Over 200 Portuguese formally complain about dating apps

Searching for love online doesn’t always have a happy ending – and for more than 200 Portuguese consumers, it has ended with a formal complaint.

According to Portal da Queixa (Complaint Portal), more than 200 complaints have been lodged against dating platforms since 2019 in Portugal, with users reporting everything from fake profiles and unexpected subscription charges to privacy concerns and services that failed to deliver what they promised.

The online platform says complaints have gradually increased over the past seven years, rising from 22 in 2019 to 33 in 2025, the highest annual figure on record. Twenty complaints have already been registered during the first half of 2026, suggesting this year’s total could climb even higher.

Financial grievances top the list

Financial issues are by far the most common source of frustration, accounting for more than 40% of complaints so far this year. Users reported unexpected charges, difficulties obtaining refunds and disputes over premium subscriptions.

Other complaints centred on suspected fraud, the misuse of personal data, technical problems and poor service.

Some of the cases highlighted by Portal da Queixa include fake dating profiles created using people’s photographs without their consent, while others allege that platforms use automated interactions or fake accounts to encourage users to purchase premium services.

One consumer complained that “an account was created using my photograph without my knowledge” and called for it to be removed immediately. Another described a dating app as “fraudulent”, alleging that it relied on fake profiles to persuade users to spend money. Other complaints relate to premium matchmaking services costing more than €3,000 that consumers claimed failed to provide the promised service.

Most complaints come from older users

The figures also challenge the perception that dating platforms are reserved for younger generations. More than half of all complaints came from users aged between 45 and 64, with some premium matchmaking services attracting customers whose average age is over 50.

While the overall split between men and women has remained broadly even since 2019, men accounted for 85% of complaints submitted during the first half of this year.

Pedro Lourenço, founder of Portal da Queixa, said the findings highlight “the need for greater transparency, oversight and consumer protection in a sector that continues to grow but still faces significant challenges in terms of trust”.

“As these platforms continue to grow, effectively monitoring and responding to complaints will be essential to protect consumers and strengthen confidence in the sector,” he added.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.