Classmates.com is one of the original online social networks.

The class reunion website, which was founded in Renton more than a dozen years ago and maintains a large workforce in the area, remains a well-known brand — think of those ads featuring cringe-worthy yearbook photos.

But at least one person is taking issue with the site's current marketing practices.

San Diego resident Anthony Michaels is suing Classmates in California state court, alleging intentional misrepresentation, fraudulent concealment, and other misdeeds.

The crux of the lawsuit is this: Michaels says he signed up for Classmates' free membership and subsequently received messages that former classmates were viewing his profile or trying to contact him.

Michaels upgraded to a paid premium Gold Membership in order to view the contacts, and discovered that no former classmates had tried to contact him or view his profile, according to the lawsuit.

The suit, filed Oct. 30, seeks class action status.

Wired has more on the lawsuit and a link to the complaint.

A spokeswoman for Classmates said the company is reviewing the complaint but provided no further comment. The law firm representing Michaels did not return a message.

Classmates in August announced plans to move from its longtime base of Renton to the Seattle waterfront at Elliott Avenue West. The unit's 239 employees are scheduled to move early next year.

Classmates has been part of publicly traded United Online of Woodland Hills, Calif. since 2004. United Online bought Classmates for $100 million.