FTC Cracks Down on Match.com’s “Guarantee” Gimmick

Match Group, the parent company of popular online dating platforms such as Match.com, OkCupid, PlentyOfFish, and The League, has agreed to pay $14 million and overhaul several of its business practices following Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charges. The FTC alleged that Match misled consumers with deceptive “six-month guarantee” offers, made it unreasonably difficult to cancel subscriptions, and unfairly punished users who attempted to dispute charges. In one example, the company promised free extended subscriptions if members didn’t “meet someone special” but failed to disclose the strict conditions required to qualify. Match also suspended accounts of consumers who lost chargeback disputes, effectively taking their money while denying them services.

Under the settlement, Match must stop misrepresenting guarantees, clearly disclose any restrictions, and simplify its cancellation process. The order also prohibits the company from retaliating against customers who file billing disputes. The $14 million payment will be used to provide refunds to harmed consumers, and the stipulated order—once approved by a federal judge—will have the force of law. The FTC continues to stress its commitment to protecting consumers from deceptive marketing and billing practices and encourages the public to report fraud and unfair business behavior at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.