Complaint Review: EP Fitness - El Paso Texas

I got screwed by ep fitness.  Me and my husband moved out of El Paso several months ago, after I explained to them I moved out of town they reminded me of my contract that ended on 1/31/2011.  I too was advised that I would need to send a certified letter to cancel.  I sent a certified that they confirmed they received on 1/22/11......I was still charged for me and my husband plus an annual for 29.95.  I called the so called corporate office got hung up twice by Ruth, then spoke to a Kristi who said it's policy to cancel membership 30 days after they receive notice. 

Kristi refused to refund my charges, she then dumped me to a Sandra (which later I come to find out there is no Sandra it was Angie), No results with Angie so I asked for her supervisor. She told me she didn't have one after some persistence she said she would put me thru to her manager Jasmine.  After holding for over 10 mins,  Stella rudely answered and explained to me she usually does not take calls but she would this time, after explaining again (since no one else told her what was going on.

She said she would not refund me it was policy, Stella (the manager) was also the one who told me the rep I was speaking too was Angie not Sandra and there was not a Sandra in the office. I even called her by Sandra several times she never corrected me. Stella told me she heard the whole conversation and the rep said her name was Angie.  Funny on how Stella didn't know my name or why I was calling but she had heard the whole conversation.

I asked Stella to speak with her boss so I can take this higher.  I love this part; she is in charge, over all of corporate office.  So needless to say "no refund" but I will continue to try to get a refund, it's the principal of the matter, after being a member for so many years.  My husband has been with them when they were World Gym’s; you would like to assume they would gladly refund the 1 month and annual membership fee.  Guess Not.

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