Not So Great Expectations: Dating Site Returns Thousands For Lack Of Dates
from the false-advertising? dept
Online dating has obviously been quite popular for some time now, but it appears that one company may have overstepped its legal bounds -- though, it's unclear why those legal bounds are there in the first place. The company, Great Expectations, apparently set expectations a little too high. The service, which started out nearly thirty years ago as one of those video dating services, has moved into the online world in a big way, and apparently thought that let it off the hook of the NY State "Dating Services Law." A judge thought otherwise and is forcing the company to refund the fees of two women, which could open up many, many more lawsuits. The company plans to appeal, but the really odd part of the story is just how much the service cost. Apparently, one woman paid $1,000 for a six month membership and met no one, while the other woman paid $3,790 for the (no, seriously) "Marriage Program." Ah, no wonder the expectations were set a bit high. State law apparently says dating services can't charge more than $25/month. Whether or not you agree with the law (and it's not at all clear why such a law is needed), it still seems like these women entered into an arrangement where they knew what they were getting into. In what world can their be a guarantee that you'll meet someone if there simply are no matches and no one wants to meet you back? If the company promised meetings, that's one thing (and one the woman in the four year program says she was promised dates, so perhaps there's a claim there), but it seems unrealistic to simply expect dates when there's the entire other half o the equation to consider. While the fees being paid (and the idea of signing up for a four year membership that promises marriage) seems somewhat staggering, especially considering the competition, it just seems like these women made a bad decision in signing up for this service.
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dating by heavyw8t on Nov 8th, 2005 @ 8:02pm
Somebody has to ask. Were the women in question like big fat ugly sweathogs that nobody in the civilized world would even talk to much less want to date?
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Re: dating by Mike on Nov 8th, 2005 @ 8:06pm
The article claims the judge said that they were "intelligent, well-spoken and attractive professional women."
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Re: dating by Patrick on Nov 8th, 2005 @ 8:14pm
Man, why don't these women just find me and buy me a car. I can be a good little man-whore and they can keep me in a manner I want to become accutomed to.
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the situation is ripe for abuse by nonuser on Nov 8th, 2005 @ 8:25pm
The $25 law sounds plenty arbitrary but perhaps the state got tired of taking complaints about fly by night outfits that sent out pretty brochures and then did nothing.
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Re: the situation is ripe for abuse by Yonatron on Nov 8th, 2005 @ 9:10pm
Yes but shouldn't a scam like that be covered by existing laws in the vein of "don't scam people"? Seriously, why is there any member of a legislature who thinks it's his or her business to decide what the maximum possible value of a dating service is? That's hurty on the brain.
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the point is . by Anonymous Coward on Nov 8th, 2005 @ 11:31pm
they promised the women something they did not deliver.whether the law sucks or not does not matter.
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Re: dating by dude on Nov 9th, 2005 @ 8:33am
i would like to meet your big fat dog of a mother for a date... hehe
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You effing unsympathetic males by Robert Martin on Nov 9th, 2005 @ 5:22pm
Testosterone poisining, that's what it is.
Women, unlike men, are raised in a culture that STILL often teaches they will find their "completion" in a relationship with a man. And for some people, male and female, their "other half" never shows up.
These poor women will pay any price if it holds the prospect of "true love," because they are so indoctrinated. That's why the law is needed, to prevent exploitation of the cinderella myth.
If Great Expectations had paid me a couple of hundred, I'd have serviced these ladies, and GE would've kept a tidy, secure profit.
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the inside scoop by mark on Nov 10th, 2005 @ 10:03am
I was ata party a couple years back and talked with a girl who worked at one of those places. It might have even been GE. Anyway, she said the clientele tended toward a couple of architypes. The guys were nerdy engineers and lawyers who had busted ass for 10-15 years to have a decent salary and were now looking for a young hottie to validate their professional success, but were too socially awkward to approach women on their own.
The problem with that was, hot young chicks don't need to pay a dating service, they already have more attention than they can handle.
The female profile tended toward professional women who had achieved managerial success to the point where they had priced themselves out of the mkt. i.e. They all wanted to marry guys who were more successful than they were, but the guys who were that driven and successful were picking up their potential trophy wives without 3rd party help.
She said very few clients ever got what they joined for because objectively, nobody had very realistic expectations of their actual mkt value. A lot of the times nobody even got past the video viewing stage.
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Re: dating by Anonymous Coward on Dec 9th, 2005 @ 4:51pm
Either that, or they were probably only selecting men half their age and not even close to the same type as them. Or simply not picking anyone at all and just 'hoping' someone will pick them
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No Subject Given by Unhappy TN customer on Jan 8th, 2006 @ 9:57am
You people don't understand the kinds of scam tactics GE uses. I am currently fighting legally for a refund for services not yet rendered which they owe me under state law and refuse to honor. Their sales pitch is riddled with lies and inaccuracies, they take your financial and govt. doc. information under false pretext of doing background checks that they never do in order to ascertain how much they can bilk you for, and their written contract has a hidden clause placed behind the sheet AFTER you sign which they DON'T point out to you nullifying any verbal agreements made with them before you sign.
It is business fraud plain and simple, and I am prepared to argue in court that they are in violation of a number of clauses in the deceptive and unfair business practices of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.
Why don't you have a look at www.voicenet.com/~ktappe to read from hundreds of other victims of this scam what they do. GE has been successfully sued in NY, Kansas, policed by the Federal Trade Comm., and been the subject of multiple news exposs. I only wish I'd found out sooner.
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Great Expectations - Expectations by Mike Murphy on Jan 14th, 2006 @ 9:43am
Well, so far, I've had two meetings with Great Expectations, and I've told them flat out, that as long as there are a minimum of two events a month, and they give me full cosmopolitian area benifits, I'd give them $500.00/yr. They have signed off on this point, and additinally, have agreed to allow my counsel to review the contract prior to signing up. That includes waiving the 28/mo fees. So, the question for me becomes, would I pay ~40/mo for two social events a month? The answer then becomes yes, to get out a couple times a month, with singles, it would be worth it. So, as long as they stipulate in the contract what I want to see, then I think it is good to go. I would NEVER pay the 5000.00 they wanted out of the starting gate, it just doesn't make sense when eHarmony is 300/yr for the same type of service, just without the local events.
I'll let you know how it turns out.. but if any of you out there, are paying more than 500/yr for this service, they have done you a disservice.
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Re: You effing unsympathetic males by js on Mar 15th, 2006 @ 11:15am
women dont have to pay to get "serviced".They were hoping to avoid meeting slobs like you.
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I'm another GE unhappy costomer by cynthia on Apr 14th, 2006 @ 2:13pm
I also hated my $4,000.00 !!! Experience with GE. I went on "Freeze" to stop the charges to my credit card for monthly services in addition to the 4K. Their creepy pushy photographer was a con-artist as well.
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Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by Les Lyons on Apr 27th, 2006 @ 7:56am
WOW! HELP!!! I just signed up and have until Friday night at midnight to ask for my money back, under the 72-hr rule. I got a "barain" at $3,990 (according to them!), plus $28/month.
I haven't found good feedback so far! I'm an attractive 54-yr old male with a great personality (according to male and female friends, who are encouraging me NOT to do this!).
I'm torn... any feedback, direct to my email, would be great!
Les
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First interview by Mike Lloyd on Apr 29th, 2006 @ 1:30pm
I just had teh intial interview today and a price wasnt mentioned. Im intriqued but cautious at the same time. Any words of widom?
Mike
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This operation is a total ripoff by Ed on May 10th, 2006 @ 3:21pm
Spent $4400 for a membership and got nothing. On top of that the online option is additional! They provide no service, no help no nothing. I'll have my attorney look into it and tell me what to do.
Don't even consider subscribing to this service. Try Match.com instead for a fraction of the cost.
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Wow... looks Like I have been had too by Paul on May 17th, 2006 @ 8:54pm
I just signed up for the VIP package at $5395. Lifetime membership with no monthly dues. Lots of promises but not all of it was put into writing. I was told that the employees work on salary and do not work for commission. Finding out this may also be false. I wish I would have done my homework first. This is far more expensive than the rest of what you are paying... Looks like it is time for me to cancel... I am glad I found this web page... I had no idea about any of this that I am reading... They claim to have thousands of members... but like you said... I have no idea... this is making me really regret signing up... Thanks for the info... I am still within my 72 hours to cancel...
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former employee by Monica on May 19th, 2006 @ 2:07am
I worked for Great Expectations for more than a year, and I also believe it is a complete rip off. First of all, the employees DO make commission, and a lot of it. It is quite understandable considering employees are stripped of all morals...forced to lie to complete strangers who are undoubtedly lonely and vulnerable. There is not just one flat fee. The background check is really a credit check to see how much they can get you for. Most don't use the service and even more don't find love. But for those of you looking to get a refund, I do know it is very difficult to do so. There are so many legal loopholes that GE has discovered over the last 30 years, it makes it virtually impossible to break your contract and get any type of a refund. To those of you who have had bad experiences, I truly am sorry. I know I had a very bad experience with them, and they were paying me! I can only imagine how hard it must be! Keep your head up, and move on with your life. You cannot be happy dwelling on the past. And if you signed up for a dating service, obviously you are single and available, so it will take some time, but love and happiness will find you! :)
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by kimmy on May 24th, 2006 @ 5:45pm
les- you may have just saved me from a big financial regret!! GE keeps calling me, but I am going to pass. I am an attractive 36 yr old blonde professional, but I ended up linking to GE when I went on a site 'claiming' to be a singles mingle coordinating club. I don't need to put out big $$ to find losers!!!!
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Great Expectations contracts DO NOT SIGN ever!!!!! by Angela on Jun 7th, 2006 @ 2:09pm
Great Expectations is a business and not your friend
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Great Expectations contracts DO NOT SIGN ever!!!!! by Angela on Jun 7th, 2006 @ 2:22pm
Great Expectations is a business and not your friend
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GE isn't all bad. by Anne on Jun 7th, 2006 @ 11:29pm
Honestly people in my opinion . . . if you are complaining about this you're the one that has the problem. Let me lay down the situation. . .you're an adult and you agreed to pay that much making you the dumb person not the sales representative a bad person. . . they're just doing their jobs. I have never tried GE but I do know people that both work there and are members and I have witnessed more than 3 engagements in the last year through GE. Also if you are going into the service thinking that you a 55 year old men deserve a 27 year old female. . . think again and same goes for overweight bitter women who think they deserve the freakin' tommy model . . .has it ever worked before. . . these people at GE are not freakin' miracle workers! Seriously, think long and hard about it . . . there is nothing worse than a group of so called adults complaining about how somebody ripped them off . . .If you are dumb enough to get ripped off then that is your fault. Besides why does everyone always look at the glass half empty and not ever half full . . . want to think about how many marriages, relationships and friendships have come from dating services such as GE. No none of ya'll probably have b/c your too busy being the bitter people that ya'll have always been.
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Think about it by shhhhh on Jun 29th, 2006 @ 10:11am
Now I hear all of the complaints but Im gonna have to agree with Anne. If you are a big enough cornball to pay $5000 for marraige your original mindset is just not logical.
Think about it. If you are actually on a dating site looking for love through a computer screen ...stop , just stop now. Get off your home office chair and take a walk. Try hmmm the park? the grocery store? take trip to the local gathering spot. GE is exactly what it is. A service that puts you in contact with other people who have paid to be in contact with you. If you cant find a date maybe you should re evaluate yourself and your approach. Are your pics bad are you too picky(referring back to self worth) does your shirt in your profile make you look like a hobo????? Consider lonely for life an option not Great expectations!!! Maybe you should try a lifestyle counselor ala starting over or and image consultant at your local Macy's. Don't put out trash and expect to receive gold in return , trash attracts flies kids.
If you do decide to try a service start with a success rate did u know marriages result every single day through GE???? Did you also know they are all under a 5% divorce rate?? Pricey as they can be the do produce results, just keep in mind what you are bringing to the table. If you know youre socially inept, not pleasing to the eye, with bad breath and no sense of fashion what so ever maybe you should scratch that mom says I can do anything mentality and hop on the closest transit or in your shiny new benz whatever and visit the land of reality check.
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ps by shhhhh on Jun 29th, 2006 @ 10:16am
by the way they do run background checks including criminal history credit dmv and maritual status. ask any atlanta member or non member who has been interviewed. Shyyyyyyy call equifax and ask.
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Just Be Realistic by Dee Dee on Jul 25th, 2006 @ 6:13am
Some people just join any kind of dating service and think that everyone is going to pick them and that they are going to me the person for them in 3 months and will be married within a year. It doesn't work that way. Many people who aren't any serious relationships have eithered spent the last years working on a career or trying make a series of bad relationships better.
In either case they definitely have not learned the proper skills to make great relationships. Then no matter what dating service they join they think they can continue to either be anti-social and work on their career OR continue to pick people that are wrong for them (by looks or habits) but since they are in a service then everything will change.
Then they blame whatever the service it is from match.com to Great Expectations for why they don't have a great relationship. They never once consider the advice given them by the dating service. Match.com has Dr. Phil and Great Expectations has staff but they won't listen. So when they continue having bad results it's always someone else's fault.
My friend gives her first date a list of all the things they must do on the first date. But the service she meets these guys from just has a bunch of lame men and she is going to cancel at the first chance she can get. I've told her that she can't do this but she told me that they have to know up front that she won't take any mess. She scares them off and then wonders why all men are all the same and never call her for a second date.
You guys no I'm telling the truth because you all have that friend just like I am describing. You can clearly see what they are doing wrong and they won't even listen to you.
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Need Advice? by Scott on Aug 9th, 2006 @ 1:15pm
Unfortunately I ran across this site after having signed my $4200 "VIP Lifetime Membership" contract. I'm still in my 72 hour grace period though. During the "interview" I felt as though I were being pitched. Having previously been in sales, I was familiar with all the mind games salesmen play, yet in my trusting nature i bit anyway. My "interviewer" said he was on salary and his background was in marketing and psychology. I know he was lying upon telling me this. Don't believe me? Go to CareerBuilder.com, search for GE and read the job description and qualifications for their "sales represenatives". I have to say, they have very good training for their sales staff.
I'm now stuck in a delima. I would like to use their service because I do believe quality individuals can be found there but I don't enjoy feeling like I was sold something, no one does. Buyers remorse I suppose. It doesn't seem like a scam, just a little shady.
I've yet to find any positive blogs or reviews praising GE other than those "canned" reviews that I'm sure GE has pushed out. Anyone know of any ACTUAL success statistcs regarding their services?
So, do I spend the 4200 and see if they offer what they say or save my money for a much needed vacation?
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Re: Need Advice? by Miss Daisy on Aug 15th, 2006 @ 6:08pm
I say save your money. Match.com is a great way to meet people. There a a lot!! of members. As for GE how can anyone be sure how many members there are?
DON'T SPEND THAT MUCH FOR A MARGINAL SERVICE!
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Re: Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by Kathy on Aug 15th, 2006 @ 6:38pm
Wow, I can't even believe this site. I found my true love through GE and I know that we would have NEVER met without them. I found the staff to be extremely helpful and kind. I am a 45 year old, attractive brunette and am so grateful to GE. I had almost given up on finding an intelligent, articulate, funny, kind man. I paid $4490 and it was worth every penny. I would recommend it to anyone. It did take some time and all of my dates were not wonderful, but at least I had a pretty good idea of what to expect (by seeing the photos and videos first) before meeting them. I also attended several events and met some of my now dear friends. It was really a win for me across the board.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by Tom on Sep 14th, 2006 @ 10:05pm
My interview with GE was not the best. They initially pitched the offer at $5000. In my mind I was thinking, I can buy a car for this amount.
Of course, I said no. After brief periods of being left alone, they then countered at $1900 for 6 months. I said, "okay, let me think about it." The sales woman then applied a very high pressure pitch and said I had to buy today. (ed. note: my roomate is in sales, when they do that, they do not believe in the product)
After saying, "I'm going home", the saleswoman said, "enjoy your Christmas, because we know where it's going."
I ask, if a company employs people like that, would you join it?
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Be Realistic by Smart Person on Sep 20th, 2006 @ 10:15am
Do you think a company could be successful for over 30 years if it didn't work? I've worked for GE and know that the only people who don't have success, have that problem because they are not realistic.
If you are a 55 year old man, don't pick only 25 year olds and expect to have 10 dates lined up. With thousands of members, if you can't meet someone through GE, ever think maybe YOU are the problem? I met my husband through GE. My aunt met her husband through GE, and I know hundreds of others with the same story.
People who come to GE, complain, and want a refund just realize that they are still in the real world, and no matter who you are, it's not easy to meet someone great. At least with joining GE, you have a better chance. It's a numbers game.
Regular internet dating has almost 50% of it's clients as married people, while GE actually screens.
After working here, I realize why most people are single. THEIR CRAPPY ATTITUDE!! So change your attitude and be positive and you might just meet someone.
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Re: Be Realistic by disappointed GE customer on Oct 9th, 2006 @ 3:06am
No doubt GE works for some, but their sales tactics are high-pressure to the hilt. At the end of two hours you're forced to make a decision amounting to several thousand dollars with no trial period or chance of a refund. You're offered substantial discounts off of a highly inflated price, being told "it's only good for tonight." It's after work, it's late, you're tired, you're lonely and prone to feelings of desperation. They play to your weaknesses, and flatter you as well. But you must join now, so you do. Finally, after the photo and video session, you get onto the site and soon realize that this "selective" group is very small and consists of few you're even interested in. Then the sinking feeling comes in, that you have blown a major wad, and all you can ask is "how did I do this?" The few women I've spoken with have made references to the exorbitant price charged, but I guess in the overall scheme of things $3-5,000 is something you can bear when you have assets of several hundred thousand. I don't. I am going to try to negotiate a settlement with GE, as I haven't been in for very long, but I'm expecting it to be difficult. They appear to be sharks. It's been my most expensive lesson yet in the school of hard knocks, though hardly something you'd think an organization would be proud of.
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Scam by Cindy on Oct 12th, 2006 @ 10:56am
I tend to agree with most of the compliants, signed a contract 2 years ago for 2400.00 They played on my emotions and loneilness. They showed men that would be interested in me .
After I signed the contract they were all inactive, imagine that. I realize now it was all a scam, won't fall or be that stupid again..Don't recommend to anyone..
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Great expectations. by Prof. Steven Carrington on Oct 30th, 2006 @ 8:30am
The company was a very good idea for professionals who just did not have time to look for a partner when it started 30 years ago with Personal computers and an Internet. However, the original company was sold and new owners after new owners finally settled on individual franchises. All franchises have a link to a database that is so out of date that some who appear on it joined 30 years ago. OF COURSE this is a scam, three-State Attorneys General are currently suing the company and local franchises. The number of complaints is in the thousands and more states will follow. For those who could qualify there are legitimate services of this type out there run by very reputable people and have top clients including celebrities, royalty, captains of industry and the idle rich and they pay outrageous sums to be properly united with persons of the type and character they look for. One Texan, lighting his cigar with a $100 dollar bills said he was so happy he might just do like old Bush and run for president now that he had a first lady.
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by Kristine on Oct 31st, 2006 @ 3:07am
I am an X sales person. they sold me a job right before Christmas and I have a special needs child...30 days later I do not have a job claiming company layoffs. I sold alot...If I can help you with inside knowledge I will. I left a store manager job that I held for two years so I am out more that 5K!!!
Kristine
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Re: First interview by Kristine on Oct 31st, 2006 @ 3:09am
Dude..don't do it.
I will tell you why.
Kristine
734-330-7505 I worked there.
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Re: Wow... looks Like I have been had too by Kristine on Oct 31st, 2006 @ 3:15am
The only way we were paid was commision.
I gave up a job as a store manager of two years because they promised me a job. Worked there for 30 days and they had to let me go due to company cut backs. hmmmm usually a company knows about these things at least 30 days ahead of time and has hiring freezes. If I can help you let me know.
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Re: former employee by Kristine on Oct 31st, 2006 @ 3:24am
Hey former employee from former employee.
I left a job to work for these people. I was a store manager for two years. I was working for GE for 30 days and was let go. I was making my sales and getting along with everybody but just brought into the office and told that there was company cuts. Isnt there usually a hiring freeze????
I have a special needs child, Christmas is coming and now have no insurance. I feel so stranded. They made me alot of promises. They gave me no notice to find a job or even a heads up and I turned down at least five jobs...you are probably thinking woes me...but I am really down and out.
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Re: Great Expectations contracts DO NOT SIGN ever! by Kristine on Oct 31st, 2006 @ 3:29am
You have that right. I left a job of two years as a store manager. Just today they had to let me go after 30 days. I have a special needs child and now have NO benefits...Christmas around the corner. I just want to die. Now that is a bad business decision.
I feel so stupid.
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Re: Need Advice? by Kristine on Oct 31st, 2006 @ 3:36am
I worked for them until yesterday. They sold me a job. I left my store manager position of two years.
It gets better...I have a special needs child and Christmas is around the corner. I wanted to help people find happiness...I am the most unhappy because I lost everything in a soft economy
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectati by Kristine on Oct 31st, 2006 @ 3:41am
Wow 6 months for 1900...we usually sell that for 885 at the office I just was let go after 30 days.
I left my job of two years as a store manager and was told that they were downsizing....hmmmm usually a company has a hiring freeze first. I have a special needs child and Christmas is around the corner. I think death sounds quite attractive right now...
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Re: Re: Be Realistic by kristine on Oct 31st, 2006 @ 3:47am
Please let me help you. I worked for the company until yesterday. I left a job to work for these people. My husband is angry with me, I have a special needs child and Christmas is around the corner. Death looks really attractive right now...I was making my sales and still they did this to me 30 days later. So I am basically out 32K a year until I can find a job in a soft economy
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Re: Great expectations. by Kristine on Oct 31st, 2006 @ 3:54am
It is a scam. I quit a job of two years as a store manager. I wanted to help people find happiness...sincerely. They offfered me a job and I decided to go for it. 10/30/06 I was let go due to company downsizing after 30 days.
my husband is so angry at me, I have a special needs child and Christmas is around the corner. I have to hit the pavement to find a new job in a rather soft6 economy
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Re: Re: Re: Be Realistic by disappointed GE customer on Nov 1st, 2006 @ 1:43am
Kristine, it sounds as though GE's specialty is making people feel stupid about themselves. I guess the consolation is that we receive an invaluable lesson in the school of hard knocks. At least I'm not out a job--instead I've just lost "x" number of days of my life in order to make up the extravagant/exorbitant amount of money I blew! In the short time you were at GE did you hear of any customers attempting to get their money back?
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Re: Re: First interview by rob clark on Nov 8th, 2006 @ 9:35pm
just went into one of the milwaukee GE locations 11-8-06 and paid 2000 for the 3 year (2nd free year) DIAMOND program, and no 295. charge for the pic. What is the normal charge for this 'diamond' package..anyone tell me in case i cancel within 72 hours? plmk, time of the essence!!
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Re: Re: Re: First interview by disappointed GE customer on Nov 9th, 2006 @ 8:50am
Prices are all over the map for GE. The main thing you ought to know is that this allegedly highly selective group of people is not nearly, and that you can get the same thing on Match.com. Ask if you can get a trial period and see what happens. They're all about the hard sell and their game is "Gotcha!"
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GE in Dallas, TX by Katie on Dec 23rd, 2006 @ 5:35am
As another victim I'm interested in hearing from others in the Dallas Metro office who joined and have received none of the promised support or benefits.
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GE in Dallas, TX by Katie on Dec 23rd, 2006 @ 5:35am
As another victim I'm interested in hearing from others in the Dallas Metro office who joined and have received none of the promised support or benefits.
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Re: former employee by CASSIE on Jan 13th, 2007 @ 8:16pm
I too am a former employee of GE. DO NOT let yourself be suckered into this service! This is a big CON game! You will be charged anywhere from 3 to 6 thousand bucks for merely nothing. The 'realtionship therapists' {ha ha} make a whopping commision off of your desire to meet someone. The 3 to 6 grand is only the price of signing up. Tack on another 2 to 5 hundred bucks for your photos {no you can not supply your own} and cheesy 3-7 minute video. Don't forget to fork over another 20 dollars a month for online service unless you want to haul your tukas to their library during business hours only for computer use. The monthly events, when they bother to organize them are an additional fee depending on what the activity is and the turnouts are more often than not~ poor. That is of course unless you are a $6,000.00 Premier Member. Then your bowling night {whatever} is 'FREE" Woo Hoo! That so called 'background check' consent form they have you sign when you walk in the door to make you feel 'safe', is nothing more than a credit check to see if you even have the funds to be there in the first place. The final straw at this company, was when they encouraged me to sell a premier membership to an elderly gentleman with terminal cancer. I can't believe this place is even still in business. Try one of the less expensive on line services. I hope they shut this place down soon. It is a company that preys on the lonliness of people and most often at the location I was at, elderly people at that. Rotten to the core!
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Less than Great Expectations at Tysons Corner VA by DD on Jan 17th, 2007 @ 3:53pm
I am still shaking my head over the put-downs etc with the GE staff at the Vienna VA office on Sunday, January 13. When I spoke with the "interviewer" on the phone I explained that it's a rare day off and I don't feel like getting dressed up today, can I go as I am?
"Certainly, this is only an introduction, it doesn't matter what you wear, come as you are" she said.
So I did. It's 70 degrees in January in the Washington DC area, Im doing housework so I come in shorts and a t-shirt.
There were at least 5 comments made about how I look when I come in, as the GE staffer said, "You never know who you'll run into in here."
Comments about having makeup done, always looking my best, looking presentable, etc.
I'm not ugly, I look okay without makeup. I asked the question, then I was made to feel less than whole because of the way I came in. I gave up dating people that would make me feel less of myself 20 years ago, why would I fork over 5K to have someone tell me the same crap? What a set up and what a bunch of lies. There was a man there, very tall, nice looking. I decided on the way home that he is likely a GE "plant", to entice me in. Probably on the inactive list.
I will not keep my saturday appointment for 11 am. I will post my impressions wherever I can, and I am glad it cost me only my a ding on my credit report which was incidentally hit while I was in the office or shortly thereafter. I did not sign up as I would not give them a full credit card payment up front. Otherwise it was 20% interest with their finance company. What a crock of crap. Thanks for adding to the feeling I had that this is just may be a complete sham. My experience: "Its Just Lunch" costs less with the same effect for me personallyTwo dates in 3-4 months. Zero in common and IJL can pound sand too. I am looking into the class action suit info online about them. Good luck everyone!
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great expectations by jim on Feb 6th, 2007 @ 9:10pm
I used this dating service and I met my wife. Four thousand dollars is a small price to pay for meeting someone that you will be with for the rest of your life.... I subscribed to it a few years ago, and after 7 months I saw her profile and we went on a date... the rest is history.
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Stopped payment on the check within 24 hours... by Bradley on Feb 23rd, 2007 @ 11:10pm
I went in - price went from 7K to 1K + 500 for pics, online access etc... Wrote a check - signed the contract and went home. I found this website looking for reviews *and some solace after spending that much cash... I went to the bank this morning and cancelled the check (better to spend $30.00 instead of $1500.00) so that it won't be honored. Interested to see the reaction from the company when they get the "stopped payment" check in a few days... I'm sure that they'll try to enforce the contract, send it to a collection agency, etc... unfortunately for them - NO lawyer is going to bother having a judgment filed over $1500.00 - not gonna happen - worst they can do is try to hurt my credit... and TRUST ME there are ways to keep that from happening... Any Thoughts Anyone on how they'll react to the "stop Payment"?
Bradley
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Re: Stopped payment on the check within 24 hours.. by disappointed GE customer on Feb 24th, 2007 @ 6:23am
I don't think they'll go to court. GE is nothing if not practical, and will not throw dollars away in a quest they know is futile. My guess is they'll call and try to coax you back, possibly even try to intimidate you with the charge that you signed a contract, but as you intimate, their bark will be worse than their bite.
I've been a GE member for too long to have any hope of getting my money back, so I'll just offer my perspective on the experience. I've gone out on several dates and the women have been pleasant, but as yet, no sparks have flown. I've had a fair number of women contact me, but thus far only one who has aroused my interest. In its favor I would say that after paying all this money, GE members generally try harder. Some would say if you ultimately connect with that one person it's all worth the money, and yes, it would be, but the issue is that GE is an incredibly overpriced service. If all ends well, the money becomes an afterthought, but in what percentage of cases does that actually happen? For the money they charge you would think they'd have to GUARANTEE a marriage!!! So, my money is gone, but might as well make the best of it. From my experience thus far I don't see any special advantage to GE over a Match.com, which charges one-hundred dollars per six months. GE offers a selectivity, but it pretty much amounts to selectivity based on income. I'll admit, I got sucked in, but as someone once said, "if you have a lemon, make lemonade."
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Great Expectations by Mary on Feb 25th, 2007 @ 5:50pm
The only thing certain about Great Expectations is once they bill your credit card you will never get a refund. The Dallas TX franchise is a total fraud. Buyer be ware. They advertise "lots of available professional men" in the Dallas area. You won't see or find them. The closest search their web service has to Dallas is a 100 miles. The large majority of these men aren't availabe and probably don't exist at all.
Their contract is evidently written to prevent any refund pro-rated or not.
Then after you pay their huge fee, you still have to pay $200 for the "photo" session and $19.95 a month to look at unavailable "candidates" on the web site. You can't view any candidates until you have your photo session.
Don't make the same mistake I did. If you do, don't expect any help from these scam artist via the BBB in trying to get a refund.
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GE in Ft Worth, TX by LINDA on Feb 26th, 2007 @ 12:02pm
I was taken for $6495 for a 3 year membership! I asked for a full refund the following day-less than 24 hours later. I filled a dispute with my credit card company the following day, filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau 2 days later and had an appointment with an attorney within a week. My attorney sent a Demand For Refund letter to the main office in Houston with a response from them that the contract is non-refundable under any circumstance and stated if I pursue with small claims they would not only win but would counter sue for their attorney costs. My credit card would not dispute the charge because of the non-refundable contract. I am out $6495!!!!!!!!!!! Please email me back as to your story and if you are getting any resolve!
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Re: GE in Ft Worth, TX by disappointed GE customer on Feb 27th, 2007 @ 5:18pm
Linda, I'm not a lawyer, but my sense is that GE is bluffing. Something just doesn't sound right with the idea that there's no way to get a refund on a $6,000 purchase which you cancelled within a day...in fact, in sounds incredulous! Stick with your lawyer. I hope you'll call their bluff.
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holy crap on a stick by Isaac on Mar 6th, 2007 @ 4:17pm
I had no idea what kind of service this was. I was already a bit on edge from having them call me fairly often. I skipped our first meeting. I just got called again today and they pushed me to get an interview in tommorrow. They kept saying they had "lovely ladies" etc etc and man - i felt like I was talking to a pimp. She said to bring 2 forms of ID and my credit card and said the word "selective" many times.
plus she laughed and laughed when i said "i dont know" about something and said i was "very funny". Hey, im pretty easily flattered, but i didnt say anything relatively amusing so i was a bit taken back by that strange response.
Also, FYI, they called themselves "Minneapolis Singles" (very ungoogable) so i did a google search on their address to discover they were really great expectations. 3300 Suite 300
To all who posted thus far - thanks for warning me! [im a sucker too. i get pushed into sales too easily to risk going there]
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I'm happily married through the service... by Kelly on Mar 6th, 2007 @ 11:01pm
I'm really surprised to see all of these negative comments. I met my husband through GE last year. I was meeting a lot of men that seemed to be playing around before this service. I had a lot of wonderful dates with men that actually wanted a relationship, which was pretty foreign to me. My last first date was with the man I just married last week. To me the 5k I spent has been completely worth it.
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Re: I'm happily married through the service... by disappointed GE customer on Mar 7th, 2007 @ 7:48pm
Kelly, it's wonderful when it works, but I wonder what the percentages are on that? As for those of us for whom it's NOT working, can you really not understand why we might be upset spending $5,000 and getting so little on such a hard sell? If GE is as "great"as it claims to be, why not some leeway for those people for whom it has not lived up to "expectations?"
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Great Expectations Scam! by Kacey on Mar 10th, 2007 @ 2:04pm
Don’t be a Victim of the Great Expectation Dating Service!
This people are professional scam artists who will try to take you for thousands. They prey on the lonely, vulnerable people who have had bad dating experiences and are searching for a mate. Their methods include:
• They will pressure you into joining their service by knocking off thousands off of their membership fees if you sign up on the first day that you come into meet with them. This prevents you from conducting research on their company to see what they are made of.
• They will pressure you to join with telling you meaningless facts.
They will tell you the have a 90% success rate of finding a mate. They won’t give you time frame or what finding a mate is. After long enough everyone can find someone.
They also say that they only have a 10% divorce rate, but they don’t follow up on their members, so the 10% is only the number that they hear about. I asked how they know they about this value and the representative said that the ones that they are divorced come back to be members. They only know about a small number because the ones that they take for money WON’T come back to be taken advantage of again.
They will tell you that they have a 24:1 ratio of men to women to try to entice you into their service.
• They have an unsatisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau because Great Expectations failed to respond to consumer complaints. See http://data.hurdmanivr.com/reports/report.php?bureau=phoenix&bid=25635
• The Consumer Affairs Organization has dozens of complaints listed on their website. See http://www.consumeraffairs.com/dating_services/great_expectations.html
• Kansas and Pennsylvania currently have consumer protection law suits against them for $1.1 million and $4 million.
• See www.ripoffreport.com for postings on Great Expectations. There is 95 complaints on this website for Great Expectations. See http://www.ripoffreport.com/results.asp?q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtyp e=0&submit2=Search!&q5=Great+Expectations+&Search=Search
• They will offer for you to put a deposit towards their services in order to “hold” the discounted cost of their membership. They will give you time to think about their service and tell you to call them and let them know whether or not you decide to go with their service. They will not disclose that you have to send them a certified letter canceling the service or appear in person with a letter to cancel the service. After putting down a deposit on their service, Great Expectations with then attempt to get you to sign a credit card receipt for the remaining money. They appeal to you by saying that if you sign the receipt now, that they will save you a trip to their office if you decide to go with the service. DO NOT sign the receipt. Signing the receipt means you agree to pay them the money regardless of whether or not you decide to become a member of their service.
Think before you sign up or even meet with this service, or you could soon find yourself parting with thousands of dollars.
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please people by Anne on Mar 11th, 2007 @ 10:16pm
this site makes me laugh so much!!! listen to you people . . .no wonder you are single. . . you're all so bitter. Ok so the service didn't work for you. Maybe b/c you such a joy to be around and you're all so positive (
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please people by Anne on Mar 11th, 2007 @ 10:17pm
this site makes me laugh so much!!! listen to you people . . .no wonder you are single. . . you're all so bitter. Ok so the service didn't work for you. Maybe b/c you such a joy to be around and you're all so positive --- (that's definitely scarcasm if you didn't pick that up quite yet.) This service works for some people and not for others. That's the way everything in the world goes. Do you get mad and bitch like this at your gym because in the three years that you have a Membership there you didn't get any less fat. NO! because you know that you have to work at that. I don't see you crying that you have to pay a gym money and still work at your goal. The same applies at GE. . . You have to still work at getting a date. The difference there is that there is a staff to help you, the pictures are taken by an in house photographer and there are monthly member events so that you can meet many other members at one time. From what I have researched on the Web Great Expectations does have some people complaining about Membership costs and some people have met the love of their lives through the service. But when I have reserched online dating sites such as match.com and eharmony.com I have found that there are many stories of people meeting other members who have posted completely fake pictures up, married people who sign up as single and murders from psychos who have signed up. Yes Murders! So maybe you all should realize that you are paying that extra money for things such as the staff meeting and getting to know all the members, knowing that the photos are accurate and knowing that the members are not married. I think all that is worth the money.
You people frustrate the hell out of me and I hope that all of you stay single or hook up with one another because I would hate for a decent person to have the unfortonate experience of being in a relationship with people who bitches and complains about anything as much as you all do. Get over the fact that the service didn't work for you, be happy that it worked for others and get the hell off this site b/c this site sure isn't bringing you any luck finding a date and that is why you are all bitchin right? because you didn't find a date?
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Re: please people by disappointed GE customer on Mar 12th, 2007 @ 7:48pm
Anne, I think you miss the point. GE makes extravagant claims and, accordingly, charges a rather extravagant price. Their sales techniques, as many have noted here, are hard-sell to the hilt. And just what do you suppose ARE the success percentages? You call us "whiners," but just speaking for myself, I went to GE lonely and weak and confess that I was flattered by a line of bull spouted by an attractive 20-something woman, making what now appears to be the worst investment of my life (in that context, at least it was "only" about $5,000). That is mostly my fault, but let's not give GE a pass on it either, as they were the ones consciously throwing around the bull. Finally, what do you call a business that won't give a refund on cancellations within three days (or in some cases even less!)? It basically amounts to an exploitative way of doing business. You are right, however, that once a member one might as well try to make the best of it, and that does require some work.
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Re: Re: please people by Anne on Mar 12th, 2007 @ 11:30pm
I still think you are missing the point honestly. I understand that you feel as though you lost a lot of money. You say that the sales person handed you a lot of bull but you took it. Besides what makes it all bull? It's you building it up in your head because you fill disappointed, but why? Because you haven't found someone to love quite yet? That takes time. Ok and this whole I was lonely and weak when I was sold my membership, ok so you were going through a low point but let me remind you. You entered a profile on the internet, you took the call from their representative, talked with their representative, set an appointment, drove yourself to the center, got out of your own car and walked yourself into the center, had an interview with whomever and then decided it was for you. That is a lot of stuff YOU had to do. It's not like the GE representative forced you into anything. It was your decision to make and you made it. Now make the best out of it. You never know maybe if open your mind, let down your wall of bitterness and go for it, you will have luck!
From what I understand, they have been around for over 30 years, so they must be doing something right?!
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by chris on Mar 21st, 2007 @ 6:08am
I hope you got out I paid the same amount. Never had a video made, never had access to the site and have been barred from their site. The state they do business in has no 3 day right of recision. But there is hope there are cases on the web where they have been sued successfully and a full refund was given. I hope you got out while you could. I am going to go down fighting but I am prepared to lose.
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Re: Great Expectations Scam! by chris on Mar 21st, 2007 @ 6:15am
I am out thousands but I am trying to get it back. I have been banned from the site I never had access to in the first place. There have been many successful lawsuits against this company and their sales tatics go to www.ripoffreport.com I may be going down but I am going down fighting
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Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by Rachel Brooks on Mar 21st, 2007 @ 12:15pm
I'm thinking about writing to the AG to get the terms of my contract renegotiated-while I realise it's a contract I do think that I should be able to re-negotiate it but not cancel it.
What kind of legal rep did you get? Contract Law? Personal Injury?
I'd like to find an attorney to represent me.
Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated.
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Great Expectations of Scottsdale, Arizona by michele on Apr 2nd, 2007 @ 11:19am
After I saw a sign in my neighborhood about a website for a great place to meet singles, I went online and "registered." Next thing I know I'm getting phone call after phone call from Great Expectations wanting me to come in to take a look at their services. "Just a quick appointment." "It will only take you an hour." "We just want to show you what we can offer you." I kept saying that I really didn't think so. Well, reluctantly, I went in for an appointment this past Saturday. I have never been so pressured in my life. Two and a half hours of pure torture. I thought used car salesmen were bad...they have nothing on these people. I consider myself an intelligent person...fairly educated....and they put me in that dimly lit room and kept stringing me along. I kept telling her that I just didn't feel right. I about freaked when she told me the price. She kept leaving the room and coming back with better deals and I kept saying no. She actually told me that within 6 months I would probably be dating this rich guy and he would just pay off my debt. She said that she talked to most of the guys that were signed up and they all said they wouldn't have a problem paying off a woman's debt. I was so disgusted she would say that. What does she tell the men? Then, she could tell I was down for the count and she took my credit card and my driver's license for "verification" purposes and the next thing I knew she had already ran the transactions. OMG....I'm thinkin' what the heck happened?!?!? She kept saying that I would feel better the next day because I was making such a great decision to start my life and that I was doing something so wonderful for myself. Unbelievable. Thankfully, both contracts have a 3-day rescission period. I'm hand-delivering my letter today with the materials they gave me. I'll let you know how it goes.
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by Nunya on Apr 3rd, 2007 @ 3:13pm
What did you ever end up doing?? I found some info.
Arizona Revised Statutes covers dating services contracts. From the information I have read via online complaints and what I experienced when I had my appointment, the contract you signed may be voidable under Arizona law.
ARS Sections: 44-7151, 44-7152, 44-7153, and 44-7154 are the statutes to look at. If you don't know how to view the text of these statutes, let me know. I would definitely file a complaint with the AG and the BBB.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Be Realistic by Kristine on Apr 4th, 2007 @ 9:59am
Everyday that I was there and practically every person who bought a package...not just by me but other sales people too. We would sit and flirt with the guys and tell them how great they were...and giggle like teenagers at their jokes. I hope to find a job in my field soon.
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Re: Re: former employee by Kristine on Apr 4th, 2007 @ 10:06am
As a former employee I just want to back Cassie 100 percent...also the male to female ratio is not 50/50.
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I just received my full refund. by Nunya on Apr 18th, 2007 @ 11:04am
After being subjected to the high pressure sales tactics to sign a contract with Great Expectations on March 31, I hand-delivered my notice of cancellation - returning the materials and demanding a refund within the 3-day cancellation period. Today I received my full refund of everything I paid!!! If you would like to know how I did it, let me know. :) I'd be glad to help.
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Re: I just received my full refund. by Kristine on Apr 19th, 2007 @ 7:05am
Dear Nunya,
I worked for this company and NEVER saw anybody get a refund. Please tell me how you did it so that I can help my many contacts. They had me quit my career job to "help" people find true love...I thought that would be just the most fun...boy did I learn a lesson. I am very happy for you...all I can say is one victory at a time!!!!
Kristine
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Re: Re: I just received my full refund. by disappointed GE customer on Apr 19th, 2007 @ 7:42pm
I don't think GE is a lawless company, so in this case they were stopped by Arizona's 3-day cancellation law. What they are is a bunch of salesmen who will promise you the moon, but when there's no delivery they make certain to have it covered in the fine print.
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Re: Re: Re: I just received my full refund. by Kristine on Apr 20th, 2007 @ 7:20am
I was a salesperson for GE and I know the stall tactics that we used so that clients did not get to use their 3 days. I just thought is there another way? I am willing to give any information that you need...I really thought this was a way to help people...I learned very quickly what this business truly was all about...I gave up my "career job" as a store manager only to be laid off after only 30 days of employment. These people really screwed me over. I feel badly for everybody I signed up and I feel bad for everybody who has been taken advantage by this company.
Kristine
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Re: GE in Dallas, TX by Ola on Apr 20th, 2007 @ 11:57pm
I am so dissapointed with GE. I just joined and I don't even want to participate. i just want my money back after all that I've been reading. IT sounds like a big rip off. Has anyone thought of doing a class action lawsuit in TX against them?
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Re: GE in Ft Worth, TX by Ola on Apr 21st, 2007 @ 12:04am
maybe we should start a class action suit against the bastards!!!
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Re: I just received my full refund. by ola on Apr 21st, 2007 @ 12:11am
Please tell me how you did it. I just signed up today and after reading all these blogs I am ready to fold and cry.
Please help. I am not interested in using their services at all. I live in TX and there is no 72 hours cooling off period. Where do u live, if you don't mind me asking? and how the hell did u do it? :) thanks for your help.
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Let me know if you are interested in suing GE in t by Ola on Apr 21st, 2007 @ 12:22am
Anyone interested in suing Great expectations with me in TX. We can split the costs and hopefully recoup the money we paid them. Please email me if you are interested.
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Re: Re: GE in Dallas, TX by Kristine on Apr 21st, 2007 @ 8:12am
I know somebody who is trying to sue already in Texas. Write me an email and I will send him your email so that you can talk. My email is klshirk @msn.com. I hope that this really helps you.
Sincerely
Kristine
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Re: Re: I just received my full refund. by Nunya on Apr 23rd, 2007 @ 11:43am
I poured over the contract with a fine-toothed comb and found both in the finance contract and the contract they had me sign with them - there was a three-day cancellation period. I made sure that it was hand-written and that I hand delivered it and made the person sign a delivery receipt. In the letter I also referenced the Arizona statute governing dating contracts which also states a 3-day cancellation period. I cancelled the debit card they used so they could not use my number for any future payments. They sent me a refund before the 30 days was up. If you need proposed language for the letter, I can email it to you. The Arizona statutes governing dating contracts are: ARS 44-7151 through 44-7154. My email is goddess.asarte@gmail.com if there is anything else I can do to help. My recommendation if there is no 3-day cancellation period in your state would be to contact your attorney general's office.
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found an attorney by Kristine on Apr 23rd, 2007 @ 3:34pm
Just a quick note...I finally found an attorney here in Minnesota who is going to help me. I am happy. He believes that they hired me fraudulously...yeah imagine that GE and fraud. He asked me if there was any unhappy clients out there...this could be a really good thing for all of us.
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Re: found an attorney by Nunya on Apr 23rd, 2007 @ 10:09pm
Kristine,
Good luck. I'm in Arizona, but if your attorney would like a written statement or affidavit from me, let me know.
I wish I could figure out a way to help more people. I remember how bad I felt when I was pressured...and that is such a lot of money. I don't want it to happen to other people.
Nunya
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Nunya by Kristine on Apr 24th, 2007 @ 5:41am
Thank you so much. I am just looking for a way to not just help me but those that I pressured. I live with really alot of guilt because I worked for these people. I will ask my attorney what he needs or if it would be helpful. I know that the laws are different from state to state but I wouild imagine that information is information. Yesterday he told me if he could prove fraudulant practices regarding hiring he might be able to prove other fraudulant practices. that is the part that would really make me the happiest. I will not rest until they have been closed down.
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Re: dating by Anonymous Coward on May 1st, 2007 @ 7:32am
I would rather be a fat ugly sweathog with a heart and some empathy for people, than someone like you who must think that the outside means everything!!
Good looks and good bodies definately go away as you age,(don't know what planet you're living on) it's inevitable.
I hope you find that person of your dreams because of what they look like, and that never changes....NOT.
It's a person like you that I dread to meet on on-line dating... so superficial.
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Phone call In Miw., Wi by sandy on May 1st, 2007 @ 8:10am
I had found their website and filled out a Free on-line application for Great Expectations. After it was complete, it informed me that a rep would get back to me in a few days....they did. She asked me a few questions over the phone about my MAN preferences and about my interests. She then informed me that they had an opening the next day for my Photo-shoot and to go into more detail about me for my impending profile.
I was told to bring a picture ID and financial proof (because they do backgroud checks to make sure people aren't married). She also informed me that they do criminal background checks on people because they certainly don't want any felons in the service.( sounds like they might employe some scammers though!!)
I informed her that I could not come in the following day, but could come in 3 days later. She did set up my appointment time and I inquired about the fee, for which she replied, "oh, we don't get those prices up here, and they have so many different packages to choose from, that it would be hard for me to tell you that."....Yes, a RED flag went up at that point, but I still played the game with her. She then had her Manager get on the phone with me to verify me appointment and I also asked her how much it would cost. Her comment convinced me NOT to go to my appointment, she stated, "well, I don't see any problem with our fees, and as long as you're not living in a "card-board box" somewhere, you can afford it. We have so many different packages to choose from!!" And then prodeeded to ask me if I was really Serious about coming to the appointment, because if I don't show up, the Sales person whom I spoke to first would get yelled at, at she does not like having her employees get yelled at!!"
Wow, I certainly called the next day and cancelled my appointment. I also went on this website and read about all the people who have been victims. I feel very sorry for all of you who have lost all of your money to this company. There should be a law against this. Especially when it is so hard earned. This company needs to stop preying on poor innocent people.
I am 51 and am looking for love like the rest of you, but we don't have to stoop to this level and these companies need to know this. Research before you sign any contract.
With all the available web-sites out there, it should not be too hard to do your own detective work. Good luck with finding your Mr./ Ms. right.
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Re: Phone call In Miw., Wi by disappointed GE customer on May 1st, 2007 @ 4:50pm
Thanks for your post, Sandy, which capsulized some of the problems with GE. As for the cost, the rep was correct that there are many packages. The night I signed up the prices ranged from about $3-5,000.
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Re: Phone call In Miw., Wi by Nunya on May 4th, 2007 @ 10:54am
Thanks, Sandy. You're right. There are plenty of websites like this one that warn you about companies and products. Every time I begin to get sucked into an info-mercial, I turn on the computer, get online, and research. 99 times out of 100 there are so many people with bad experiences for the product or the company. I honestly can't tell you why I did not research GE before my appointment. Maybe it was the woman who kept calling me and making it sound like no big deal. I do have to reiterate that I am fairly computer literate and fairly intelligent and I was not even prepared for the sales tactics. This company is in business to take your money and they are good at taking your money. I have shared my story to hopefully help others.
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by Onely Heart. on May 5th, 2007 @ 8:10pm
I kick myself or not checking out the web on this scam. I just thought that they wouldnt be in biz for 30 years if they were scamming folks. The desk person told me that I would not be able to get out of the $81 dollar monthly debit or the duration. Thats not right. She said that if I were to buy a car I would have to pay for it after I returned it. WHAT? Have you ever heard of the lemon law lady? I was told that the manager or sales lady would get back to me 8 days ago. I counted the active 35-45 ladies in my area and came up with 147. I also have an issue with them doubling my membership duratiion as a special offer. This just means that I have to pay the $109 for another 18 months. This scam must be taking in hundreds of thousands per month. $28 for access fees and $81 for ? Times that by thousands of victims. For doing nothing? I want my money back and then some. Class action in Ca.? Onely Heart no more.
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Sucker in Milwaukee by ex-GE customer on May 17th, 2007 @ 11:02pm
Well, at least it looks like I am in a big company. I will be hand-delivering the cancellation letter tomorrow - the day after I signed the contract. Already talked to my CC company and they are willing to cancel or dispute the charge as well. And yes, they do make it hard to say no - I have been saying "no" to them for about 15 minutes, but still they got to me somehow...
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Re: Sucker in Milwaukee by Kristine on May 18th, 2007 @ 8:05am
I probably do not have to tell you this but be sure that you make a certified copy of the document that you drop off. That way you have proof if you need to take them to court. Cancel your card and have them issue you a new card too.
I am not trying to be bossy...
just looking out for you!
Kristine
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finally got a job by Kristine on May 28th, 2007 @ 6:12am
It took me 8 months to recover from Great Expectations to find another job. I will never fall prey to such a sales pitch again. They hired me and employe me for 30 days and than "laid me off" They convinced me to leave my last job...my career job and finally yesterday I was hired as a business manager for Clarins at the Mall of America for Bloomingdales. I feel a great relief but just know that I will help any of you that needs information on this scam of a business.
Best wishes
Kristine
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Something Fishy about GE by Marti on Jun 1st, 2007 @ 11:49pm
I was driving home from work yesterday and I noticed several signs that said "Single? PasadenaSingles.org." When I got home I went to this website and filled out a brief questionnaire. One thing that raised a red flag to me was a note made on the questionnaire, it indicated that you should make at least $25,000 annually. When I submitted the application, it said that a counselor would call me within a few days. I received a call today and the person mentioned that they were from Great Expectations. The website PasadenaSingles.org did not mention anywhere that they were affiliated with GE...another red flag. This to me is a deceitful practice. They wanted me to come in their W. Los Angeles office and come in just for a brief meeting. I told the "counselor" that I would have to think about, so she said she would call me during the week. However, after reading all of the comments on this website, I will not be going anywhere near their office!
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Re: Something Fishy about GE by Kristine on Jun 2nd, 2007 @ 12:25pm
I am so happy for this site...another person saved from this scam. I truly am happy for you.
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Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by Laurie on Jun 18th, 2007 @ 8:21pm
I'm looking at going to the office in Scottsdale next Wednesday to possibly sign up. So, your experiance was good or bad?
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Re: Re: Need Advice? by Laurie on Jun 18th, 2007 @ 8:44pm
I've been on match.com. Do you know how many people just want to play on there?
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Great Expectations - Expectations by disappointed GE customer on Jun 19th, 2007 @ 4:01am
Laurie, if you think after reading all of this that it's worth thousands to sign up for GE, then go have fun! I'm signed up with both GE and Match.com and, for all the bucks, you don't get any more at GE. Dates are easier to come by, but because of the smaller pool you're more likely to be disappointed. Great Expectations is just that: GREAT EXPECTATIONS. They guarantee you nothing. I've gotten about ten expressions of interest since I've joined, averaging about one per month, but many of these were so far removed from what I was looking for that it was a joke. The ones I dated, about four or five, were pleasant, but we just didn't click and there has not been a second date with any of them. The GE rep believes I have been very successful thus far!!! In other words, they are full of it! At least Match.com will extend your membership if you come up empty-handed. As for players--who the heck knows? I've had dates from Match.com, no worse than GE, and with far less drain on my bank account. Still probably the worst financial decision I've ever made.
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Re: Re: Re: Great Expectations - Expectations by disappointed GE customer on Jun 27th, 2007 @ 5:28am
So, Laurie--what happened on Wednesday?
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Re: GE in Dallas, TX by Michael on Jul 1st, 2007 @ 10:40pm
Dallas GE conned me for $big money.
I saw a street sign for dallassingles.org. When I got home I went to the website. There was no informaion about dallassingles.org, only a contact form requiring information of me! A girl started calling and leaving voice mails from dallas singles.org. After two weeks and six unanswered calls I picked up. The girl told me about dallas singles, and then asked me to come in for an interview and a background check. There was never any mention of it being Great Expectations. When I went to the street address she emailed me, it was Great Expectations. Then they hit me with the high sales pressure of sign up now or you'll never be anybody.
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Re: I just received my full refund. by Michael on Jul 1st, 2007 @ 10:49pm
How did you do it? I called them the next day and they refused to grant me a refund. I wrote them a letter of membership cancellation and request to reverse charges. I had it notorized and sent certified mail. I have received the certified delivery receipt yet. I've also opened a case (the day after I signed up) with my CC charge dispute dept. They just sent me forms to fill out yesterday. I've got a complaint in with the state Attorney General, Consumer Protection Agency, and Better Business Bureau.
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Re: Re: GE in Dallas, TX by disappointed GE customer on Jul 4th, 2007 @ 5:31am
Interesting. I've seen the same signs in a lot of cities, but never thought this was GE. I'll have to begin checking these out further.
As for a refund, you've got the next-day cancellation in your favor, but you may need to speak to a lawyer. A beautiful young girl with a boob job conned me into GE (and I don't even like boob jobs!) and $5,000 disappeared from my account. This is not to say I wasn't responsible, because I knew all along what I was doing. Rather, it's just an indication of how far you'll go when you're lonely and somewhat desperate. I'm still going to try to do something, but this has been such a bad investment that it's laughable. It's only money, I keep on telling myself.
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Re: Re: Re: GE in Dallas, TX by Michael on Jul 4th, 2007 @ 9:25am
Lonely yes. Desperate? Hell no! Far from it! I wasn't looking for a dating service. What I was looking for was organized parties where everyone was single.
They got me for a lot more than you so it hurts more.
I would think that checking on someones available credit without permission would fall under some sort of invasion of privacy law.
I have a friend who was a former civil judge in my city. He's now an attorney again. He said hiring a lawyer wouldn't be worth it because the average hourly charge by lawyers in our area is $500/hr. That could surpass what I was conned on just gathering the facts, digging up the dirt and building the case.
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