So, due to my wife and I getting laid off from our company, we were forced to move into my in-law's house which means cancelling our membership with LA Fitness.
I went to the gym and spoke to a Josh. He said that he could cancel my membership at the gym. Once it was all ready to print everything for me confirming the cancellation, like magic the printer doesn't work. He told me it would be all taken care of tomorrow.
The next month rolls around, I get billed another month ($70). I contact Josh again and he tells me that he's busy and will call me back... Never get a call back. I called another time and got the same brushing off. AGAIN, I look at my statement the next month and I was charged for that month. I call again, and this time Josh tells me that corporate cancelled my account but not my wife's. I asked him why on earth was I getting charged for my account if just my wife's account was active? He tells me to call back later.
Enter this month... Again, another charge. The total bill has accumulated to about $210. I FINALLY spoke to the manager (Eric) and low and behold, there is no record of me contacting Josh nor did this guy notate in my account that I tried to cancel my account. Also, I was told that they don't cancel memberships at the fitness centers and that a form had to be sent to corporate (although Eric magically was able to cancel my account right then and there AT THE FITNESS CENTER and send me a receipt in my e-mail).
I was completely furious! I asked Eric the manager that if it was that easy, why wasn't I just sent a form or even offered one? Also, since they use a barcode system to track when I go to the gym, didn't he find it odd that I haven't been at that gym for 3 months. He brushed me off and told me he couldn't refund me the money.
So, I called the corporate office (949) 255-7200, and spoke to a Michelle at customer service and was told the same song and dance although this time I was told to review my contract if I had a problem with the cancellation policy. I pleaded with her that I was scammed by this guy Josh and that he lied to me over and over again either because he was lazy or this is an unwritten "policy" LA Fitness has to grab a few extra dollars during a recession.
In the end, I was told I am getting only $70 credited back as a good faith effort. This is not enough!
I am not as mad that the money was being taken out (although still being laid off and desperately needing the money sure makes this more hurtful), I am furious by the fact that I was lied to over and over again and basically scammed and brushed off by this company. They seem as if this is a normal occurence (since there are a ton of websites stating the same problem with LA Fitness) and I am shocked that the corporate office nor the manager at the gym really seemed surprised that this guy was telling me (and god knows how many other members) that they can just cancel their membership there.
If you plan on using LA Fitness, be very careful! Make sure you have everything in writing and be sure to cancel with the actual cancellation form (send it certified too). I will never use LA Fitness again. They are scum and will rob you any chance they get.
0 comments