Since: Feb 08
Escondido, CA
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This Valenti scheme is a scam. Read this from the Union Tribune: Link: http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20051... Can't buy me love Some singles' dealings with a high-priced matchmaker end up in court instead of courtship By Jenifer Goodwin STAFF WRITER October 9, 2005 While leafing through an in-flight magazine, Diane Lindamood stopped at an ad for Irene Valenti, an international matchmaker in the "European Tradition."Valenti, a heavily made up, French-manicured, petite, 59-year-old blonde, promised to help clients find a life partner from her "select worldwide clientele," who range from "comfortable to the extremely wealthy." LAURA EMBRY / Union-Tribune Irene Valenti's advertisements (at right, from Smart Money) show her stepping out of a Ferrari and in upscale settings, including her Rancho Santa Fe house (above). Having no interest in the bar scene, and wanting to meet someone who wasn't after her money, Lindamood thought Valenti might help her. Lindamood, left widowed with three young sons in 1987 when a disgruntled employee brought down the passenger plane her husband was piloting, received a multimillion dollar settlement from the airline. She paid Valenti $30,000 up front, and agreed to pay another $30,000 if she got married, engaged or had an exclusive relationship. "I had tried different ways of meeting people but this one seemed a little more exclusive," Lindamood said. Instead of going to the Chapel of Love, Lindamood wound up in court. In 2003, Lindamood sued Valenti in San Diego Superior Court for fraud and deceit, alleging Valenti introduced her to men who bore no resemblance to the type she said she was looking for. Lindamood, then 56, said she wanted a man her age. Valenti set up her up with a 72-year-old. With divorce rates high and young people waiting longer to marry, the number of singles in the United States is rising – meaning lots of potential business for matchmakers, who market themselves as modern-day yentas helping the lovelorn find that special someone. In its sales pitch, Valenti International promises strict confidentiality. Though it may protect singles from embarrassment, the policy also means prospective clients have little means of checking out the service before forking over fees that resemble the price of a Tiffany engagement ring. And some clients are having serious cases of buyer's remorse. In the last decade, Valenti International has been sued in San Diego courts by about 20 clients, mostly women who claim that Valenti took their money and then failed to deliver anything close to true love. "It's definitely not worth the money," said Elaine Heine, a Del Mar attorney who represented seven men and women in a 2003 suit. "She's catching people in a desperate situation. They desperately want to be with someone who is right for them, and they feel that if they pay enough money for it they'll get it." Valenti declined to be interviewed for this story. But Robert Page, managing director of Valenti International, said business is booming. The company recently moved to a larger office and Valenti has added consultants around the country. "If you were in this business and you didn't have anybody that was upset, that would be very unusual," Page said. "It's a very emotional business."
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“Matchmaker”
Since: Feb 09
San Diego, CA
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Valenti International responds to the San Diego Union Tribune article “Can’t buy me love.” Fraught with inaccuracies and slanted for sensationalism, journalistic integrity appears lost. Can you really trust the search results on Google and Yahoo? Appearing as if it were yesterday, the San Diego Union Tribune article “Can’t buy me love,” appears in Google and Yahoo search results as if it were hot of the presses. Valenti International feels the time is now to finally tell their side of the story.“We were quiet and wanted to avoid dragging our business and clients through the mud by taking the higher ground, but the article has created a profound misperception regarding our business. People don’t notice the date of the article. It’s as if the article is being republished every time you search for our company. We trust search engines to provide us with timely and accurate results. After speaking with a potential client today who made reference to this article, I decided it was time,” said President Irene Valenti. Less than one tenth of one percent,(.001), that is the fraction of clients that have pursued a legal complaint with Valenti International, now in business for over 19 years in the same small and private affluent community of Rancho Santa Fe, California. The truth is…“I personally witnessed the San Diego Union Tribune staff writer illegally entering and bypassing security gates in the hopes of gaining information about celebrity clients,” says Steve Valenti, Director of Operations for Valenti International. According to Robert Page, the Managing Director of Valenti International,“prior to her trespassing, the writer refused a formal written invitation for an interview with the founder of Valenti International, Irene Valenti. She claims in the article that Valenti International refused to meet with her. What is not stated in the article is that most cases were amicably settled and never actually reached a court of law. Thus, the term “sued” was completely misleading creating the impression that Valenti International is fraudulent and in big trouble with the law when the fact is that a majority of clients are pleased. Apparently the appeal of exploiting lonely and emotionally hurt individuals for public ridicule in a distorted article was just too enticing. And that is perhaps the ultimate truth behind the “Can’t buy me love” story published in the Union Tribune.” Irene Valenti continues,“Unfortunately, the writer was so interested in Valenti International and she appeared to have a premeditated agenda to ride the company’s shining and sophisticated reputation as the founders of traditional matchmaking.” Rather than conduct a balanced interview, she illegally trespassed and was found at Irene Valenti’s home. Irene Valenti was stunned to find the writer inside the gated community and asking probing questions of her neighbors. She was also caught trespassing at the Valenti International World Headquarters by the founder’s son, Steve Valenti.“She was sneaking into the gated estate, all of which could have been avoided. Clearly she was not after a balanced story. Gates, secrecy, privacy, all are necessary for many clients who are public figures and highly recognizable,” added Steve.
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“Matchmaker”
Since: Feb 09
San Diego, CA
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Of course Valenti occasionally has an unhappy customer—this is a highly emotional business. Yet Valenti is incredibly proud of an impressive track record and commitment to clients. Thousands of clients year after year are pleased, satisfied, and content in their private experience. Made to look mean and fraudulent, Valenti International’s voice was never heard—what of the couple married in 2005 that recently had twins? Or the European couple that left Germany to honeymoon in San Diego to thank Valenti for their efforts? Valenti International does not solicit with coercive charismatic personal references or promising statistics to legitimize the service. Every client is a highly unique and complex person, with his or her own probability of success. Respect, confidentiality, and dignity, along with quality clientele and a trained staff are part of what the company guarantees. The company employs licensed doctors (an entire team) to make matches and ensure that clients receive professionally informed attention. Conversely, the industry has a reputation for unscrupulous companies and laypeople masquerading as “matchmakers.” How someone could entrust a total stranger lacking in education, training in human behavior and emotions, or professional qualifications and standards for practice is frightening. Valenti International remains at the top for a reason. Additionally, it should not be overlooked that Valenti International forms a lasting relationship with clients for three years. A collaborative three-year relationship only survives with trust and mutual goals, the functional antithesis of fraud or misrepresentation. Because the service standard is so high with only psychologists, the company has thrived with a strong reputation and enduring integrity. “On occasion it is disappointing when we cannot provide a client with the dream relationship he or she desires; we deal with this reality as part of our job. Matching incredible people is unbelievably demanding, and the entire team is totally devoted to this end. We want our clients to be happy, the happiness that comes from knowing unconditional love with their partner. Our most successful clients always look the same in one regard: they take responsibility for their own part in our shared goals and fully trust and participate in our process, even through difficult emotional times.” Irene Valenti, known as the founder of traditional matchmaking since 1990, President of Valenti International. Link: http://valentiinternational.com
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“Matchmaker”
Since: Feb 09
San Diego, CA
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Judged:
1
Valenti International responds to the San Diego Union Tribune article “Can’t buy me love.” Fraught with inaccuracies and slanted for sensationalism, journalistic integrity appears lost. Appearing as if it were yesterday, the San Diego Union Tribune article “Can’t buy me love,” appears in Google and Yahoo search results as if it were hot of the presses. Valenti International feels the time is now to finally tell their side of the story. Less than one tenth of one percent,(.001), that is the fraction of clients that have pursued a legal complaint with Valenti International, now in business for over 19 years in the same small and private affluent community of Rancho Santa Fe, California. The truth is,“I personally witnessed the San Diego Union Tribune staff writer illegally entering and bypassing security gates in the hopes of gaining information about celebrity clients,” says Steve Valenti, Director of Operations for Valenti International. According to Robert Page, the Managing Director of Valenti International,“prior to her trespassing, the writer refused a formal written invitation for an interview with the founder of Valenti International, Irene Valenti. She claims in the article that Valenti International refused to meet with her. What is not stated in the article is that most cases were amicably settled and never actually reached a court of law. Thus, the term “sued” was completely misleading creating the impression that Valenti International is fraudulent and in big trouble with the law when the fact is that a majority of clients are pleased. Apparently the appeal of exploiting lonely and emotionally hurt individuals for public ridicule in a distorted article was just too enticing.” Rather than conduct a balanced interview, she illegally trespassed and was found at Irene Valenti’s home. Irene Valenti was stunned to find the writer inside the gated community and asking probing questions of her neighbors. She was also caught trespassing at the Valenti International World Headquarters by the founder’s son, Steve Valenti.“She was sneaking into the gated estate, all of which could have been avoided. Clearly she was not after a balanced story. Gates, secrecy, privacy, all are necessary for many clients who are public figures and highly recognizable,” added Steve. Of course Valenti occasionally has an unhappy customer, this is a highly emotional business. Yet Valenti is incredibly proud of an impressive track record and commitment to clients. Thousands of clients year after year are pleased, satisfied, and content in their private experience. Made to look mean and fraudulent, Valenti International’s voice was never heard. What of the couple married in 2005 that recently had twins? Or the European couple that left Germany to honeymoon in San Diego to thank Valenti for their efforts? The company employs licensed doctors (an entire team) to make matches and ensure that clients receive professionally informed attention. Conversely, the industry has a reputation for unscrupulous companies and laypeople masquerading as “matchmakers.” How someone could entrust a total stranger lacking in education, training in human behavior and emotions, or professional qualifications and standards for practice is frightening. Valenti International remains at the top for a reason. “On occasion it is disappointing when we cannot provide a client with the dream relationship he or she desires; we deal with this reality as part of our job. Matching incredible people is unbelievably demanding, and the entire team is totally devoted to this end. We want our clients to be happy, the happiness that comes from knowing unconditional love with their partner. Our most successful clients always look the same in one regard: they take responsibility for their own part in our shared goals and fully trust and participate in our process, even through difficult emotional times.”
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Robert
Laguna Hills, CA
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Valenti international is a scam. The counsolers promise you that they have your match in teh data base, and even Irene Valenti herself promises such. But at the end they try a "bait & switch" game by trying to push some one who does not even fit the profile to your face. Robert Page, the managing director, makes the same false promises.
We are in process of investigating legal options to press charges.
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Amity
Port Saint Lucie, FL
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Singe Girl here looking for a boyfriend maybe more... who knows. Here is a pic of me. I'm on SD. http://sugardaddie.com/profilepa.php... amitykapri@gmail.com
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Steve
Victorville, CA
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There is so much negative publicity, why would anyone join the Valenti International agency???? Look at their Better Business Bureau record if there is any doubt on their credibility.
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“Matchmaker”
Since: Feb 09
San Diego, CA
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Valenti International is a very emotional business. The unfortunate thing about the internet is that people can say whatever they want and you have very little opportunity to defend or correct bad information. Like any business, we have the occasional client that is not satisfied with our service. I can honestly say that we have amicably resolved all customer complaints. People are quick to post complaints, but rarely retract, correct or update them. We have been in business for 20 years and must be doing something right. We have many satisfied customers. Narrow minded people unable to see the bad press for what it is, personal vendetta's, so called competitors, and sour grapes, are not good Valenti candidates. If you'd like to understand the true benefits and good things we do for our clients, make an appointment to see us in person. We welcome potential clients to our headquarters, something that others do not do. http://valentiinternational.com
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“Matchmaker”
Since: Feb 09
San Diego, CA
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You get what you pay for? So what do “women join for free” matchmaking services mean for a successful man? Valenti International says look out.
Danger… The alarms, sirens, and warning bells should be sounding loud and clear. But if you are distracted by beautiful photographs of stunning people, you may miss the significance of “you get what you pay for.” After all, what would you expect from someone who was willing to pay nothing but has a great interest in meeting a financially and professionally accomplished person? And what was the REAL cost of your last relationship?
You may be surprised to learn that very beautiful and attractive people can also be sincere in their intentions, and willing to step up financially for the right relationship just like you. Valenti International, in their 20th year of successful traditional matchmaking, is aware of the risks to incredible people. The organization, which prides itself on being the innovator, with the use of a team of licensed psychologists, has seen the devastation caused by “free” services. In contrast, people who are honest and genuine in their motives are willing to hire professionals. They also expect and understand that fees are involved. The lasting company catch phrase still holds true,“the more you have to offer, the harder it can be to find that special someone.” In this case, the more you have to offer, the more dangerous it can be for you not only financially, but also emotionally. In fact Valenti International now allows family and friends to purchase the service with a gift certificate for loved ones.
Hidden from the public and always taking the high ground, Valenti International has never broken confidentiality and always protects the privacy of it’s clients. Yet successful clients have been excited about stepping forward and revealing their wonderful experience—and identities—with the public. Paired with the Robb Report Collection of Magazines, successful Valenti couples will be interviewed and featured for readers. This is the first time ever that Valenti International, known as the “founders of traditional matchmaking,” have ever responded to a client’s request to tout the wisdom of the company’s approach.“We receive compliments all the time, but for us it was just business as usual. We never considered sharing a couple’s experience because it is so private. But when some of our favorite couples persisted in singing our praises, we decided to open our doors. You might be surprised by who some of our clients are,” said Irene Valenti, founder of Valenti International.
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