I am writing this report simply because I am a firm believer that people should not be taken advantage of. Since I have been taken advantage of by Empire Fitness Clubs, it is my job to spread awareness about this fraudulant business and its owner so that others wont end up in my shoes. If you have thoughts about becoming a member of this organization, read my message below and hopefully, you will change your mind.
I have been a member of Empire Fitness for a couple of years now and during the current year, I have noticed some shady things happening. Back in April I renewed my membership for 14 months (which would make the expiration date June). When I renewed my membership, I paid my entire bill in full on the spot.in June I noticed a charge going through on my credit card statement for my membership once again. Immediately, I went to speak with a few employees and even supplied them with support regarding my situation. I was told over and over that Mr. Helbig will get the message regarding the matter and would contact me directly to correct the situation. Weeks went by without any word so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I got Mr. Helbig's contact information from his staff and began calling him directly. I have left over 15 messages with the Corporate office as well as his personal cell phone and I have still not yet heard back from anyone.
It amazes me that when it is time for me to renew my membership, I get emails, phone calls and letters before hand asking me to come in to make payment. Now, I am asking for reimbursement for over charges, and I can not get anyone to listen to me nor get a call back. I have totally been ignored!
To make matters worse, on September 8, I walked over to the gym once again to see if I could speak with another employee about my case. I walked there only to find that the gates were down with huge eviction notices all over the place. The gym has been shut down for the past week and members weren't even informed via letter or phone call. All this time, we have been dealing with an owner that has been taking our money and using if for his own personal satisfaction rather than paying his bills! Now, not only have I lost the money that Empire charged to my credit card without consent, but I also lost almost a year of membership that I prepaid for. I can only imagine the many others who have also lost hundreds and hundreds of dollars with not so much of an explanation.
I have to say that I have never encountered such unprofessional behavior. I am disappointed and down right pissed off! Mr. Helbig has taken the cowardly route by not addressing any of the calls of the people he has taken money from.in a time like this when the price of everything has skyrocketed, it is especially unfair to rip people off and take them for granted.
If you read this, Mr. Helbig, I hope you get exactly what you deserve. I will not stop until the word is out about you and hopefully, individuals can begin to recover the money which you have taken from them.
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