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Lifemates Complaint - Lifemates Is A Scam - Matchmaking
Matchmaking - Complaint
CALGARY, AB -- Don't waste your money on this matchmaking service. I received a flier in the mail, and decided I would give them a try as I was a too busy professional to want to go through one of the internet dating sites. Went for an interview, and did not buy into it right away. They kept calling me, making comments to play on the missed opportunities, etc, and then they offered a 40% deal and also told me that they had a very good match for me already - the cost was a hefty $2200 for a membership. Needless to say months later, I had no calls from them. And so I kept calling to find out status, and they kept baiting me with yes, they were just finalizing things or some other excuse. Really noticed the customer service was very unprofessional as one girl actually giggled when she was talking to me explaining things.
In any case, after 6 months later, I asked for a refund as they had done absolutely nothing. At this point, they were anxious to set me up with someone. It turns out, they were trying to do this to avoid giving any refund back. This was obvious as the unsuspecting match turned out to be so far from what my profile had asked for, and the company did not keep to their protocol where they should have asked for my permission prior to divulging my personal contact info to a possible match. I did not accept a date with that match and requested a refund.
The company sent me a letter asking me to sign that I would not tell anyone of that letter or sue any of the directors, or officers of the company. Needless to say almost a year later, I have not received any refund back (they were only going to refund 50%). Please note this same company goes under the name of Integrity Integration, Elite Singles of Canada. I just wonder how many people have gotten taken by them? There is a good article from the CBC about them on the internet. It is a few years old, but every comment is definitely true today. These guys are a scam. They make quite a bit of money, just by having people cancel because they do not provide a service. I have tried many times to contact them, and they have never returned my phone calls.
Also, put in a BBB complaint, turns out there are a few BBB complaints out there on them. I plan on suing them anyway. Please let me know if you have been a victim also.
Updated Feb. 2/08
My advice is to be careful, even using internet dating sites. Apparently such practices may be common - look at complaints for eHarmony, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if they are connected. They have a similar profiling system.
For those already in the mess of trying to get a refund from Lifemates - request a credit chargeback from your credit card company right away for the full refund, and don't sign the Lifemates release contract I mentioned above (do not wait, they will not honor their refund deadline, and for good reason, they do not want to give your money back). Apparently, there are a few dating services that are using these deceptive tactics. Buyer beware.
In any case, after 6 months later, I asked for a refund as they had done absolutely nothing. At this point, they were anxious to set me up with someone. It turns out, they were trying to do this to avoid giving any refund back. This was obvious as the unsuspecting match turned out to be so far from what my profile had asked for, and the company did not keep to their protocol where they should have asked for my permission prior to divulging my personal contact info to a possible match. I did not accept a date with that match and requested a refund.
The company sent me a letter asking me to sign that I would not tell anyone of that letter or sue any of the directors, or officers of the company. Needless to say almost a year later, I have not received any refund back (they were only going to refund 50%). Please note this same company goes under the name of Integrity Integration, Elite Singles of Canada. I just wonder how many people have gotten taken by them? There is a good article from the CBC about them on the internet. It is a few years old, but every comment is definitely true today. These guys are a scam. They make quite a bit of money, just by having people cancel because they do not provide a service. I have tried many times to contact them, and they have never returned my phone calls.
Also, put in a BBB complaint, turns out there are a few BBB complaints out there on them. I plan on suing them anyway. Please let me know if you have been a victim also.
Updated Feb. 2/08
My advice is to be careful, even using internet dating sites. Apparently such practices may be common - look at complaints for eHarmony, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if they are connected. They have a similar profiling system.
For those already in the mess of trying to get a refund from Lifemates - request a credit chargeback from your credit card company right away for the full refund, and don't sign the Lifemates release contract I mentioned above (do not wait, they will not honor their refund deadline, and for good reason, they do not want to give your money back). Apparently, there are a few dating services that are using these deceptive tactics. Buyer beware.
Comments:
Posted by Anonymous on 2007-11-17:
I'm sorry you got scammed and I hope you get your money back - but I just can't figure out why anyone would spend thousands of dollars on a dating service to begin with. Do people really think that these companies are going to work their butts off to find you your perfect match, once they have your money?
Posted by Anonymous on 2007-11-17:
I have to echo justcuz's comment and can only add, good luck to you.
Posted by Sparticus on 2007-11-18:
Many folks don't realize there are some free dating resources out there. Before ponying up thousands to these scam companies, check out:
1. OkCupid
2. Plenty of fish
3. Connecting singles
(Google "free dating sites" and the above names for more info!)
1. OkCupid
2. Plenty of fish
3. Connecting singles
(Google "free dating sites" and the above names for more info!)
Posted by Ponie on 2007-11-18:
'a too busy professional'? First time I've heard that used as an excuse. You mean there are no singles in your 'profession' you could meet? Heck! For $2,200, I'll send my Sis, who's a real looker, up to Canada for a date with you. But, darn, my BIL may object.
Good info, Sparticus--but the poster may be 'too busy' to check out these sites. :)
Good info, Sparticus--but the poster may be 'too busy' to check out these sites. :)
Posted by jktshff1 on 2007-11-18:
is that in $ or Canadian?
Posted by Anonymous on 2007-11-19:
I've said this before: Be very careful with PlentyOfFish.com save for ONE person, many on there are total psychos. I went one date with a guy and it was so scary that after I deleted my profile totally.
Posted by 1ne on 2008-01-18:
Have a look at these 2 url...
CBC http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/services/dating/index.html
http://www.discovervancouver.com/forum/Lifemates-Dating-services-t109305.html
CBC http://www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/services/dating/index.html
http://www.discovervancouver.com/forum/Lifemates-Dating-services-t109305.html
Posted by Fiorentina on 2008-02-02:
I purchased the services of LifeMates, The Relationship People, Canadian HQ located in Mississauga, Ontario on May 15th, 2007. Paid in full to the tune of $2,220.70 Less than a week later, I was let go from my place of employment. I immediately contacted LifeMates to cancel my membership, fully understanding and agreeing to their first condition on contract that states "In the event that Client elects to cancel or terminate this Agreement prior to any use of services offered by Lifemates, Client shall be liable for one half the Member fee as full consideration for interviewing, testing and evaluation of Client." One half is $1,110.35. I was told that refund would be forthcoming within 90days. I have sent e-mails, faxes and have spoken to Customer Service, Executive VP Canadian Operations. Their excuse is that HQ in California is to process refund. After numerous messages, which remain unanswered, and no refund forthcoming, I have contacted the Better Business Bureau of Canada to intervene on my behalf. Following my own search of this organization, I have found a number of complaints in other regions of Canada related to LifeMates, which also operate under Elite Singles. I have also e-mailed a number of media organizations on this. If I can't get my money back, I will make sure that some other fool, yes such as I, does not get screwed.
Posted by Daveyyy on 2009-03-11:
Buddy you are right don't waste your money because this service is not a waste, it is worth every penny. After spending hours using web dating services I signed up with them and I do not regret it.
So far they have set me up with 6 solid dates. Their matchmakers took a genuine interest in my case and have worked closely with me since I signed. I do not even know what you are referring to when you say you had to call them, since they are always calling me offering me great choices that I never would have found on the web.
So far they have set me up with 6 solid dates. Their matchmakers took a genuine interest in my case and have worked closely with me since I signed. I do not even know what you are referring to when you say you had to call them, since they are always calling me offering me great choices that I never would have found on the web.
Posted by RuthG on 2009-03-24:
I was hell bent on this compatibility thing when I joined Lifemates. After going through a distressing divorce, I was very frustrated. I and my ex-husband were not compatible at all. We got married only after knowing each other for a short while and then the monster differences began to show their ugly faces. After the divorce, I had made up my mind that I would never get into a relationship with anyone. I was depressed and angry at the whole concept and wanted to be independent. A friend introduced me to Lifemates, and lo and behold they were to prepare a compatibility report for me! I was impressed. This is what I was looking for all these years. When they sent me on the first date, I was quite apprehensive. But it seemed they had taken care of my wishes. I like him. Thanks Lifemates.
Posted by bone head on 2009-03-30:
I decided to go for their services five months back. I paid the joining fee, though soon after that I had to leave my job due to some reason and found myself in a tight financial situation. I decided I needed money and wanted my membership canceled. I called them up explaining them my problem and they said that I would get half of my money back as refund. It took 2 weeks but they refunded my much needed money. Also I would add that their customer service people are very helpful.
Posted by single_London on 2011-01-06:
I would love to get in touch with you and talk about this...I too am thinking about suing this company for their false advertisements. I am seriously upset with is company! If you have an email address please post it.
Posted by muskoka on 2011-12-22:
I have read many many complaints about being scammed by lifemates. I too was taken. Is there anyone willing out there to organize a class action suit.
Posted by Anonymous on 2011-12-27:
Yes, LifeMates is a SCAM!
I joined in April 2011 and was told, among other wonderful things, that I would be "married in a year", and so far, eight months later, I had only one incompatible match to someone who has been in their database for 7 years. The guy explained that he was not happy with their service and eventually instead of a refund he accepted a "life time" membership which he now regrets doing because he is not even getting one match a year! Anyhow, every time I have asked about why I am not receiving any matches I am told "it shouldn't be long", and then I don't hear from them for months. Ladies don't be FOOLED.
I am in the process of requesting a refund. Will keep you posted on how that turns out.
Muskoka and Single London: yes, I would be willing to join in an organized class action suit. Let's keep in touch and please keep me posted.
I joined in April 2011 and was told, among other wonderful things, that I would be "married in a year", and so far, eight months later, I had only one incompatible match to someone who has been in their database for 7 years. The guy explained that he was not happy with their service and eventually instead of a refund he accepted a "life time" membership which he now regrets doing because he is not even getting one match a year! Anyhow, every time I have asked about why I am not receiving any matches I am told "it shouldn't be long", and then I don't hear from them for months. Ladies don't be FOOLED.
I am in the process of requesting a refund. Will keep you posted on how that turns out.
Muskoka and Single London: yes, I would be willing to join in an organized class action suit. Let's keep in touch and please keep me posted.
Posted by mzunderstoodru on 2012-02-29:
I'm kicking myself for not doing my research before I signed up with LifeMates and paying all that money. I experienced the same runaround and BS, but the problem was I couldn't get my money back because I "approved" the first referral so I wasn't eligible to get half. However, I heard those eligible people are STILL trying to get their money back. I signed-up back in 2007 so it's a little late for me to pursue this legally anyways. I feel disappointed, angry and embarrassed.
I hope people out there do their research. There are websites out there that have reviews that seem too biased. Most don't have dates when it was published or they're just out-dated. I don't even know if these "positive" reviews are legitimate.
Check out Consumer Affairs website which shows both sides.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/dating_services/lifemates.html
I hope people out there do their research. There are websites out there that have reviews that seem too biased. Most don't have dates when it was published or they're just out-dated. I don't even know if these "positive" reviews are legitimate.
Check out Consumer Affairs website which shows both sides.
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/dating_services/lifemates.html
Posted by Scammed byLifematesToo on 2012-03-25:
Yes, I was also scammed by Lifemates in 2009. Not dates and no refund and am one of those formal complaints on BBB. I really don't believe these are Lifemate Clients who posted their testaments on this page saying they received good service, solid dates and refunds. Definitelty they are posts from Lifemate employees. What kind of person works for crooks?
Posted by Gruellrule on 2012-04-14:
Also a victim of this scam called Lifemates. So has anyone actually got a lawsuit together? I would like to be apart of any action taken!
Posted by jordanstinson on 2012-05-07:
lifemates is such a scam
Posted by trmn8r on 2012-05-07:
That's what I have heard through word of mouth.
Posted by disappointed on 2012-06-25:
I am seriously disgusted with the lack of service and attention. I have been scammed as well. My criteria was completely ignored and they wouldn't even allow me access to my OWN profile. I wrote a letter to cancel my membership. Next step, getting a lawyer!
Posted by Ignac on 2012-09-19:
Yes, sadly I'm another one who has been scammed by LifeMates. Sounds like there might be enough people to form some kind of class action lawsuit against them. The positive reviews on LifeMates are not from real people, but rather paid employees.
Posted by fraudulence bogus company on 2012-11-23:
ALL POSITIVE comments/reviews are from the scumbags that works for a bigger scumbag of this company! Don't kid yourself people this company is set up to rip you off, just look at the reviews, the negative comments are very detailed and constructive and the positive reviews are 100% biased. I can't believe a company with this much wrong doing can still operate, but only in Canada!
Posted by Scammed byLifematesToo on 2013-01-08:
Sadly, I am another one who has been scammed by LifeMates. I wrote a letter to cancel the membership and tomorrow I will have an appointment with a lawyer.
Posted by Maralisa on 2013-05-01:
Good to hear. I am doing my homework and after reading all, you know I am not even going to sign up...
Posted by Jeff on 2013-05-03:
Scammed!! making sure my complaints go everywhere they are needed in order for people to be aware of exactly what they are getting into before signing! I too am looking at taking legal action to get my money back. Very unprofessional company! Been in business for 22 years should be embarrassed!
Posted by John on 2013-05-18:
Have lots of helpful advice to people that want their money back!!!
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