Match Group, Inc. and Match Group, LLC, the parent companies of dating platforms such as Match.com, OkCupid, PlentyOfFish, and The League, have agreed to pay $14 million and make significant changes to their business practices following charges from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The agreement comes after the FTC’s September 2019 complaint against Match. The agency alleged that the company used deceptive tactics to induce consumers into subscribing to Match.com. One of the issues raised was a promise of a free six-month subscription if users did not "meet someone special," which was subject to requirements that were not adequately disclosed.
Additionally, the FTC accused Match of suspending accounts of users who unsuccessfully filed billing disputes and keeping their money without providing the paid-for services. The complaint also stated that Match made it difficult for users to cancel their subscriptions.
Under the terms of the proposed order, Match must pay $14 million. The FTC will use this amount to provide redress to affected consumers. The order also mandates that Match:
- Clearly disclose all terms and conditions related to its “six-month guarantee” and any other guarantees.
- Not misrepresent any material restrictions or limitations on guarantees.
- Stop retaliating against consumers who file billing disputes or denying them access to paid services.
- Offer straightforward methods for users to cancel their subscriptions.
The FTC’s Commission voted 3-0 in favor of the stipulated final order, which has been filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Such orders are legally binding once approved by a judge.
"The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer.ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read consumer alerts and the business blog, and sign up to get the latest FTC news and alerts," according to an official statement from the agency.
Reid Tepfer served as lead staff attorney on this matter with support from Jason Moon, Hasan Aijaz, Erica Hilliard, Nicole Conte and Tammy Chung from the FTC’s Southwest Region.
