How do I get my money back after a cost trap in online dating?

If you spend a lot of time on dating sites you are probably familiar with the following. Registration on most platforms is free. You can also send the first likes and messages free of charge. That’s where the free ride ends. After that you start paying, either for a subscription or an internal currency to buy credits. That’s how the dating platforms make their revenue.

There are many reputable providers running such subscriptions and currencies, but there are also hundreds of websites that cannot be classified as reputable. Unfortunately, with these providers it is not about true love or real contacts. Profiles are often fictitious and real users quickly end up in a costly trap, especially inexperienced and older people. This article takes a closer look at the various cost traps and provides tips and advice on how to avoid them as well as legal principles and possible repayments.

The different payment traps

On most dating portals, a distinction can be made between two types of payment traps. One of them is a subscription service, the other is virtual currency. Websites that offer virtual currency often work with moderators who create fictitious profiles. Their job is to ensure more communication on the website. Because each chat message on such a website carries a cost with it. The first messages are either free or you have a certain amount pre-loaded to pay for the first messages. After that, the costs are high.

Such websites can often be identified in the small print on the homepage. There is either a note that the profiles displayed are only fictitious or you can find it in the terms and conditions by searching for terms such as “moderators”, “entertainers” or “operators”. On these websites you will immediately receive your first messages after registration, usually from profiles with revealing images. And if you try to switch to a free contact platform or want to arrange a meeting they will stall, so the operator earns more money. This is how inexperienced members quickly spend a lot of money.

Subscriptions as a cost trap

In addition to the virtual currency, cost traps also occur with the help of subscriptions. In principle, the trap works very similarly. The operator of the website hires moderators who create and operate fictitious profiles. Real members of the site will be asked to subscribe either immediately or after their first messages with these moderators. Otherwise the messaging function cannot be used. Many other functions and information are often blocked on such sites, so that inexperienced users are even more encouraged to complete the subscription as quickly as possible.

The various supscription traps

The initial cost of subscriptions can be quite affordable. Discounts or subscriptions with a duration of just a few days are readily available. But beware, many subscriptions are extended automatically and/or the termination periods are very long. These terms are often hidden in the small print or in the general terms and conditions. Cancelation of subscriptions is made very difficult or with some providers is not even possible to do online, making it a lengthy process since a lot of operators are abroad. Inexperienced people quickly fall into an expensive trap that will cost money even after months.

Avoid subscription traps early on

There are ways to identify if a platform is likely to have a subscription trap. Even inexperienced users can apply these essential tips to avoid high costs. First, look for existing reviews, user testimonials and test reports for the dating platform. This is the easiest way to find out if other people have had negative experiences with the relevant website. If reviews are not available, have a close look at the homepage. Check if there are any references in the small print about an internal currency or the use of fictitious profiles.

Review the terms and conditions in detail before registration. You can use the keywords mentioned above to look for possible traps. Even after registration, you can still detect a trap. If each message carries a high cost, you can assume that it’s a trap. If most of the functions are blocked without a lengthy subscription, the subscription is probably just a trap and you should not buy into it.

Refund options

If you made a subscription just to realize that the operator only wants to lure users into a trap, get a refund. Try to cancel the subscription the traditional way by email or mail. However, since operators often act far too slow or are abroad, costs can accumulate quickly. Stop making payments right away. You have the right of refusal within the first two weeks of subscription. Even Providers from abroad are obliged to comply with these regulations.

In some cases, you can apply the legal regulations regarding fraudulent misrepresentation or unjust enrichment. You might want to consult a lawyer to assist in such a case. In most cases, an expensive continuation of the subscription can be prevented. The most important thing is  to contact your bank and stop making payments right away.

Regulations for virtual currencies

If you fall into the trap of purchasing an expensive internal currency it is more difficult to get your money back. Once you notice the fraud, you should contact your bank immediately and try to find a solution with them. However, the operators of these websites often claim that the currency has already been used for chat, making a refund difficult. You should probably involve a lawyer at this point. Fortunately, purchases of internal currency are usually just a one-time payment and not a subscription. If a repayment is not possible, at least subsequent payments can be avoided.

Conclusion

Dubious providers of dating sites earn their money by using fictitious profiles and a cost trap like internal currency or a subscription service. Such traps can be identified on the homepage or in user testimonials. Receiving messages immediately after registration, expensive currency for each chat message and many blocked features are indicators of a trap.

To get your money back, you must at the least contact your bank, but often also a lawyer. The best chance of getting their money back are users who have fallen into a subscription trap due to the right of withdrawal. On the other hand, users that bought an internal currency on offer especially if they have already used it, are unlikely to get their money back. If you suspect a trap, it is recommended to buy a cheaper package with currency. Since these purchases are mostly one-off payments at least the financial damage is limited.