As soon as a new user set up a free profile, he or she began to receive messages that appeared to be from other members living nearby, expressing romantic interest or a desire to meet.

However, users were unable to respond to these messages without upgrading to a paid membership.

A small “v” encircled by a “C” on the profile page was the only indication that the profiles were fake.

New measure introduced Thursday requires companies -- not just dating websites or apps -- to get customers' permission before collecting location data off their mobile devices and sharing it with others.

The settlement also requires the defendants to pay 6,165 in redress.

“JDI Dating used fake profiles to make people think they were hearing from real love interests and to trick them into upgrading to paid memberships,” said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Welcome to the largest and fastest growing online community for single Christians.

In its first law enforcement action against an online dating service, the Federal Trade Commission has reached a settlement that prohibits JDI Dating Ltd., an England-based company, from using fake, computer-generated profiles to trick users into upgrading to paid memberships and charging these members a recurring monthly fee without their consent.

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