I went to Bally's in Mesa to apply for a job at 7pm the day before Thanksgiving 2001. I was told I would have to apply for a membership before they would consider me for a job. I told them I was a student and didn't have a job and couldn't afford to join. They coerced me into signing a membership with the promise of a job. I paid $25.00 and applied. I didn't get the job.
I sent certified letter to Bally's Corporate Office in California within 3 days of signing. I thought everything was fine until December when an automatic payment of $34.90 came out of my checking account which caused 2 overdrafts ($29. Each) on my account.
I immediately contacted Bally's Corporate Office and they denied receiving the certified letter (I had already received the signature card back).
I faxed everything to them again. Early January I called again to find out the person I talked to in December was no longer with the Company and was once again told they did not have any of the documentation.
I once again faxed this to them again. I had to cancel my debit card and my checking account to prevent them from taking further payments. As of February I am still being billed.
I contacted the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's office in California and Arizona. I received a response from the BBB quickly with Bally's response saying a cancellation was in place and money would be refunded within two weeks. That was a month ago and I still don't have a refund.
I don't understand how any business can get away with this kind of deceptive trade practices. I'm sure I am not alone and others too have struggled with similar situations.
I guess the only way to resolve this matter is to file a lawsuit against them which I fully intend to do. It is a matter of principal and I am not going to let them rip me off. Consumers need to be better protected against businesses that use these tactics. Stay away from Bally's Total Fitness - they couldn't care less about their customers!
Erika
Gilbert, Arizona
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