I got fooled into the 99c scam as well, 2 days before xmas. The bank says it isnt fraud because I must of given them my details for the original payment of 99c.
I never agreed on a years membership? I never confirmed the ammount of $191.50 to be taken out of my account.
This is just plan criminal, what kind of company would resort to this type of sly policy.
The link to the site was provided by Facebook.
Theres links to SpeedDate on this site? What a disgrace.
I've been a 'Gold' member for two months now. Yes, it costs, but if you get an offer it's much cheaper than it initially looks. So far have actually met with 4 ladies from my area, all of whom were pleasant enough, and two I have carried on to second and third dates with.
You do have to put some effort in though - actually writing a decent profile, adding pictures (even if they're not of you)...all of that helps. Men going on here looking for effortless hook-ups should just go and pay for it. If you want to meet a living, breathing, thinking female for something a bit more intimate, it's a good place to start. The average lady on there seems a bit more articulate/interesting than those I've seen on similar sites. They seem to keep on top of most scammers - though, like any dating site, it's not entirely scam-free.
Search functions are pretty basic though...would be nice if there were more options to narrow searches, aside from location and age.
Pros Simple to use
Lots of genuine members, seemingly very few fakes
Decent 'success rate'
Cons It would be nice to have more search functions - like by postcode for example...
It is pretty pricey
i became a memeber and paid for gold membership i had a few days of browsing then when i tried to log in the site said problem with account i emailed customer service and got automated msg saying delete cookies and pop ups on my own com didnt work still cant sign in tried to cancel membership because they take fees from credit cards automatically but got email saying log into acount to cancel back to original problem cant log in SCAM
Been on the site as a free (standard) member for six months or so. Been tempted to pay up the ridicilous fee for gold membership, but everytime I've thought about it some mystic voice in the back of my head has stopped me.
I'm pretty certain that the site mainly is a scam and most of the "attractive" profiles are outright fakes. Now I'm not saying that all the profiles are fake; if I am there, then there must be some other legitimate people too.
Just that the less attractive ones mostly are legit and the attractive/model-types are fakes... it also seems like profiles that seek company from japan or areas near them might be legit more often, just because they seem to expect you to meet them.
I've had a few interests and messages from people who definitely are fakes ("too" attractive, doesn't look at your profile before sending interest or message and so on) and a some from people who might be legit (less attractive, tend to write non-standard profiles)... but still I'm not going to take the risk of paying anything.
Besides then that, it's pretty interesting how the platinum/gold members never answer your messages, interests or rarely check out your profile even if you direct any attention to them. That makes me think most of them are also fakes, because I'm pretty confident that I'm not the ugliest guy around and certain that I can strike a conversation with at least a few ones.
Also some obvious fakes are online almost 24/7. And, as someone mentioned earlier, you cannot delete your pictures... talk about extremely fishy.
I believe that some of these people who write supporting reviews or defend cupidmedia-affiliates are working for them or the creators of the network... or something like that. They might be scanning these kinds of sites for the bad publicity and trying to "cover" up their site so as to make it look more legit.
Sure, some people might be just users who'se had good experience and found someone... when they've coughed up the payment for membership upgrade.
I don't know what happens when you upgrade, will you lose your money and your profile, and I'm not gonna take that chance either.
Fun fact though... when I registered to japancupid.com in july or something, you could write the topic to your message (not completely sure, might remember wrong). At some point (few months back or so) they changed the layout of the site and stuff, and then you couldn't write topic anymore... maybe so you couldn't abuse writing your email/contact information in the topic, because standard members can see the topic but not the message.
Everytime you edit your profile, they closely inspect and verify your profile (might take more than 24 hours) so you don't try to tip off anything there (contact info, site being fraud, you being a real person).
Anyway, to make it short: seems too fishy, I do not trust the site because it's too good to be true and it's the standard members who message you/show interest, never the gold/plat members whom you could speak to.
Pros Don't really know. There may or may not be legit profiles, mostly probably those who seek companionship near their area.
Cons I don't trust it. Most profiles seem way too fakey.
I'm a standard member so you can't interact with anyone and those who you can (gold/plat members), won't interact with you... instead standard members try to hook up conversation/interests/whatever most of the time like trying to bait you to upgrade and pay up.
I've been a member of many dating sites both for singles and marrieds. Compared to the others, I found Illicit Encounters to be a refreshing experience. The ladies I've spoken to seem real and the 4 I've met in the flesh were undoubtedly genuine!! Like all dating sites, the women want to be wooed with wit and creativity. Unlike most dating sites, the ladies on IE seem to be serious about meeting up and taking things further.
I often think that some men think of dating sites as a quick fix to gaps in their real love lives. The online dating world is exactly the same as the real world when it comes to attracting women. You have to work at it.
The relationships I've had via Illicit Encounters have been different because the ladies I've met were looking for the same thing - i.e. not a full time relationship but an affair to fill in the gaps lacking in their married lives. Having matching expectations is important and the 2-3 times a month that we've met has suited both parties.
I would say to the guys who have posted negative experiences here, try again. I'm an average guy - not especially good looking nor wealthy, and yet I've met someone via IE each time I've paid their (admittedly high) upgrade fee.
Pros Genuine women looking for NSA
A good ratio of women to men compared to other dating sites
They don't bombard you with communications
What a complete waste of time and money! Had my doubt about the authenticity about some of, the few, replies. One told me my local local supermarket shut at 10pm; it's 24 hour,and didn't know where the university was.The ratio of men to women is such that you have to send a huge amount of messages to recieve a reply,but like i said;are they real?:@
I too, was ripped off by this website! Thought I was authorizing 99 cents but never received the confirmation for that amount. I received an email telling me that I was being charged $191.40 for a 1 year subscription that I never authorized. I immediately emailed the website disputing the charge and the next day, Wells Fargo Bank even noticed the charge on my card and thought it to be out of the ordinary and put a block on my card! I was unable to use my card as a charge card twice and could only use it as a debit card. When I returned home, there was a message from Wells Fargo's Fraud Department asking that I contact them in regards to the charge. I did and was told that the charge would not go through. The next morning however, I noticed the $191.40 had in fact been debited from my checking account along with the 99 cents! Wells Fargo is telling me that they cannot find proof of the 99 cents offer on the website now and therefore cannot assist me in proving that I only authorized that amount and not the full 1 year subscription price. I am now left with the only alternative of closing my account with Wells Fargo and going to another bank since Speed date is not going to refund my money. They did close my account as requested however!
You give your credit card information $0.99/month identity verification, and it comes back and tells you you just subscribed for 12-month $191 subscription, and by the way no refunds. Customer service does not budge from the no refunds policy. I've had to get the Better Business Bureau of San Francisco and my bank involved.
SUGAR DADDY IS A VERY BIG WORD AND FRAGILE AT THE SAME TIME COS OF DESPERATION AND LONELYNESS. SUGAR DADDIES.COM HAVE GRANTED A SECOND LIFE 2 THE FACE OF THEIR RELATION THRU DATING ON LINE 2 REALITY. SUGAR DADDY .COM IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE ONLINE DATING.
SMILES ON THE FACE DOESN'T REALLY MEAN THAT SOMEONE IS HAPPY, WHAT CREATS THE SMILES AND WHY THE SMILES MATTERS ALOT. MILLIONAIRE MATCH IS A DREAM COME TRUE THAT IS WHY I HAVE THE CONFIDENT OF WRITING AND USING THIS MEDIA 2 SAY KEEP IT UP AND I CAN'T WAIT 2 BE HOOKED.U HAVE PUT A TRUE SMILE ON THE FACES OF LONELY PEOPLE.
Speeddate.com is a total ripoff. these pirates need to be stopped. Dont do speedate.com unless you want to lose your precious money for nothing. I am all for a class action suit.
Pros none. they suck
Cons An organized ripoff with apparent support from Facebook. wahta a shame.
These people are professionals. Professional thieves that is. One big rip-off. Save your money. Do not even think about joining. What a scam. I wish we could do something about it. A class action woukd be the right thing. And they are not the only ones. I am not sure about this Travel Girls website. I doubt it is any good.
THe only one that I have had some form of success is the Friend Finder group (AFF, Passion, etc).
Nicely run married site with a personal approach that is very welcome these days. The telephone was actually answered by a human being and it felt less commercial than other sites I have tried. I even had some great dates. Well done!
Pros Personal approach, feeling of community in forum
and like RK said in a previous review; the site attempts to con the memebers into upgrading their membership to Gold or Platinum using fake contacts.
Alyaa from customer service comes out with the BS insisting they are doing all they can to keep it legit.. piss off will ya... muslim or no muslim you pple are using the religion for financial gain. and if you are stuipd enuff to pay for this site then you deserve it.
would someone tell me what is so special about marrying a native muslim anyways...
from my experience, as muslim, and dealing with muslims avoid them at all costs. these ppl have no eithics whatsoever.
if you are in the US or UK just marry someone from there. unless you are one of those control freaks that you want your spouse from the old country to control them here (specially the men). and do not get me started on the Indian/Paki Women... dude!!! come on. so waht you ahve Phd or an MD, you still look like Widow Twankie "Aladdin's mother".
There has to be a better way if doing this. to the muslima site, i hope you guys get what you deserve, bastards!!!. see u in hell. i am finding myself none-muslim ragin cajun
Pros None
Cons the site is full of fakes.
if not fake their a_holes and B###hs
i been on the site for about a month an i met this one guy name wall street party or something like that an this guy tricked me into spending time with him an he would give me money an take care of me an all he did was ruff me up an had his was an just gave me $20
I don't know how legitimate this site is... but I have to agree -- the descriptions are freakin' hilarious! Check it out if only because you wanna laugh. :D
Same as everybody else. Lost $191 on the most blatant internet thievery I've ever seen. Something must be done about this rip off. Count me in on class action. I notified Michael Finney from KGO's "Consumer Watch". Maybe he can do something.
Pros None.
Cons Complete misrepresentation of cost of service provided.
It's quite re-assuring to read some of the males having a similar experience on here.
I have to say the first time I joined I did have a couple of meets and successes (in 08) but subsequently upon re-joining it seems that it's now become a commercial exercise to extract one-off member with the extortionate joining fee. I set up two very different profiles (non Gold member) and each was contacted (in the first instance) by exactly the same women, with similar generic names and very similar profile content. It seems they are just enticing you to join one off, it doesn't matter if you don't come back due to the high fee you paid.
This is a shame as there are a few genuine women on there but it does seem quite an effort to find those. Another issue is that because the females don't have to pay it seems that a few just use it an ego massaging exercise rather than seriously for who it is trying to match up (you can tell as they are still there after a few years!). So you have a huge mismatch of guys thinking they will message everything and anything just because of the outlay. In this case I think there should be a nominal fee for women to weed out time wasters ... but I guess it's all about supply and demand then? eh?!
Pros
Not a huge amount of men (probably due to price!)
Cons Illicit Encounters using fake profiles and messaging to entice men to upgrade membership.
A fair few non-serious women using it as a validation tool (but then which dating site doesn't?!) and a number of escorts looking to hook up a guy who will spend on something like this.
Mr
Review about SpeedDate.comI got fooled into the 99c scam as well, 2 days before xmas. The bank says it isnt fraud because I must of given them my details for the original payment of 99c.
I never agreed on a years membership? I never confirmed the ammount of $191.50 to be taken out of my account.
This is just plan criminal, what kind of company would resort to this type of sly policy.
The link to the site was provided by Facebook.
Theres links to SpeedDate on this site? What a disgrace.
Cons
Its just one big Con.
Does what it says on the tin
Review about Illicit EncountersI've been a 'Gold' member for two months now. Yes, it costs, but if you get an offer it's much cheaper than it initially looks. So far have actually met with 4 ladies from my area, all of whom were pleasant enough, and two I have carried on to second and third dates with.
You do have to put some effort in though - actually writing a decent profile, adding pictures (even if they're not of you)...all of that helps. Men going on here looking for effortless hook-ups should just go and pay for it. If you want to meet a living, breathing, thinking female for something a bit more intimate, it's a good place to start. The average lady on there seems a bit more articulate/interesting than those I've seen on similar sites. They seem to keep on top of most scammers - though, like any dating site, it's not entirely scam-free.
Search functions are pretty basic though...would be nice if there were more options to narrow searches, aside from location and age.
Pros
Simple to use
Lots of genuine members, seemingly very few fakes
Decent 'success rate'
Cons
It would be nice to have more search functions - like by postcode for example...
It is pretty pricey
mr
Review about Match.comi became a memeber and paid for gold membership i had a few days of browsing then when i tried to log in the site said problem with account i emailed customer service and got automated msg saying delete cookies and pop ups on my own com didnt work still cant sign in tried to cancel membership because they take fees from credit cards automatically but got email saying log into acount to cancel back to original problem cant log in SCAM
I do not trust it
Review about JapanCupid.comBeen on the site as a free (standard) member for six months or so. Been tempted to pay up the ridicilous fee for gold membership, but everytime I've thought about it some mystic voice in the back of my head has stopped me.
I'm pretty certain that the site mainly is a scam and most of the "attractive" profiles are outright fakes. Now I'm not saying that all the profiles are fake; if I am there, then there must be some other legitimate people too.
Just that the less attractive ones mostly are legit and the attractive/model-types are fakes... it also seems like profiles that seek company from japan or areas near them might be legit more often, just because they seem to expect you to meet them.
I've had a few interests and messages from people who definitely are fakes ("too" attractive, doesn't look at your profile before sending interest or message and so on) and a some from people who might be legit (less attractive, tend to write non-standard profiles)... but still I'm not going to take the risk of paying anything.
Besides then that, it's pretty interesting how the platinum/gold members never answer your messages, interests or rarely check out your profile even if you direct any attention to them. That makes me think most of them are also fakes, because I'm pretty confident that I'm not the ugliest guy around and certain that I can strike a conversation with at least a few ones.
Also some obvious fakes are online almost 24/7. And, as someone mentioned earlier, you cannot delete your pictures... talk about extremely fishy.
I believe that some of these people who write supporting reviews or defend cupidmedia-affiliates are working for them or the creators of the network... or something like that. They might be scanning these kinds of sites for the bad publicity and trying to "cover" up their site so as to make it look more legit.
Sure, some people might be just users who'se had good experience and found someone... when they've coughed up the payment for membership upgrade.
I don't know what happens when you upgrade, will you lose your money and your profile, and I'm not gonna take that chance either.
Fun fact though... when I registered to japancupid.com in july or something, you could write the topic to your message (not completely sure, might remember wrong). At some point (few months back or so) they changed the layout of the site and stuff, and then you couldn't write topic anymore... maybe so you couldn't abuse writing your email/contact information in the topic, because standard members can see the topic but not the message.
Everytime you edit your profile, they closely inspect and verify your profile (might take more than 24 hours) so you don't try to tip off anything there (contact info, site being fraud, you being a real person).
Anyway, to make it short: seems too fishy, I do not trust the site because it's too good to be true and it's the standard members who message you/show interest, never the gold/plat members whom you could speak to.
Pros
Don't really know. There may or may not be legit profiles, mostly probably those who seek companionship near their area.
Cons
I don't trust it. Most profiles seem way too fakey.
I'm a standard member so you can't interact with anyone and those who you can (gold/plat members), won't interact with you... instead standard members try to hook up conversation/interests/whatever most of the time like trying to bait you to upgrade and pay up.
appreciation
Review about Muslima.comi think this site is a great idea coz islam is left out all the time so this is like a stepping stone for us the muslims.
Asst.resource manager
Review about Muslims 4 Marriage1st come 1st serve- protocols are followed
Asst.resource manager
Review about Muslims 4 Marriage1st come 1st serve- protocols are followed
ceo
Review about Hongkong CupidWarning!! Do not use Hong Kong cupid. They stole my money...
Illicit Encounters works for me!
Review about Illicit EncountersI've been a member of many dating sites both for singles and marrieds. Compared to the others, I found Illicit Encounters to be a refreshing experience. The ladies I've spoken to seem real and the 4 I've met in the flesh were undoubtedly genuine!! Like all dating sites, the women want to be wooed with wit and creativity. Unlike most dating sites, the ladies on IE seem to be serious about meeting up and taking things further.
I often think that some men think of dating sites as a quick fix to gaps in their real love lives. The online dating world is exactly the same as the real world when it comes to attracting women. You have to work at it.
The relationships I've had via Illicit Encounters have been different because the ladies I've met were looking for the same thing - i.e. not a full time relationship but an affair to fill in the gaps lacking in their married lives. Having matching expectations is important and the 2-3 times a month that we've met has suited both parties.
I would say to the guys who have posted negative experiences here, try again. I'm an average guy - not especially good looking nor wealthy, and yet I've met someone via IE each time I've paid their (admittedly high) upgrade fee.
Pros
Genuine women looking for NSA
A good ratio of women to men compared to other dating sites
They don't bombard you with communications
Cons
Pricey
mr
Review about Marital Affair.co.ukWhat a complete waste of time and money! Had my doubt about the authenticity about some of, the few, replies. One told me my local local supermarket shut at 10pm; it's 24 hour,and didn't know where the university was.The ratio of men to women is such that you have to send a huge amount of messages to recieve a reply,but like i said;are they real?:@
Pros
None!
Cons
It doesn't say anything on the tin!
UNBELIEVABLE SCAM
Review about SpeedDate.comI too, was ripped off by this website! Thought I was authorizing 99 cents but never received the confirmation for that amount. I received an email telling me that I was being charged $191.40 for a 1 year subscription that I never authorized. I immediately emailed the website disputing the charge and the next day, Wells Fargo Bank even noticed the charge on my card and thought it to be out of the ordinary and put a block on my card! I was unable to use my card as a charge card twice and could only use it as a debit card. When I returned home, there was a message from Wells Fargo's Fraud Department asking that I contact them in regards to the charge. I did and was told that the charge would not go through. The next morning however, I noticed the $191.40 had in fact been debited from my checking account along with the 99 cents! Wells Fargo is telling me that they cannot find proof of the 99 cents offer on the website now and therefore cannot assist me in proving that I only authorized that amount and not the full 1 year subscription price. I am now left with the only alternative of closing my account with Wells Fargo and going to another bank since Speed date is not going to refund my money. They did close my account as requested however!
Speeddate.com is a SCAM
Review about SpeedDate.comYou give your credit card information $0.99/month identity verification, and it comes back and tells you you just subscribed for 12-month $191 subscription, and by the way no refunds. Customer service does not budge from the no refunds policy. I've had to get the Better Business Bureau of San Francisco and my bank involved.
SECOND CHANCE
Review about SugarDaddie.comSUGAR DADDY IS A VERY BIG WORD AND FRAGILE AT THE SAME TIME COS OF DESPERATION AND LONELYNESS. SUGAR DADDIES.COM HAVE GRANTED A SECOND LIFE 2 THE FACE OF THEIR RELATION THRU DATING ON LINE 2 REALITY. SUGAR DADDY .COM IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE ONLINE DATING.
THE GOOD SMILE
Review about Millionaire MatchSMILES ON THE FACE DOESN'T REALLY MEAN THAT SOMEONE IS HAPPY, WHAT CREATS THE SMILES AND WHY THE SMILES MATTERS ALOT. MILLIONAIRE MATCH IS A DREAM COME TRUE THAT IS WHY I HAVE THE CONFIDENT OF WRITING AND USING THIS MEDIA 2 SAY KEEP IT UP AND I CAN'T WAIT 2 BE HOOKED.U HAVE PUT A TRUE SMILE ON THE FACES OF LONELY PEOPLE.
get burnt
Review about GayCupid.comactually they portray a stupid and cupid manners, i suggest they get burnt if one among the two caught.
MR.
Review about SpeedDate.comSpeeddate.com is a total ripoff. these pirates need to be stopped. Dont do speedate.com unless you want to lose your precious money for nothing. I am all for a class action suit.
Pros
none. they suck
Cons
An organized ripoff with apparent support from Facebook. wahta a shame.
Scam
Review about Discreet AdventuresI think it is a scam
Vietnam Cupid
Review about VietnamCupid.comGood experience. Have had some very nice results and dated very nice women.
Pros
Many pictures of genuine women. WOmen that respond to letters send to them. Have had dates with some very nice girls.
speeddate
Review about SpeedDate.comThese people are professionals. Professional thieves that is. One big rip-off. Save your money. Do not even think about joining. What a scam. I wish we could do something about it. A class action woukd be the right thing. And they are not the only ones. I am not sure about this Travel Girls website. I doubt it is any good.
THe only one that I have had some form of success is the Friend Finder group (AFF, Passion, etc).
Cons
rip off. rip off, rip off.
Really positive, genuine experience
Review about Loving LinksNicely run married site with a personal approach that is very welcome these days. The telephone was actually answered by a human being and it felt less commercial than other sites I have tried. I even had some great dates. Well done!
Pros
Personal approach, feeling of community in forum
Cons
Nothing really, I would certainly use again
It is riddled with Fakes
Review about Muslima.comand like RK said in a previous review; the site attempts to con the memebers into upgrading their membership to Gold or Platinum using fake contacts.
Alyaa from customer service comes out with the BS insisting they are doing all they can to keep it legit.. piss off will ya... muslim or no muslim you pple are using the religion for financial gain. and if you are stuipd enuff to pay for this site then you deserve it.
would someone tell me what is so special about marrying a native muslim anyways...
from my experience, as muslim, and dealing with muslims avoid them at all costs. these ppl have no eithics whatsoever.
if you are in the US or UK just marry someone from there. unless you are one of those control freaks that you want your spouse from the old country to control them here (specially the men). and do not get me started on the Indian/Paki Women... dude!!! come on. so waht you ahve Phd or an MD, you still look like Widow Twankie "Aladdin's mother".
There has to be a better way if doing this. to the muslima site, i hope you guys get what you deserve, bastards!!!. see u in hell. i am finding myself none-muslim ragin cajun
Pros
None
Cons
the site is full of fakes.
if not fake their a_holes and B###hs
i hate this site
Review about Seeking Arrangementi been on the site for about a month an i met this one guy name wall street party or something like that an this guy tricked me into spending time with him an he would give me money an take care of me an all he did was ruff me up an had his was an just gave me $20
Hilarious
Review about InternationalLovescoutI don't know how legitimate this site is... but I have to agree -- the descriptions are freakin' hilarious! Check it out if only because you wanna laugh. :D
Pros
Hilarious
Mr.
Review about SpeedDate.comSame as everybody else. Lost $191 on the most blatant internet thievery I've ever seen. Something must be done about this rip off. Count me in on class action. I notified Michael Finney from KGO's "Consumer Watch". Maybe he can do something.
Pros
None.
Cons
Complete misrepresentation of cost of service provided.
Too many fake female profiles/escorts plying trade
Review about Illicit EncountersIt's quite re-assuring to read some of the males having a similar experience on here.
I have to say the first time I joined I did have a couple of meets and successes (in 08) but subsequently upon re-joining it seems that it's now become a commercial exercise to extract one-off member with the extortionate joining fee. I set up two very different profiles (non Gold member) and each was contacted (in the first instance) by exactly the same women, with similar generic names and very similar profile content. It seems they are just enticing you to join one off, it doesn't matter if you don't come back due to the high fee you paid.
This is a shame as there are a few genuine women on there but it does seem quite an effort to find those. Another issue is that because the females don't have to pay it seems that a few just use it an ego massaging exercise rather than seriously for who it is trying to match up (you can tell as they are still there after a few years!). So you have a huge mismatch of guys thinking they will message everything and anything just because of the outlay. In this case I think there should be a nominal fee for women to weed out time wasters ... but I guess it's all about supply and demand then? eh?!
Pros
Not a huge amount of men (probably due to price!)
Cons
Illicit Encounters using fake profiles and messaging to entice men to upgrade membership.
A fair few non-serious women using it as a validation tool (but then which dating site doesn't?!) and a number of escorts looking to hook up a guy who will spend on something like this.