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Bally Total Fitness

Lifetime Contracts

Bally • Sales Practices, Contracts • The 12-Day Rule • "Lifetime" Contracts • Moved Away • Maintenance • Child Care • Opening Late • Headphone Policy --- News • Bally's Customers Hope To Exercise Their Rights

Carrie of Covington, KY writes:
I joined Bally in 1996 for a "lifetime membership." Originally, the account was set up to automatically deduct the monthly dues from my checking account. I decided to pay off the balance with a credit card and paid in full in 1997.

I was contacted by a telemarketer to "renew" my memberhip in late 1997. I was under the impression that my membership was a lifetime membership so I was upset to find out that in order to continue my membership, I would have to pay $20.00+ a month. The salesperson at the club told me if I referred 2 other people within 30 days of joining, I would be entitled to a "lifetime memberhip".

I refused to renew the membership when I was contacted by the telemarketer. I VERY CLEARLY REFUSED TO RENEW. I chalked it up to experience (I now will never sign a health club contract.)

Here's the unbelievable part. Three years later, May 2000, Bally began direct deductions from my checking account. I have had no contact with this company since 1997. My membership was paid in full three years ago. I clearly refused to renew, when I was contacted three years ago!

They managed to deduct $22.66 (per month) from my checking account in May, June, July, August. I finally noticed the deduction in August. Ever tried calling Bally? It's long distance. I was on hold for 20 minutes and disconnected.

When I finally talked to someone, in customer service, she explained that it is my responsibility to ensure that Bally does not deduct renewal dues from my account. That their system is set up in acertain way that this could happen, but that I should contact Bally to ensure that renewal fees are not deducted. WHAT?! Isn't it illegal to withdraw money from a person's checking account without authorization? Since when is it the consumer's responsibility? I have contacted a lawyer and want to penalize Bally (and send a message to all health clubs) that these kind of inethical and illegal business practices will not be tolerated.

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