Dating site warning: ‘steer clear’

People seeking love online are being warned to avoid dating website Private Event following an investigation into its ownership.

Consumer NZ found the site is registered to the former co-owner of Get Design and Sales, a company which left consumers thousands of dollars out of pocket.

In April, the consumer watchdog issued a warning about the kitset cabins company, after receiving complaints from consumers who had paid for goods but had not yet received them.

The Private Event website was registered by Grant Hulena in February.

Hulena was a joint shareholder of Get Design and Sales until he sold his shares to his former partner Emma Gestro in March.

The website promises ‘‘a discrete and secure way’’ of dating.

Customers are charged a yearly subscription fee of $50, as well as a booking fee for each event attended.

The terms and conditions state Private Event reserves the right to change its prices without notice. It also says the use of the website and attendance at events is at customers’ ‘‘own risk’’.

Consumer NZ chief executive Sue Chetwin said the clauses potentially breach the unfair terms provisions of the Fair Trading Act.

‘‘Companies that attempt to change significant terms without notice or limit their liability for providing services with reasonable care and skill risk misleading consumers and falling foul of the act.’’

Gestro told Consumer NZ the revenue from Private Event would be used to pay back kitset cabin clients, Chetwin said.

‘‘Ms Gestro’s track record gives us no confidence this will happen and we advise consumers to steer clear of the Private Event dating site.’’

Yesterday, Gestro said she managed the events on the website, but had little contact with Hulena. ‘‘He built the website and that’s it really.’’

Hulena has been approached for comment.