American Payment Services-Krav Maga Payment Scam San Antonio, Texas

Started as a member of 911-Krav Maga with a 1 year contract.  I honored the contract, cancelled my membership and they're still trying to bill me.

Firstly, I have nothing but good to say about the instructors at STW-Krav Maga, 911 Self Defense. My entire time taking classes, I learned a lot, increased my mental and physical fitness.  I even made a few more friends and was selected to go into instructor training.  I can say, if you want to learn good self-defense and a few other urban self-awareness skills, this is the place to go.  Great staff, and the facilities are the best in the nation for Krav Maga.  Pete Hardy and crew have a solid reputation in the Krav Maga industry and it's well deserved.  Be prepared to become addicted to the training there.  It's challenging, but fun. 

After taking classes for almost two years, I sustained a cracked rib in a training session.  I took a few weeks off and tried to go back in, but aggravated the injury again.  One of the instructors told me the rib injury would need a couple more months to heal, at least, so not to rush back into it.  By this time I was mostly through level 3 and about to test into level 4. 

I also started a more involved work and school schedule, compounded with the injury I knew I wouldn't be able to go back in. 

I sent in a letter to American Payment Services informing them I need to cancel my membership and that I'll go back in once my schedule clears up and I'm healed.  I also called in to inform them, and they said they still need the letter. 

I didn't hear back from APS until I started receiving notices from APS that I owe them money.  I called in and got the run around (not the first time).  They said they have not received my letter, nor have a record of my call, and that I need to pay them.  We went round and round with no resolution.  Their policy is if they don't have anything on file then it didn't happen.  Which is convenient for them. 

(A side note, my first payment was a debacle with APS as well.  I always check my first payment to make sure it goes through with any contract I get into.  With APS it didn't go through.  I called in immediately when I noticed nothing had posted to my account.  The person who answered the phone at APS said, she couldn't help me and that the person I need to speak to is "out taking her kids to school", and for me to call back.  I waited and called back, no answer.  The next day I called back in, and they said my payment didn't draft so now I owe them the regular payment plus a fee.  I made sure my money was in the account and verified with my own bank.  APS said sometimes payments don't go through, but either way I still owe them an extra fee since the draft didn't post -for whatever reason.  They explained to me the contract says I owe a fee if the payment doesn't go through for any reason.  I grumbled but to no avail.  This convinced me APS is a scam but I was locked in). 

Recently I called STW-Krav Maga to inquire about pricing on a new membership.  I wanted to just pay a lump sum to cover a half year to a year.  The representative at STW-Krav Maga looked up my information and said I still have a balance of over $300 with APS.  I explained the issue.  Unfortunately they're held up with APS and I'd have to resolve the issue with APS before going back in. Which is already not going to happen.  She said they've had lots of complaints about APS. Which should tell you something.  

Here's the deal:  If you want solid self-defense training, or general fitness training from a great staff, higher levels of fitness (mental and physical), at the best facilities in the nation, then go to Krav Maga-STW San Antonio. 

But DO NOT sign a contract with APS.  DO NOT.  DO NOT give them (APS) your credit card info, debit card info, don't sign any paperwork with APS.  Just pay for membership all up front if you can.  I wish I had known about this in advance. 

Then go into classes and learn how to defend yourself, be more aware of your surroundings and gain a lot of self-confidence in tough situations.