First of all this company is deceptive of who they even are. They operate under at least 3 official names and advertise under many others in the greater Baltimore area (cockeysvillesingles.com, reisterstownsingles.com, edgewoodisngles.com, etc...). These advertised websites don't even mention the parent company name which in itself is a violation of law. They are very simple sites that purposely have no information so you get lured into their office for the pitch.
On to my story. Before realizing what I mentioned above I signed up in 11/06 for a "xmas special" $3800 plan that would give me 15 referrals with no time limit. I took their compatability assessment tests and was then given great promises of my future dating life. Did I mention that they first made me wait 45 minutes even though I had an appointment. I guess I truly was at the love "doctors" office.
Currently I have been sent 13 of my 15 referrals. I have only met with three of them. Several didn't return my call, one was only 22 (I'm 32) and most were in the Annapolis-DC-Virginia area which was outside of my specified range. One referral even lived in Columbus, OH!
I complained early on about the distances and was informed that the 30 mile preference I set up during consultation was really 30 minutes and that would be in addition to whatever the match would be willing to travel. I'd like to meet the person who can get from North Baltimore to DC in 30 minutes. Have these people ever even been on the beltway at 5:00? Even with that I had no intention of driving an hour to go to someones house if a relationship formed. I had to argue with the rep to get this lowered. They said it would reduce my frequency of referrals (what - they have no members in Baltimore? Not according to the sales pitch). I argued that this was not a problem since my membership had no time limit. Eventually he gave in. The next two referrals were significantly closer but then the problem returned.
The last referral I never called because I was in the process of fighting the charge though my credit card company (I did send back the referral letter explaining why). TDS eventually called and yelled at me because the referral called them and said I never called. So they don't read the referrals returned and their policy states both parties can make the first call. So why didn't they yell at her?
The credit card company was unable to reverse the charge so I filed a complaint with the Attorney Generals office seeking a pro-rated refund since I felt 3 of my 13 referrals were ok. TDS's response was basically that I signed a contract under which they were not obligated to meet my preferences (but isn't that an important part of dating?) and that they would not refund any money but would offer me 6 additional referrals. Apparently they reviewed what was sent to me and felt that 6 were not good referrals. This sounds like an admission of guilt to me. I countered with an offer to pro-rate a refund based on 6 and this too was promptly rejected.
At this point I saw the I-Team investigation on ABC2 News on this very company. This report encouraged me to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Their response to this was the same.
Now I am considering a small-claims suit against them but will also be willing to participate in a class-action as well. Currently I am on 'hold' status with them.
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