200+ Complaints Filed Against Portuguese Dating Apps Since 2019
More than 200 formal complaints have been lodged against dating platforms in Portugal since 2019, according to data from Portal da Queixa, a consumer complaint platform. The number has risen gradually, from 22 unique complaints in 2019 to 33 in 2025, with 20 new complaints already recorded in the first half of 2026. These are specifically large-scale complaints, rather than small greviances – issues with app functionality, payments, user safety, or significant quality problems.
Financial grievances are the most common issue, accounting for over 40% of complaints this year. Users reported unexpected charges, refund difficulties, and disputes over premium subscriptions. Other frequent complaints include suspected fraud, misuse of personal data, technical problems, and poor service quality.
Several cases involve fake profiles created using individuals’ photographs without consent. Users also alleged that some platforms use automated interactions or fake accounts to encourage purchases of premium features. Premium matchmaking services costing over €3,000 have drawn criticism for failing to deliver promised results.
Complaints are not limited to younger users. More than half come from individuals aged 45 to 64, with some premium services attracting customers over 50. While complaints have been roughly even between men and women since 2019, men accounted for 85% in the first half of 2026.
Pedro Lourenço, founder of Portal da Queixa, emphasized the need for greater transparency, oversight, and consumer protection in the growing sector. He noted that effective monitoring and response to complaints will be essential to maintain trust as platforms expand.
Although this is obviously a bad thing for the Portuguese dating app user base as a whole, it also hints that there could be a wider gap for apps that are able to deliver a good customer experience. This level of complaint-filing means that there may be more room for new platforms to swoop in and capture that disgruntled audience, from straightforward swiping apps to premium matchmakers.
