HERALD SCOTLAND - Mar 22 - Shares in Cupid have plunged by 40% today as the company was again mired in allegations about the way it entices customers to subscribe. Cupid, which operates sites such as Be Naughty and Girls Date for Free, has faced allegations that customers have been lured into subscribing to its sites after receiving messages from users who later disappeared. Cupid confirmed to investors that it employed a “motivation team” of 24 people. But it insisted that it does not communicate with members operating under free access. The company said it does contact new paying subscribers “to help them get the most out of the site”.
by Tim Sharp
See full article at Herald Scotland
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Mate1 has used 'ambassadors' for years. They greet people when they come onto the site. TRUE.com used auto-winks for years. Users get winks from people that TRUE thinks are a match for them. These programs are listed in the Terms & Conditions even.
White Label Dating recently also admitted to using shills some years ago. Hmm, time for standards perhaps?
Posted by: Mark Brooks | Mar 23, 2013 at 01:27 PM
I believe it won't be long before regulations are introduced. Especially as the questionable activity is coming from major names within the industry. At least WLD put their hands up and reformed their practices. Simply denying the practice is taking place when evidence is gathered by reputable sources doesn't fill shareholders with confidence.
Posted by: Black Label Dating | Mar 29, 2013 at 05:51 PM