The Wolf Road dating service, one of three franchisees in the state, violated state law by charging "many" clients $1,500 for two six-month contracts, when state law prohibits companies from charging more than $1,000 a year.
The company, which has franchises in New York City and the Buffalo area as well, also failed to guarantee a specific number of dates per month, according to the attorney general's office.
The investigation began after the operator of an unrelated dating service in the Buffalo area complained that the It's Just Lunch franchise in Williamsville was not following state law, according to Lee Park, spokesman for Cuomo's office.
The dating service that complained has since gone out of business, Park added.
It's Just Lunch has agreed to adhere to state laws regarding social service contracts, officials said. The company also will offer free social referrals to customers who overpaid.
An employee at the Wolf Road business said the owner would not be available to discuss the agreement with the attorney general until Monday.
The three New York franchises will pay $7,000 apiece in fines and costs and It's Just Lunch International in Palm Desert, Calif., has paid a $45,000 fine plus $2,000 in costs to the state.
|