Golds Gym ,Formerly Fitness First, Kept charging after official cancellation of membership! Frederick Maryland

I went in person to cancel my membership a year and a half after the mandatory 1 year ended. I advised the Membership Representative at the front counter who asked me specifically why I wanted to cancel. I provided an answer (not that I had to) and he produced a Membership Cancellation Questionaire Form. I completed the Membership Cancellation section, signed the form and gave it back. He gave me my copy, explained that it was too soon to cancel for that month's fees (which I understood)  and assured me that I would not be charged for the next month's fees. The nice guy even stated I could keep visiting through the next month since I was paying for it anyway!

The 2nd month rolled around and low and behold, my account was charged for the the membership fees!! When I called the gym a woman at the front desk explained that my cancellation "was not sent up to headquarters because the General Manager had not signed the form." So, what? It's been sitting there in the rejection box for 40 days?

She stated she was sorry for this and she would have the manager sign it after the weekend and send it back to HQ in on Monday. She doesn't know how long it will be before my bank account is credited. ?!!

People, you've heard it, read it and been warned in other reports!!!!! Be very very very strict and vigilant with your credit cards and this company when you want to cancel your membership. Get copies of everything. Insist the manager is in the building before you arrive. Insist on getting names, ranks and serial numbers of everyone involved. Be prepared for a fight because nothing is simple or easy with this company.

I am now filing a dispute with my bank against this "merchant" which I am advised I should win due to the copy of the cancellation document in my posession. I will most likely have to change my mastercard account number to stop the additional charging attempts ( which I am expecting). And I am bracing myself for the harassing emails and phone calls that others have stated they received upon disputing the recurring fees after cancelling their memberships.

Will update if this company surprises me by correcting the situation, however, I am doubtful given events during the ending of our relationship.