LA Fitness.....What a TERRIBLE company! I have heard THOUSANDS of horror stories about this company!
I was a member there for 7 months. One day when I was checking my bank account, I saw that there were multiple charges from LA Fitness in one day, when my bill had already been paid for that month. I called to inquire what happened. The girl at the front desk told me that someone (who i didnt know) named Paul had been authorized to be put on my account, and those were his charges. So at this point TWO illegal things had been done: 1) A person was put on my account WITHOUT my authorization and 2) A person was linked to my BANK ACCOUNT WITHOUT my authorization. I was livid. I made an appt to talk to the GM that day when I left work. His suggestion was for that person (that i did NOT know) to pay me back himself. WHAT!?!?! I immediately said "Absolutely not! You made the mistake, YOU will fix it!" at this point he says he will take care of it.
Two weeks go by. NOTHING is taken care of. I call the LA Fitness, speak to the GM again, let him know that he has had AMPLE amount of time to take care of this situation, and I want HIS manager's email/phone number. He reluctantly gives her email to me, after saying that its NOT his fault/problem and he's told her.
I find out that he has NOT told this lady @ corporate. When I (finally) speak to her, she cannot find my account info b/c OBVIOUSLY the GM had wiped it out to cover his a*s. So I had to give it to her all over again. (it had been over a month since i first lost the money) After THREE more weeks I was credited back ONE of the TWO fees that weren't mine, after 30-40 back and forth emails...... I ended up having to fax my bank statement, emails, la fitness statement (that i printed before the GM deleted it haha) etc to get her the info. (this should not have been my problem to do) I waisted TONS of time doing this.
IT has now been over TWO MONTHS from when I first reported this, and they STILL owe me money. I've emailed the lady at corporate MULTIPLE times for the rest of the money with no response.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? STAY AWAY FROM LA FITNESS! THEY ARE A HORRIBLY RUN "BUSINESS".
Oh, and side note. Their personal trainers, who cost as much as a large car payment a month, do not have to be certified personal trainers with experience. They let them take a short test, and if they pass it, they can train. WHAT A WAIST OF MONEY! I know this because I have had 4 friends who have trained there, and soon after quit.
EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!
HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:
Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.
According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.
If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.
Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!
DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!
Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.
And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.
Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.
If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.
CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD
If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.
Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report ..
The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.
And good luck Let us know how you do!
ED Magedson Founder
RipoffReport.com
Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
Rip-off Report
PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280
