Raleigh, N.C.-- Finding love online or at least singing up for an online dating website has become all too common. And with folks focused on finding love around their busy lives, matchmakers and dating websites have become an easy eay to spice up your social life. But the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina warns to be cautious as some sites are known to leave users distraught, heartbroken and frustrated.
The BB urges everyone to follow these tips when using online dating services or a matchmaker:
- Don’t give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Walk away from a sales person that pressures you to sign a contract on the spot. A reputable matchmaking service will give you enough time to read the contract thoroughly and make an informed decision at your own pace.
- Review the contract. Make sure the contract lists all services, as well as any additional fees and charges. Consumers should not assume that they will stop being billed once the contract runs out. Many online dating sites automatically renew memberships. Usually, you must call the company or send written instructions to avoid being billed again. Know in advance what you need to do to cancel. BBB recommends taking a sample contract home to review in a quiet environment.
- Read and understand privacy and security policies. Setting up a dating profile requires personal information. Make sure you understand how your information is being protected. Most companies make such policies available on their websites or hand them to you in writing.
- Ask around. Odds are your family members, friends, and coworkers have used or are currently using a matchmaking or online dating service. They can tell you about their experience and if it was successful for them. Take their advice into account when deciding which way to look for love.
- Beware of Matches asking for Money. Be very skeptical of any “match” who tries to sweet-talk you into sending them money, especially via wire transfer. Criminals have been known to set up fake profiles, oftentimes posing as a military member, and start relationships online only to ultimately guilt their victim into sending them money for various reasons. Under no circumstances should you ever wire money to someone you have never met.
Another popular scam around Valentines Day deals with purchasing flowers online. The BBB urges those interested in making an Internet purchase for flowers to consider the following:
- Check out the business. Go to bbb.org and check the company’s Business Review to see their complaint history, BBB grade, and to see if they are an Accredited Business.
- Know what you’re buying. Often times the looks of the arrangements online can be deceiving. Be sure to get a true picture of what you or your recipient will be getting. Online florists have a tendency of taking photos that make the bouquets seem fuller than they really are.
- Know who you’re buying from. Sometimes national flower companies will create aliases in their advertisements to make it seem like they are your neighborhood florist. Look around the website or give them a call to find out where they are really located.
- Look for hidden costs. Be sure to review your order and verify the total before confirming your purchase. Some florists may add on shipping, handling and other costs associated with delivery without your knowledge.
- Read the promotional fine print. Valentine’s Day is a popular time for online promotions, but most of those promotions have terms and conditions. Make sure you check to verify you’re getting the savings you signed up for.
- Be in the know. When using a third party to deliver flowers, it’s hard to tell when, and if, they received them. Be sure to sign up for confirmation emails so you have a trail and proof the order was placed and get alerted when the order has been delivered. If available, ask for proof of delivery to make sure they made it to correct destination and recipient.
For more information you can trust, visit the BBB's website.