LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It’s the modern-day version of looking for love in all the wrong places.
Some Las Vegas singles say a valley dating service has left them heartbroken and suffering buyer's remorse.
Vegas Valley Introductions claims to offer matchmaking services and relationship coaching for singles in the Las Vegas area.
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The company's owner, Patti Novak, calls herself America's Matchmaker. "I would say I'm very good. I'm certainly the best in this valley in my personal opinion," she says.
But former clients Melinda Marshall and Donna Lowary say they tried the service and had a bad experience.
"I paid for a dating service. But was provided no service," says Marshall.
Each paid around $2,000 to $2,500 and signed a six-month contract with the company.
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They claim Novak was hard to get in touch with after signing up.
"I called her. Of course nothing. Nothing. Nothing for over two weeks," says Lowary.
When they were able to reach her, both say it was not a pleasant experience.
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"The first thing [Novak] did was chastise me for calling her on her cell phone," says Marshall.
Contact 13 spoke to Novak, who says their claims are not valid and that some clients tend to take advantage of the fact that she shares her cellphone number with them.
"The fact that these people have my cell is a liberty. They don't get to have it. I give it to them... I could probably give you 15 clients names that I've had to say, please do not use my cell for the day to day feedback," says Novak.
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However, she does admit some conversations get heated.
Novak claims she's been accused of not vetting her eligible bachelors, but she says she does her due diligence, even getting criminal background checks.
She also denies allegations that some men set up expensive dates, then try to pass off the bill.
"It's a subjective business. I can't help everybody. I try," says Novak. "My intent and my integrity is tenfold. But I cannot promise chemistry."
But for the clients who spoke with Contact 13, it's not good enough.
"I think they feel they're not getting the return on their investment," says Tricia Kean.
"What I'm going to say to them is, they didn't give the service a chance," says Novak, who points out the women stopped using the service before their contracts were up.
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But the women say they're done with Vegas Valley Introductions.
"I don't want to work with someone who gets that belligerent," says Lowary.
"I mean, why would you do business with someone that you have absolutely no confidence in," says Marshall.
Some women told Contact 13 they are considering legal action.
Novak says she feels she's protected by her contract, which clearly states no refund will be given, if the client decides to terminate the agreement.
So before you sign up with any type of dating service, be sure to understand the refund policy, in case you decide you want out early.
This story airs on Friday Sept. 27 after the Vegas Golden Knights game, around 9:30 p.m., on KTNV 13 Action News.
