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Great Expectations

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Dora of Livonia MI (08/19/08)
Deceptive marketing...the package they sold a VIP package cost $4,000 for a 6 year membership included social events to be organized by Great Expectations/Detroit to meet other members. I paid for my membership on March 25, 2008. At that time I was told they were in the process of moving to a better location in West Bloomfield, so when I didn't see any social events planned and dwindling number of new members, I attributed it to the move to better location. Now I find out they have just closed the doors. The alternative phone number they provided 248-351-0700 is being answered in Kansas City and their approach to questions is to take a number and say they will call back...with no call back. The alternate email provided: detroitge@gmail.com does not even acknowledge emails.

For all practical purposes, Great Expectations/Detroit has cut off any lines of communication and with the office being closed it is an easy guess that there will be no social events planned for the Detroit area. Since I didn't receive any of the unique benefits taunted by Great Expectations in their sales pitch and ads I have in fact shelled out $4,000 for a STALE listing of a highly suspect membership.

Elaine of Woodstock GA (08/17/08)
I filled out an inquiry online regarding meeting successful partners that have been through rigid background checks. Of course, after I pushed submit, a message says that I will be contacted by a couselor. I immediately went back to the screen and sent a 2nd request telling them not to contact me if this was going to include a fee for serviced. But they ignored that one and called me several times to make me feel like I was cheating myself by not coming in for at least an interview.

Well, after missing one appointment, I was actually stupid enough to go to the next one. Sounds like a great program, until they drop the financial obligation bomb. I absolutely said no way, then comes in the big guns (Dennis)telling me that he would really like for me to be in the program because I am such a quality person and he has so many men looking for such individuals. He hemmed and hawed and made it look as though he was doing me a favor by lowering the fee twice to $1500. I still was very reluctant to sign, while in the background he is saying that I owe myself this much to find happiness with a special someone in my life.

Well, I'm sure you have guessed by now, I (stupidly) signed the contract. I have not slept the entire night and I am sick to my stomach over this incident--I feel like I have been violated by a used car salesman. I called Mr D this morning, and told him I just can't go through with this transaction and he said I signed a contract and in the state of GA, there is no rescission law. GREAT for those of us who live in GA. Congress needs to change this little gimick to protect it's citizens.

Mr D had absolutely no concern for me personally, as he supposedly did yesterday. He got his money and that's where his interest is. He could care less if I use his shady service. I have a membership that is less than 24 hours old and it cost me $1500. I want an opportunity to go after Great Expectations for my $1500 back and to exploit their credibility to the public.

By the way, Great Expectations took it upon themselves to charge me $1500 twice on my credit card, which I found out when I tried to have the charge removed early this morning. Somehow, even though it is MY credit card, I do not have the right to remove a charge, even though it is NOT posted--something else I learned in this process. What has happened to the ethics and integrity in our nation?

I am out of $1500 (hopefully, not $3000). I cannot trust this organization due to the owner of the company. I cannot afford to lose this much money. I am a single woman and live on a very tight budget. Money is very important to me to survive day to day. I am sick over this and I can't sleep due to the stress it has created.

Susan of Las Vegas NV (08/14/08)
In November 1995, I decided it was time to move on after my husband died one year before. I saw the Great Expectations ad and decided to make an appointment. I'm not going to drag this on, but let's just say the sales tactics were very powerful, and I wasn't ready for the pressure. I ended up crying in front of the sales person and told her I wasn't ready, but she made it seem like I HAD to move forward with my life.

So, I signed up to the tune of $5,000 on my credit card. I Great Expectations back within three days and told them I wanted to cancel, and they said I couldn't do that, that the three day cancellation policy didn't affect their type of service. Yes, I was really told that! I was an emotional wreck, so I decided to not pursue the matter and let it go. I NEVER once used my membership, didn't activate it in any way, never pursued ANYTHING, just wanted to forget it. Now fast forward to August 2008. I have been married for nearly two years, and have really moved forward in my life. Never heard from Great Expectations which was fine with me because I never told my husband how foolish I was with my purchase of a Great Expectations membership. Yesterday, I received a bill from GE in the mail for $114 for membership dues and late fees for the previous three months! I have tried calling them to no avail about this. (Their phone is always busy). Today I am sending them a registered letter to cover my butt in case they threaten me. If this isn't taken care of, and they pursue their membership dues, then I will have to tell my husband about my foolish purchase.

Lost $5000 after attempt to cancel.

Michael of Manassas VA (08/01/08)
I moved to Virginia following divorce. I had tried other dating web sites with no success and decided to try something requiring its members to be a little more invested. I contacted the Vienna-DC office and set up an interview. It was lengthy, and for my time I was offered the opportunity to pay them $3000 for a 3 year membership. Initially, I had set up a payment plan as the $3000 was a little steep for me. Everything went smoothly. After 6 months of semi-active membership I decided to break from my search and start up again at a later date. I had a 3 year membership after all.

About a year later I was looking to switch banks. Knowing this would affect my creditors I made all the proper arrangements. The only company I had issue with was Great Expectations and their third party billing company. I contacted the third party biller, whose name and contact number appeared on my monthly bank statement. They were unable to provide me with any documentation on how much I had paid, percentage rates, or how many payments I still had left on my contract. All the normal items of information we take for granted with reliable billing and credit companies.

The third party biller referred me back to the office in which I signed my contract to make any changes to my billing information, or for payment/pay-off amounts.

Now the fun begins.

During Dec. '07 and Jan. '08, in which I switched banks, I made multiple phone calls to the Vienna-DC office in an attempt to follow up and continue with my obligation. I was consistently put on hold till dial tone, informed the person who I needed to speak with was with a client, and in the instances where I left a message, was never contacted back by the person who was in charge of my account. Over the next several months I was never contacted by an agent of Great Expectations or its billing company.

July 31, 2008 I received a phone call from a company claiming to be the collections agency for Great Expectations. I was notified that I am soon to be served legal notification of Great Expectations suing me for the remaining balance of my account. Yet since prior to Dec '07 thru Jan '08 I have not gotten any mail, email or had any phone contact from Great Expectations or it's billing or collections dept in an attempt to reconcile the account. Of course, if I pay the entire balance in full before I am served, it will not go to court and I will not be held accountable for the court fees and lawyer fees that the collections company will otherwise incur. Oh, and they accept only debit/credit payments over the phone. No statement to be sent until paid in full.

Currently the account has been passed on to the affiliated collections company who has only contacted me once by phone on July 31, 2008, to inform me of pending legal actions. I recently have checked with two credit reporting agencies for any accounts held by Great Expectations or their affiliate companies and found no trace of accounts or actions against me.

Cheryl of Columbus IN (07/22/08)
This is a dating service that solicited me several times on the phone. I ageed to an appointment. No costs were ever mentioned. During the appointment which was @ 3-4 hours long high pressure sales tactics were used in a very misleading manner. This company preys on the vulnerability of single divorced people trying to meet someone in todays hectic lifestyles.

A couple of hours were spent grooming me, for example talking about being single,hobbies, my previous marriage,difficulty in meeting men etc. At the start of the appt. I had been asked for 3 types of ID.My drivers lic. major credit card and other photo type.While filling out paper work Missy left the room with my credit card and did a credit check on me. I did not realize this until a couple of hours later.This company has a lot of personal and private information about me which later started to bother me. Especially with identity theft being a large problem now.

After a lot of smooth talking I found myself joining to the tune of over five thousand dollars.After more serious consideration I decided this was not a wise financial move on my part. This happened on Saturday July 19, 2008.

Today Monday July 21, 2008 I found out at work, that my employer was going to be offering early retirements of which I would be eligible. This unforseen opportunity has given me anxiety over my dating service membership costs. I called Great Expectations this evening and talked to Amy. I told her I wished to cancel my membership. Amy stated there were no cancellations allowed. I said that I had 3 business days to cancel any contract. Amy said she would relay my message to Missy the following day. I called my credit card company and tried to cancel this transaction. Visa said that transaction was pending and I could not dispute this until after it was posted on my next billing statement.

I do not need a five thousand dollar debt for a dating service that I knew nothing about.Their sales tactics are very sly and misleading.

Debbie of Macomb MI (07/18/08)
After searching and clicking on a site for over 40 mating I was directed to a site called Great Expectations. I filled out the online form and submitted thinking I had nothing to lose. The calls started coming in almost right away, they were leaving messages which I did not return, the just started calling from various locations around the U.S. Unfortunately I answered one of these calls one day and it was a rep from Great Expectations pressuring me into going to the Southfield location to just check it out, what do you have to lose.

The woman I was speaking with happened to be living in Las Vegas, but by coincidence she used to live in Michigan (yeah right). I was persistent about what kind of pricing they had and was told that there are so many packages that they just can't quote over the phone. Each facility offers different packages all the time. So I reluctantly scheduled an appointment for May 28, 2008.

I went to the appointment and Amanda Keller started giving me the usual sermon about your life is important, why should you make the right choices for the men you bring into your life. On an on she went, then I was subjected to watch a video about the service. Quite boring if you ask me, and everyone was just fawning over what a great choice they had made by choosing Great Expectations to find their one true love. Well Amanda comes back into the room and then ask me what do you think, of course I said well we will have to see, what kind of price are you talking about. She begins with well you know you can't put a price on love and all the great things they offer, I again asked what kind of price are you talking about. She proceeds to write down an amount on a piece of paper and I almost dropped to the floor. They have 3 different packages to choose from 13 mo., 2 yrs, 3 yrs.

I told her with today's economy in Michigan that I really couldn't afford to pay over $3k for a 13 month package. I told her thank you and started to leave when she said, please wait let me see what I can do. Amanda comes back with a special one-time only price of $1900 which would include everything - photo, video, internet password. I was still reluctant but she told me that most of the staff found their spouses from Great Expectations and that the owner herself Lynn's husband was a Great Expectation member at one time.

I signed reluctantly! Amanda told me that I could come back at my leisure to take the photo and video as I told her my job was very hectic and couldn't always schedule appointments. I tried several time after that to make my appointment with no avail. Either they were extremely booked with no appointments or their times were absurb because I worked from 8:00 to 5:00.

On July 2, 2008 I called Detroit-Great Expectations to schedule my photo/video shoot and was told that the photographer was on vacation and would not return until July 14th. I made the comment that I was extremely upset with their tactics and that I was pressured into siging and that they never seemed to have a photographer available. I stated that I can't believe that he is that booked up. Pretty much her response was well that do you think, we have many new members.

The receptionist stated that she would call me back the following week upon the photographer's return to schedule my appointment. I never received a return call on July 14th. I began to call every day after (7-15, 16, 17, 18), leaving message after message. I sent an email stating my disgust with their company and informed them that I was contacting a lawyer to get my money refunded. I have also contacted the better business bureau in hopes of resolving this issue as well. I would really like my $2200 refunded as soon as possible.

Linda of Phoenix AZ (07/12/08)
High pressured into joining with the promise that there were volumes of matches for me. Went on 10-20 dates and discovered that the screening process for men was very different than that for women. Paid top dollar and was told that everyone paid the same. I discovered from three of my male matches that they had paid nothing while my bill wss $4,000. They were trying to beef up the male side of the ledger and offered all kinds of incentives for men to join. When looking at the background info on the men, it turned out that much of the profiles submitted by the men were totally bogus. GE made many overtures to reup my membership to which I replied why would I even consider being screwed twice by your organization

Sandra of Scottsdale AZ (07/10/08)
I purchased my membership for $1800. The purchase price started at $7000. They went down to $1800, primarily because I told them their prices were outrageous. At that time, I was also told that what I paid for this service included everything. Everything included the online service, video, photography and tech support. When I came in to take my photos, I was told that the actual pictures were not included and was presented a choice between two packages. I stated that this was ridiculous. I was told by my representative that my membership was all inclusive which she defined as including photographs. The photographer also stated that the online service was included with the photos.

The photographer said that the online service that I purchased required that I come to the office to use the online. If I wanted to expand the service to include my computer, I would need to purchase the $435 package that she offered. This would also include so-called V-Pops which is all part of the online service that I was initially promised. Of course, I wanted to use this service from home so I purchased the additional product. By that time, I had invested $2235. This was clearly fraudulent.

I viewed 8 by 10 sized pictures of supposedly men on the system who were available for dating. I did not find any of the men I viewed on the data base. I do not know how many people are on the data base. I was recently told by Andrea that there were thousands of men in Phoenix. In my age category, ages 55+, the pickings are slim. Being a Christian is very important to me and I was told that there mostly Christians on the data base. I have found that most men in my age category are not affiliated with any particular faith tradition.

Finally, I am having problems with the technology. I called the so-called tech support number that I was given and there was no answer. I also called the office. Andrea informed me that they have changed phone numbers and will not give their new phone number to Great Expectations in Scottsdale for some reason. She encouraged me to email them and I have not heard back as of this time.

My major complaints are that I believe this dating service is charging large amounts of money for very little. There is gross misrepresentation in the sales area which are primarily lies of omission, leading the consumer to believe that what is actually not the case. My membership began May 19, 2008. At that time also, the sales representative, Pat, indicated that there many social events throughout the year. I was recently told that there would be a social in August but it is not posted on the Events tab.

 Pat also told me that she would follow me and be available. I have not seen or spoken to her since the three days after my membership began which is the time period that one is able to rescing one's membership. During those days, she called me a couple of times just to see how I was doing and made the comment that all of her clients become good friends. She gave the impression that she really cared and even commented that she wanted me to meet someone in particular. I haven't heard a word from her since that phone call which occurred on May 20, 2008.

What has resulted is a financial loss of $2250. I have also had to spend valuable time and energy to get to the bottom of this stuff.

Shawn of Aurora CO (07/10/08)
I was promised much but nothing delivered. Huge opportunities to date and then guess what? You can have photos for even more. I REPEATEDLY COMPLAINED BUT no refund was forthcoming.

I lost a great deal of money charged on my credit card. I tried to leave but wasn't allowed to until I finally gave in. Tried to cancel the next day but wasn't allowed that opportunity.

Guy of Lakewood CO (07/04/08)
Breech of contract both oral and written, services misrepresented and not provided. I am looking into small claims court right now. Would be interested into looking into class action such as the Arizona case as I have heard similer complaints from other members

membership dues paid total 3,295.00 less than a year ago plus interest accrewed on credit card and loss of time and legal fees when they occur.

Maureen of Cave Creek, AZ (07/01/08)
They wanted $5,000 to join,but redueced fee to $2500. Was told photos free but charged me $500.  Was told high rate of marriages,lg dating pool,activities,background checks. told can cancel within 3 days.

Went back within first week to cancel membership but they refused any refund.

Mikel of Milwaukie OR (06/25/08)
On April 11, 2008 I joined Great Expectations of Portland and paid $4,490.00 for a three-year, Platinum membership, plus $299.00 for a Photography and Video a session, and additionally, I agreed to a monthly Dues fee of $29.95, with the option of freezing the membership dues three times for two months each during the membership term. On approximately June 18, 2008, another member of this same Center called to let me know the GE office was found closed and locked by an employee who arrived for work that day. Since then, no phone calls can get through, the employee in question has not been able to collect her pay, there is no new traffic on the GE Website and, of course, non of the members have been notified of the shut-down.

I am 66 years old, divorced in 2007 by a husband who just...left. I live on a limited income, and alone. The money I paid was more than I imagined it would be, but desperate people do desperate things. To my great disappointment I did not meet anyone who was a suitable match, or even close; depression, financial loss, and self-esteem is the damage that has resulted for me. Now I see on the internet that this is a classic case of not checking first, as several States and persons for this very same behavior around the Country are suing GE. Thank you for giving me a place to come to with my tale of woe. 

Janet of Scottsdale, AZ (06/19/08)
On 6/12 I was presented with a high pressure sales pitch to join and pay $6,000.00 for a membership to GE. I was kept in a room and shown pictures of men that were avaiable to date. I was told there was a membership of 2800 and 55% were men and the majority over 45. The price was reduced and the sales talk continued. I told them I had to leave..Pat continued to show me a picture of clients there were engaged and had met at GE, she said she met her boyfriend through GE, she then lowered the price to 2,999 if I signed then. I said I had to pick up my daughter immediately . She came in with a contract and said to sign and initial for the price. She would talk to me about it later. I said I had to leave ... she said it was just a standard agreement...also the lights were so dim in the room I could not read the small print in the dark.

There was no presentation regarding cancellation or anything about changing the contract. I did not even see the dates she had entered. One could not even read the signatures on the contract. In order to get out I signed the contract and was told how beautiful I was and that I would have so many dates. It would take a week to process and I had to have photos taken and do a video. She set me up for three days from that date. I received no further information except I was give a profile to fill out and a questionaie. She had asked for my social security number when the interview began--I would not give it to her. After the initial discussions she then asked to see my driver's licence to make sure I was who I said I was. She walked out with it and returned the license to me.

After constant high pressure conversation about dating and marriage she said I really needed to do this for myself. I would be so happy that I did. She gave me the contract and after I signed everything and gave her my American Express card she processed the fee in seconds and returne the card and a copy of the contract and I left. I returned three days later to have pictures taken. I was then told the pictures were to cost an additonal 350. to 1,000. I was shown a receipt from the women who had her pictures taken just before me who was said to have paid the $1,000..this would keep her from paying again in two years like I would have to if I didn't buy the package. I told her I couldn't. She said then for 250. she would do the picture..if not I would not have any profile or v-grams and overnight mail messages with pictures.

I didn't seem to have a choice. She told me this is how she met her husband too and she showed me her pictures. This was done on Sunday the 6/16, I signed the contract on 6/12. The contract was dated by Pat(no last names are given) for 6/9. This was not the correct date and I did not notice till I got home and could read the contract. I tried to cancel the contract. They also checked VISA instead of the correct charge card.

Since the lawsuit againt GE was announced I sent to emails to GE and called to cancel the membership. They have refused to cancel saying the allegations were false. The Attorney General's complaint reflects the fraudulent activites and the experience that I had at GE. I want a refund and I do not want to be a member of Great Expectaions.

Jandy of Scottsdale AZ (06/19/08)
I saw the Pennsylvania Lawsuit against this company. The allegations are exactly what happened to me when I signed up for this service in Scottsdale Arizona. I signed up in August 2007 & I was told the money I paid included everything. Then they charged me for internet access, photos, social events, etc. This was a total waste of my money & my time. If this lawsuit extends to Arizona I am willing to testify to my experience.

Over $2,000.00

Jacqueline of Ft Lauderdale FL (06/17/08)
After reading Harriet's complaint on this page, I wrote to Ms Aschfort and recinded my contract as provided by Florida law. I was barraged with emails, calls, promises and ultimatly allowed myself to be conned into joining at the cost of $5,000.00.Suddenly all the men I was shown in that very exclusive group For Your Eyes Only are no longer available.

Since then, Sheryel has not answered any emails and although 7 men have yes's on my page, none have called and I met three others - none of whom met a very specific criteria that we discussed. This place is a ripoff...and someone needs to remind Ms Aschfort that she is in a service business where the customer should be king.

Suzanne of Forest Hills NY (06/01/08)
I joined Great Expectations on December 15,2007 and told Ruth that I specifically wanted a Jewish man ages 40 -46. I explained that I was Kosher and observed the Jewish holidays so he had to be Jewish. She showed me pictures of men, to see what my type was and told me she would call 2 of them to see about introducing us. Never heard anything about that. Before I signed the contract I asked again if there are Jewish men, and she replied This is Rosyln, there are lots of Jewish men. I had photos taken, but wasn't allowed access online until Thursday December 21st.(6 days later I was able to see who was online) When I got online, there were only 4 Jewish men. Two were in my age range and 2 were over my age range. I contacted all 4 only b/c they were Jewish.

I called the office on December 27th and spoke with Lisa. I told her I was dissatisfied with the service, there were no Jewish men as Ruth had said . She told me the men I picked were nice (2 of them she knew), she didn't know what Ruth had told me. Ruth never called me back. I filed a dispute with American Express, the credit card I paid with and lost b/c I signed a contract and Great Expectations said I have to give the dating process a chance. I tried to contact Mitchell Brant before filing the dispute, but he is never in his office and didn't leave a message.

I don't attend there parties b/c I shouldn't have to pay extra money when they don't have that clientelle. They misrepresented their service. It is months later and they still have the same amount of Jewish men. I have contacted the corporate office several times and haven't gotten a response before contacting you. I sent a certified letter to Mr. Brandt and got no response.

I spent $3,490.00 for this service

Michelle of Edgewood MD (05/22/08)
I was presented with membership options ranging up to and exceeding $4000 at which time I stood up to leave. After multiple pleas, enticements, assurances, and many trips outside the office to 'talk to her manager', and negotiations that went on back and forth for an hour, I finally conceded and entered into an agreement for a service that was grossly misrepresented.

I was uncomfortable with the sales practices and misled about the service provided. I was told that the minimum price I could pay for the website was $500 to cover the cost of the video, pictures, and background check. I am aware that thorough background checks can run into several hundred dollars but that there are also background checks based on name and birth date. They came back with information on someone from another state so I know they did not run the thorough background.

I was also told that there were 'thousands' of men that met my criteria that were active members of the service in my local membership area of Baltimore, DC and Vienna, VA. This was completely false as I counted the sum total of them to be under 1000; they did not match my criteria and many were inactive.

I was also told that there were hosted events in my area which was also untrue. I was also not aware that the chain had been under investigation for years in multiple states and I was not informed that the location in DC had gone bankrupt and now belonged to another company. I was able to deduce the gross misrepresentation upon my first login and I have issued a stop payment with my bank and will take the matter up further with the BBB, the attorney general, and will seek to file a class action lawsuit for restitution.

I will be seeking damages of $500 and release from my contract of an additional $522.60.

Shanda of Spencer MA (05/17/08)
I signed up at GE in Feb. of this year and less then two months later they go bankrupt? I know they had to have known what was coming when they took my money! Less then two months!!! Do I have any chance of getting any of it back? I was also told I would be included in the Hartford, CT and Providence, RI but that never happened either. Is every Great Expectations bankrupt?

I paid good money that I work hard for and for nothing. Not only did I pay the fee but also the pictures price. I am out over $2000.00 for nothing!

Mark of Worcester MA (05/14/08)
The Great Expections in my area(Boston) has gone bankrupt too. I tried calling the office with the phone diconnected. I have called my credit company to stop them from taking out the montly fees each month. No service..no money. I also called the attorney for Great Expections. If there is money owed when the bankruptcy goes through, there will be a form to fill out in order to receive money if any left over. Good luck everyone!

Homa of Darnestown MD (05/13/08)
When I called to ask for info, they said I had to go there and meet with them. Then they put pressure on me and said if I don't sign today, I would not be able to join later. They had me sign the contract right there. Then provided practically no service and said that I had to do all the work myself. I asked to look at the profiles they had, but they refused to show me any. I was ripped off. There should be an opportunity to stop the damage once you are duped to sign a contract.

This cost me more than $4000--a high % interest was charged. I could have had better service with online services for $13/month! But once you sign, you are stuck.

Monica of Laurel MD (05/12/08)
I just received a short form letter that Great Expectations has filed for bankruptcy and they have closed the center that I joined. How can I get a stoppage on the outrageous membership fees that I pay since they are no longer providing the service that was promised (never delivered in the last 15 months that I have been a member)

They engage in high pressure sales tactics, charge outrageous fees and do not deliver on any promises. I am currently paying $185 per month for a service that I cannot get as the location is closed and the company has declared bankruptcy.

Sarah of Framingham MA (05/06/08)
I worked at Great Expectations in the Boston Center. The memberships are way too expensive for what you get... I'm sorry for everyone who lost thousands of dollars. GE went bankrupt two weeks ago (April 08) and closed its doors. I was only at the company for two weeks when they told us we had to close the doors and leave.

Jason of Lake Forest CA (05/06/08)
1st their sales job is really smooth and very persuasive. However the product they deliver is not as advertised. They don't really screen people, they don't have anywhere near as many members as they say they do, and they don't really help you find a good match any more than other services like eharmony or match.com, in fact I would argue far less.

To make matters worse when I discontinued their service after a short haitus I found my credit card was once again being billed by them. This situation still remains unresolved with them threatening to sick a credit collection agency on me and me threatening to sick a lawer on them. So far it's all been telephone calls and no paperwork, but I'm getting to that point.

100's of dollars in losses due to false billing claims.

Virginia of Dexter MI (05/05/08)
Great Expectations has not rendered any service pertaining to dating a suitable person as the Director, Lynn, stated. She said now is the time to get into the dating pool and that I wasn't getting any younger. She told me she had many men that were my age and who were looking for someone like me. She flattered me telling me I didn't look my age and wouldn't have any trouble finding a mate. She offered the price of $3,000.00 when I said NO she lowered the price to $500.00 down and $1,000.00 at $50.00 a month for a three year membership. I signed up in November of 2007,

It was 3 months before anyone contacted me and it was a man who had a lot of problems (Alcoholism). Lynn told me they screened these men and that there was a good ratio of men to women. The only men who contacted me were unsuitable. The interviewer, told me if I left the price would go up and that she could only give me this lower price at this time. They are draining my bank account and provide NO SERVICE at all. No one shows up to the events they have and they are canceled due to lack of participation.

When I called to get the Director, Lynn, last name the woman on the phone would not give it to me. They claim to have a lot of members but they are either on freeze or inactive. I think this is a big farce and a rip off of money that I could use to pay for groceries. I would like to find a group of people to file a class action law suit. I think this is a shame in this day and age that something like this is allowed to rip people off of their hard earned money. I went on one date and the man told me that I was the only person who responded in three months to his inquiries!

I am a widow, I have a son with Autism, he is 21 and lives with me. I am struggling to make ends meet and they will be draining $50.00 for 28 months and another $28.00 for 11 months! I want this to STOP NOW! they have gotten enough of my money I can't believe I fell for this scam, but I was lonely after my husband passed away he had been gone for 10 months when I went to Great Expectations

Marilyn of Washington DC (04/30/08)
Buckling under extraordinarily high (and quite unaccustomed) pressure to sign up (sign today for the special reduced price, surely finding happiness is worth a fifth of what your car is worth, suggestions that my reluctance is the problem in general), I did indeed join Great Expectations. This, coupled with much flattery (I had read your initial application and could not believe it was you, you look so young and you are the perfect, sophisticated candidate etc.) and rather extravagant descriptions of the member pool (most of our members are serious, accomplished, professionals and there are a great many in whom you would be interested and they in you, in fact I have someone in mind who might be just perfect) made leaving without joining difficult. I was no match for what I now see as a carefully researched and rehearsed psychologically persuasive selling approach.

There was also much pressure later to buy the associated photo package beyond the one photo covered by the contract. Much of their pitch turned out to be completely untrue. I was told that all members pay the same amount when in fact my few dates (men) confessed that they had paid a small percentage of what I paid. I was told that I would know exactly what the carefully screened members look like as GE takes and posts the photographs so there would be no surprises like with other dating services.

One date, quite unrecognizable in person, had had his picture taken 10 years and 50 pounds earlier. The expansive listings are both difficult and deceptive. Inactive members remain listed and must be waded through. These are a huge percentage (more than half) of the total listings. If the inactive, the this member visits your area (not), the much too young/old, the undereducated, and otherwise unsuitable are culled there are only a handful of remotely reasonable possibilities. I had after all discussed, at great length, at their request, the sort of man I would find interesting. I have nothing to say about men in red jumpsuits and foot long ponytails who like to cuddle as I am sure that they are perfect for someone. Frankly, I can not believe I fell for their fraudulent pitch.

I wasted thousands of dollars and feel extraordinarily foolish. I would be happy to join in a class action suit.

Nick of Germantown MD (04/25/08)
As filed by numerous disgruntled members, I too had a very unsatisfactory experience with Great Expectations. In fact, the only thing great about this experience was the 'expectations' which were never realized. After several typical high pressure tactics like 'TODAY ONLY' pricing, and calling it a Valentines Special, I was charged $995, which, from what I have been reading, was cheap, compared to what most members were charged for their membership. The pictures were less than complimentary, and the video was horrid. I was living in NJ, and told them that my residence there was temporary, and that I was relocating to MD within the next 60-90 days. I was granted access to only local singles, and the selection was very limited, at that. I could not investigate any potential dates in the area I was about to locate to, except to see their profiles; no contact was allowed. I asked, several times via e-mail, to have my profile corrected.

There was missing information, such as my weight was listed, but my height n/a, which could mislead potential dates into thinking I was heavier than I was. (175 lbs, but I am 5' 11, which is about normal) I then relocated to MD, as I had told them I would do, and it took almost a month to get the transfer accomplished. Once transferred, I found that the reps in DC (Vienna, VA) were much more friendly, they communicated, and were actually setting up the 'events' that NJ promised, but rarely delivered upon. After only a week, I found that the DC location was closed down, all of the GOOD reps fired without notice, and that we (the members) were SOLD to another dating service. This service (The Right One, or Together) had an even WORSE reputation with the BBB! No notice has been given to the clientele even now! We were to be kept in the dark, and not even made aware that this sell-out occurred.

I only found out because of the close friendships with the displaced reps from Vienna. Otherwise, I would still be in the dark. I didn't sign up for this, I wasn't happy with what I signed up with, and certainly do NOT feel I should be held to any agreement with a company which switched me out, and sold me like Human Traffic. The only good thing about this service was the people I had the good fortune to meet in Vienna, which were tossed out, rudely, and for no other reason than the fact that they were trying to do the right thing by their customers. Apparently, this company cannot accept that! Refund requests were responded to only by saying that they have no refund policy! These companies take advantage of the temporary depression and loneliness of recently separated and single people, by promises of thousands of qualified singles with which they can be professionally matched up, by their staff of counselors. What a crock!

$995 member fees and detrimental impact to my credit score by going further into debt.

James of Las Vegas NV (04/25/08)
On 20 April 2008, I recieved a call from Shirley of Great Expectations, about an online request I made. I responded that I didn't know about the online request or this company. An appointment was made for the next day, I was promised that my introduction would be free and fun. I attended and met Kristen, who interviewed me. She spoke briefly about Great Expectations. When I was asked about my hobbies and interests. I told her many times I wasn't ready for this service. Kristen continually prodded me about why I wasn't interested in the service. I told her I wasn't ready to meet anyone, my new job would keep me busy most of the week. She said, I would meet many wonderful women who had the same interests I had. I still wasn't ready, nor was I interested.

 But the pressure was on, I wanted to get up and leave several times. I wish I did. I ended up leaving after a very high pressure sales event, with a copy of a signed contract for $3300. My membership won't start until 1 May 2008, although that date has not been reached, my contract will not be terminated at my request. When I called to ask about terminating this agreement I was told by Kristen that my membership could be frozen until I was ready to participate, but I was still liable for the $3300. They could not terminate a legal binding contract. My Retail Installment Contract states I can have the contract terminated as long as both parties sign a written request.

However, on the Membership Agreement it says You understand and agree that G/E does not grant, and you shall not request, refunds, cancellations or rescissions of any kind, except as otherwise required by law. I can't afford an attorney to fight these people. Unless someone out there can help, I'm stuck with a service I won't use and $3300 to a bunch of thieves. I have read several complaints about Great Expectations on this site and a few are from the Las Vegas area.

On one week in Sept 2002 I was bankrupt and divorced. Everytime I think about it, I come to the conclusion, I don't want another relationship now. Thank god, I have my home and my kids. I don't want another relationship right now, I don't care how nice the woman is. I'm not ready! This was relayed to Kristen many times and many times she relayed that it sounded more like a financial problem and not an emotional one. Of course it does, I was in a bankruptcy, although I have no problems with my finances I get charge the highest interest for everything. This is both financially and emotionally troubling for me.

Lauren of Columbus OH (04/23/08)
I work for Great Expectations. I started working here after I met a couple who met through their Cleveland location. I wanted to help people find what they found. I can tell you first hand that we are true to our word and run background checks on every single person who we sign up. I can not speak for every location but in Columbus a complete background check is completed on every member. What is not told on this website is the large amount of people who meet and find romantic success through our program.

We want our program to be successful and have a full staff in place in order to assist our members with accomplishing their romantic goals. This membership is like a gym membership and people who use it will get results. Like a gym membersip, it is not meant to happen over night. However, those who do not utilize the location rescources can not complain about no success.

Steph of Newbritan CT (03/30/08)
Just a warning for people! I use to work at the location in Rockyhill, Ct. Rip off isn't the word! I feel so bad reading all these complaints. First off, they will nag you till you set an appointment to come in. Promising great men and background checks on all members! CROCK! No back round check is done, some of the members are even married! The only check they do when you come in is the credit check to see how much money to push you for, the better your credit, the higher the membership fee. If they see you don't have anything, they will push you out the door, by saying this may not be for you, etc. And they say you have 3 days to cancel...haha... They will avoid you like the plague. I even saw them mistakenly (yeah right) forget to give the member their copy of the agreement, so they didn't know how long they had to cancel. Please beware, this company is a scam! They show you members when you come in, just to let you know the pics they show you are not even members! Just hot guys and gals they paid to use their pics! beware!

Anna of Fort Worth TX (03/23/08)
I kept seeing signs posted around town for www.fwsingles.org, and ended up going to their website out of curiosity. The website didn't have a lot of information, but it sounded like a singles club. There was a form you could fill out to get more information, which I did. Someone named Sarah then called and introduced herself as being from Fort Worth Singles. I didn't have the time to talk to her, but she continued calling until I did. She told me they were a very selective singles club that offered numerous high-end services. When I inquired about pricing and other details, she said I would have to come in for a personal interview so that they could determine if I was eligible. I half-heartedly made an appointment, thinking it couldn't hurt to get more information. I googled FW Singles at this point, but couldn't really find any info on the company, good or bad.

About an hour before my appointment, someone called me to remind me of it, and gave me directions. Only then did I learn that the company I was visiting was actually called Great Expectations. I visited them on 3/12/08. It turned out they were not so much a singles club as a primarily online dating service. They kept me in the office for two hours, during which I was exposed to extremely high-pressure sales tactics that left me very emotionally upset. Basically, the saleswoman kept reminding me that my time was running out, and explained to me that Great Expectations were pretty much my only hope if I ever wanted to get married and have children. I repeatedly told her that I could not afford their services and in any case, did not want to rush into a decision to spend the kind of money they were asking for (initially $5000-8000 for a 3-year membership). The salesperson then began discounting the membership packages, the catch being that I'd have to sign up before leaving the office. I still refused, but after the salesperson had made me cry several more times, I stupidly let myself be coerced into signing a contract for $2995, for which my credit card was swiped immediately.

As soon as I left the office, I realized my mistake. I could not afford spending this sum, nor did I really want the service. And I felt like a fool for having let myself be tricked into signing up for something I did not want. I called back to cancel my membership two hours after signing up for it (and also sent a written cancellation by registered mail the following morning). I requested a refund, but it was refused to me. The saleswoman I had met with pointed out that I had signed a contract stating that there would be no cancellations or refunds. And it is true, I did sign the contract.

So as it stands right now, Great Expectations has my $2995. It is true that I signed a contract stating there were no refunds. But I have several problems with this situation: 1. I was a member of Great Expectations for only two hours, during which I did not use the services at all. In fact, my services HAD NOT YET BEEN ACTIVATED - they were scheduled to be activated on or after 3/22/08. Therefore, I received NOTHING from this company for the sum I paid. I'm not asking for a refund for services rendered on the grounds that these services were not what I expected. I am asking to not have to pay for services that WERE NOT rendered and I did not want. 2. While I did sign a contract, it seems to me that I was coerced emotionally into signing an EXTREMELY unfair contract. A contract that allows a company to charge you thousands of dollars without giving you anything in return cannot possibly be legally enforceable. 3. I was deceived into coming into the office in the first place. If I had known earlier that the company was really Great Expectations, not FW Singles, I could have looked them up online before coming in, and learned what I now know - that this company is nothing but a big scam (I have since read hundreds of horror stories online). I was also led to believe that they were more of a singles club than a dating service; otherwise I never would have gone into their office.

I lost $2,995.00.

Jerry of Cumberland MD (03/21/08)
Follow-up to complaint lodged by myself on this venue 03-07-08. I have been in touch with the local owner, Dave Talbot, of Great Expectations, and I feel bad that I made a complaint without investigating all the facts. First of all, I have learned each Great Expectations location is locally owned. Secondly, I have found that one of the most reputable locations is the Baltimore location operated by Mr. Talbot. This location has very few complaints, and Mr. Talbot has offered to refund my $500.00 fee.

I feel very bad over the fact that I grouped all Great Expectations as one. In fact like McDonald's, these are franchised out; and it seems the Baltimore location has one of the best records of any service oriented business. The fact that Mr. Talbot sought me out to correct my misconception clearly indicates he is a man of integrity and operates a business based on integrity. To Mr. Talbot and his associate Courtney, I sincerely apologize.

Denise of Atlanta GA (03/20/08)
I found this dating service while surfing the web. I can't recall what it was called, but it was not Great Expectations. I filled the form out online and within 24 hours, Carol called me numerous times. Our conversations consisted of great guys that you would really want to date, background checks, and then proceeded to tell me how many men were signed up to this service. I am usually not a gullible person, but I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, and believe them. Boy, was I wrong. The selection is very few. I was told to come back for a photo shoot. When I arrived, it took less than 15 minutes to record my voice and take mediocre pictures. I was then talked into purchasing my photographs on CD. Money is still coming out of my account monthly, and I don't have a thing to show for it. I have called several times to complain, but all I get is voice-mail. When I do get a human voice, I am told that someone will return my call. That NEVER happens! If only I had done my research on consumeraffairs.com, I would be in a much happier place.

I feel like an idiot for signing up with them. It hurts to know that they preyed upon me, knowing that the selection was few. It has been a hardship for me, because I simply cannot afford to keep giving money and not receive service.

Daniel of Davis CA (03/20/08)
As copied from my complaint with the better business bureau (of which they have yet to respond, and tomorrow, 03/21/2008, is the final date for them to respond by). I agreed with GE to sign up at a rate of $100 a month for approximately 20 months. I wished to cancel, as their schedule and mine does not mesh, and I am unable to use their services. I wrote them asking to cancel and as of January 17, 2008, I did not hear back from them. I assumed the matter was closed.

On March 3rd, there is a deduction of $100 from GE and a secondary one for $28 (what's that for?) from GE. Their reasoning is I am past the three day window to cancel. My reasoning is they did not tell me the only days to set up is Thursday, Friday and Saturday. As someone who works two jobs, one of them night shift, this did not meet my means. I am UNABLE to use their services, yet they insist that even though I will never use their dating service, I should be continually billed $100 a month for 20+ months.

When I inquired about the random secondary $28 charge, they failed to address it, but this charge is still on my account. This is a blatant abuse of having my card on file and not owning up to frivolous charges. My demands; I told them I will concede the initial $200 down payment and not expect a refund for it. My simple demand is that my card be no longer charged in the forthcoming 20+ months. I signed a contract, but with important details (re: schedule conflicts) withheld until I made the down payment and later tried to schedule an appointment. I think my demands are more than fair, as they were not truthful in terms of the full details of the contract, and I am willing to not demand a refund for the down payment; simply a refund for the 2 CHARGES (one for $100, one erroneous one for $28) and that my card/account no longer be charged. Thank you.

Lena of Orlando FL (03/16/08)
In July last year I got in contact with Great Expectations and unfortunately went into their trap! 6995 dollars poorer, feeling pushed into something that I wasn't sure about by a very convincing sales person. Oh, yes, nice rich guys would stand in line waiting to take you out! I just wish that I had read these pages before and I would never have visited their office in Maitland, east of Orlando! There seems to be no way the get the money back, but I DO WARN EVERYONE for signs along the roads, like www.Orlandosingles.com, Windermeredates.org etc. They all belong to this company. They use people at a vulnerable time in their lives and make good profit out of you. And by all means, refuse to visit their office.

Well, so far 8 months later nothing has happened whatsoever, except that I lost my American Express card and am still paying off the bill on my VISA card. I sure could have had a lot more fun for that money, like having spent Christmas with my children.

Denise of Houston TX (03/14/08)
I thank God for consumer complaints and all of you who have written in. I filled out an online form assuming it was for Houstondating service. I received a call a few days later from a breathy Marsha stating she was from GE. I didn't understand who that was so I returned the call. We talked for 45 mins about my dating preference. I asked her if she could tell my how their process worked. She said I needed to come in for an interview, etc. She quickly schedule the interview for the next day.

The next day I had to cancel I called her and she exclaimed, This is your life! - Ok now I know something isn't right. Then she went on to say, Your not nervous are you?. So I rescheduled for the next couple of days, however she wanted me to come in the next day and I told her absolutely not. After my phone call with Marsha I jumped on this website to investigate. I will cancel my appointment ASAP!

Jeffrey of Alpharetta GA (03/12/08)
I am so glad I read some of these complaints before I went to my appt. tonight at 7 pm. No way am I going now. I am sorry for all of you who got a raw deal, but rest assured voicing your complaints here definitely saved me from experiencing the same. And for that I thank you all.

The same deal as one other person: I clicked the link on Facebook, and next thing I know, I am bombarded with phone calls. I bought some software for my cell phone that I can block their numbers with and will add them to my block list on my home phone too. BEWARE!

Pamela of Chicago IL (03/12/08)
Yes, here is another victim in the SCAM that is called Great Expectations. This company will be a Great LOSS OF YOUR MONEY! I have had one date for coffee--guess I should consider myself lucky. But the date wasn't worth the PRICE I paid for it which was $1,200. The agent said that it was the student's price, and that if I told anyone that they would take my membership away. And another thing was that I was never given a contract. I've asked for one, but I haven't received one. And that was without the photo package which was almost $300.00. I have chosen over 20 men in the past 5 months only to be refused by some, but then not even getting a refusal from the other Gents. I really felt pressured into signing up. Now I learned the the Center in Chicago, IL has moved to Schaumburg, IL, and I wasn't even told about that.

I also asked the young lady that if I didn't want the internet access, how do I look at the profiles? She told me that I would have to go out to Schaumburg IL. That's just way too far for me to travel, and internet access is $19.95 per month, taken out of my credit card. Well as the old saying goes, Live and Learn. Was this an Expensive lesson!

Denise of Cincinnati OH (03/12/08)
Originally I thought I was going to a web based dating service, but when I got to it I filled out a few questions and got a message that said I would be contacted in a few days. That week I got a call from someone who couldn't give me any specifics over the phone and couldn't make an appointment with me because she doesn't make appointments more than 5 days out. I was busy that week and couldn't make an appointment right away. When she called me back the following week I made an appointment. The day before my scheduled interview, I innocently went online to get their address to figure out how long it would take to get to their office from work. I typed in 'Great Expectations Cincinnati Ohio' and the search came back with multiple sites that had horrible things to say about the company.

After reading several of them and seeing NO good comments, I decided to call and cancel my appointment. When I canceled the girl was pretty nice, but about an hour later I had a message on my phone from her that she wanted to talk to me and had some ideas. I didn't call back. For the next couple of weeks I kept seeing a long distance number pop up on my phone, but I either missed it or couldn't take it at the time. Then finally today, they caught me on my way home from work. It was a different person than who I had been talking to, and again it was a long distance number even though they have a local office. She asked me when I was going to come in, and I told her that I had already talked to someone and told them I wasn't interested. She kept pressuring me, although I politely told her I was not interested. Finally I told her the truth, that I had seen multiple bad reviews on Great Expectations, and I just didn't think it was a good idea. I was still being polite at this point.

She started getting more pushy and asked my why I was 'so close minded'. I have to say I'm a pretty open minded person, so it bothered me that someone who didn't know a thing about me would call me that. When I told her I wasn't close minded, she made a point to tell me I was the one who contacted them. I reminded her that I had also called and told them I wasn't interested and started to tell her I did not want to continue the conversation, but she cut me off saying that 'she could understand why I'm single' and HUNG UP on me. Quite an unprofessional place. I'm glad I didn't go in for the interview, and I want to thank everyone who told their story. You saved me from making a big mistake.

The only thing they succeeded in doing was making me angry.

R.a. of Carrollton TX (03/11/08)
Buyer Beware! Any contract that offers absolutely no way out whether you use the service or not is a bad deal. During the initial interview (12/22/07) process I was presented w/ membership prices starting at $6000 min. differing by $500. While viewing what I thought was a very expensive complete pkg. for $6995, Stefanie Hogan swiped my credit card for $7400. At that time I inquired about the refund policy should I change my mind by the time I got home. Stefanie then told me that there was absolutely no refund policy. While I was bothered, I felt trapped. There is no mention of the NO Refund policy until after your credit card has been swiped.

Unable to view the membership database until after photos were taken the next week, I was disappointed to find 40% of the database included inactive members and very few African American clients. My disappointment lead me to search the web for complaints. To my surprise there are at least 58 printable pages of complaints about Great Expectations. It was here that I found out that I had been charged more than twice what others have paid for the same membership. GE will not deny that I have paid more than others for the same membership and has not offered any reason as to why I was targeted for this amount. I feel deceived and no longer want to participate in the Great Expectations Dating Service. Unfortunately, my attempt to dispute the charge on my credit card was unsuccessful. I have not gone a single date with any GE member and have repeatedly asked for a refund via email only to be refused.

Not only have I incurred unnecessary credit card debt, I feel like an idiot for signing the contract.

Glenn of Henderson NV (03/08/08)
Great Expectations, in my opinion, is a huge scam that has been permitted to continue ONLY because nobody has organized all the complaints and court rulings against them and been willing to fight them in courts until they are completely shut down. All that is about to change because I have the stamina, intelligence, media connections, and financial resources to be the David to this Goliath.

I got caught in their skillfully orchestrated web of deceptive trade practices and improper use of my credit report. I properly disputed the $4163 VISA charge and won the first round citing Federal and Nevada Statutes. Merzi Group, Inc. d/b/a Great Expectations fought back. I suspect this matter will end up in a court within the next two years. Only question is whether it will become a class action case.

Melissa of Round Rock TX (03/08/08)
I want to give an update to a posting I made in 01/23/2008. An acceptable resolution has been reached between myself and Great Expectations Austin.

Robin of Fullerton CA (03/06/08)
I still have 8 months remaining on my Great Expectations contract. I thought it a little odd that I hadn't heard from anyone in several months, but it wasn't until I received an e-mail from the Los Angeles location that I found out the Irvine location had closed! Los Angeles, through the goodness of their hearts, offered me a membership, but with significant charges. I signed a contract with these folks, and I don't know how to proceed with getting my refund money. I never heard from Irvine regarding their closing, and I'm very angry. Anyone else from the Irvine location with the same story?

I have lost about $1000 for 8 months never honored.

Jerry of Cumberland MD (03/06/08)
I called to inquire about the price and services. GE balked at relating prices and insisted I come in to review the packages, they said until they interviewed me they were not sure I would qualify and that they needed to suit me with a program that was custom made for me. They wanted me to come in that day, when I said I could not they immediately went to the next and then the next day. Finally, after work I showed up at 4:30.

They gave me a cheesy interview and used a 90's video that I watched as the lady, Courtney left the room repeatedly. Later I discovered she was doing credit checks on me. They started out with a $5,000.00 package which I insisted was crazy, then they kept dropping the prices until they came up with a package (Valentines Day Special) for $1,995.00. Again I asked for time to consider it and I was told that the offer would not be good later. There were many High Pressured sales tactics used.

I was misled into believing there were a significant number of people in my Home County, Allegany some 140 miles away that were members, I was also told that that very office had 2,500 active members (I am sure this is not true). Eventually I made the mistake of crumbling and signed a very tightly clad contract, however I was intent on immediately doing more research on the company and upon doing so I found they were not well received and had many complaints as well a a number of lawsuits pending. I immediately cancelled my membership and called my bank to cancel a $500.00 charge made to my credit card. I intend to stop them from making ANY more debits against my card and feel like I was high pressured into accepting a contract without all the facts being made clear, especially in light of direct questions I asked being answered dishonestly. Stay away, Yahoo personals and Match.com are better for a whole lot less money

$500.00 deposit may be lost, made me feel like a target due to my single status (self esteem). A contract I may have to fight in court.

Nicole of Austin TX (03/03/08)
I want to give an update on my complaint of Jan 18, 2008. I have favorably settled my complaint with Great Expectations, and I withdraw my complaint.

Shirley of Jacksonville FL (03/03/08)
After joining for an enormous sum of money, they deliberately gave me the wrong meeting times of their events, charged me extra for their events, never let me know when I was selected, never notified the people I selected. They refused to refund any money at all, even when I calmly talked it over with the reps several times about the problems. I just want the name of the owner so I can take them to court--which, of course, nobody will give me!

Fdl of San Jose CA (02/27/08)
They do NOT screen people before placing them as members! How do I know? Because they signed up my HUSBAND for full membership. You read that right- final paperwork showed up in the mail.

Charged him a pretty penny, I suspect on a Credit Card that I don't have access to.

Becky of Scotts Valley, CA (02/23/08)
I clicked on a link in Facebook and was jumped to a short questionnaire to join an organization to meet great new dating service for serious relationship minded singles. (I have tried to go back and get the url for the ad as it was not a Great Expectations site). However, after I completed the questionnaire the Thank You page stated that a Great Expectations representative would be contacting me.

I was called the next morning from the Sacramento office but told it was the Palo Alto office. She walked me through more questions which were all very similar to the ones I had already answered. Then she told me about the website and I said if it is online dating I'm not interested. She said it was not online dating, that they have lots of events and all their members are screened in advance. I asked how do they screen them? She stated they do full background and criminal checks to make sure people are who they say they are.

I was beginning to get a little skeptical of all this security and criminal checking so I asked how much the service cost. She of course, could not tell me and would not want me to make a financial decision prior to understanding the full program, so I would need to go into the office for an interview and consultation. Was I available in a couple hours? Seemed pretty rushed, I said no, how about Tuesday. She said I have an opening tomorrow. I said how about Tuesday afternoon. She made an appointment for 5pm on Tuesday. She was very clear that I would need to bring several types of ID with me, so they could be sure it was me and that a credit card could also serve as ID.

This sounded like a scam to me, so I did a few quick searches online and discovered I was not the only one to think their methods sounded like a scam.

Andrew of Amelia OH (02/21/08)
They use typical, HIGH-pressure sales tactics with glittering generalities and cheesy testimonials. They were playing on my emotions the instant I walked in the door. Any time someone does a credit check before talking about price they are just seeing how much they can get you for. Unfortunately, I did pay a $100 deposit to hold the ....Fantastic.... price for one month. I won't fight the charge or try to get my money back because I am VERY protective of my credit, but that is all they will get out of me. I have sympathy for others who have paid huge sums of money for this service. When a skilled salesperson plays on your feelings the way that they do, making you feel lonelier than you really are, it can be hard to say no.

Fortunately, they only scammed 100 bucks out of me, but you can be sure that others in my area have been ripped off for a lot more.

Joseph of Leesburg FL (02/21/08)
Good luck trying to cancel within the 3-day period. Due to a change in my home location, I decided to cancel within the 3-day period. The staff was not helpful in explaining this process. The entire experience was like purchasing a car: they take your credit card and license and will not take "cancel" for an answer. Anyway, I confirmed in writing with Liz the Supervisor. A month later I received a charge on my debit card for photos! They also deposited my deposit check!

I have no choice but to contact the local BBB, etc.... Does anyone know how to contact the main office? Thanks.

Frances of Bloomfield NJ (02/13/08)
I was told that applicants were screened for vital information. This is not done since there were people on there with restraining orders against them. They don't maintain current photographs of people. Some people were allowed to put their own, older photos up on the site. There were many fewer men in my area than was represented during the sales pitch. They charged me extra for the photos and I complained many times but they didn't call me back. I told them I didn't want to date men from other cities farther than 100 miles away from me, yet from the beginning most of the men contacting me came from mid-western and western US states. They charge everyone a different amount regardless of the package or service. They said I would get invitations to parties and events exclusive to members.

When I tried to get my money back, they make threats and say if you do that they will void your membership. They said I'd have a personal (matchmaker) assistant to help me meet the right person. This never happened. They offered personal service for the price but delivered even less than any other dating service charging thousand less. Their big selling point in their high pressure pitch is safety and screening. I know they didn't screen people. At least one guy I met had a restraining order. They wouldn't explain their screening process.

It cost me $5,000 plus $300 for photos. They didn't deliver on most of the claims and promises made in the sales pitch and in their literature.

Ed of Rockville MD (02/10/08)
I had gone to this place for an interview on how their dating service works. The package deals were widespread, and I had in mind to get a 6-month membership with a minimal photo package. Through Rena's discouragement about getting the minimum package, she said I wouldn't get much exposure so it would be better to get a larger package. I wanted to find one nice lady--not date a million women. This is where it appears to be a prostitution site. I didn't get a chance to get familiar with the website to contact some of these women, but in some of their comments on contacting me they are very forward. This is not what I was looking for. I was convinced to get a much too large a package with Great Expectations, and the Photographer also had the same sales pitch. I wanted the small package and he pushed me into a larger package.

The photographer was paid in full by using my credit card for numerous transactions that he made me sign and date all at one time. The end result is that I didn't use the website, and I feel that they have taken advantage of me. This is a very messed up situation here. I feel that they have done this to others, but some people just let it go but not me. PLEASE HELP ME.

They have turned me over to a collection agency that will not stop harassing me. I had a problem with somebody taking mony from my checking account right after this happened. I'm not saying that they did it, but it just seemed to be a bit strange. I closed the account so I have no more problems with that. They are on my credit report now which contributed to beating my credit scores into the ground. This can't be legal--paying for services that I didn't receive. Paying for something that they have forced me off of is wrong. They collected their monthly dues, they are demanding $4000. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING.

Bryan of Holly Springs GA (02/05/08)
I contacted a web site entitled woodstocksingles.com thinking it was singles in my area. After going to that web site I filled out a questionnaire and then it all started. I was called and called and called - well, you get the picture. They called at least 6 times to get me to come to their office. I finally, reluctantly agreed. I met with the GM Mr. Ware he informed me of what a great program they had and how if I joined I would find the love of my life. He went on to say I was part of this service until marriage. I listened to his 30min presentation and watched an old video (from the 90's) during which he left the room about 4 times. Once to run a credit and marriage check.

He came back with that info. and asked, "I bet you are wondering how much this GREAT service would cost." I said of course and he told me 4,995 dollars. I was appalled and should have left then. But you see he is a psychologist (so he says). He then asks what is this $3,000 dollars you have on this credit card. See the credit check is solely to see how much money you have. Mr. Ware said I will make you a deal, I will lower the fee to $2,995 dollars and call it a student discount. I am NOT a student! This proves my statement about the credit report. I said well let me think about it. He stated this is a once in a life time deal and I cannot offer this to you ever again. One of many signs I should have left then.

So I signed it. After that I went home and did a little research and I was amazed that these people are still in business. Great Expectations is involved in several lawsuits nation wide. I talked to a former employee who stated you are video taped the whole time and when the person leaves, they are going to a room where several people are watching you trying to figure out how much to charge you! I know that is hearsay but those are her words. Well the latest is I have disputed my credit card and won briefly but then the credit was reversed. I am now filing paper work to go to small claims court in Fulton County with them. And if I have to I will use my media resources to let everyone in GA know what kind of people and business they are dealing with. I would like to get all the GA people I can together and fight this.

I am out 2,995 dollars and have received no benefit what so ever (other than pics which I do not have). Also my credit scores have fallen.

Del of Orinda CA (02/03/08)
High pressure sales tactics lead to my signing up with GE initially. The next day I decided to cancel my membership, within the 3 day cancellation period. I hand-delivered the required cancellation letter to the GE Walnut Creek office and was assured that the cancellation was not a problem. Subsequently, I've been charged $28 per month from June to current date. After numerous calls I was finally able to stop future payments, but have not received a reimbursement for past payments despite repeated calls. On the second to last call I was told that GE does not give reimbursements. On this last call I was asked to send the original letter in again (could not be faxed) and warned that corporate is very slow to reimburse. The woman on the phone said she emailed corporate about the incident, but didn't have any contact information to give me about whom I could follow up with or how. She also said even if she had corporate's information she would not be allowed to give it out.

$224 in dues, plus annoyance and aggravation.

Helen of Flowery Branch GA (01/30/08)
I input the information they requested on line, then received phone call from Jennifer. I did ask about a fee, but she said for me not to worry about it--that we could work on that later; she just wanted me to see the program and see if it fit me. She emailed directions, and I went there on 1-26-08; the whole office looked fake. There was only one woman at the front desk and one other lady just floating around. After filling out a brief info report, the young lady put me in an office and told me that I was lucky I would be meeting w/ the CEO after watching the short video. Afterwards, she showed me into another office; he talked and I listened. He stated that they had been around 32 years.

After two hours, I discovered they had already pulled my credit, the cost was $5100.00, that they would finance me at 13% interest for 60 months, and finally dropped the price to $4100, which still I could not afford. I called my oldest son, told him, and after hearing myself talk I knew it was wrong. They give you very hard sell, tell you that you never get asked back, and that if I did not feel I was worth $50. a month I was not serious about finding my future husband. I asked the rate of success, and he stated 75%; for that kind of money I would hope for 100%. I did not give them one penny; however, they did get my SS number and ran my credit which bothers me greatly since I did not recall seeing anything to give them the right to do that. The CEO took several personal phone calls while in with me. They have to be the worst kind of place--taking money from women and men who feel bad as is, and then make them feel worse if they don't take their service, which in the end is no different than all other online services.

Jeri of Los Altos CA (01/24/08)
I am trying to get my money back from Great Expectations in Palo Alto. I was invited into their office to find out what it was all about. I was talked into purchasing the membership, only after I said there was no way I could afford it, they gave me discount after discount until it was half off. I ended up paying everything up front ($3300) so I would not have monthly payments. This was on 12/24/07. I wasn't scheduled for photos until 12/28/07 and couldn't even experience the website until after the 3 day grace.

The membership and the photo (it started out at $499 and ended up $150) sales were a nightmare. I felt I was buying a used car. The director made promises of speed dating and encouraged me to sign up for all the events that were shown in the lobby. When I attempted to sign up, there were too many women and everything was filled up. I didn't get an orientation so I went home after spending 3 hours trying to figure out what to do on my own. If you listen to the recording on their phone when waiting on hold, they state that they will help you with a profile. No one even cared how my profile was written. They just put it on exactly how I had written it. I got no professional help. I feel Great Expectations misrepresented their intentions and their business. Everyone who joins pays a different price. I feel if I had haggled more I would of gotten it cheaper.

I started calling and leaving messages on 1/2/08. I called 4 times and left messages and did not get 1 call back. Finally, I called and spoke with Heather and she ended up giving me a free event (I told her I wasn't interested). I just wanted my money back and would be willing to have it prorated. I then emailed a letter requesting my money back. I spoke with Dana with Z Management in Las Vegas. She was going to look into it and get back to me in a week. Of course no one called and I called back several times and finally spoke with her. She refused my refund and told me to do whatever I need to do. During this time, I received 3 calls from Sacramento Great Expectations trying to get me to join! I started this refund process within a week of the purchase.

I am very hesitant into trying any kind of dating service now. 

Melissa of Round Rock TX (01/23/08)
I enrolled with Great Expectations 01/09/2007, I should have never agreed to their services.I finally agreed to come in . When I arrived in their office, one of their sales people, Lisa, put me into a little room with my back to the door. She showed me a video with happy, smiling people and gave me forms to fill out with personal information (including DL# and SS#) and your dating goals. When you get the forms, you find out that you are not at AustinSingles, but at a company called Great Expectations. When I asked about it, Lisa stated that they used a different name to advertise because of marketing strategies to promote that they are local.

The sales techniques that they use are incredibly aggressive. I have never been in a situation where I was put under so much pressure. And it works, because generally you are in a little bit of a vulnerable state when you show up. They don't tell you anything about prices until you've been there for at least two hours. Then it comes: they tried to talk me into a $4195 membership, which supposedly was a really good deal because usually their membership is higher.

I stated that was high and the the monthly fees of 29.00 was more money I wanted to spend. She waived the monthly fee. I have since learned that not everyone pays the same amount even though you sign up for the same amount of time. So I could of paid less if I negotiated more. I repeatedly stated that I felt pressured and that I wanted to think about it.

According to Lisa, I had to sign today or I would not be able to get a membership for this price anymore, and she really wanted it for me. She said that me feeling pressured probably meant that I knew I had to do it, I was just afraid of change. To my shame and embarrassment, I did finally sign the contract although I was uncomfortable about it.

On Monday, I started looking into the real company, Great Expectations, and found all kinds of horror stories from people having signed up with this company. I immediately called the company to cancel. The girl I talked to stated that she had to look at my file. I never heard back. I called again on Thursday and finally got to speak to the owner, Michael Miess. He stated that there are no refunds. He said that I was a grown woman and nobody had forced me to sign. I now have to try and get my money back through an attorney, but do not have high hopes after reading other peoples experiences. I have lost a $4000 and have credit card debt. In addition, I am extremely depressed about having been talked into this.

I am embarassed that I fell for their sales pitch and now am in debt. They play on your emotions. I am a single mom and they used that continuously threw the pitch.

Chris of Newark CA (01/23/08)
I wanted to send an update that I sent a letter requesting a full refund and a copy of all of these complaints to the office in Palo Alto, CA. I hand delivered it to the receptionist and I told her about what I had found online and I wanted nothing to do with this business. I also told them I recieved no services so I expected a full refund. That took place on 1/3/08 and I recieved my full refund on 1/22/08. Thank you for having this forum so we can fight back when taken advantage of.

Positive result. I just have to make sure they don't take the 128.00 out of my account going forward.

Michael of Arlington VA (01/18/08)
Sales rep refused to discuss cost until 2 1/2 hours of questioning had occurred. Very, very hard sell - psychological angles used to make prospect feel like they were less than if they didn't invest (6 thousand dollars) in dating. Sales rep even told me that some of my answers were wrong! I have never seen such a hard sell using such underhanded techniques.

A waste of 2 1/2 hours of my time. Left feeling extremely angry. Sales rep was still insulting me as I walked out of the office.

Nicole of Austin TX (01/18/08)
This company advertises with signs stating: Single? AustinSingles.org?. Well, since friends and family kept telling me to start internet dating, I finally decided to go this website and check it out. The website does not give you any information about Austin Singles; it is just a form to fill out. I did, and then I started getting phone calls to set up an appointment in their office. No information is given over the phone. I made an appointment and cancelled it later on because I was hesitant about the idea of internet dating. They kept following up, urging me to come in just to check it out.

I finally agreed to come in since I had just broken up with a guy I had been seeing. When I arrived in their office, one of their sales people, Melissa, put me into a little room with my back to the door. She showed me a video with happy, smiling people and gave me forms to fill out with personal information (including DL# and SS#) and your dating goals. When you get the forms, you find out that you are not at AustinSingles, but at a company called Great Expectations. When I asked about it, Melissa stated that they used a different name to advertise because of marketing strategies to promote that they are local The sales techniques that they use are incredibly aggressive. I have never been in a situation where I was put under so much pressure. And it works, because generally you are in a little bit of a vulnerable state when you show up. They don't tell you anything about prices until you've been there for at least two hours. Then it comes: they tried to talk me into a $2000 membership, which supposedly was a really good deal because usually their membership is $4000. Since I stated that I could not possibly afford that, Melissa kept going in and out of the office to talk to the owner about more special deals for me. Finally the price came down to $1000. I repeatedly stated that I felt pressured and that I wanted to think about it. According to Melissa, I had to sign today or I would not be able to get a membership for this price anymore, and she really wanted it for me. She said that me feeling pressured probably meant that I knew I had to do it, I was just afraid of change.

To my shame and embarrassment, I did finally sign the contract on Saturday afternoon although I was uncomfortable about it. On Monday, I started looking into the real company, Great Expectations, and found all kinds of horror stories from people having signed up with this company. I immediately called the company to cancel. The girl I talked to stated that she had to look at my file. I never heard back. I called again on Thursday and finally got to speak to the owner, Michael Miess. He stated that there are no refunds, even though no pictures have been taken and I don't have an active account. He said that I was a grown woman and nobody had forced me to sign. I now have to try and get my money back through an attorney, but do not have high hopes after reading other peoples experiences.

I have lost a $1000 and have credit card debt. In addition, I am extremely depressed about having been talked into this.

Melanie of Orlando FL (01/17/08)
I was employed there. They lie and offer terrible service.

John of Atlanta GA (01/10/08)
They don't deliver on their promises. They list members who are not active.  There are no follow up calls at all.

It was a waste of my money.

Elizabeth of Woodbridge VA (01/07/08)
I was contacted by a woman named Robin by telephone, and she set up an appointment for me for 11 am Saturday Jan. 5, 2008, to go to the address listed. I showed up at my appointed time, and no one there could find my name in the data base. It took over 45 minutes for someone to come out and tell me they were quite busy, and since they could not find my name in their data base I would have to wait until a customer service rep became available. In the meantime I filled out an application, and they asked me for my drivers license and a major credit card as proof of who I was. I finally met with a customer service rep, and she gave me the pitch on how good the program is and I could be dating right away. I asked her a couple of times for the price of the service, and she kept telling me she would get to that. She asked me how much I spend per week on socializing, and I told her less then $100.00. She asked me, "Wouldn't you spend thousands of dollars to meet the man of your dreams?" Comments like that about finances was a turnoff, and then she showed me a price list of services the GE has to offer.

Living on a strict budget, as I do, I told her there is no possible way I could pay the three payments she showed me. A year membership is over $1,500, Three years is over $2,500.00 and 6 years almost $4,000.00. The cost would be charged to the credit card right there if I were to become a member. Plus on top on that it would also cost $28.00 per month to be a member. I told her there is no way I could join for that type of money. At this point she became nasty and indicated something was wrong with me that I would not make an investment in my future and find my perfect match. I walked out of that place very upset, angry and tried to get my application and the copy they made of my drivers license and credit card back, but I was told they did not make a copy of my information. I left that office very upset and shaking my head that they tried to get me to sign up for that amount of money and wasted about three to four hours of my time. 

Horrible experience as all the staff are nice until you tell them, "No thank you". I went home happy with my decision not to sign up and then came across your website of consumer complaints about Great Expectations.
I am not sure what is going to happen they have my application information, and since reading the Consumer complaints on your website, I will be calling my credit card company to put a block on my account today, just in case they try to charge me.

Rick of Wickliffe OH (01/06/08)
Missy Fink called me on or around Friday 12/28/07 to sell me a dating service. I tried to ask her a questions & she got very rude and told me she will ask the questions. At that point I told her I was not interested. I then asked her to take me off her list & not to call me any more. On Sunday 1/06/08 I received another call from Missy Fink. Again she was very rude. I told her and her Director, Traci Sarboro to put me on the do not call list, at which point they laughed and hung up the phone.

Chris of Newark CA (01/04/08)
I clicked on a link on the internet claiming to be an all inclusive dating service with marriage minded individuals only. When I clicked on the link, it asked for my name, phone number and said your personal dating consultant will get back to you shortly. Two days later a woman by the name of Meladie called me from the Great Expectations office in Sacramento (I have the number on file). She talked to me initially for about 40 minutes. She requested that I come in for a full evaluation to see if I fit the criteria to join their dating service. I went in for an interview the very next day (Saturday 12/29/07).

The claim was that they have over 4000 members in the bay area alone, all members have been checked for background and no one was in recovery, and I would have no problem finding that perfect someone within their dating service. They claimed that they have an 80% marriage rate and a 7% divorce rate from that number. They also stated that the cost was reduced for me because I fit what a lot of the men were requesting so I should have no problem finding that special someone. I paid $278.00 down and agreed to pay $100 a month plus $28.00 for members dues per month for the next 24 months. The initial price that she pitched to me was $6,000 for a 3 year membership (not including photo shoots and videos). Sarah, my interviewer, said that the price was negotiable because I was a real catch.

What was I thinking? The next day when I decided to go through my paperwork, I realized they never gave me a copy of the contract that had the info on the 3 day grace period that you could cancel your membership. I only had the number to Sacramento and the Palo Alto office. And of course, there was no voicemail and I couldn't get in the door to give them the letter. I mailed a letter on Monday 12/31/07 and walked a letter in the office today requesting a full refund. I found a blog on the consumer affairs web site that just blew me away!  I delivered a letter to request cancellation to the office today and they wouldn't let me speak to the director of sales. I wonder what I need to do to get this membership cancelled. I never took the pictures OR got a membership # or anything.

I can not loose 2800 bucks for nothing. My car is not worth 2800 bucks. It's way over my head and its not fair to me or my children to spend money on something of absolutely no value to our family.

Phyllis of Foster City CA (01/04/08)
I paid $5995 plus $748.75 for photos and V-Grams and did not realize I could negotiate these fees. Other members have told me that they negotiated for more fair fees. I felt highly pressured and promised all things.

I am 60 years old and feel this will get me into debt. I am suffering emotional and physical distress. I feel this is a scam. I am receiving negative responses from members after being told I would do so well and have so many positive responses.

Harriet of Boca Raton FL (12/16/07)
I was highly pressured into joining when I went to the center. I was given much attention and time and promised this was sure to get me introduced to numerous, upstanding gentlemen. I was told that I was just what they desired and although I truthfully related that I was self-supported and have financial difficulty. I was assured that they cared about me and would see that I was taken care of. In fact, I was told by Sheryel Aschfort that there was sure to be gentleman who would in fact retire me.

I said several times during this meeting that I was vulnerable and sensitive and trusting and I could not take any lying or scam and I was very afraid of spending $3000.00 plus photo fees and monthly fees because it would put me in great debt on my credit card. I stated I did not have money anywhere near this amount. I was told it was an investment and I would definitely end up not only getting back on my investment but would have many available gentlemen to choose from. This was a ripoff and scam as I soon found out and now I'm deeply in debt, depressed and very frightened. Once they get their clutches into you, they cast you aside and go on to the next victim. I want so much to get out of this. It is a fraud and Sheryel, who was so caring, sweet, and became my friend who would take care of me, could never be reached once my money was taken. I am 65, working full time out of necessity to support myself, and now have become a victim of the fraud, scam and ripoff. It seems so criminal and should be stopped so that others do not fall into this trap.

I am in debt that I cannot get out of, am depressed, and am suffering abdominal distress and severe headaches from this situation. I have heart disease and am emotionally and physically ill over this situation.

Valerie of Raytown MO (11/20/07)
I called to inquire about their services. Instead of giving me information about their services, they insisted that I come in and talk to someone. Once in their office, things went so quickly. After giving me their sales pitch and then coming up with an amount to charge me, I declined to join. After that, the lady I was talking to ran out and got her manager and they ended up convincing me that this service would work well for me.

It has been a year now. I have made numerous attempts to contact people on their service, but with no return calls. I am spending close to $4,000 for nothing. Nothing that was promised to me has happened. I am afraid to stop my monthy withdrawal due to credit purposes. I have tried to terminate my membership, but with no luck. They are charging me a monthly fee for access to the website on top of my membership rate.

Rodney of Mesa AZ (11/19/07)
On 9-8-2007 I went into the office Great Expectations. The Rep. Menta And I talked. She said its $500.00 Down and $100.00 a month there after. I told her I can not afford it and im not sure I want to do it. She talked me into filling out the paperwork and said Call me when we can take out the money. My mom came down with cancer 4 days later. I called them and told them I am not interested at this time. They said no problem. Call us when ready. On 11-17-07 They took $500.00 out of my bank account off my debit card. When I called Menta no longer works for them. And they will do nothing for me.

Brenda of Moundville AL (11/18/07)
Great Expectations exaggerated the number of available single persons who belonged to their organization. I paid $500 up front for photographs and a video. One picture was displayed and no video ever surfaced.

I should have known when I had to ring a buzzer to gain entry and all doors were locked that this agency wasn't above board. I think this is a scam and should be shut down.

By refusing to pay Duvera, the billing agency for Great Expectations, a $1700 debt was placed against my credit rating but I still refuse to pay because it's a scam.

Susan of Acworth GA (11/16/07)
After reading the blogs from other consumers in regards to Great Expectations my experience is EXACTLY the same. I feel I have been scammed. I want out of the contract and tried to cancel to no avail. I read that Penn filed a lawsuit against Great Expectations. Does anything like this exist in Atlanta? Does anyone know of anything I can do to cancel the membership and not pay the money to Conrad that I am required to pay for the next 30 months? I have beat up on myself for doing this. I feel like it was a very foolish decision on my part. The contract really covers them.

Robyn of Frisco TX (11/14/07)
I signed on with Great Expectations after a heavy sales push and many promises of "you get what you pay for." What I didn't realize is you continue to pay. Once you pay for the overpriced 3-year commitment, then you get to pay more for pictures for the website, even more if you would like a copy of the pictures, and a monthly charge to view profiles on the internet. Believing this program would be more hands-on and the pictures that were presented to me were pretty decent, I signed up. Once I gained access to the website, I soon realized that the very expensive professional photos I was required to pay for were barely visible. The pic's were so small you could hardly tell what someone really looked like. Then I quickly searched for the prospects that were presented to me at sign-up, and once I inquired was eventually told their membership had expired.

I found very few people that I would have an interest in. I could have saved myself $4500 and monthly $19.95 fee. A real company who believes in their service and works to truly help their clients, would offer a trial period or at least a cancellation for a fee. It is a scam from the beginning; they get you by playing on your heartstrings and make you sign you cash away. Please do not fall for their trap. Don't even go in for the initial meeting.

Denise of Reynoldsburg OH (10/29/07)
Great Expectations is the biggest scam out there...after my initial inquiry, they persistently called back until I agreed to a meeting to see what they were all about. Since they advertised in my little town, I was dismayed to find I needed to drive 30 minutes away to find this place--in 5 o'clock traffic. Then I get this sales pitch, with these glossy pictures of some of their available men. Sounds good so far. But the lady keeps dashing out of the office--she's tag-teaming 2 of us with this spiel. Fine, however, if you have any questions, she dashes out to ask her supervisor, and doesn't come back for 20 minutes.

Then we get down to the money part. After finally getting a price from them, I about fell over...but, that's okay, she'll take off this and this, but needs to ask her supervisor...out the door she goes. Twenty minutes later, I'm really hungry and just want to get home, and she convinces me to put it on my credit card--the easy payment plan right? Yeah.

So anyways, after a month, I can tell you not ONE single person is from my suburb. In fact, most are not even from the city limits. In fact, most of the men are from an hour and 5 minutes away!!! More like Columbus + 100 mile radius. As a single mom, I don't have time for even a date halfway between us. Forget the whole thing!

Virginia of Azle TX (10/27/07)
I contacted Great Expectations by putting a profile on their website. I then received a call from Sarah to set up an appointment. She sounded convincing, but I couldn't help feeling something was not right. I got a follow-up call to make sure I did not forget the appointment. She said they were bringing in someone to interview me--just me. This made me even more uneasy. That is when I researched Great Expections dating experiences and found out their history. Thank God for intuition. I am 58 years old and it makes me very angry when people prey on older folks. Can't someone put these people out of business? 

Ashwin of Austin TX (10/11/07)
They completely mis-represented their benefits, ran credit report without authorization, falsely claimed that they check criminal/educational backgrounds of all members-to-be, present random membership charge numbers, unwarranted promotion of their services and benefits and past record of success (so-claimed), and they said they would run my credit card to check for financial bankruptcy background but instead charged me $1700 which I am unable to get back from them.

$1700, significant mental disturbance, and financial hardship.

Diana of Delaware OH (10/09/07)
I had been called for several months from this company a few times I just had to hang up on them. Then the last time this lady convinced me that I should at least check it out. So I made an appointment. They told me I would need my drivers license and another ID to prove I was who I said I was. Which that sound fine to me. As soon as I arrived the required me to fill out an application, preliminaries to be able to speak with them about their program. After talking to the consultant, who was not willing to tell me their cost upfront, I told them I was not interested in their program and would like my application back. They said the could not do that, by law they had to keep it for 2 years.

I said why do you have to keep an application if the person is not interested in your program, I did not want my personal information left there with them. You could not even so much as share with me your pricing. The director refused to give my application. Said she was going to call the police if I did not leave the property. I said that would be fine cause I would like to also file a complaint. Well I waited for a while and then I had to go. I have a dog at home that needed to be put out and could not stay.

They have my information, my social securtiy number for which there is not reason for them to have since after hearing about their service I was not interested.

Hopefully there will not be any economic problems stemming from this however, I do feel my privacy has been violated since I have no interest in becoming a member of their program. I did fill out the application prior to even knowing about their program, nothing was said to me that they would keep that on file for 2 years and would access my credit. I feel was not informed properly or I would have never filled out that paper.

Sheila of Atlanta GA (09/23/07)
I attended an initial interview. Great presentation along with wonderful cheese and wine. I signed a contract. After nightly consideration, I changed my mind and tried to cancel the contract verbally and with a letter to no avail. Currently, they have received a default judgement against me. I have filed a motion to vacate judgement. After several attempts, I finally have a court date of October 17, 2007.

They have ruined my credit. My checks are getting garnished in the amount of $3,000.00, court cost, and attorney fees. Why should I have to pay for services that I never used and tried to cancel within 48 hours?

Bonnie of Griffin GA (09/21/07)
Carol the high pressure sales lady told me that if I joined their elite dating club that I would have diamonds on my fingers in no time at all. She also said, as we speak I have someone in mind for you that is retired from Emory University that is looking for a nice attractive lady to take on a cruise.

She showed me and my grand daughter (24) a video of couples that they (GE) had brought together. She then asked my grand daughter if she was dating anyone and she said no. Carol then replied why don't you both join?. She took us on a tour and showed us the photo room and told us that the photographer was a professional. And that he would do a a short video and gave us some notes of things to say. She went on to say that the photographer was booked up for the next three days. So we would have to come back.

We then went to the room again where we were told it would be an interview to see what we were looking for. I told her that I was a newly widowed 70 yr old and that I was very lonely. She assured me that if I joined right now she had a man in mind for me.

She kept going in and out of the room and when she would come back she would say, I'm sorry but my boss says I'm spending too much time with you so you will have to make a decision now. My grand daughter and I agreed to join. Carol told me that if I joined for $4,000.00 her boss (the CEO would allow her to enroll my grand daughter for another $1100.

Feeling the pressure and the promise of meeting an elite gentleman took over my good common sense and I said o k. So did my grand daughter. She then turned a legal sheet of paper over on the back and had me put my initials on about 12 items that I have no idea what it was.

Then we were escorted to the office of the CEO and I gave him 2 Credit Cards.

Then were were given a code to get into their web site. I have had only one reply and that was from a gentleman that is a Paraplegic.

All I want is my money back. GE is a scam from the word go. I have written to Mr. Ware several times and he told me in the last reply that he was going to take it upon himself to find me a nice gentleman. I replied by asking him if he was going to go out on the street to drum up someone That there was only a few men in the computer my age and they were all looking for a younger lady.

I want me Five thousand one hundred dollars back. This GE is a joke from the word go.

Laurie of Manteca CA (09/21/07)
I paid $5995 for a 3 year membership, $2500 for pictures (cost of which I was not told about until after I had already signed up for the program & taken the pictures!) - total of $ 8495 for a service that mis-represented the number of members, the quality of members, a very poor technological website service and appears to have numerous consumer complaints.

Apparently the fees are negotiable, which I did not know, as I appear to have paid significantly more than most of those whom I see on the consumer complaint blogs, making me feel like even more on an idiot.

Mark of West Hills CA (08/24/07)
After a high pressure sales pitch I regretfully joinded Great expectations in Los angeles. They showed me photos of acctractive women that they claimed to be members. I never saw any of those women after joining. I was shocked by the limited selection of women. Most were older divorced with kids.

When I complaned about the lack of eligble women Elyse told me I should just pick one and stop complaining. After three years I only had one date and she was very strange. This place will take your money and forget about you. Avoid it and dont waste your money.

After three years only one date and it was bad. Not the quality of dating clientele they had promised. that was one expensive date, 2500.00

Bonita of Gladstone OR (08/09/07)
Overpriced dating,($3,990.00)didn't realize during sales pitch that the pictures required would cost extra -(hundreds) & each activity during following months there was a charge if you attended. Forceful sales pitch especially during the presenting of Photos so you could get your photo shown on the board in that room. This is for a 3 yr. term--not that many to choose from in the Portland area now. Not worth the cost.

Barbara of Berea OH (07/10/07)
As a recent widow, age 61, I was led to believe I could find a new soul mate through this organization. I was told countless things about how successful people had been with this dating service. I was told thousands of new members join every month. It would be no time til someone contacted me.

I'm not ugly, not unsuccessful, and had never had trouble finding a man. But I was insecure at the time, thinking this was the safest way to meet someone new. I joined in June, 2006, and to date have not received one person who has shown any interest. The members in my area have not changed over the past year. Very few new people have joined.

I lost over $3,000 to this service, with no real return for my money. Call me stupid, but I believe they took advantage of my vulnerability. When I tried to get out of the contract within the 3-day period, they coerced me into staying. It has cost me a lot of grief.

Tara of Phoenix AZ (06/15/07)
This started at the King of Prussia location. The high pressure interview promised that all clients are employed and without mental illness- this was a lie. I was told that if I paid in full immediately, I would get a special price. I was charged about $2000. For months afterwards, my credit card was still being charged monthly by Great Expectations, still they denied it. The charges continued until I cancelled the card.

The staff listed me as 'not wanting kids' when I clearly indicated that I did. They never changed my profile about wanting kids, even after I called several times. I lost my patience with them. I was called and screamed at by a staff member. I demanded that she at least notify the men who had rejected me for that error, that I really did want kids.

I got a nasty message from the staff member, stating that I was physically unattractive, and that was why the men rejected me, even though the men told me themselves that wasn't true.

I never met any man from the King of Prussia location. I transferred to the Phoenix office. My contract stated I could transfer to another office for free, and King of Prussia even told me that as well. Phoenix said they would not deal with me unless I paid for another photo shoot. I still managed to access their website, and met two terrible dates that traumatize me to this day. One was on very strong antipsychotic medications, and lived off of social security for mental illness. Another man was really undesirable upon meeting, yet still tried to rape me on the day we met, in a public place. He continued to harrass me by phone, until I moved out of state.

I agreed to meet these two men because they seemed to have personality on the phone, and weren't thirty years older than me, like all of the others. I initially told King of Prussia that I wanted to have a husband with green or blue eyes, I was told that I was a racist for that reason, and should agree to date men of all races otherwise I could not be a client.

Gabriel of Denver CO (06/10/07)
Great Expectations is an expensive dating service advertising tailored lists of singles to busy professionals. I was told of huge numbers of clients signing up each month whom I would be able to date. I was suckered into signing a contract for $2695. The fine print was that I could never cancel my membership.

Immediately on joining I discovered only a very few women available to date between 25-35, in other words, women with whom I wished to begin a family. Most of the women available were over 35 (ca. 85%). Of the remaining women, few matched my interests and education. I registered a complaint with the Better Business Bureau but never heard back.

Carlos of Plano TX (04/26/07)

I employed the services of Great Expectations on 10/02/06 at their Dallas, Texas offices. The sales pitch lasted about 2 to 3 hours with the video, questions and answers, portfolios, pictures of happy couples, beautiful women, etc. I had been overwhelmed at how hard this dating service was pushing to get me to sign up. I told Jesse that it sounded very interesting, but it was a lot of money and I would go home and think about it. She was very persistent and aggressive. I told her I didn’t think I could afford it and they had ran a credit check and she told me that I had enough money on one of my credit cards to put a substantial down payment that would offset the costs of the monthly payments.

She had checked with her manager about dropping the costs because I felt a lot of the services would not benefit me. I felt as if I were purchasing a new car. It is the only experience I can compare it to. Finally, she had explained that if I had not been satisfied after about three months, I could cancel my membership. Reluctantly and hoping for the best, I signed a contract.

The amount of women to choose from was extremely limited and did not actually comply with what I had been promised. After the three month period passed I did not request to discontinue the account, but I had remained inactive of the account of my own accord. I was still being billed, however, for the usage of the online account at $19.95 per month.

I'm indebted $6234.34 to GE with a balance of $4960.87 due to a collection agency. I'm extremely humiliated, depressed, and angry. On top of that, some of my female dates said they only paid 600.00 for a full 36 months! This service is supposed to help people have a better life and I know feel deeply violated and my trust exploited to the fullest extent.

John of Akron, OH (04/24/07)
After an inqury online, I received a call asking me to come to the office.  When I got there, I got a hard sell.  After being told there were lots of female members in my area and that I would find several that matched, I agreed to a 9-month membership.  In reality, there are only a few members in the Akron/Canton area. Very few.

I spent $1000 on the membership and another $225 on pictures that were required.  All this and no results.

Pete of Charlotte NC (04/12/07)
SIgned up for dating service and tried to cancel. Lost $4700.

Carol of Cave Creek AZ (03/26/07)
When Great Expectations called me to come in and talk about their services, I was reluctent. After much convincing, I decided to go talk with them. My one concern was that I wanted to be assured of no married men. I can get that result anywhere else. They told me they do background checks and if someone says they are divorved they know for a fact that they are. Well, I can tell you what I ended up with for my thousands of dollars, a married sex addict. How do I know this?? By talking with his wife!! Conversations with the director of the center got me nowhere. My suggestion-save your money and take your chances on a .com services for $30!!!

Tia of Covington GA (03/13/07)

In October of 2006, I went into the agency to inquire of their services. After spending an hour or so there, I felt extreme pressure to sign up with them. I spoke on several occasions that I did not feel comfortable anymore and did not want their services at that time. I was informed that if I left that day, I could not come back. I signed on, only to feel horrible and change my mind the minute I walked out the door. I called them back within the hour and said I had made a horrible mistake. They said no refunds. I thought surely they were just standing firm and trying to talk me into staying. I went in the next day to talk to them in person. They humiliated me and my friend and tried to strike a deal with me for $1500. I said they were crazy and would fight it myself. I disputed it with my credit card company and they refunded the charges about a month later after investigation. Then, to my bewilderment, it was rebilled in February. When I called the card company they cancelled that card and opened a new one and turned me over to fraud. A new card was sent out to me, but also a letter saying that they had received papers from them showing a no refund policy and they had to uphold that. I was under the impression that we had a 24 hour limit on any contract to change our minds.
 

Wendy of Atlanta GA (03/12/07)
On Sunday February 25th I signed a contract for membership at Great Expectations. I was informed by your representative on his initial phone call that I could be scheduled to come into the office to meet with a representative for an hour and a half to learn more about the services that your agency offers. During my visit I discovered that my personal credit information had been accessed without my authorization or permission. I became very uneasy about the overall credibility of your company at that point. However, I was blinded by a high-pressure sales pitch that lasted for nearly 3 hours.

During the closing of this presentation I reluctantly signed the contract without so much as reading the oppressive and numerous stipulations. I left your offices feeling very uncomfortable about the whole experience. I also send a letter to Great Expectation on March 3rd stating that i wished to be released from the contract because i am not interested in membership and i do not want any funds deducted from my account.

I recently recieved a notice form Conrad Credit Corporation stating that all payments and coorepondence should be made to them. Also stating that i am responsible for a total $3k payable in monthly installments of $117 per month beginning March 26th and i do not comply my credit will suffer.

Roberta of Laguna Niguel CA (03/09/07)

I purchased a package the next day, I decided that I did not want the package, called and was told there was no refund. I was also paying $ 29.00 internet fee a month. I wrote on Aug. 10th to put my account on hold. I asked again for a refund and was refused. Between May and August I did not use their services. I have not used the service, nor do I plan to and it is almost three years. I am out $ 3695.00 original fee about $90 for the internet access. I want my money back.

Louise of Rockaway Pk NY (03/06/07)
The fees of $4,090 paid on Jan. 10th 2002 and had several arguments with Rosemary about the quality of male members.Requested several times to withdraw from my contract but did not success in anyways.

Met several male members that harrassed me constantly.

Ann of O'fallon MO (02/01/07)

As an EMPLOYEE of Great Expectations, I was prohibited from looking at our members "because it would ruin my confidence for sales". We looked anyway, pulled women seeking a man 35-45 non-smoker, and ONLY 6 MEN SHOWED UP. I thought that I was selling an elite dating service but what I have seen is they take anybody who can put down $250.00 and pay $100.00 per month.

I saw private information being thrown