Cris P.

This is my experience with Cupid's Coach, Julie Ferman and Kerry Carney. As a result, I am posting the following excerpt of my complaint filed with several state and local agencies, including, but not limited to, the California Office of the Attorney General, the California Department of Consumer Affairs and the Better Business Bureau.

July 30,2011

Re: Complaint Against Cupid's Coach, Julie Ferman and Kerry Carney

Ladies and Gentlemen:

On November 2,2010, I paid $5,995 for a VIP membership with Cupid's Coach, a matchmaking service, which included 18 introductions in 6 months. It became quickly evident that the services discussed were overstated, the caliber of introductions was not commensurate with VIP membership, and, more importantly, Julie Ferman reneged on an agreement to provide a partial refund. As a result, I am filing a complaint against Cupid's Coach, Ms. Ferman and Kerry Carney, co-principals, to seek reimbursement commensurate with the legitimate services received, as well as to ensure that consumers are protected against the dishonest and unconscionable practices of Cupid's Coach, Ms. Ferman and Ms. Carney. The facts, which are supported by documentation, are set out below.

It became quickly evident that 18 introductions in 6 months would not or could not be met:
One month into my membership, I expressed concern that the services discussed during my interview were overstated and not commensurate with the $5,995 fees paid. Ms. Carney stated, "You are guaranteed a certain number of matches, so you don't need to worry" (Emphasis added).

In late January, I again expressed my concern, this time to Ms. Ferman, that I had only 3 introductions in 3 months. Ms. Ferman offered two options: (1) Working with a specified number of introductions over a long time frame; or (2) an unlimited number of introductions over a particular time period. I chose the first option, 18 introductions within a one year timeframe.

In June, I once again expressed my concern that I only had 7 introductions in 7 months. Ms. Carney responded that my "Contract is for 18 introductions OR six months, whichever comes later" (Emphasis added). This disclosure clearly contradicts her statement that I was "guaranteed" a certain number of introductions. In my opinion, this tactic is tantamount to a scheme of bait and switch.
The caliber of introductions was not commensurate with VIP membership:
Ms. Ferman and Ms. Carney indicated that their catalog of men included current and former members. Since I was required to undergo a background check, I reasonably presumed that background checks were conducted on these current and former members. In my experience, only one of my introductions had undergone a background check.

One introduction was deemed by Ms. Carney as a "catch." During dinner, it became evident that my role was not as a date but more as a counselor. He spoke of the multi-millionairess who rejected his marriage proposal and regurgitated situations where he felt wronged. It should be noted that this "catch" was not a member of Cupid's Coach, but merely a friend of Ms. Ferman. In my opinion, he clearly was not vested in the process and his sole purpose was to fill a quota.

Another introduction cancelled our date via text message two hours before we were to meet. When I expressed my dismay for this sophomoric behavior, I was scolded by Ms. Carney for calling and screening him (Note: I did not call him; he called me). To add insult to injury, Ms. Ferman told me that my interaction with this etiquette-challenged individual constituted an introduction.
Julie Ferman reneged on an agreement to provide a partial refund.
I spoke with Ms. Ferman about my dissatisfaction with her services and cited several examples and reminders of my experiences. She agreed to provide me with a partial refund, which I would receive within "2-3 weeks." Shortly after 3 weeks had passed, I informed Ms. Ferman that I had not received the refund. After 5 weeks, I provided Ms. Ferman with additional time, 6 weeks in total, to honor her agreement She did not.

In summary, it is my opinion that Cupid's Coach, Ms. Ferman and Ms. Carney, in concert, acted in bad faith by showing little regard in honoring the intent and spirit of my membership. It is also my opinion that the actions of Cupid's Coach, Ms. Ferman and Ms. Carney border on a criminal attempt to defraud. It is my further opinion that punitive measures for such practices are not only necessary but imperative to ensure consumers are protected against the bad faith practices of Cupid's Coach, Ms. Ferman and Ms. Carney. As a result, I am seeking reimbursement commensurate with the legitimate services received, as well as all costs incurred in seeking such reimbursement.