we will help you". From this statement, I took it to mean that they will try to set up some sort of their own financial backing, to approve this chunk of money, with high interest.
I proceeded to head out the door, as I didn't want anything to do with it, and she convinces me not to worry, just sign the contract. It would only be for a deposit, and the remaining amount, I was to pay only if I was approved for the line of credit I applied for, and if it declined, then apparently the head of their business would understand. She would be talking to him. It was made to seem that this was not a binding contract, even though I would be putting a deposit. I was completely taken advantage of, because I trusted this woman. I was pressured to apply for a line of credit, while sitting in their office, where she witnessed the fact, that I was declined.
I got up for the 3rd time to walk out the door, being very firm with my voice, advising her that I am not interested. I don't have the money, and I could barely handle the debts I have. I don't want to get into any other debts. Without a conscience, this woman continued to push me in a caring way, that she is there to help me, and not to worry, just put a deposit, and if it doesn't work out, Greg the manager will understand and tear the contract, she promised me. She kept pushing and coercing me to sign the contract under duress.
I ended up signing. She also said, "don't worry, even if your line of credit doesn't come through, we can always find another way". I told her I did not want get into more debts. She assured me that Greg, who is the general manager of the company, will understand. From this perspective, I was led to believe that the contract was not binding. I called them weeks later, no service was even rendered, no matches were given within the month that went by. Now, I come to find out that this company is a big scam, and there are a lot of consumer complaints about this company for not providing the services they promised to provide. I contacted them to let them know I don't have the money, and the manager tells me he will take it to collections. I need your help. I feel bullied into this contract. What are my rights? Please help me. As a consequence, they are now threatening to send me to collections. I have not received any services, and I need some advice.
Wilson of Toronto, ON on Feb. 22, 2010
My experience with these people is very bad and unpleasant. Enlisted the service of Lifemates for match dating services and personal coaching. A personal contract for services. Lifemates never performed these services. When I called, they gave me another to call, the person handling my profile. When this number is called, the only response received is, "The mailbox is full, please call back later."
I complain and again with new numbers and contacts go though the same routine. I complain again and yet no one returns any calls. I go to the office to complain, I met with Natasha. She promised to look into it, yet she never returned my call. Returned to the life's office days later and when I introduced myself I was quickly met by a large intimidating man in a gruff and threatening manner demanding that I leave. I refused to leave, fully fearing physical harm to myself, demanding receive my monies back. I stood my ground until another larger man came and have a conversation with him. We agreed to a settlement with 20 days.
30 days past, yet no settlement check, so returned to the office asking for the settlement. They make it clear to me, that they are unwilling make good any agreement. Also they starting spewing false allegations that I have been threatening them and threatening me with law suits for damaging their 'good name'.
Out 3000 dollars.
It had added stress due to the violent confrontations. Added fears and stress because these people have demonstrated the willingness to do me harm and they know my address and personal information.
Angela of Edmonton, AB on Jan. 28, 2011
I became a member of the biggest scam ever on 10/28/2010 when I joined Lifemates. My interview time was set for 5:00 P.M. At no time did they tell me how long the interview process would take nor did I know what would be involved. After a grueling 3 1/2 hours, and after Elle left the room to make a call to see if I was an approved candidate (as if they were going to turn me down), she returned with the contract and the fees.
First, she explained the three different packages keeping the prices concealed. After I agreed to the second option, she grabbed the contract and asked me to sign. I asked how much and she said $2,100.00. I gasped at the price as I thought it was obscene. I mentioned that I wanted time to think about it. The pressure grew harder and stronger as Elle mentioned that I did not want to waste this opportunity, that there are more men than women on the site, and that my age category was in the highest demand. She said that I would be a fool not to sign up today.
So, after a ** 3 1/2 hours I wanted to get the ** out of there. I signed the contract and was told that I did not need to read the contract as it just explained what they were willing to do for me. Feeling completely deflated and exhausted from the experience, I signed the contract and gave her my credit card, which she processed immediately. The moment the payment transaction was complete, she couldn't get me out the door fast enough.
Marie of Toronto, ON on Aug. 27, 2009
Basically, I reached out to Lifemates as I was looking into different matchmaking services. Long story short, I had a meeting with Shannon in which she was absolutely set on selling me her world class best-of-the-best services. I don't like the hard selling. If a service is so valuable, then what's the rush? When I walked into the Mercedes Benz dealership, I didn't get this type of treatment and I still buy. Anyway, I told her upfront that I would not be signing on the bottom line. She kept me there for 3 hours. Yes, 3 full hours. After working the fear tactics ("you're in your 30's, giddy up!"), she shifted to insults calling me "lazy and apathetic about my love life". I found the experience so hilarious that I simply stayed just for the entertainment. Very unprofessional.
Posted by HadEnough! on 2012-03-22 at http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=89350
So, Sonia88, were you successful in getting your refund? Because my experience has been the same as yours - a complete lack of service - and I've been asking for a refund too. I discovered that their policy is to close your account if you ask for your money back. So they seem to think they can provide no service and when you get fed up, complain and ask for your money back, they then refuse to provide service AND keep your money. It is a morally bankrupt company. Did you end up going to a lawyer? I've met enough people whose experience was similar, so I'm sure there are enough people for a class action lawsuit against them. Nobody should be allowed to get away with what they're doing. Helpful to note that they have an F rating at the Better Business Bureau. You don't earn that for stellar service.
ANNE [snip] | September 3, 2007 | from http://www.macleans. ca/culture/lifestyle/article.jsp?content=20070903_109065_109065
What's a fair price for soulmate connection these days? Five figures? Four? That was the question Diane, a 42-year-old lawyer, grappled with last September as she sat in the well-appointed downtown Toronto office of the Allied Network. Divorced, with a child, she'd been drawn to "Ontario's largest and most respected dating service," as it bills itself, by a flier in the mail. She'd thumbed through a scrapbook filled with satisfied client testimonials, filled out a form and spoken to a consultant for over an hour about her romantic specifications, revealing that she made $300,000 a year -- all the while being told of the wonderful prospects waiting. "I have someone in mind who'd be terrific for you," the consultant told her. Talk turned to fee, a subject the company refuses to discuss over the telephone. She was told to "think in terms of a small mortgage" -- $20,000 to $25,000 for the top packages. When she balked, the agent renegotiated. "She said, 'You're such an easy person to set up. Let's see what we can do,' " Diane recalls. After agreeing on $7,000, she handed over her Visa. When the woman returned saying only $5,000 had been accepted, she assumed the deal was off. "But then she said, 'That'll do,' " Diane recalls. "So I signed a confidentiality agreement not to discuss the fee because I was getting so much better a deal than everyone else."
And there's plenty more examples like this just look on the internet about lifemate canada's deceitful and unbusiness like conducts............
You see I was also going to sign up with Lifemates Canada, but after listening to my friend's frustrating and awful experience with Lifemates Canada, I think it is in every consumer's best interest to check out the Better Business Bureau's Rating which is F for Lifemates Canada, as they ignore completely all consumer complaints and steal your hard earned money.
The Better Business Bureau has a rating of F for Lifemates Canada. Be aware of the so called good experiences and comments posted on the Internet about Lifemates Canada, most of these good experiences are posted by Lifemates company themselves to lure people. This company wants thousands and thousands of dollars for their service, and that's why they don't tell you over the phone if you ask about the cost. They first want to see how much money you make in a year, then they will charge you accordingly by asking you what the line of credit is on your credit card and how much you have in your savings and chequing accounts.
Also I think it is in the Consumer's best interest to check out this website in which CBC News Market Place sent it's own investigators with cameras to see how Lifemates Canada operates by manipulating and using their high pitch sales tactics to steal people's hard earned money by making people sign their contract on the first day when they come in for appointment. Lifemates Canada is a morally and ethically bankrupt company who cannot make money ethically, so they make money by manipulating and deceiving people out of their hard earned money. The CBC News MarketPlace website which investigated Lifemates business conducts undercover at their appointments is
http://www.cbc. ca/marketplace/pre-2007/files/services/dating/index.html
This company, Lifemates does not care about the people at all and are pretty much ripping people off of their hard earned money. Once they lure you into the appointment, they will first be very smooth talking and then put pressure on you to sign the contract right away, and if you hesitate or say that you want to think about it, they gear up their high sales pitch tactics, and manipulate you emotionally, so that they can just get you to sign their contract. Once you sign their contract, you can kiss your money goodbye. Being manipulated by a company into signing a contract is ILLEGAL. Once you sign the contract, even if you call back within 24 hours and say you want to cancel Lifemates ends up bullying you, play mind games, make you run around and exhaust you for your own money. My friend was sent this waver to sign by the director of Lifemates Shaun [snip], which pretty much says that she can get half of her money back if she agrees to sign this waver. that says she can't talk about her story in any forum blog that might be viewed by the larger public and also she can't seek legal action against Lifemates for any wrong doing. The director Shawn [snip] wouldn't have sent this waver unless they were seriously doing something wrong. This waver pretty much is telling her to shut up and it takes away all her legal rights. My friend paid $2933.70 and called within 24 hours to cancel with Lifemates, but she was given the run around. We have gotten the email from Shaun [snip], and if they deny sending it, we will be happy to forward the email to anyone that requests to send it. We have proof of the email. This is the waiver the director Shaun [snip] sent:
Membership Cancellation Refund Waiver
I, (HER NAME), in consideration of the refund of membership fees in the amount of $1,466.85; hereby release Elite Singles Canada Corp. O/A Lifemates -The Relationship People, together with officers, directors, employees and agents of and from any claims, damages, causes of action and liabilities of any kind and however arising. I fully understand that Elite Singles Canada Corp. O/A Lifemates The Relationship People owes no further obligation to me whatsoever in respect of my former membership or otherwise. I agree to keep the terms of this Cancellation with Lifemates strictly confidential. This includes, but is not limited to any past or future dissemination involving third-party publications, websites, forums, clubs or blogs that might otherwise be viewed by the public at large. Should a breach of this confidentiality occur, Elite Singles Canada Corp. O/A Lifemates The Relationship People shall seek any legal remedies as permitted by law.
Name:____________________________ Signature:_________________________
Lifemates Canada does not even refund what they are legally contracted to refund which is half the money in case you decide to pull out, instead they bully you ( example of waver above)and make you run around and exhaust you for your own money. I am sure that Lifemates Canada has sent this waver to many people to sign and shut them up, so that the poor people can get some of their money back. During the appointment, my friend said that Lifemates consultant Janey asked her how much money she had in her savings and chequing account, and what the credit line was on her credit card? She thought they were checking to see if her credit line was good, but no this was to see how much she can get them to pay that very same day at The appointment!!!
This is my friend's horrible Experience with the company:
I had an appointment at Lifemates Edmonton office on March 17 with a consultant named Janey at address #150-10216-124th Street. I felt three quarters through the appointment, I got manipulated and pressured into signing a contract which I was not ready for. Janey was very smooth talking towards the beginning of the appointment, then the contract part moved really fast and I felt the consultant didn't spend a lot of time on the contract at all. It seemed she just wanted me to sign papers. I kept telling consultant Janey that I needed some time to think about this contract because it was a lot of money. She then demanded "Why was I here?". I told her that I was there to check out the company and it is common that most people come to the appointment to see what the company is all about. She was telling me that I was there because I was serious about starting a relationship, that's why I was there. She told me that I had waisted her time and came to the appointment and she kept asking me why I was there at the appointment? I felt really pressured. I also told Janey that I needed to discuss this whole thing with my family because it was an important step in my life, because my family and I are very close and they would like me to discuss this with them before going forward. Janey than said that "I was a big girl and I didn't need to check with my family." I was exhausted and I felt she had made me feel guilty about being there and that I had waisted her time. She took my credit card, in which she went right ahead and processed the charge of $2933.70. She came out with the contract and said sign this, and put your initials on every one of these circles. She had gotten ahead start on the contract by writing the final charge which was $2933.70. She told me the package cost was $2495 but she came out with $2933.70. Where did the extra charges came from? She told me that is for the photography. I asked her well you didn't even mention the photography costs. It was moving so fast. She then said "Okay I need you to sign the credit card statement." I said wait I need to know more about the company and your rules and refund. She said "I will bring all that stuff out in the welcome brochure" I said but I need to know about the company and the rules. It was moving so fast. The contract was in very fine print and Janey didn't even spent time going over the contract. I felt there was very little time spent on the contract. I told her that this was a lot of money and I needed to think about it because it was not small money, this was thousands of dollars. I was not given the option of waiting. Janey basically demanded " You either commit today, or I am done with you" . I felt pressured and I felt I was definitely taken advantage of. Janey did not respect my decision that I needed time to think about signing on because it was a lot of money.
When I walked out of the office that day, I felt very sad that Janey had manipulated me into taking my hard earned money of $2933.70. When I went home that day, I really went over everything in my head over and over and I felt I had been robbed of my hard earned money. How could this happen to me? During my interview I also recalled Janey asking me how much money I had in my savings and chequing accounts and she also asked what the limit was on my credit card and, I thought she was checking to see if my credit line was good, but no this was to see how much she can get me to pay that very same day!!!I felt Janey's actions were highly unethical, deceptive unprofessional and immoral to force someone to join. I called Lifemates Headquarters on March 18th within 24 hours the very next day and talked to a lady named Tina and I told her that I had been pressured and manipulated out of my hard earned money and I wanted to speak with the manager and cancel with Lifemates. She told me that there was no manager there at the moment and I should talk to one about the situation. She then pretty much told me that she was being paged and that she had to go. What kind of customer service is that? Also heads up Lifemates Canada has Caller ID, and if you are someone who got manipulated into signing the contract and if you want a refund, the ladies at the headquarters are well trained to give you the run around. They can see your number and can pull up your information that you want a refund and want out. I had to block my number a few times when I called, so that I could at least talk to a manager. After 3 days of trying to get in touch with the manager and trying to have him call me back because the ladies at headoffice told me that he was either in meetings or was not there. I finally got to speak to Craig [snip] about cancelling with Lifemates and he was pretty blunt and said that I can only get half of my money back. I told him that it was totally unfair, unethical and very crook like the way they were being with me. After calling and faxing and emailing Lifemates since March 18th about getting my hard earned money back, the company's Director Shaun [snip] sent me an email saying that if I signed a waiver that I will not discuss the cancellation with anybody and that this was strictly confidential than they would give me what they're legally contracted to refund me of only half of my money. We have gotten the email from the director of Lifemates Canada Shaun [snip], and if they deny sending it, we will be happy to forward the email to anyone that requests to read it. We have proof of the email. I feel they are bullying me into signing a document to keep my mouth shut about my unfair experience with this company, so they can protect themselves and not have anything to do with me. I initially did write a cancellation note in the beginning but now they want me to sign another note to shut me up and only give me half the money. I felt this company has stolen my hard earned money and given me the run around just so Lifemates can make easy money. IT IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY. They have provided no service to me at all because I called within 24 hours to cancel with them, but they have taken my hard earned money. I even sent registered mail to them to Life mates Elite Singles head office to general manager Craig [snip] (the address that Better Business Bureau has as the main address), the mail came back to me as saying there is nobody there under that name. I have the returned mail as proof, I have all the letters that I sent to them that I want my money back. I just want somebody to help me get my money back. I have tried a lot since March 18th, and now I think I should get help from another source. Lifemates knows the game, if they get you to sign on, they have got you on the hook and then they screw around with you. This whole experience was not fair to me as I was manipulated. The Ceo of Lifemates had announced that if you call within 24 hours to cancel joining them you get all your money back. I read it at this website http://www.cbc. ca/marketplace/pre2007/files/services/dating/
I have also emailed Lifemates Canada with Attention to the CEO, but no answer from the CEO, he is probably on a cruise somewhere on my money. Lifemates Canada is playing up with me, and giving me the run around. THIS COMPANY LIES, TWISTS YOUR WORDS AROUND, CHEATS, MANIPULATES AND IS TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL AND UNETHICAL. It's been over a month since I cancelled with this company and they have refunded me nothing instead they have bullied me ( example of waver above) and exhausted me and made me run around for my own money. WHY CANT THE GOVERNMENT SHUT THIS COMPANY Lifemates CANADA DOWN-THEY ARE CROOKS! THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD POLICE THEIR CONTRACT AND THEIR DECEPTIVE AND MANIPULATIVE WAYS SO THEY DON'T RIP OFF THE CONSUMER'S HARD EARNED MONEY. THEY ARE THEIVES AND CROOKS.
THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO REFUND MY MONEY RIGHT AWAY AS I HAVE CANCELLED WITH THEM WITHIN 24 HOURS, BUT THEY HAVE STOLEN MY MONEY AND ARE SITTING ON IT. THEY HAVE REFUNDED ME NOTHING YET. I WILL KEEP THE FORUMS AND BLOGS UPDATED WITH WHAT THE COMPANY WILL DO NEXT.
Examples of other People on the Internet who were also been given the run around after being manipulated and deceived out of their money at their appointment with Lifemates Canada. These examples are from:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/dating_services/Lifemates.html
Yasmin of Toronto, ON on Dec. 13, 2011
Satisfaction Rating: 1/5
I went into Lifemates dating agency to do some research. I was completely taken advantage of for 4 hours. I was in the office with a consultant, who started bullying me into signing a contract. I advised this sales consultant that I did not have the money to sign up for this service, and was only there to do research for the future, when I would be ready to sign up. She continued to pressure me into signing this contract, and I felt pressured. She said "we'll do the paper work, get it prepared, and just put a deposit for now. If things don't work out with your approval for the line of credit, not to worry, Greg the general manager will understand, and we will help you". From this statement, I took it to mean that they will try to set up some sort of their own financial backing, to approve this chunk of money, with high interest.
I proceeded to head out the door, as I didn't want anything to do with it, and she convinces me not to worry, just sign the contract. It would only be for a deposit, and the remaining amount, I was to pay only if I was approved for the line of credit I applied for, and if it declined, then apparently the head of their business would understand. She would be talking to him. It was made to seem that this was not a binding contract, even though I would be putting a deposit. I was completely taken advantage of, because I trusted this woman. I was pressured to apply for a line of credit, while sitting in their office, where she witnessed the fact, that I was declined.
I got up for the 3rd time to walk out the door, being very firm with my voice, advising her that I am not interested. I don't have the money, and I could barely handle the debts I have. I don't want to get into any other debts. Without a conscience, this woman continued to push me in a caring way, that she is there to help me, and not to worry, just put a deposit, and if it doesn't work out, Greg the manager will understand and tear the contract, she promised me. She kept pushing and coercing me to sign the contract under duress.
I ended up signing. She also said, "don't worry, even if your line of credit doesn't come through, we can always find another way". I told her I did not want get into more debts. She assured me that Greg, who is the general manager of the company, will understand. From this perspective, I was led to believe that the contract was not binding. I called them weeks later, no service was even rendered, no matches were given within the month that went by. Now, I come to find out that this company is a big scam, and there are a lot of consumer complaints about this company for not providing the services they promised to provide. I contacted them to let them know I don't have the money, and the manager tells me he will take it to collections. I need your help. I feel bullied into this contract. What are my rights? Please help me. As a consequence, they are now threatening to send me to collections. I have not received any services, and I need some advice.
Wilson of Toronto, ON on Feb. 22, 2010
My experience with these people is very bad and unpleasant. Enlisted the service of Lifemates for match dating services and personal coaching. A personal contract for services. Lifemates never performed these services. When I called, they gave me another to call, the person handling my profile. When this number is called, the only response received is, "The mailbox is full, please call back later."
I complain and again with new numbers and contacts go though the same routine. I complain again and yet no one returns any calls. I go to the office to complain, I met with Natasha. She promised to look into it, yet she never returned my call. Returned to the life's office days later and when I introduced myself I was quickly met by a large intimidating man in a gruff and threatening manner demanding that I leave. I refused to leave, fully fearing physical harm to myself, demanding receive my monies back. I stood my ground until another larger man came and have a conversation with him. We agreed to a settlement with 20 days.
30 days past, yet no settlement check, so returned to the office asking for the settlement. They make it clear to me, that they are unwilling make good any agreement. Also they starting spewing false allegations that I have been threatening them and threatening me with law suits for damaging their 'good name'.
Out 3000 dollars.
It had added stress due to the violent confrontations. Added fears and stress because these people have demonstrated the willingness to do me harm and they know my address and personal information.
Angela of Edmonton, AB on Jan. 28, 2011
I became a member of the biggest scam ever on 10/28/2010 when I joined Lifemates. My interview time was set for 5:00 P.M. At no time did they tell me how long the interview process would take nor did I know what would be involved. After a grueling 3 1/2 hours, and after Elle left the room to make a call to see if I was an approved candidate (as if they were going to turn me down), she returned with the contract and the fees.
First, she explained the three different packages keeping the prices concealed. After I agreed to the second option, she grabbed the contract and asked me to sign. I asked how much and she said $2,100.00. I gasped at the price as I thought it was obscene. I mentioned that I wanted time to think about it. The pressure grew harder and stronger as Elle mentioned that I did not want to waste this opportunity, that there are more men than women on the site, and that my age category was in the highest demand. She said that I would be a fool not to sign up today.
So, after a ** 3 1/2 hours I wanted to get the ** out of there. I signed the contract and was told that I did not need to read the contract as it just explained what they were willing to do for me. Feeling completely deflated and exhausted from the experience, I signed the contract and gave her my credit card, which she processed immediately. The moment the payment transaction was complete, she couldn't get me out the door fast enough.
Marie of Toronto, ON on Aug. 27, 2009
Basically, I reached out to Lifemates as I was looking into different matchmaking services. Long story short, I had a meeting with Shannon in which she was absolutely set on selling me her world class best-of-the-best services. I don't like the hard selling. If a service is so valuable, then what's the rush? When I walked into the Mercedes Benz dealership, I didn't get this type of treatment and I still buy. Anyway, I told her upfront that I would not be signing on the bottom line. She kept me there for 3 hours. Yes, 3 full hours. After working the fear tactics ("you're in your 30's, giddy up!"), she shifted to insults calling me "lazy and apathetic about my love life". I found the experience so hilarious that I simply stayed just for the entertainment. Very unprofessional.
Posted by HadEnough! on 2012-03-22 at http://www.my3cents.com/showReview.cgi?id=89350
So, Sonia88, were you successful in getting your refund? Because my experience has been the same as yours - a complete lack of service - and I've been asking for a refund too. I discovered that their policy is to close your account if you ask for your money back. So they seem to think they can provide no service and when you get fed up, complain and ask for your money back, they then refuse to provide service AND keep your money. It is a morally bankrupt company. Did you end up going to a lawyer? I've met enough people whose experience was similar, so I'm sure there are enough people for a class action lawsuit against them. Nobody should be allowed to get away with what they're doing. Helpful to note that they have an F rating at the Better Business Bureau. You don't earn that for stellar service.
ANNE [snip] | September 3, 2007 | from http://www.macleans. ca/culture/lifestyle/article.jsp?content=20070903_109065_109065
What's a fair price for soulmate connection these days? Five figures? Four? That was the question Diane, a 42-year-old lawyer, grappled with last September as she sat in the well-appointed downtown Toronto office of the Allied Network. Divorced, with a child, she'd been drawn to "Ontario's largest and most respected dating service," as it bills itself, by a flier in the mail. She'd thumbed through a scrapbook filled with satisfied client testimonials, filled out a form and spoken to a consultant for over an hour about her romantic specifications, revealing that she made $300,000 a year -- all the while being told of the wonderful prospects waiting. "I have someone in mind who'd be terrific for you," the consultant told her. Talk turned to fee, a subject the company refuses to discuss over the telephone. She was told to "think in terms of a small mortgage" -- $20,000 to $25,000 for the top packages. When she balked, the agent renegotiated. "She said, 'You're such an easy person to set up. Let's see what we can do,' " Diane recalls. After agreeing on $7,000, she handed over her Visa. When the woman returned saying only $5,000 had been accepted, she assumed the deal was off. "But then she said, 'That'll do,' " Diane recalls. "So I signed a confidentiality agreement not to discuss the fee because I was getting so much better a deal than everyone else."
And there's plenty more examples like this just look on the internet about lifemate canada's deceitful and unbusiness like conducts............
Comments:
Posted by trmn8r on 2012-05-04:
The subject line of your complaint indicates that your were ripped off for thousands of $, but it doesn't appear you ever gave them any money :(
Pasting accounts of incidents using the first person that aren't yours makes it look like it is your complaint. Shouldn't your friend post their own complaint?
Pasting accounts of incidents using the first person that aren't yours makes it look like it is your complaint. Shouldn't your friend post their own complaint?
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2012-05-04:
The OP didn't sign up, this review was written based on his/her friend who had signed up. Where it states later in the complaint, 'I' this and 'I' that, was actually a complaint her friend had written and this OP pasted a copy of the friend's complaint.
Posted by trmn8r on 2012-05-05:
I now see further why I was confused. Parts of this are written in the first person, but they are evidently what someone else experienced...
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2012-05-05:
Yupper.
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2012-05-05:
This isn't a service I would use, but thank you so much for taking the time to warn those who may be thinking about it.
Posted by DebtorBasher on 2012-05-05:
Oh yeah, I see what you mean 8er...the title says they ripped 'ME' off but the complaint is written as a friend was ripped off.
Posted by madconsumer on 2012-05-05:
this seems to be thew same story from many people who have used lifemates.
very helpful review.
very helpful review.
Posted by Amy on 2012-05-05:
Review is too long to begin with, too much c/p of others experiences and it is confusing based on the title. But all that aside why would anyone pay thousands of dollars to a dating service, any dating service. A small membership fee I can understand, but that much money I don't. Maybe I am old fashioned and out of date, but when it comes to needing that much money for someone to find me a date, I'll just do it the regular way.
Posted by CrazyRedHead on 2012-05-05:
Are you saying that you paid that kind of money for a date? WOW?!!
Posted by trmn8r on 2012-05-05:
It isn't a review, and I didn't find it helpful. It is a collection of the alleged complaints of others. I'd like to hear it from the horse's mouth.
The subject line leads you to believe the OP was ripped off, but that isn't what the story says.
The subject line leads you to believe the OP was ripped off, but that isn't what the story says.
Posted by Cwazychicken on 2012-05-05:
And i thought match.com was expensive for a rediculous fee a month. Seriously, i would not pay a dating site to find me a date. No way, no how.
However, if you are seeking a mate, perhaps you can meet someone at a community get together or a church gathering if you go to church. I know a lot of people who have met their spouses that way and have had a very happy marriage. Me, i used to go on free dating sites and that was the biggest mistake ever. All i met were a couple jerks who lied to me constantly. Online is not the best way to meet someone.
However, if you are seeking a mate, perhaps you can meet someone at a community get together or a church gathering if you go to church. I know a lot of people who have met their spouses that way and have had a very happy marriage. Me, i used to go on free dating sites and that was the biggest mistake ever. All i met were a couple jerks who lied to me constantly. Online is not the best way to meet someone.
Posted by old fart on 2012-05-05:
I was sitting at the La Salle bar,trying to drink myself into a stupor over a break-up. The Gal down the bar a couple of stools away said,"He has a mean and hungry look". I acknowledged her with a drink, Talked a bit and as luck would have it, lived together for a year.
Dating services are a rip-off joke!!!
Dating services are a rip-off joke!!!
Posted by sharontyler on 2012-05-07:
Lifemates Canada looks like such a deceptive company.Thanks Jordan for posting this experience. I am sure glad that I am reading all the reviews about this company. I sure won't be signing on with them because that waiver the director of lifemates sent your friend sure looks like they are bullying you, taking away your rights, and trying to shut you up. I am cancelling my appointment with them right away. Thanks again.
Posted by merry c on 2012-05-29:
Hi Jordan - I know someone who had a similar experience as your friend's. If your friend used a credit card to pay for the membership, the credit card company may be able to help in getting half of the money back (as per the contract). Worked for my friend. Not only that, but the membership had been paid for about a year ago and my friend just recently received a cheque from Lifemates for the second half of the money. So in the end, the total membership fee was actually refunded. Was the cheque an administrative error on their end? It's possible. But if so, it's pretty great that for once it's actually to the benefit of the consumer
Posted by Disappointed on 2012-06-25:
I really wish I had done more research - very expensive lesson learned! Don't do it!!!! These posts are real. Lifemates is a dishonourable service, if you can call deception and greed services.
Posted by macy on 2012-11-18:
Glad I searched first before setting up an appointment. They called me several times to book for an appointment, good I did not set to meet them.
Posted by Karen H - Toronto on 2013-01-18:
Complaint with LifeMates.com - Without Prejudice
While people can complain online about almost anything, you be the judge with my story.
I am a professionally employed, well established, divorced single mother with children , work and live within the GTA and like most people I heard the challenges with online dating sites. I was new to dating after 11 years with one person who cheated on me and learned of LifeMates through gossip at work.
I gave them $1200 to assess my values, goals, needs, lifestyle and preferences for a life partner. After 6 introductions - no match....and not that close to be fair. Instead, what I felt was LifeMates have VERY GOOD and TRUSTING sales people that know the advantage of a lonely heart to bring you in and give you great hope with a fee. I asked around afterwards to find a few people who were still single after using LifeMates. If I had done more research first, I could have saved the $1200 .
Happy Ending - I did hear good things about Match.com, so I signed up for the cost of a gym monthly fee. While there are screening practices to learn, I started to see quality, honest, responsive, and available men. Perhaps I am lucky with my gut feeling, but after meeting a few different men, I met a man in October 2012 who is much more than I could have expected and the hope for a furture together, with my children, is very promising. He presented himself well on Match.com with recent head to toe photos in natural settings (this is key for trust).
Lesson - Don't pay a match making company that knows nothing about you if they do not give a money-back guaratee OR will keep trying for no extra fees until YOU are satisfied. I realize this is a challenge to define by contract, but perhaps a minimum dating timeframe should define mutual success (3-6 mths).
NOTE: My new partner bought a car from the company with this email....for my privacy. Match.com has great
While people can complain online about almost anything, you be the judge with my story.
I am a professionally employed, well established, divorced single mother with children , work and live within the GTA and like most people I heard the challenges with online dating sites. I was new to dating after 11 years with one person who cheated on me and learned of LifeMates through gossip at work.
I gave them $1200 to assess my values, goals, needs, lifestyle and preferences for a life partner. After 6 introductions - no match....and not that close to be fair. Instead, what I felt was LifeMates have VERY GOOD and TRUSTING sales people that know the advantage of a lonely heart to bring you in and give you great hope with a fee. I asked around afterwards to find a few people who were still single after using LifeMates. If I had done more research first, I could have saved the $1200 .
Happy Ending - I did hear good things about Match.com, so I signed up for the cost of a gym monthly fee. While there are screening practices to learn, I started to see quality, honest, responsive, and available men. Perhaps I am lucky with my gut feeling, but after meeting a few different men, I met a man in October 2012 who is much more than I could have expected and the hope for a furture together, with my children, is very promising. He presented himself well on Match.com with recent head to toe photos in natural settings (this is key for trust).
Lesson - Don't pay a match making company that knows nothing about you if they do not give a money-back guaratee OR will keep trying for no extra fees until YOU are satisfied. I realize this is a challenge to define by contract, but perhaps a minimum dating timeframe should define mutual success (3-6 mths).
NOTE: My new partner bought a car from the company with this email....for my privacy. Match.com has great
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