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FTC files lawsuit against online dating service Match

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against online dating service Match Group Inc. over claims that it used fake love interest advertisements to lure hundreds of thousands of consumers into buying paid subscriptions on Match.com.

Match Group owns Match.com, Tinder, OKCupid, PlentyOfFish and other dating websites.

In a filing with the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas division, the agency alleged that Match unfairly exposed consumers to the risk of fraud and engaged in other allegedly deceptive and unfair practices. The risks included being exposed to nearly 25% to 30% of Match.com members who allegedly use the service to run romance scams, to steal consumers' personal information through phishing, to promote illegal products and services and for extortion scams.

Among other things, the agency accused Match of getting consumers to subscribe to Match.com by promising a free six-month subscription if they did not "meet someone special," without adequately disclosing that consumers must meet numerous requirements to become eligible for that offer.

The FTC also claimed that Match made it difficult for users to cancel their subscriptions. The agency is seeking a permanent injunction, civil penalties and refunds.

In a Sept. 25 statement, Match Group accused the FTC of making "completely meritless allegations supported by consciously misleading figures." The company said it catches and neutralizes 85% of potentially improper accounts in the first four hours and 96% of improper accounts within a day.

"The FTC has misrepresented internal emails and relied on cherry-picked data to make outrageous claims and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these claims in court," the company said.