Millionaire Web Site Sex Scandal

CNN, Nancy Grace -- Oct 24 -- The women, 22 to 40 years of age, met Garcia, a prominent realtor on Millionairematch.com .  A seven-count felony complaint out of Orange County, California, alleges that Joseph Raymond Garcia committed [sexual offences] against three female victims.  Mark Brooks is with us with Onlinepersonalswatch.com. The phenomena of on-line dating really doesn`t come with any warnings, does it, Mark. "Not really, no." How does the [MillionaireMatch] Web site itself work?  "...It`s a niche dating site that is targeted at men who are edging towards being millionaires and women who are interested in meeting them."  And is there any way under the sun, Mark Brooks, to verify what men are putting in as their personal information?  "In terms of them being millionaires, no, it`s more the honor system. In terms of them being convicted felons, there are sites and services that would allow dating services to do a background check. National background data is available now to check against. But the market generally isn`t willing to bear the cost.  A good background check runs upwards of $100. A very basic background check is on the order of $20."  Is there any way that this Web site bears any liability, Mark Brooks? "In a word, no. You`ll find in the terms and conditions, you know, the sites bring people together but they rely on [people using] their own good judgment if they decide to meet in real life." I understand that that`s what`s in the fine print, I understand that. But just because someone writes that down doesn`t make it so. That`s like you signing away all liability before you do a bungee jump. That doesn`t necessarily make it so, just because they write it in a contract and you pay a $15-a-month fee.

My Recommended Safety Tips were displayed on the 40 minute segment 5 times as follows:

• Don't share personal information
• Don't let them pick you up at home
• Coffe shop or public place for first date
• Let someone know where you are & have them call you an hour into the date

Mark Brooks: I knew I was in for a grilling. My first live TV interview.  Do you agree with the safety tips?  What's missing?

Comments

[Matt]

What it is this woman talking about? millionairematch.com is not liable. Just as Starbucks would not be liable had he hit on her and picked her up there instead of on an online dating site.

[Susan]

The tips are great. You're missing a very important one though, Stay Sober!

[Frankie Doiron]

Pay attention to your inner warning system. Too often women are afraid to say 'no' or simply leave a situation in which they don't feel comfortable. If it doesn't feel right - get out!

[Andrew Johnson]

Liabilty is decided in the courtroom. Anyone can sue for anything they want to sure for.

I find Nancy Grace to be the most annoying cable show anchor, she seems overtly dramatic about everything.

[John C. Bland II]

Mark, good job on the show. I'm watching it now (which is how I found your site) and think you made some good points.

Good job handling the grilling! :-)

[Michael]

I thought you sound more like a rep for True.com then like a rep for the industry.

[Mark Brooks]

My position on background checks.

1. I think background checks are a good idea and a nice differentiator.

2. Background checks are way less than perfect and can lead to a false sense of security, but are better than nothing.

3. I think background check legislation is not necessary. However, it would be nice to see a few more dating sites offer users the option of background checks.

I advised TRUE in the past. I have not worked for them for several months.

Mark Brooks
Editor, Online Personals Watch

[Henrik Renaldo Randerius]

This is great business to be in future!
It is growing wery fast and the technology
solutions is improved within a few years so
everyone with everage knowledgement of internet computing can handel those easy FLASH-sites.