I was absolutely horrified recently when both a customer and a friend informed me that they had seen dating agency advertising banners on UTube and Facebook with my face. I was sent copies of these advertisements and was furious that Mature Dating UK was using a picture of me to advertise their company. I found out that this company is a subsidiary of Cupid PLC and immediately contacted them. Upon relaying my complaint to the call advisor, I was told in very poor english by a call representative, Isaac, that he would not be passing this onto management and I would have to put my complaint in writing. I explained this was unacceptable as this false and unauthorised advertisement is damaging to my image. Isaac did not apology nor seem bothered by my distress.
I tried to contact Cupid PLC on several other numbers however there was no call attendant available. Finally I was able to locate their Solicitors and contacted them through this route. The solicitor in turn contacted Cupid and I received a non-apologetic email back explaining that I had joined an online dating agency back in 2011 and as part of their T&Cs they can use my images as they please. I was absolutely dismayed for several reasons, the first being that although I do recall joining an online dating agency at the beginning of I ended my membership shortly afterwards (mid 2011) and have been in a relationship with my current partner since.
It is ludicrous that they can use my pictures when I'm not even an active member. Secondly surely this is false advertising for Mature Dating UK, as I was only 28 years of age on the picture and I have never been a member of this particular website. Finally had the T&Cs been clear that they can use my picture for advertising for whatever websites they please and whenever they like, I certainly would not have shared my pictures. I am horrified to think how many other people could have their reputations tarnished by this exploitation and wonder how many members Cupid PLC would actually have if it made it very clear of it's unacceptable intentions?
I have since received an email back from Cupid PLC detailing their T&Cs and accusing me of logging onto my profile as recently as the 17th August! I categorically deny this statement and to add insult to injury I was actually in New Zealand that particular day in hospital with my fiance for an ultra sound on our baby. Their claim is ridiculous and proves their information is clearly unreliable or they are simply not a trusted company. i would advise anyone who is thinking to join any dating website to check the T&Cs carefully and avoid anything to do with Cupid PLC at all costs!!
I have included what they sent me below and I continue to pursue them for an apology...
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