Sunday, Aug 2, 2009 at approx. 8:30 p.m., I received a call for a phone interview as a result of having completed and submitted an online profile for a matchmaking service by the name of Tampa Singles. At that time, I agreed to bring 3 forms of identification to an appointment for the following Wednesday, Aug. 5th as I found it reasonable to assume that as standard procedure. However, I was put on guard when told to make sure I brought my bank debit card and a credit card as well. Like most who posses these cards, I do carry them with me at all times; still, I found it quite unprofessional, somewhat offensive, and very suspect that the request was even made.
I began my due diligence on this company as a result. To my dismay, I could not find any information on Tampa Singles neither through the Better Business Bureau, nor via phone and address searches.
Then on the day of my appointment, I received a phone call (from a Texas number) requesting more information prior to my appointment. I took the opportunity to I voice my concerns, and was advised that Tampa Singles, as well as several other companies, is a part of and/or affiliated with Romance Pros. At this point, the conversation was somewhat heated, both parties got a bit harsh verbally, and the representative made a snide remark before abruptly hanging up.
With that, I sought to investigate the reputation of Romance Pros finding they are indeed listed as members of the BBB. I was surprised to learn that resolution of 5 of 11 complaints (excluding my own) within the past 36 months, earned an A- rating. I believe if members and prospective members had knowledge of the relationship and/or partnership Romance Pro has with companies such as Tampa Singles, Great Expectations, and Mature Singles in order to know about whom to make a complaint, there would be many more regarding their business practices.
Anoymous
Tampa, Florida
U.S.A.