First I'd like to mention that I was not even looking for this site "Texas Singles". I was checking out a free Christian Catholic dating site. So, thinking that was the case, I signed up. The next day I get a call to come in and register to meet other Texas singles. No mention of cost of any kind. I just figured they want to get to know who's signing up.
Next thing I know their asking for information such as driver license, how much I have in checking/savings accounts. Then I start asking why the interrogation? Tracy B says it's for a background check. I ask, well how much is this going to cost? I'm told, $500 upfront!
She tells me costs are between 6K and 12K. I'm in shock and I think she realizes that I'm backing out. I even said "no, this isn't for me, I thought this was a free site". So next she says "well I like you"... yikes, that's when I should have gotten up and left but I felt embarrassed that she thought that I was cheap or couldn't afford it.
Now she says she's going to give me a free member ship and TS will give me 6 free months to help me meet other singles. At this point I told her the truth that again I thought this was a free dating site and really did not have much time to meet with anyone due to my elderly mom who's recovering from major surgery and required my full time attention. She tells me that they will mention that to any perspective clients that maybe interested.
Still being hesitant again I start to back off and she tells me that the lady clients are paying between 6 - 12K for these services which shows their commitment to finding someone trustworthy which is why the cost is so high. She then says she can help me by dividing my cost into two payments if I can't afford the 500 up front. More embarrassment, but I should have swallowed my pride and walked out. Instead I give her my card and she charges me 250 and the remainder to be paid in a month.
After getting home and fixing my mom dinner it hits me like a brick that I'd just done something stupid. My mom is my first concern and I'm keeping a promise to my dad to take care of her for however long it takes, which I would do even if my dad had not asked. Although she's recovering fairly well from her surgery she is almost 89 and most likely will need my care for however long I'm blessed to have her.
You're probably wondering if I have such little time why am I looking on dating sites to begin with, right? Well, I've been on Match for several years before my mom became ill and had surgery and going through a long recovery time. So actually I was looking for a free site because even Match cost too much for me right now and I'd like to at least have someone to chat with but not for $500 or whatever ridiculous amount Texas Singles charges. I'm not so sure even the ladies are paying those high amounts for these services and if they are they're out of their minds.
After calling TS back to tell them this was not going to work for me due to the extenuating circumstances Tracy tells me again that she likes me and she will let me begin my service whenever I'm ready even if it's several years from now. The problem is, during that time frame if something happens to me such as an illness or worse I've given them $500 for zero services.
In a second phone conversation with Tracy I told her that I could not accept the extension due to the reasons I just stated above. She says there's nothing she can do about it because this is corporate rules. Once you've signed up you're committed.
The reason I'm filing this report is because naturally I'd like to be reimbursed for my money but also to warn others of these bad practices of this company. It always upsets me when I hear of others getting taken by someone scamming them out of their money and I think, boy, I hope I never do anything dumb like that, well... guess what!
Businesses like this have no right to do this to people and they should all be held accountable for their misbehavior of bad business practices and be publicly denounced. I'd really like to warn everyone about this company and hope no one else falls for this scam.
I will post this on every social media available to warn as many unsuspecting people as possible. If you do business with Texas Singles, go in with your eyes open and be aware and warned of what to expect.
Sincerely, (very embarrassed and very pissed)
Benjamin-