Body of Change (Fitworks, Affiliated Acceptance Corp) is an unethical, antagonistic company that employs bait and switch tactics to trap consumers into a contract they make extremely difficult to end. I was tricked into purchasing a year's worth of 'personal training' sessions by Tony Mingo. He was professional, knew his stuff, and gave you at least $78/hour worth of services. Once he gets you to sign up, you are passed off to 1 of 3 'trainers' (the ones available at my time range). They keep notebooks with date tables and you had to sign your name in an open slot. Usually, there were no times available. Further, not one of these 3 has any demonstrable abilities as a personal trainer. Mine, Daniel, was consistently late for our half hour sessions, but out the door at the half hour, regardless of what time my half hour started. He was busier texting on his phone then paying any attention to me. He knew almost nothing about the glycemic approach to diet that Body of Change was so intent on selling you. My initial evaluation and workplan were supposed to be ready for me the day after my first session. He didn't have it for almost 3 weeks. Same for the quarterly review and updated workplan. He was constantly losing paperwork and was TOTALLY unorganized, taking time away from my $37 half hour sessions. After complaint after complaint to Tony, I was given two sessions with Tony himself. These were what I expected at almost $80/hour. I was given a true, challenging session. Tony would not take me on as his personal client, though. He was too busy roping people into this Body of Change scam. He was also adamant that I tell him of any complaints, keeping me from going through other means.
I stopped going altogether 6 months into the contract. I called AAC trying to cancel. I was told I had to fulfill the 12 month contract. So they continued to take $78/month from me while providing NO services.
In August there was an issue with my bank card, and I had to go through a lot of phone calls, visiting the bank branch, and spending considerable time setting everything back up so they could take my money, still providing me NO services. I told the customer service rep at that time I wanted to cancel, explaining everything to her. She told me I had to fulfill the 12 months, but if I called this same number ANY TIME after 11/10/08, I could cancel then. She represented AAC and this information was doubly incorrect, both inaccuracies designed to take one more month's money from me at the least. I called 11/25 to cancel, per her instructions, and was told I had to give 30 days written notice. I explained what I was told by their csr on the phone. The woman who I was talking to was rude, antagonistic, sarcastic, unprofessional, and nasty. She said she didn't care what the lady had told me. This is my experience every time I've called AAC. They care NOTHING for people, treat you like dirt, and use scare tactics if you complain. They are solely concerned with getting your money. As they can’t retain clients by offering real services, they employ underhanded means to get as much money from you as they can.
AAC has had 30 complaints with the BBB in the last three years (that's as far back as they keep records), 17 with the MO Attorney General (now 18), and dozens with each state AG/BBB. They are unethical, rude, and use fraudulent recruiting practices. They haven’t even bothered to address any parts of my complaints regarding their fraudulent services. They are so focused on getting your money they couldn’t care less about their services.
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