Did Ashley Madison send fake messages to users?

In July 2015, the online dating platform Ashley Madison, designed for people seeking to have an affair, was the subject of a massive data breach. Following this event, reports and analyses indicated that the company had been using chatbots and fake accounts to send messages to users, particularly men. These allegations were part of wider criticisms that the site employed deceptive practices to entice users into purchasing credits in order to communicate with these fake profiles, which appeared to be interested women. The company faced significant backlash and legal action due to these practices, leading to a settlement wherein they agreed to change their policies and provide compensation to affected users without admitting any wrongdoing.