Not So Great Expectations: Dating Site Returns Thousands For Lack Of Dates
from the false-advertising? dept
Online dating has obviously been quite popular for some time now, but it appears that one company may have overstepped its legal bounds -- though, it's unclear why those legal bounds are there in the first place. The company, Great Expectations, apparently set expectations a little too high. The service, which started out nearly thirty years ago as one of those video dating services, has moved into the online world in a big way, and apparently thought that let it off the hook of the NY State "Dating Services Law." A judge thought otherwise and is forcing the company to refund the fees of two women, which could open up many, many more lawsuits. The company plans to appeal, but the really odd part of the story is just how much the service cost. Apparently, one woman paid $1,000 for a six month membership and met no one, while the other woman paid $3,790 for the (no, seriously) "Marriage Program." Ah, no wonder the expectations were set a bit high. State law apparently says dating services can't charge more than $25/month. Whether or not you agree with the law (and it's not at all clear why such a law is needed), it still seems like these women entered into an arrangement where they knew what they were getting into. In what world can their be a guarantee that you'll meet someone if there simply are no matches and no one wants to meet you back? If the company promised meetings, that's one thing (and one the woman in the four year program says she was promised dates, so perhaps there's a claim there), but it seems unrealistic to simply expect dates when there's the entire other half o the equation to consider. While the fees being paid (and the idea of signing up for a four year membership that promises marriage) seems somewhat staggering, especially considering the competition, it just seems like these women made a bad decision in signing up for this service.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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dating
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Re: dating
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Re: dating
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Re: dating
Good looks and good bodies definately go away as you age,(don't know what planet you're living on) it's inevitable.
I hope you find that person of your dreams because of what they look like, and that never changes....NOT.
It's a person like you that I dread to meet on on-line dating... so superficial.
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Re: dating
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the situation is ripe for abuse
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Re: the situation is ripe for abuse
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the point is .
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You effing unsympathetic males
Women, unlike men, are raised in a culture that STILL often teaches they will find their "completion" in a relationship with a man. And for some people, male and female, their "other half" never shows up.
These poor women will pay any price if it holds the prospect of "true love," because they are so indoctrinated. That's why the law is needed, to prevent exploitation of the cinderella myth.
If Great Expectations had paid me a couple of hundred, I'd have serviced these ladies, and GE would've kept a tidy, secure profit.
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Re: You effing unsympathetic males
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the inside scoop
The problem with that was, hot young chicks don't need to pay a dating service, they already have more attention than they can handle.
The female profile tended toward professional women who had achieved managerial success to the point where they had priced themselves out of the mkt. i.e. They all wanted to marry guys who were more successful than they were, but the guys who were that driven and successful were picking up their potential trophy wives without 3rd party help.
She said very few clients ever got what they joined for because objectively, nobody had very realistic expectations of their actual mkt value. A lot of the times nobody even got past the video viewing stage.
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Re: the inside scoop
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No Subject Given
It is business fraud plain and simple, and I am prepared to argue in court that they are in violation of a number of clauses in the deceptive and unfair business practices of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.
Why don't you have a look at www.voicenet.com/~ktappe to read from hundreds of other victims of this scam what they do. GE has been successfully sued in NY, Kansas, policed by the Federal Trade Comm., and been the subject of multiple news exposés. I only wish I'd found out sooner.
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Great Expectations - Expectations
I'll let you know how it turns out.. but if any of you out there, are paying more than 500/yr for this service, they have done you a disservice.
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Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
I haven't found good feedback so far! I'm an attractive 54-yr old male with a great personality (according to male and female friends, who are encouraging me NOT to do this!).
I'm torn... any feedback, direct to my email, would be great!
Les
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
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Of course, I said no. After brief periods of being left alone, they then countered at $1900 for 6 months. I said, "okay, let me think about it." The sales woman then applied a very high pressure pitch and said I had to buy today. (ed. note: my roomate is in sales, when they do that, they do not believe in the product)
After saying, "I'm going home", the saleswoman said, "enjoy your Christmas, because we know where it's going."
I ask, if a company employs people like that, would you join it?
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectati
I left my job of two years as a store manager and was told that they were downsizing....hmmmm usually a company has a hiring freeze first. I have a special needs child and Christmas is around the corner. I think death sounds quite attractive right now...
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
Kristine
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Re: Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
if there is a 72 hour rule. how do i proceed to enforce it
they wanted me to finance but i refused it from the finance company. please call @702-738-5427
eric
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
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Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
What kind of legal rep did you get? Contract Law? Personal Injury?
I'd like to find an attorney to represent me.
Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
Arizona Revised Statutes covers dating services contracts. From the information I have read via online complaints and what I experienced when I had my appointment, the contract you signed may be voidable under Arizona law.
ARS Sections: 44-7151, 44-7152, 44-7153, and 44-7154 are the statutes to look at. If you don't know how to view the text of these statutes, let me know. I would definitely file a complaint with the AG and the BBB.
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Re: Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
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Re: No Subject Given
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I'm another GE unhappy costomer
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Re: I'm another GE unhappy costomer
So if the photographer tried to sell you photos, dont be upset. Also, people with little, or no self esteem never seem to like pictures of themselves. Hmm..
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First interview
Mike
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Re: First interview
I will tell you why.
Kristine
734-330-7505 I worked there.
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Re: Re: First interview
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This operation is a total ripoff
Don't even consider subscribing to this service. Try Match.com instead for a fraction of the cost.
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Wow... looks Like I have been had too
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Re: Wow... looks Like I have been had too
I gave up a job as a store manager of two years because they promised me a job. Worked there for 30 days and they had to let me go due to company cut backs. hmmmm usually a company knows about these things at least 30 days ahead of time and has hiring freezes. If I can help you let me know.
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former employee
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Re: former employee
I left a job to work for these people. I was a store manager for two years. I was working for GE for 30 days and was let go. I was making my sales and getting along with everybody but just brought into the office and told that there was company cuts. Isnt there usually a hiring freeze????
I have a special needs child, Christmas is coming and now have no insurance. I feel so stranded. They made me alot of promises. They gave me no notice to find a job or even a heads up and I turned down at least five jobs...you are probably thinking woes me...but I am really down and out.
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Re: former employee
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Re: Re: former employee
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Great Expectations contracts DO NOT SIGN ever!!!!!
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Great Expectations contracts DO NOT SIGN ever!!!!!
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Re: Great Expectations contracts DO NOT SIGN ever!
I feel so stupid.
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GE isn't all bad.
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Re: GE isn't all bad.
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Think about it
Think about it. If you are actually on a dating site looking for love through a computer screen ...stop , just stop now. Get off your home office chair and take a walk. Try hmmm the park? the grocery store? take trip to the local gathering spot. GE is exactly what it is. A service that puts you in contact with other people who have paid to be in contact with you. If you cant find a date maybe you should re evaluate yourself and your approach. Are your pics bad are you too picky(referring back to self worth) does your shirt in your profile make you look like a hobo????? Consider lonely for life an option not Great expectations!!! Maybe you should try a lifestyle counselor ala starting over or and image consultant at your local Macy's. Don't put out trash and expect to receive gold in return , trash attracts flies kids.
If you do decide to try a service start with a success rate did u know marriages result every single day through GE???? Did you also know they are all under a 5% divorce rate?? Pricey as they can be the do produce results, just keep in mind what you are bringing to the table. If you know youre socially inept, not pleasing to the eye, with bad breath and no sense of fashion what so ever maybe you should scratch that mom says I can do anything mentality and hop on the closest transit or in your shiny new benz whatever and visit the land of reality check.
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Re: Think about it
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ps
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Re: ps
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Just Be Realistic
In either case they definitely have not learned the proper skills to make great relationships. Then no matter what dating service they join they think they can continue to either be anti-social and work on their career OR continue to pick people that are wrong for them (by looks or habits) but since they are in a service then everything will change.
Then they blame whatever the service it is from match.com to Great Expectations for why they don't have a great relationship. They never once consider the advice given them by the dating service. Match.com has Dr. Phil and Great Expectations has staff but they won't listen. So when they continue having bad results it's always someone else's fault.
My friend gives her first date a list of all the things they must do on the first date. But the service she meets these guys from just has a bunch of lame men and she is going to cancel at the first chance she can get. I've told her that she can't do this but she told me that they have to know up front that she won't take any mess. She scares them off and then wonders why all men are all the same and never call her for a second date.
You guys no I'm telling the truth because you all have that friend just like I am describing. You can clearly see what they are doing wrong and they won't even listen to you.
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Re: Just Be Realistic
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Need Advice?
I'm now stuck in a delima. I would like to use their service because I do believe quality individuals can be found there but I don't enjoy feeling like I was sold something, no one does. Buyers remorse I suppose. It doesn't seem like a scam, just a little shady.
I've yet to find any positive blogs or reviews praising GE other than those "canned" reviews that I'm sure GE has pushed out. Anyone know of any ACTUAL success statistcs regarding their services?
So, do I spend the 4200 and see if they offer what they say or save my money for a much needed vacation?
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Re: Need Advice?
DON'T SPEND THAT MUCH FOR A MARGINAL SERVICE!
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Re: Re: Need Advice?
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Re: Need Advice?
It gets better...I have a special needs child and Christmas is around the corner. I wanted to help people find happiness...I am the most unhappy because I lost everything in a soft economy
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Be Realistic
If you are a 55 year old man, don't pick only 25 year olds and expect to have 10 dates lined up. With thousands of members, if you can't meet someone through GE, ever think maybe YOU are the problem? I met my husband through GE. My aunt met her husband through GE, and I know hundreds of others with the same story.
People who come to GE, complain, and want a refund just realize that they are still in the real world, and no matter who you are, it's not easy to meet someone great. At least with joining GE, you have a better chance. It's a numbers game.
Regular internet dating has almost 50% of it's clients as married people, while GE actually screens.
After working here, I realize why most people are single. THEIR CRAPPY ATTITUDE!! So change your attitude and be positive and you might just meet someone.
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Re: Be Realistic
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Re: Be Realistic
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Scam
After I signed the contract they were all inactive, imagine that. I realize now it was all a scam, won't fall or be that stupid again..Don't recommend to anyone..
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Great expectations.
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Re: Great expectations.
my husband is so angry at me, I have a special needs child and Christmas is around the corner. I have to hit the pavement to find a new job in a rather soft6 economy
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GE in Dallas, TX
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GE in Ft Worth, TX
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Re: GE in Ft Worth, TX
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Re: GE in Ft Worth, TX
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Re: GE in Dallas, TX
I saw a street sign for dallassingles.org. When I got home I went to the website. There was no informaion about dallassingles.org, only a contact form requiring information of me! A girl started calling and leaving voice mails from dallas singles.org. After two weeks and six unanswered calls I picked up. The girl told me about dallas singles, and then asked me to come in for an interview and a background check. There was never any mention of it being Great Expectations. When I went to the street address she emailed me, it was Great Expectations. Then they hit me with the high sales pressure of sign up now or you'll never be anybody.
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Re: Re: GE in Dallas, TX
As for a refund, you've got the next-day cancellation in your favor, but you may need to speak to a lawyer. A beautiful young girl with a boob job conned me into GE (and I don't even like boob jobs!) and $5,000 disappeared from my account. This is not to say I wasn't responsible, because I knew all along what I was doing. Rather, it's just an indication of how far you'll go when you're lonely and somewhat desperate. I'm still going to try to do something, but this has been such a bad investment that it's laughable. It's only money, I keep on telling myself.
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Re: Re: Re: GE in Dallas, TX
They got me for a lot more than you so it hurts more.
I would think that checking on someones available credit without permission would fall under some sort of invasion of privacy law.
I have a friend who was a former civil judge in my city. He's now an attorney again. He said hiring a lawyer wouldn't be worth it because the average hourly charge by lawyers in our area is $500/hr. That could surpass what I was conned on just gathering the facts, digging up the dirt and building the case.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: GE in Dallas, TX
It didn't occur to me that you could pay out even more than I did, but I guess with this organization the sky's the limit. I will predict one thing: all things must pass, and so too will GE. They are making too many people too angry, and in time I suspect something like a "60 Minutes" expose will bring the curtain down on them. It is just such a blatant case of exploitation that I cannot see this going on more than a few years longer, especially with the power of the internet spreading word of peoples' experiences.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: GE in Dallas, TX
What GE is doing in "background check" is actually doing a credit check on the CC you volunteered to see what the max amount of money they can con out of each person is. That explains the different dollar amounts everyone was coned for.
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GE in Dallas, TX
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Re: GE in Dallas, TX
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Re: Re: GE in Dallas, TX
Sincerely
Kristine
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Re: GE in Dallas, TX
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Less than Great Expectations at Tysons Corner VA
"Certainly, this is only an introduction, it doesn't matter what you wear, come as you are" she said.
So I did. It's 70 degrees in January in the Washington DC area, Im doing housework so I come in shorts and a t-shirt.
There were at least 5 comments made about how I look when I come in, as the GE staffer said, "You never know who you'll run into in here."
Comments about having makeup done, always looking my best, looking presentable, etc.
I'm not ugly, I look okay without makeup. I asked the question, then I was made to feel less than whole because of the way I came in. I gave up dating people that would make me feel less of myself 20 years ago, why would I fork over 5K to have someone tell me the same crap? What a set up and what a bunch of lies. There was a man there, very tall, nice looking. I decided on the way home that he is likely a GE "plant", to entice me in. Probably on the inactive list.
I will not keep my saturday appointment for 11 am. I will post my impressions wherever I can, and I am glad it cost me only my a ding on my credit report which was incidentally hit while I was in the office or shortly thereafter. I did not sign up as I would not give them a full credit card payment up front. Otherwise it was 20% interest with their finance company. What a crock of crap. Thanks for adding to the feeling I had that this is just may be a complete sham. My experience: "Its Just Lunch" costs less with the same effect for me personallyTwo dates in 3-4 months. Zero in common and IJL can pound sand too. I am looking into the class action suit info online about them. Good luck everyone!
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great expectations
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Stopped payment on the check within 24 hours...
Bradley
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Re: Stopped payment on the check within 24 hours..
I've been a GE member for too long to have any hope of getting my money back, so I'll just offer my perspective on the experience. I've gone out on several dates and the women have been pleasant, but as yet, no sparks have flown. I've had a fair number of women contact me, but thus far only one who has aroused my interest. In its favor I would say that after paying all this money, GE members generally try harder. Some would say if you ultimately connect with that one person it's all worth the money, and yes, it would be, but the issue is that GE is an incredibly overpriced service. If all ends well, the money becomes an afterthought, but in what percentage of cases does that actually happen? For the money they charge you would think they'd have to GUARANTEE a marriage!!! So, my money is gone, but might as well make the best of it. From my experience thus far I don't see any special advantage to GE over a Match.com, which charges one-hundred dollars per six months. GE offers a selectivity, but it pretty much amounts to selectivity based on income. I'll admit, I got sucked in, but as someone once said, "if you have a lemon, make lemonade."
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Great Expectations
Their contract is evidently written to prevent any refund pro-rated or not.
Then after you pay their huge fee, you still have to pay $200 for the "photo" session and $19.95 a month to look at unavailable "candidates" on the web site. You can't view any candidates until you have your photo session.
Don't make the same mistake I did. If you do, don't expect any help from these scam artist via the BBB in trying to get a refund.
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holy crap on a stick
plus she laughed and laughed when i said "i dont know" about something and said i was "very funny". Hey, im pretty easily flattered, but i didnt say anything relatively amusing so i was a bit taken back by that strange response.
Also, FYI, they called themselves "Minneapolis Singles" (very ungoogable) so i did a google search on their address to discover they were really great expectations. 3300 Suite 300
To all who posted thus far - thanks for warning me! [im a sucker too. i get pushed into sales too easily to risk going there]
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I'm happily married through the service...
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Re: I'm happily married through the service...
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Re: I'm happily married through the service...
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Great Expectations Scam!
This people are professional scam artists who will try to take you for thousands. They prey on the lonely, vulnerable people who have had bad dating experiences and are searching for a mate. Their methods include:
• They will pressure you into joining their service by knocking off thousands off of their membership fees if you sign up on the first day that you come into meet with them. This prevents you from conducting research on their company to see what they are made of.
• They will pressure you to join with telling you meaningless facts.
 They will tell you the have a 90% success rate of finding a mate. They won’t give you time frame or what finding a mate is. After long enough everyone can find someone.
 They also say that they only have a 10% divorce rate, but they don’t follow up on their members, so the 10% is only the number that they hear about. I asked how they know they about this value and the representative said that the ones that they are divorced come back to be members. They only know about a small number because the ones that they take for money WON’T come back to be taken advantage of again.
 They will tell you that they have a 24:1 ratio of men to women to try to entice you into their service.
• They have an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau because Great Expectations failed to respond to consumer complaints. See http://data.hurdmanivr.com/reports/report.php?bureau=phoenix&bid=25635
• The Consumer Affairs Organization has dozens of complaints listed on their website. See http://www.consumeraffairs.com/dating_services/great_expectations.html
• Kansas and Pennsylvania currently have consumer protection law suits against them for $1.1 million and $4 million.
• See www.ripoffreport.com for postings on Great Expectations. There is 95 complaints on this website for Great Expectations. See http://www.ripoffreport.com/results.asp?q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtyp e=0&submit2=Search!&q5=Great+Expectations+&Search=Search
• They will offer for you to put a deposit towards their services in order to “hold†the discounted cost of their membership. They will give you time to think about their service and tell you to call them and let them know whether or not you decide to go with their service. They will not disclose that you have to send them a certified letter canceling the service or appear in person with a letter to cancel the service. After putting down a deposit on their service, Great Expectations with then attempt to get you to sign a credit card receipt for the remaining money. They appeal to you by saying that if you sign the receipt now, that they will save you a trip to their office if you decide to go with the service. DO NOT sign the receipt. Signing the receipt means you agree to pay them the money regardless of whether or not you decide to become a member of their service.
Think before you sign up or even meet with this service, or you could soon find yourself parting with thousands of dollars.
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Re: Great Expectations Scam!
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please people
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Re: please people
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please people
You people frustrate the hell out of me and I hope that all of you stay single or hook up with one another because I would hate for a decent person to have the unfortonate experience of being in a relationship with people who bitches and complains about anything as much as you all do. Get over the fact that the service didn't work for you, be happy that it worked for others and get the hell off this site b/c this site sure isn't bringing you any luck finding a date and that is why you are all bitchin right? because you didn't find a date?
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Re: please people
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Re: Re: please people
From what I understand, they have been around for over 30 years, so they must be doing something right?!
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Re: Re: Re: please people
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Re: please people
Goddamn it, you are so fucking stupid. Don't order people to get over it. You get over yourself. Shut the fuck up, bitch. Relationships involve feeling, understanding, compassion. None of which you have. You are probably one of those sorry mother-fuckers that marry for money, only to find out thier husbands leave them when they are 20 lbs heavier and full of wrinkles. You stupid bitch. Don't know a thing about life. Don't know a thing about people. ONly want money, and now fame. Hahahahahahahahahaha. Oh, look, I'm laughing at you. How does it feel, you stupid fuck?
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Great Expectations of Scottsdale, Arizona
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I just received my full refund.
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Re: I just received my full refund.
I worked for this company and NEVER saw anybody get a refund. Please tell me how you did it so that I can help my many contacts. They had me quit my career job to "help" people find true love...I thought that would be just the most fun...boy did I learn a lesson. I am very happy for you...all I can say is one victory at a time!!!!
Kristine
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Re: Re: I just received my full refund.
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Re: Re: Re: I just received my full refund.
Kristine
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Re: Re: Re: Re: I just received my full refund.
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Re: Re: I just received my full refund.
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Re: I just received my full refund.
Please help. I am not interested in using their services at all. I live in TX and there is no 72 hours cooling off period. Where do u live, if you don't mind me asking? and how the hell did u do it? :) thanks for your help.
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Re: I just received my full refund.
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Re: I just received my full refund.
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Re: Re: I just received my full refund.
I ended up scheduling to take them to small claims court. In the beginning they acted like they were going to show up, but a few weeks before the court date their attorney called wanting to settle for the full amount. He stated that he did not want the issue to go to court.
I still incurred costs fighting them, but I regard those as penalties for my stupidity.
Talk to your municipal court about the small claims process.
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Let me know if you are interested in suing GE in t
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found an attorney
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Re: found an attorney
Good luck. I'm in Arizona, but if your attorney would like a written statement or affidavit from me, let me know.
I wish I could figure out a way to help more people. I remember how bad I felt when I was pressured...and that is such a lot of money. I don't want it to happen to other people.
Nunya
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Re: Re: found an attorney
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Re: Re: Re: found an attorney
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Nunya
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Phone call In Miw., Wi
I was told to bring a picture ID and financial proof (because they do backgroud checks to make sure people aren't married). She also informed me that they do criminal background checks on people because they certainly don't want any felons in the service.( sounds like they might employe some scammers though!!)
I informed her that I could not come in the following day, but could come in 3 days later. She did set up my appointment time and I inquired about the fee, for which she replied, "oh, we don't get those prices up here, and they have so many different packages to choose from, that it would be hard for me to tell you that."....Yes, a RED flag went up at that point, but I still played the game with her. She then had her Manager get on the phone with me to verify me appointment and I also asked her how much it would cost. Her comment convinced me NOT to go to my appointment, she stated, "well, I don't see any problem with our fees, and as long as you're not living in a "card-board box" somewhere, you can afford it. We have so many different packages to choose from!!" And then prodeeded to ask me if I was really Serious about coming to the appointment, because if I don't show up, the Sales person whom I spoke to first would get yelled at, at she does not like having her employees get yelled at!!"
Wow, I certainly called the next day and cancelled my appointment. I also went on this website and read about all the people who have been victims. I feel very sorry for all of you who have lost all of your money to this company. There should be a law against this. Especially when it is so hard earned. This company needs to stop preying on poor innocent people.
I am 51 and am looking for love like the rest of you, but we don't have to stoop to this level and these companies need to know this. Research before you sign any contract.
With all the available web-sites out there, it should not be too hard to do your own detective work. Good luck with finding your Mr./ Ms. right.
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Re: Phone call In Miw., Wi
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Re: Phone call In Miw., Wi
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Sucker in Milwaukee
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Re: Sucker in Milwaukee
I am not trying to be bossy...
just looking out for you!
Kristine
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finally got a job
Best wishes
Kristine
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Re: finally got a job
How were your coworkers?
I hear that they are all sexist pigs and jerks and I'm curious.
Thanks
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Re: Re: finally got a job
I worked in the Edina Minnesota office. They "layed me off" after 30 days of being employed with them. I thought I was getting involved with a business that would help others to find true happiness. I gave up my job as a store manager to be a sales person. the entire time that i worked there all the women kept me around to do their makeup for Halloween...the Monday after I never worked there again...and they all cried because "they loved me."
Feel free to contact me by email...klshirk@msn.com. How are you related to the Atlanta office?
Are you a memeber or employee?
Hope to hear from you soon.
Kristine
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Something Fishy about GE
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Re: Something Fishy about GE
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Re: Something Fishy about GE
This post is a bit stale... but I also saw the signs.. the website, but fortunately found this site before I filled it out.
as someone said... what a cool website this is..
I just posted an almost identical thread as yours.. before I found this one... LOL
jinx!
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Great Expectations - Expectations
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Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations
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And an irony occurs to me: one "positive" aspect to GE is that the people we meet among the GE membership are the mirror image of ourselves, with the same weaknesses which led us to join in the first place. Sometimes we don't like what we see in the mirror. Meanwhile, we all have something in common.
Through this thread and others, maybe people will now be able to get a look behind the smoke and mirrors of the organization that is Great Expectations.
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Re:
I tried to find a way to write Dateline, but I couldnt' find an avenue to do so.
I would certainly recommend everyone else do so also. The more people that voice, the more they will take it seriously.
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recovered GE victim
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Attacking GE
ex: GE uses websites not indicating they are of ge such as citynamesingles.org, such as sandiegosingles.org, austinsingles.org, chicagosingles.org, dallassingles.org.
I was thinking what if they got slammed with bogus contact forms containing real residentual address', real phone numbers, and everything else bogus? The phone number and address would not be associated other than the city, and the phone number would be of a business or other office (BBB?).
GE would be using a lot of resources trying to scam people that don't exist.
I was reading some tactics from ripoffreport.com. There wasn't anything like this, but I did read some stuff about faxing the facts about the business you have issues with to them. Ex: Valid complaints etc., so that getting any business from faxes would be a nuisance.
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Refunds in Texas
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Re: Refunds in Texas
What did I do?
Called my CC company ASAP, opened a dispute and cancelled my card.
Called Great Expectations and informed them I wanted to cancel and wanted charges reversed.
Noted dates, times, locations, people, and contact info for the whole deal.
Submitted letter of cancellation of membership to Great Expectations. I had it notorized and sent certified mail.
Filed complaint forms with 3 divisions of the Texas attorney Generals office. The Federal Trade Commission. Dallas Better Business Bureau. Oprah. Several local news investigation teams.
I would inform who ever you thought might be interested.
Noted bait-and-switch marketing tactics of Great Expectations in each complaint.
Right now the charges have been reversed, but its not concrete yet.
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Re: Re: Refunds in Texas
This is by no doing by Great Expectations. They are scum of the earth and aren't at all interested in coming to terms with people.
This is the direct result of working with my credit card company and other local, state and federal public entities to put pressure on Great Expectations.
Act fast, hit them hard. The more people that complain, the more they are put in the spot light.
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Re: Refunds in Texas
I had tried all sorts of things. My bank card reversed the charges, but GE went to Visa USA, and they charged me again. Visa USA does not post any contact information. I complained to every organization I could think of. Dallas BBB, Texas Attorney General, Federal Communications, FBI, and then some.
Finally I had heard of someone in another state filing a small claim against GE. I checked in Texas. You can file a small claim for less than $10k, if its been less than two years.
GE acted like they were going to show up in court, but the closer it got, they decided they wanted to settle. I only got back what they took from me, and had to sacrifice the other costs incurred while fighting them. I took that as my penalty fee for falling into their scheme.
Contact your county municipal court and see what you need to do.
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ex-telemarketer
so to any one who ever reads any type of singles signs out on a road, its going to be either together dating or GE advertising in a very misleading way, making you think that it is another company when it's not, and both of which are complete rip offs and shouldn't even be allowed to be in business. examples of these signs are: yourcityhere.org yourcityhere.com. and beware of profiles you fill out online. alotta of those are leads.
good luck to all of you out there and probably the best way still to find love would be sites like eharmony, match.com so just be careful and don't give your number out da, that's why your going to get telemarketers calling you! and if you already have telemarketers calling, just say do not call and they will stop. those are the magic words, otherwise they will call you off the hook like 20 times a day, yea no bullshit, i know i use to do it.
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hey Thomas
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Rip Off Report
http://www.ripoffreport.com search for "great expectations"
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Great Expectations Dating
Well, I feel like a fool now and am considering cancelling my credit card charges and getting into a big fight with them. Don't know if I will win, probably not, but think it will be worth it.
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Re: Great Expectations Dating
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free testimony
I called the next morning to cancel and they refused to reverse the charges. I then proceeded to cancel the CC I used and open a dispute with the bank. I also sent a dated, notarized letter by certified mail to Great Expectations in Dallas notifying them I was canceling the membership and wanted the charges reversed because I had not used there service.
I made copies of the letter, all my dispute (or case) numbers and shared them with the bank dispute department, three departments of the Texas Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Affairs, the Dallas Better Business Bureau.
I also wrote letters of my experience to several news investigative teams, and to Oprah (the show)to let them know they may not want Great Expectations using their name to promote themselves any longer.
The bank reversed the charges and enough time has passed that I don't think that will change.
The BBB sent me the response from GE (which was full of lies from "Stephanie", and I sent back a rebuttal to the BBB.
If anyone in Texas or Oklahoma is fighting these filth in court or in a legal method, I'm offering my testimony to help.
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stewing
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GE
Is there anyone from Atlanta, who wants to share an attorney? Or who can tell me what to do?
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not so great
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PasadenaSingles.org
fuck that!! NO GE for me.
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Re: PasadenaSingles.org
Why let GE have one more second of free advertising?
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Great Expectations parent companies
Great Expectations Creative Management, Inc.
Great Expectations, Inc., Encino, California (operates franchises in Encino, Los Angeles and Upland)
GEC Illinois, Inc., Schaumburg, Illinois
GEC Tennessee, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee
GEC Alabama, Inc., Huntsville, Alabama
G.E.C.H., Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Cherry Hill,
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Great Southern Video, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Dallas, Dallas, Texas
New West Video Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Houston, Houston, Texas
MWVE, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio
Sun West Video, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations for Singles, Scottsdale, Arizona
JAMS Financial, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Milwaukee, Brookfield, Wisconsin (corporate headquarters in Los Angeles)
Great Expectations of Columbus, Columbus, Ohio (corporate headquarters in Los Angeles)
APM Enterprises - Minn Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Minneapolis, Edina,
Minnesota
Great Expectations--05/18/95)
Sterling Connections, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Seattle, Bellevue, Washington Private Eye Productions, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Portland, Portland, Oregon GREATEX Denver, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Denver, Denver, Colorado
TRIAAC Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Sacramento, Sacramento, California
San Antonio Singles of Texas, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas (corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas)
Austin Singles of Texas, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Austin, Austin, Texas (corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas)
V.L.P. Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of San Diego, San Diego, California KGE, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Sausalito, Great Expectations of Mountain View, and Great Expectations of Walnut Creek (corporate headquarters in Mountain View and offices in each location)
Great Expectations of Baltimore, Inc., Towson, Maryland
Great Expectations of Washington, D.C., Vienna, Virginia
Great Expectations of Washington, Inc., doing business as Great Expectations of Raleigh/Durham, Raleigh, North Carolina
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great expectations manipulation
note. i signed these documents on sunday night. lucky for me
that i had someone to help. at the end of the 3rd business day, i sent a notarized letter stating my intentions of not
being a member.and not to bill and return any monies that were deducted from my account. make sure you cover yourself
and send it certified mail with a signature requirement.
that same day g/e called me to sweet talk and make a deal
on monday i told them that i am refusing to do this. the same goes for weds. what they will do is sweet talk you or not call until the 3 days are up. before i sent this letter
i contacted this finance company that they use. and told them i will not approve this transaction and i spoke to a supervisor. i made this clear to them. i paid $128 to them
right away but i stopped another payment at the end of the
week through my bank and destroyed the credit/debit numbers.
they persisted to call me the next day to verify my appointment with the photographer. at this point i have not used any services. the problem is they can'not take no for an answer. they will do what they can to delay the 3 days until its too late and the finance company has already paid g/e. i found out if g/e makes initial contact in nevada.
you have 3 business days to option out of the contract. i have not heard back from the director since. they will continue to tell you this is a legal binding contract. check
your state laws. file with the bbb, consumer affairs and state attorney generals office. i believe this to be unfair
business practice. its kinda like buying an automobile, once
they get you in their office and try to wear you down. when making such an investment do the research that others have experienced. and sleep on it. my heart goes out to all of you who have lost money, time and effort. even if they try
to report to the credit bureau. i can sleep at night knowing that i did the right thing with a little help from a
friend.
thanks,
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Great Expectations
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re: Great Expectations
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Re: re: Great Expectations
My available balance was much higher as I had no debt. and great credit. Thus they tried to make me squeal like a pig!
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Singles signs on roadways
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Re: Singles signs on roadways
Why let GE have one more second of free advertising?
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GE dating sucks!
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GE dating sucks!
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Re: GE dating sucks!
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yeah, it must be a scam
They are masters at manipulation and playing on people's emotions;
I have done the photo and video session, with a woman who was barely 25 yrs old, and had lousy video interview skills.
My photos came out very decent, because I am attractive to start with. but I had to Pay additional for the photos I wanted to keep. AFTER paying $1200 for the damn 13-mo service.
A service which HAS NOT delivered what it promised. The men available in my age (all 6 to 8 of em) are nerdy and I am not surprised they have to pay for a dating service.
Are there any men out there who actually look at their email everyday, and are motivated to meet someone?
I have responded to 4 men by saying I would "like to meet this person"
Over 50% of the matches that come up are men from OUT OF TOWN, who Visit Your City.
Oh that's nice. If I wanted a long-term relationship, I would not have paid for it Could have got it for free from the numerous free meetup sites.
the other 35-40% are ALREADY IN A RELATIONSHIPS AND ARE INACTIVE. Unavailable. Zilch.
GE misrepresents their service. They showed me pictures of guys at my appt who probably aren't even in the service.
Of course, when you walk into an appt, you are vulnerable to begin with, since you are lonely and have admitted to yourself that you want to do something about it. Then you believe that their screening process will yield other people who also want to meet up with QUALITY and Seriousness about meeting someone.
Not True. There ain't nobody home. The LIghts are on but nobody is home.
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re: yeah, it must be a scam
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GREAT EXPECTATIONS IS A BIG RIP OFF
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waste of money
Nearing the end of my GE membership, I'll survive the financial loss, by no means an insignificant one, but what more can one say of great expectations never even remotely approached? A cynical operation for sure, where the office I joined, in a major metropolitan area, simply shut down and now has its calls transferred to a sister office in a city more than five-hundred miles away. As one might expect, there have been no new members in those months since the closing. And a refund of at least some of the money we were snookered into spending? In the words of Aerosmith, "dream on." It will not surprise me, nor disappoint me--in fact it would be richly deserved--if the entire organization comes crumbling down in the next year or two. To anyone considering joining, two words from a supposedly dead language, entirely relevant to the situation: CAVEAT EMPTOR.
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Understandable
People should know by now that nothing is guaranteed in life. Anything abstract, (hence the word abstract not a concrete object) such as love is not definite. The only thing is that in order to be successful in anyway in life you have to search for it. What other way would you find the one and only? I once heard that the definition of insanity is to do that same thing over and over again trying to find a different result. People need to stop complaining about what they have done and find different ways of finding different results.
Yes the price that you quoted in this article is crazy, but the people understand ahead of time (or you would surely hope so) that nobody can promise something like marriage, but they can only give them a way to find it.
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Scammed by GE ...need legal advice
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Big Ripoff
I was attending a gym regularly at the time and was probably 7 out of 10 in looks. The only ones I could see this working out for are probably in the 9 & 10 in looks category.
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GE in Irvine, CA was a BIG RIPOFF 25 years ago!!
I say 25 years ago, as that is about the approx year that I tried them out myself. I could be wrong here, but I'm saying that the GE in Irvine, CA was one of the very first - if not THEE first - GE startup in CA or anywhere else for that matter. It was somewhere in the late 80's that I tried them out - I remember that much. How long they were there in Irvine, CA I have no clue, as I actually thought they went belly up bankrupt many years ago much to my surprise after just reading a few complaint articles doing a Google search.
I believe I got one of their postal mailers is how I was first contacted. After checking them out in person one day all sorts of RED FLAGS went up at first - as they were very high pressure right from the start! I opt'd for the intro TRIAL version right from the very start - esp after hearing what they wanted for a FULL ON membership fee, as I wasn't buying into any of their HYPE sale pitches that's for sure!! It was like buying a new car where they jerk you around for hours on end until you make a bad decision and sign your life away on the bottom line. Not so with me - as I wasn't raised a fool like some people I know! I also worked for the BBB at that same time, so I knew what was and wasn't "on the level" as it were.
Long and short of it was that I only stayed there a month at the very least, as some of the gals they had in their database I actually already knew - as some even worked for the same hospital that I once worked at, and knowing them like I did from work I could see why they were at GE looking for another guy (another sucker as it were), as that was the type gals that they were. Nothing but Players and *ock Teasers is all they were - "wine me and dine me" types for a better lack of words!! Nothing of g/f - wife - soulmate - LTR value as far as I was concerned. Those other gals that GE had in their database were a lot of bogus FAKES - as you could tell they were just "plants" by GE to start with just to get people (men in my case) to sign up so they could just pad their profile numbers is all. It was so obvious to me after just a few weeks. After all - my Dad didn't raise no fool to start with!
If memory has me right GE tried to overbill my Visa card when I severed my Trial acct with them, and by working for the BBB like I did all I had to do was bring that to their attention and it was a DONE DEAL - as in goodbye GE for good.
I actually auditioned for that TV dating show The Love Connection around the same time I dropped GE, and after seeing how phony baloney that show was set up and run I all but went back to finding dates at the local grocery stores where I had much better luck finding the type gal(s) that I wanted to bring home for dinner! In fact those bastards never called me back for a 2nd audition until some 10 years later when I was in a solid committed LTR and their TV show ratings were all but down the drain anyway at that point. I didn't even return their calls, as they were a complete joke at that point! Much like GE was after only a month there! Hope you guys read or listened to that part about "grocery stores", as it still works great for me to this very day. I've met and LTR dated some terrific gals that I met while food shopping over the years, and as the old saying goes - "what you see is what you get" - no bullshit or FAKE anything going on there!
Btw - best nights to late evening shop are Wednesday's and Friday's just so you know.
Good luck out there, and be Internet savvy and don't get burnt by rip-off scams - GE or otherwise!
JSYN - the best online dating site I found to date is Connecting Singles dot com, and NO I don't work for them either. I just found them doing a good Google search one day! Happy hunting!
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GREAT EXPECTATIONS
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dating services
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datng servies
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datng servies
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dating services
Schauburg,ILL.of S4.000 for services l never received,l want my refund back and 10% for expenses like gas postage and handling also get into action law sued in all the area people are suing thought out the united states of america.
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I was ripped off as well!
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