local Bally's closed; contract fees continue
Complaint
Randy Johnson
Country: United States
My contract with Bally's was for the use of one club, in my neighborhood. When that fitness center closed, I asked Bally's to cancel my membership. The club has, to date, refused to do so. They have offered me the use of a club that is 20 minutes away; my contract did not allow the use of any club other than my local club.
Comments
Beware that Bally's contracts may require cancellation under their terms via registered or certified mail notice to a specified address. Verbal statements like "don't worry, we will take care of it" by employees are often reported to result in debt collectors hounding you for full payment on some loan you may have thought you "cancelled" but for which they will now claim they have no record of cancellation. Any communications should be mailed or memorialized by mail, certified return receipt requested for proof of their receipt.
"Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Attorney General Abbott Charges Fitness Center Operator With Unlawfully Deceiving Texas Customers
Bally Total Fitness Corp. mailed fake bills to former members
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today charged Bally Total Fitness Corp. with unlawfully attempting to mislead its former customers into paying “past due” membership fees they do not owe.
Bally Total Fitness Corp., based in California, operates 24 fitness centers in and around the Dallas, Houston and San Antonio areas. An investigation by the attorney general’s office revealed that between summer 2009 and March 2010, Bally mailed more than 11,000 misleading “past due” notices to former members in an attempt to encourage them to rejoin their former gym. The notices created the false impression that former members had outstanding dues that needed to be paid.
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