Complaints

This profile includes complaints for A Foreign Affair's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  A Foreign Affair

  7320 N Dreamy Draw Dr Ste 200 Phoenix, AZ 85020-5362

• 

  A Foreign Affair

  7227 N. 16th Street #240 Phoenix, AZ 85020-5239

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/08/2023

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  From January 30 through March 13, 2023, I paid $300 to exchange email communication with a person on A Foreign Affairs website, whom I thought was real and genuinely interested in developing a serious, long-term relationship. After a few weeks, I discovered the person I was writing to was actually a paid interpreter/employee from A Foreign Affair, who was leading me on but refused video communication on AFAs website or outside its platform. I realized I was being scammed when the person whom I was communicating with refused video communication on AFAs Skype, despite professing interest in me and sending me several letters expressing a desire to establish a relationship. It cost me $10 to read each of the letters that I received and $10-$15 to respond to each correspondence. The Skype option was relatively safe, as a third-party AFA interpreter would have been there to facilitate and assist with the conversation. Moreover, the Skype video option was on the sites platform so no personal information would have had to be exchanged. When I called AFA to address this issue, the person I spoke to admitted that I was speaking to an AFA interpreter/employee. Moreover, *** told me that a manger would call me to discuss the matter. However, I never received a return call from AFA. On March 30, 2023, I sent a written letter to AFA to request a partial refund ($150) for the money that I lost from this apparent scam. Per AFA's website, "Our pledge to you is that we will either resolve the issue to your full satisfaction or refund the appropriate amount, either way we will work to satisfy you" (Source: *****************************************************). Unfortunately, AFA never bothered to respond to my email or communicate with me to resolve this problem. AFA should be investigated for making deceptive claims about their services and clients and tricking customers to believe that they are willing to independently resolve consumer complaints to their full satisfaction.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/12/2023

  Thank you for assisting with this matter. We just spoke with ******* and had a very good conversation.  There seemed to be some misunderstandings and we did drop the ball on communication with him as to what we were doing to assist him.  Part of the issue was it was Holy week in *************** and then of course Easter.  The offices are closed or severely cut back for several days.  In his letter he was wanting a resolution by the 15th of April and since that was still many days away our main office was waiting to hear back from the agency.  They did not communicate that to ******* as they should have which was our fault and prompted him to reach out to the BBB.  There was also a miscommunication as to the paid interpreter.  Our staff relayed that the letters go through a paid interpreter, which they do as stated on the site,but the woman must be involved.  We contacted the agency and received proof of the womans involvement in the correspondence.  It was a relatively short correspondence so the woman was not quite prepared to do a 30 minute skype call which takes more time and energy given that she needs to travel to the office to do the video call.  However, she is willing to do it and or meet him.  We informed him of that but he stated that he may consider doing a tour with us in the future to *************.  That is something we highly advise as the tours and in person meetings are much more productive than correspondence.  We resolved the issue with ******* as he asked and look forward to working with him again in the future!

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/16/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  Thank you for your services. I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

  Moreover, I recently checked my credit card statement and it shows AFA promptly reimbursed the amount that I requested to resolve this matter.

  I appreciate ****'s timely resolution to this matter and returning my funds, as promised. I also appreciate ****'s professionalism and candor in dealing with this issue.

  Thank you, again, for your services!

  Kind Regards,

  
  **********************************************
  
   

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/03/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Well, I knew what I was likely getting into but gave it a shot regardless. I spent about $750 chatting with 3 different women on the site. First woman treated the letter system ($10 per letter) like a test message, mostly sending a few sentences here and there. After about 2 days I had to end it since it was getting just too ridiculous. I mean come on. Second issue was with the second woman. Her messages were fine, I didnt notice anything suspicious about the wording or contradicting of her responses. However, once i payed money to open a video of hers I quickly noticed that her photos on the site were HEAVILY airbrushed. Ok, I get some touch *** and photoshop, its expected. But this was just excessive and made her look 15 years younger. Not cool (keep in mind Im not twice these womens age, Im similar age). So I stop that conversation for an uneasy feeling.Now, third woman is where I start seeing the red flags with the site that everyone is probably mostly worried about. We chat for a week in total, nice back and forth, we both exchange pictures. Her emails always come around the same time, 1AM, ok interesting timing on that. I start to notice some odd paragraphs from her, the wording just seems odd and not like the previous letters, almost like someone else is writing this. (I understand its translated) then the contradictions start from her and shell ask me questions or make statements as if she didnt read the previous letter or doesnt remember we already talked about something. After a week (shes saying how shes excited to see me in person, Im a wonderful guy, etc you know ) I ask to video chat and she still says no. Hmmm, so youre telling me all these things yet arent even willing to video chat? Makes me think that either the girl is just looking for a pen pal or something else nefarious is happening with the site. My advice? Use your big head, not the little one and save your money. Not worth it in the end. Dont get conned.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/07/2023

  We did reach out to **** the same day and had a good conversation, he seems very sincere.  He had used the service for only a week and was not satisfied.  We are proud of our almost 30 year history and the thousands of marriages and relationships we have facilitated, and have always stood behind our service, as we did in this case.  We issued a refund per his request. We continue to look into the 3 cases.  The women,working with the Matchmakers, all have different ways in replying, some longer some shorter, etc.  We are looking to see exactly what took place and take any necessary actions.  The woman whose appearance was in question was actually on the site for a few years, (which does happen) however in most cases we place videos (as in this case) to try and present a better overall idea of appearance.  Many women will take professional photos with hair, make-up, lighting etc, in an effort to put their best foot forward.  We are also looking at the third case.  The woman stated she would be open to the call once they got to know each other better. It had only been about 6 days with about 5 letters to her. We will continue to look into it, some women wish to get to know the man better before a video call which does take quite a bit of effort and commitment.  We did advise that it is always best to meet in person whenever and as quickly as possible.  We offer many different ways to do that with group and individual tours and services.  We assist with hundreds of in person meetings each month all around the world.  In many cases it is not even necessary to write prior to meeting in person.  We ***************** has success with his search and are happy to assist him with in person meetings if he so desires.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/08/2023

  Better Business Bureau:

  I had a very nice and informative call with **** about my issues. He seemed genuinely sorry about my bad experience and was willing to do what it took to make it right in my eyes. To be quite honest I wasnt expecting as nice of a call as the one I received. I feel kind of bad for my complaint now! **** went above and beyond what 99% of businesses would do in todays word so I appreciate that. Some of my issues on the site were probably self inflicted looking back. **** was very straight forward about the process and recommended I look at tours in the future. At first I was against the suggestion but after further thought, as well as the wonderful customer service shown my way Im now leaning towards taking an in person tour on an upcoming gathering in ********. I think this option better suits my style and what Im desiring. 

  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.
  
  Regards,
  
  ***********************
  
   

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/31/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  3 bad experiences regarding letters. 1st member responded and said she was taken. 2nd letter to member was responded with a pic of member that looked like a lady boy. No way the pic i got was the same on site. 3rd letter today was a good cordial letter. Only downfall is that the girl is going to ********** in april as a foreign exchange student. Why is she on the site if she leaving. Makes zero sense to me. But she said she can see meet me in march 2023 for a tour. Disappointed with letters. I cant comment on tours. But how can someone feel confident purchasing the package for tour after 3 bad experiences??? If someone is looking for a serious relationship and something changes they should inform the agency. Keep in mind each letter sent and received is $10 each.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/03/2023

  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.  I have spoken with the client, nice gentleman, and it appears to simply be a misunderstanding.  He is very new to the service, after speaking with him he now has a clear understanding of how it works.  In the first instance, the woman was honest with him and told him she recently met someone (on this platform)and did not feel right to continue with him.  That is exactly how it should work, better than her leading him on wasting time, money, etc.  The second case,the photo appears to be from the woman, not a very good photo but it is clearly her.  Women will send multiple photos some better than others, which provides a better idea of their overall appearance other than just the few profile photos.  There is also nothing wrong with the woman who is in ******** now but soon will be coming to the States.  She offered to meet there and if it worked out they could continue once she arrived in the States.  Most men would desire that since she already has a visa.  These are real women with real lifes, they can and do move from time to time.  Now that we have spoken I believe he has a better understanding of the service and may go on a tour to meet many of these wonderful women. We highly advise meeting in person over just correspondence,we offer various ways to do that with both group and individual packages.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/06/2023

  There was just an issue that was fully not AFA fault.  I had a great conversation with ******************* from corporate and he was extremely helpful.  We both have a better expectation of the letters and actually attending a tour.  We concluded that the tour would ultimately be the option and meeting the members in person. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/19/2022

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This International Dating Site is a Worldwide Scam. There are charges for every type of contact with extraordinary in-person fees should the participant choose to actually attend a in-country "party". You cannot receive real life contact information. The female profiles are bogus - my one contact (if it was real) was 7 years dated as confirmed by an FA employee. The e-mail solicitations are fake and created/submitted by FA employees, not female contacts. The pictures are almost certainly false and dated. You can note the same "props" and also photo shopped profiles.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/23/2022

  ****** spent a total of $19.98 to correspond with one woman.  One concern was that she was not real since he was told by our staff that her profile was 7 years old. Very few men travel to meet so many never have a chance to meet.  Her profile was active for several years, has gone on dates and done skype calls, at times it was inactive when in a relationship and then would activate again.  He could have done a video call or met in person.  A meeting is $95.00 not an "extraordinary" cost. He requested a refund, the last E-mail we sent indicated we were happy to do so but needed to know the issue, we never received a reply to our follow up E-mail, so they thought he was fine.  We have processed the full refund of $19.98.  This is International Dating, different than domestic dating.  One important distinction is IMBRA (International Marriage Broker Regulation Act), a Federal Law which,among other things, restricts the way in which singles can exchange contact info.  We require several checks before placing a profile,including Government ID.  We also hold in person meetings with thousands of women profiled each year. That would be impossible if profiles were not real.  As site states the women can and often are assisted with sending Introduction letters as an indication of possible interest.  If you would rather not receive introduction letters you can easily disable the function and write first, or do not write at all and meet in person.  There are several ways to meet and obtain real life contact information, including Group tours where you can meet hundreds of different women, and exchange contact information with as many as you like, (at no additional cost) as well as Club and one on one introductions.  We facilitate hundreds of in person meetings each month.  We regret we were unable to assist ****** in his search and sincerely hope that he finds another service he feels comfortable with.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/24/2022

   This "international dating site" A Foreign Affair (AFA) charges for, controls, and likely inserts a staff member in every form of contact. At a minimum this manipulation for maximum financial return is a modified pyramid scheme.  *** marketing is extremely "clever" and many "hopeful" people are vulnerable. *** BBB has a history of complaints about AFA. I was not financially impacted.
  
  I wrote one letter and it was intercepted by A Foreign Affair employee and edited. *** response was likely entirely written by A Foreign Affair employee who scolded me for sending my e-mail address. ( see below sentences in quotes)
  
  I do not use social media, ****** and I do not see your contact details, the site blocked them. Maybe you do not know BUT the site blocks any contacts that you put into the letters, there are rules. Writing the contact details in the letters is against the rules

   

  Further, each female profile is professionally photographed and likely photo-retouched.*** women are very attractive and mostly in their 30's/ 40's - there is no diversity or cross section of women. As admitted by A Foreign Affair, the photos may be 7 years old or older.

  ***se profiles of eligible women mostly represent the very same message stated slightly differently, what I would capsulize as "boilerplate".

   

   

   

   

  Business Response

  Date: 11/25/2022

  Its unfortunate ****** did not have a good experience, as tens of thousands of men and women have over the last 27 years.  Part of the issue may be ****** never really used the service except for a single refunded letter.  He could have done a skype call or simply met face to face. We have no idea what Pyramid is, we simply provide several services for singles and comply with State and Federal Laws.  Last month we conducted one of our many group tours in Cebu where 8 couples become engaged! We have a tour now in ****** where hundreds of men and women will meet and exchange contact info, develop relationships/friendships.  We must follow Federal Law, IMBRA, as the site states, we will always edit out contact info until IMBRA is satisfied, if not we face a 5 year prison sentence/fines.  The couple will also not be able to process a Fiancee visa.  The ** Consulate General inspected our offices and congratulated us on IMBRA compliance.  We are very diverse with women from multiple counties, cultures, appearance and age.  Men and women may be on the site for several years.  Our staff volunteered that the profile was placed 7 years ago in an effort to help, it is not a secret, you can tell how long any profile has been on the site by the ** number.  The profile was placed 7 years ago, not necessarily the photos.  Women and men often update photos which may have been the case. We have had men on the site, off and on, for over 20 years, that does not mean they are not serious. Men and women often try to place their best foot forward and will place glamour shots,again as stated.  If you ever meet or skype with someone you feel there is an issue with photos just let us know.  Of course the BBB has a history of complaints about any active company.  If you check you find only 10 in the last 3 years, all minor and most resolved.  That is a fantastic record especially given we are a dating and travel company.  We regret we could not assist ****** and **** he finds success.