NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 7, 2008
Contact Information Howard Schwartz Communications Coordinator Phone: (203)269-2270 ext. # 103 Fax: (203) 269-3124 hschwartz@ct.bbb.org
PEOPLE LOOKING FOR LOVE ONLINE BEWARE!
COMPLAINTS TO BBB SKYROCKETING ABOUT ONLINE DATING SERVICES
Wallingford, way people and online Connecticut headache. CT – February 7, 2008 – While the Internet has changed the look for partners, there is no love lost between consumers dating services. For a growing number of people in and across the nation, the search for love ends with a
Complaints about online dating services filed with Better Business Bureau have jumped a whopping 73 percent in 2006 over the previous year, (2,525) and statistics being gathered for 2007 indicate the number of complaints will reach a new, record-breaking level. According to BBB Connecticut CEO and President Paulette Hotton, just like many Internet services, consumers looking for love should take a step back and do their homework. “As popularity of these sites grows, so do the number of complaints we receive,” says Hotton. Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars on online dating sites every year, but there is growing dissatisfaction once love’s blindness wears off. The online dating industry is basically divided into two categories: personalized matchmaking and online dating sites. Matchmaking sites find matches based on compatibility factors, while online dating services allow users to post information about themselves and photos, as well as search for other singles. Some matchmaking services charge thousands of dollars, and promise to introduce clients to local singles that meet specific criteria. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way. More….
ONLINE DATING / PAGE 2 Typical Online Matchmaking Site Complaints: • Disputes over the caliber and demographics of available singles promised. (35% of complaints) A significant number of complainants said, despite their specific criteria, they were matched with smokers, matches who were uneducated, lived too far away or even married • Poor or rude customer services (17%) and high pressure sales (13.7%) • Dissatisfaction with the number of arranged dates (15.1%) Typical Online Dating Site Complaints: • Contracts normally define a specific length of membership and charge a monthly fee. However, the contract is typically renewed automatically. As a result about two-thirds of complaints (63.7 %) are about accounts being automatically renewed. Many customers did not realize they needed to cancel; the account or they did take the necessary steps but billing continued anyway. • Other common complaints about online dating sites include the inability to immediately cancel after signing up (6.8%) and the practice of the company contacting other singles on behalf of the complainant. (6.3%) BBB Connecticut offers the following advice on matchmaking and other online dating services: 1) Don’t fall in love with the advertising Beware of claims such as an exclusive network of people, for sincere daters only, and beautiful singles just like you. 2) Do Your Homework Check out the company with BBB Connecticut (www.bbb.org) to ensure it has a history of satisfying customers and resolving complaints. 3) Don’t give in to high pressure sales tactics Sales associates may offer a “one day only price,” and ask you to sign a contract. Make sure you take the contract home or download it, read the contract carefully to understand what you are signing up and paying for. 4) Know how to “break up” Do not assume you will stop being billed once the contract runs out. Many online dating sites automatically renew memberships automatically, and there are steps that must be taken, such as calling the company to keep from being billed again.
Founded in 1912, BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB offers objective advice and a wide range of education on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.ct.bbb.org.
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2007
WHY NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS TO GET INTO SHAPE OFTEN FAIL
THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS TO AVOID COMMON MISTAKES
Glastonbury, CT – Some of us call it “The List,” the annual collection of New Years resolutions, the ways we would all like to improve ourselves with a clean slate. But experts say people resolve to make too many drastic changes all at once. Most resolutions involve lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, shedding a few pounds and getting into shape. Within months, weeks and even days, the goals are often abandoned.
News Release
We often fall short of our hopes or fail, but not because of a lack of will. When it comes to starting a physical fitness routine, newcomers routinely make common mistakes which are recipes for failure. According to Healthtrax Fitness and Wellness trainer and exercise rehabilitation specialist Mark Rubler, most newcomers push themselves too hard, working under the mistaken assumption of “no pain, no gain.” “That is simply not the case. We avoid pain. Workouts should be enjoyable, something to look forward to. Any activity is a 100 percent improvement, even if it is a 15-minute walk a couple of times a week,” says Rubler, a 20-year veteran of the fitness industry. The best way to ensure success without pain is to begin with an evaluation by a personal trainer, someone who can help you design a routine customized to your fitness goals. Experts say it is counter-productive and potentially dangerous to simply jump on a piece of fitness equipment and push yourself to the limit. Another reason people drop out, is they feel overwhelmed by all of the equipment. Once again, a personal trainer can set you up with a customized plan. You don’t have to work on all of the equipment and Healthtrax trainers help and assist members on equipment during every visit. Many people adopt a simple routine and stick with it. Memberships in health clubs swell in January because of New Years resolutions, but the new members’ presence drops off with each passing month. Says Rubler “The key is to find something you enjoy doing, whether it’s swimming, yoga, group cycling, Tai Chi, group cycling, running or whatever it takes.”
Unreasonable expectations can also scuttle a new wellness program. The experts say don’t compare yourself to others, and don’t expect immediate results. There is no reason to run on a treadmill if you are winded and uncomfortable. Getting into shape should be a lifelong commitment, one which should be started gradually. Continued…
RESOLUTIONS/PAGE 2
The Evolving Fitness Center Baby boomers and people their parents’ age now work out faithfully for a variety of reasons: to feel and look better, or on the advice of a physician for rehabilitation after surgery or to reduce disease risk factors. Fitness clubs have evolved to serve those health needs and to be more user-friendly for people of all ages. Every Healthtrax Center, for example, is affiliated with a local medical provider or leading hospital. “We have people of all ages from all walks of life with the same goals and we help them achieve those goals,” according to Healthtrax Director of Public Relations, Debbie Stauble. “We have tri-athletes and cardiac rehabilitation patients on the same fitness floor.” Stauble says, however, the key to success involves more than having a well-educated trainer. Nowhere is this more evident than in the weight room which, at one time, was an intimidating place for women and newcomers. Now, says Stauble, “With all of the studies which show the benefits of resistance (weight) training for men and women, weight rooms are no longer just the domain of the body builder.” The centers are also changing in other ways, offering a variety of classes including, Pilates, yoga and other group workouts. There are also two workout circuits, a regular one and a special supervised weight training circuit for those who need help using the equipment. But don’t load too much into your schedule. Rubler says to do what you can, when you have the time. In other words, don’t sacrifice sleep to get to the club before work. Everyone seems to agree on one thing: selecting a fitness regimen is as daunting as which diet to try. But do not give up hope. All you have to do is move to improve. Here is a list of tips to help you succeed with a new fitness program: • • • • • • • Get an evaluation and custom program from a fitness trainer Don’t push too hard. You still get results without discomfort and pain Don’t get overwhelmed by all of the equipment. Find a trainer to assist and guide you. Find an activity you enjoy, rather than forcing yourself to use equipment you do not like Set realistic expectations. It took time to put on that weight and it will take time to take it off, but weight gain is only one benefit. The greatest benefits are improved health, fewer aches and pains and feeling better Reward yourself by acknowledging every workout as an accomplishment Make friends at the Center – they can be great motivators
-30-
Photo Credit: Photo, Courtesy of Healthtrax Fitness and Wellness
For more information and interviews, please contact: Debbie Stauble 860-633-5572 ext. 245
2
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2008
Contact Information Howard Schwartz Communications Coordinator Phone: (203)269-2270 ext. # 103 Fax: (203) 269-3124 hschwartz@ct.bbb.org
BBB Connecticut Says Common Consumer “Myths” Can Cost Thousands Of Dollars
ORGANIZATION ISSUES TIPS TO HELP PROTECT BUYERS FROM COMMON PROBLEMS
Wallingford, CT – February 1, 2008 – New Year’s resolutions come and go, and so does so-called “conventional wisdom” about your rights as a consumer. Many of these beliefs are, in fact, not true, and Better Business Bureau in Connecticut has released a list of dos and don’ts to help buyers. MYTH: It is okay to give your credit card number over the phone, even if you are not necessarily making a purchase. FACT: BBB recommends you never use your credit card for identification in response to a phone solicitor. The fact is, con artists can use that information to make unauthorized charges. You may, however use your credit card to make purchases from reputable businesses. MYTH: You are entitled to a store refund if you request one. FACT: A refund or exchange is a privilege and not a right which can be demanded, unless the product is defective or misrepresented. Under Connecticut law, sellers may set any refund or exchange policies they choose, as long as that policy is posted in a prominent place for customers to see. If it is not posted, under state law you have seven calendar days to return unused items with proof of purchase. MYTH: You have the right to cancel any purchase within three days. More…
CONSUMER MYTHS / PAGE 2 FACT: This is a common misconception. Contrary to popular belief, the commonly-cited three-day, so-called cooling-off period is only limited to transactions of $25 or more. Connecticut law allows you seventy-two hours during which to cancel the contract. Notice of this cancellation option must be included in contracts such as health club memberships, time shares, home improvement and dating services. Door-to-door sales are subject to the rule, however automobile and other vehicle purchases are exempt. MYTH: Almost all of the money you contribute to charity goes to the intended purpose. FACT: Charitable organizations are not obliged to spend a minimum percentage of what they raise for a stated purpose. If you intend to donate, ask the caller for written materials stating what percentage of your donation goes towards the organization’s fundraising activities and administration, versus how many cents on the dollar are funneled to the organization’s program. Donors are recommended to ask for the name of the person they’re speaking with on the telephone and as many questions as needed to make an educated decision and never agree to donate over the telephone. Finally, always donate by check – not cash. You can inquire or complain about a charitable organization through BBB’s www.give.org site. MYTH: Nobody can take money from your bank account without your authorization. FACT: Giving someone your checking account information may be all they need to allow them to make withdrawals from your account. This may involve the con artist calling your bank with your account number, claim that you authorized a withdrawal and convincing the bank to make the payment even though it lacks your signature. MYTH: You are guaranteed to win a fabulous prize when you receive an “Awards Notification” in the mail. FACT: Don’t get caught in a trap that costs consumers untold millions of dollars a year. If the prize promoter demands you pay up-front fees to cover entry or judging fees, as a donation, to prepay taxes or via a call to a 900 telephone number, these are red warning flags! Contact your Better Business Bureau to find out if the promoter is accredited. ###
Founded in 1912, BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB offers objective advice and a wide range of education on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses. Today, 128 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.ct.bbb.org.