Signing up for an online dating site? Read the fine print, experts urge

Is Valentine's Day fueling an urge to sign up for an online dating site, especially one offering a special deal? Be warned, urges a British consumer advisory organization, which highlights how disputes over the terms and conditions of some sites are on the rise.

The UK European Consumer Centre advises online dating site users pay full attention to the terms and conditions, particularly concerning payment details, when signing up to such sites. Also be sure to read the fine print on renewal of "trial periods" and canceling subscriptions, noting a "steady rise" in complaints among consumers in regards to these issues.

Last month, Marketing Week revealed how leading online dating brands such as eHarmony, Match.com and MySingleFriend are holding preliminary talks to establish a code of conduct addressing consumer concerns. Also the industry aims to address how it should set standards around certain issues, such as ensuring the authenticity of user profiles and subscription cancellations.