Guidance

Online dating: what to look out for

Published 13 June 2018

© Crown copyright 2018

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-dating-what-to-look-out-for/online-dating-what-to-look-out-for

Before signing up for an online dating service

You should be provided with a description of the service and main terms of the contract along with a copy of their terms and conditions a good time in advance. Make sure to check:

  • how much does the subscription cost and how long will it last?
  • if you sign up to a free trial, will that automatically convert into a paid subscription at the end of the trial period? Does it tell you how you can opt out?
  • if you sign up to a discounted subscription rate, will that revert to a full price membership at the end of an initial period?
  • the dating website you are joining may be operated by another company – this should be made clear to you when you sign up
  • some dating websites share profiles with other websites to increase the pool of people that you can meet. Check if the one you’re using does this and which sites you will appear on. They should seek your permission before sharing your details
  • if you are planning to sign up to a paid membership, the terms and conditions may require you to agree to services being provided as soon as you have signed up. If it does, you may not be able to get a full refund if you choose to cancel during the 14 day cooling off period

Once you’ve signed up

  • look out for notices from the dating website about auto renewal dates or any changes to the service or price - check your emails (including your spam/junk folders)
  • what are your rights when cancelling? Do you need to cancel your subscription to avoid it automatically rolling over for a further period?
  • if you want to leave the service, check how much notice you need to give
  • remember you have the right to cancel and get a refund within 14 days of signing up to a service. If you sign up to a dating service with a fixed term contract, you have the same right every time it renews for a further fixed term. You should receive a full refund, but this will be reduced if you requested the services be provided during the cooling off period

What to do if something goes wrong

  • you can challenge a term if you think it is unfair, even if you have signed up to it ‘in the contract’
  • an unfair contract term isn’t legally binding – check our advice for business to find out more
  • you can challenge claims about the nature or membership of the dating service which you believe are false or misleading

Knowing more about your legal rights can help you avoid problems and resolve issues if things go wrong. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA) covers unfair terms in the terms and conditions of services for consumers. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPR) protect consumers from unfair, misleading or aggressive selling practices. Remember, practices can be misleading by omission.

  • if you need help with a consumer problem, contact: Citizens Advice (03454 04 05 06)
  • Get Safe Online has published advice about avoiding dating scams

Read more about the CMA’s work on online dating on the case page

Please note: these materials do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.

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