Introducing The Dating Service Consumer Bill Of Rights

We may not yet have a Passengers Bill of Rights, but at least New Yorkers are protected by a Dating Service Consumer Bill of Rights. New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo recently sued national dating service “It’s Just Lunch” for failing to follow the Bill of Rights’ provisions:

• Dating services can’t ask for more than $1,000, or sign customers to a contract longer than two years.
• Dating services can’t require the purchase of any ancillary services.
• If a contract costs more than $25 per month, the dating service must provide a minimum number of referrals each month. Customers can cancel with a full refund if the minimum is missed for two consecutive months, though a reasonable cancellation fee is allowed.

• Customers can tell the dating service how far they are willing to travel to meet someone; the dating service can’t refer anyone farther away.
• The contract must include provisions that address moving outside of the dating service’s area of coverage.
• Customers have the right to sue the dating service if any of the contract’s provisions are violated.

New York State law also allows consumers to cancel any contract after three business days, or unilaterally put the contract on hold for up to one year.

Cuomo had accused It’s Just Lunch of signing lonely customers to consecutive six-month contracts, each costing $1,500. For their transgressions, It’s Just Lunch will pay a $47,000 fine and promise to end their cheating ways.

Online Dating Service Attracts Cuomo’s Attention [NYT]
“It’s Just Lunch” Dating Service Overcharged Customers; Settles With Attorney General Cuomo [NYS Attorney General]
Dating Service Consumer Bill of Rights (PDF)
(Photo: shane o mac)

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