Complaint Review: Lifestyles For Ladies - Doug Shaffer

I have been a member of Lifestyles for Ladies for over 9 years in Findlay. I actually worked at the gym for 4 years and know how screwed up the office staff/paperwork is!

I recently re-contracted with the club after having quit working there. When my banking information changed I had the proper paperwork filled out with the new bank information and it was supposedly faxed into the main office. The old account was still open, but there was no money in it as we were waiting to close it. After a few months and no money had been taken out, I took $100.00 cash to the club and paid there, receiving a receipt for it.

A week later I received a note from the old account saying that Lifestyles for Ladies had taken $115.00 out of the acount the day after I paid my cash and that the account was now overdrafted and would be charged $6.00 per day.

I went to the club the day I received the letter and the manager called Doug Shaffer at the main office. He agreed to pay the $100.00 back but said he would not pay any fees that I had incured. Because I am so familiar with Mr. Shaffer I did not argue, knowing that would get me no where. I just wanted my $100.00 back.

Because this was the week after Christmas I did not have the extra money to put into the bank to cover while waiting on the check. I assumed it was enroute. Over 3 weeks later and after several unreturned phone calls, I finally spoke again to the manager of the local club. She called Doug herself and told him that I now owed the bank over $300.00 and was still waiting on my check from him. He then admitted that he had not written the check yet, but would right then.

The next day I spoke to Doug myself and asked what he was going to do about the fees and he said that he made it clear to the manager and to myself that he was not responsible for the fees and would not pay them. He was rude and condesending on the phone! I told him I would have agreed with him not paying fees if the check had been written in a timely manner even though it was their fault that the checking account information was not updated when I brought the paperwork in months ago. He did admit that he was wrong in not sending the check out sooner but that things "got crazy" and he forgot about it. I'm sorry, but my bank won't "forget about" the $300.00 that I now owe them! I'm still waiting on the check.

Jodie
arcadia, Ohio
U.S.A.

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, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com
EDitor@RipoffReport.com
badbusinessbureau.com
www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.
Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

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CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.