Users claim OnlyFans deceived them by using impersonators

In a legal action filed in Illinois, two former users of the adult platform OnlyFans, M. Brunner and J. Fry, are suing the company over allegations of fraud. They claim that they were misled into believing they were engaging directly with content creators when, in fact, agency representatives were communicating with them instead. The plaintiffs claimed that the platform allows models to employ third-party services, known as 'chatters,' who impersonate the models. They argue that this practice fundamentally alters their experience, leading them to subscribe under false pretenses. Both Brunner and Fry noted that their doubts increased when they observed inconsistencies in the messages they received, making them question the authenticity of their interactions. With one creator reportedly having around 700,000 fans, Brunner remarked that it seemed unlikely for a single individual to manage personal responses effectively. The lawsuit was specifically filed against Fenix International Limited and Fenix Internet, LLC, which are the parent companies of OnlyFans. The plaintiffs asserted that had they been aware that they were not communicating directly with the real models, they would have either avoided subscribing altogether or significantly reduced the amounts they were willing to pay. This class action complaint is significant in that it follows other complaints regarding the same issue on the platform, including a separate action filed in 2021 against Unruly Agency, which was accused of exploiting its users. The men’s assertion revolves around the claim that OnlyFans has consciously chosen to benefit from this deception, thereby breaching the expectations set forth in their user agreements. As part of their argument, Brunner and Fry stress that the misrepresentation of services provided by models affects not only them but also a larger class of users who rely on direct communication with their favored creators. Despite these serious allegations, OnlyFans has yet to issue a public comment regarding the lawsuit. A spokesperson had previously indicated that any third-party agency hired by creators does not operate on behalf of OnlyFans, underscoring the platform’s position that it holds no responsibility for the actions of the service providers chosen by content creators. The continued legal battles surrounding these impersonation claims hint at underlying issues within user trust on platforms like OnlyFans, indicating potential challenges for its business model if user confidence is seriously eroded. As the plaintiffs’ case moves forward, the outcomes could reshape not only how creators engage with their audiences but also the transparency and ethics involved in digital content creation.