Luxury matchmaker overcharged lovelorn, world-renowned NYC dentist by $20K: lawsuit

A California matchmaker allegedly swindled a world-renowned New York City dentist out of nearly $20,000, according to a lawsuit filed this week.Dr.Michael Gelb, 68, has accused Newport Beach-based The Standard Agency, Inc., of engaging in “deceptive” business practices by overcharging him by a staggering $19,500.The alleged upcharge means The Standard Agency breached the August 2023 contract he signed with the 30-year-old matchmaking outfit, according to Gelb’s suit, which was filed in Manhattan Supreme Court.On its website, The Standard Agency claimed it has “evolved to be the leader in matchmaking services for the nation’s affluent.”The private matchmaking is available only to men making at least $400,000 a year — or can prove a net worth of at least $3 million.The Standard Agency initially charged the dentist its standard $20,000 fee for “social referral services,” but later, mistakenly charged him nearly double, according to the lawsuit.Under New York state law, “social referral services” have to provide their clients with a minimum number of referrals — or prospective matches — every month.

They’re also barred from charging clients more than $25 if they can’t meet the agreed-upon referral quota.Gelb, who has made regular media appearances on Fox News, CNN, CBS, ABC, and The Doctors, alleged in his lawsuit The Standard Agency’s contract failed to specify how many referrals he could expect to receive from them each month.The matchmaking company also failed to provide Gelb with a copy of their “Dating Service Consumer Bill of Rights,” according to the suit.Gelb said in the filing he has requested refunds from the matchmaking service, but never received any money back.The gouged dentist is calling for at least $58,500 in damages.The Standard Agency did not respond to The Post’s requests for comment....