Story Archive

Not OK, Cupid

Tereza Burki, 47, wanted a man. And not just any man: a “sophisticated gentleman” with a “wealthy lifestyle” who was “open to traveling internationally” and would sire her fourth child. She paid London, England, matchmaking service Seventy Thirty 12,600 pounds (US$16,065), but was unhappy with her results, and sued. A judge found Seventy Thirty misled her by claiming substantial male membership when only 100 men were active members. He awarded her a full refund, plus 500 pounds (US$637) for her distress. But he also awarded the service 5,000 pounds (US$6,372) for libel over a review Burki posted on Google, ruling Seventy Thirty wasn’t fundamentally a “fraudulent operation” as she charged in her review. “We are not going to have thousands of members,” the agency’s founder said, “because there simply aren’t thousands of single, wealthy, high caliber prospects out there.” (AC/London Guardian) ...Are there enough to make $16,000 a good investment?