Complaint Review: Bally's Total Fitness Corporation

I had a 1-year membership with Bally's in 2008. The contract expired and I quit going there. In Feb 2010 I got a phone call from a debt collector saying I owe for the entire year of 2009. I do not believe I owe this. I understood the contract to expire after one year and then switch to an optional month-to-month program. I did not use the month-to-month option or the facility.

They never contacted me in any way about any supposed debt, but reported me to a debt collecting company in India to harass me nearly every day with threats to tarnish my credit if I did not pay. I called Bally's headquarters and they said that if I wanted to cancel my account, I should have written a letter to them saying that. I was not aware of that and believe the contract is deceptive.

I wrote a letter to them explaining this situation and protested the debt, but they have not responded. I do not agree that I owe them anything as I did not use their service and was not obligated after my 1-year contract expired. I do not agree with their action to remain silent about this issue; I never received one phone call or letter ever. They sold my debt to a debt collector without ever contacting me. It is my position that they are running a racket, because I have talked to other people who have had similar situations as mine. I believe that what they are doing is a scam and the debt that they claim I owe is false.

I have reported this incident to the Better Business Bureau as well as the Oregon Department of Justice. I am interested in pursuing a Class Action Lawsuit.