LA Boxing, Astoria NY lack of disclosure of key terms and conditions, fraudulent contract, unauthorized charges, lack of customer service, intimidation tactics Internet

I walked into LA Boxing to redeem the free session. After the session, the sales rep said that I can purchase a month of unlimited sessions at $ 79.00 and decide later if its the right fit. I paid in cash and was then
prompted to sign a waiver. I was also told that in order to receive the deal, I had to provide a credit card just to have on file but that if I didnt they could still honor the offer.

When I came in, I was told that I needed to buy my own gloves, which cost over $100 on site. I said that I am just trying this out and was defiantly loaned a pair. (On their website that each gym offers a proper
boxing, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts experience, complete with 16-ounce gloves and 150-pound punching bags for our members.)


When I came next, the manager Juan refused to let me in and put me on the spot in front of everyone at the front desk, arguing that I owed them money and that I have been told more than once to bring my own equipment. I was made to feel uncomfortable, confused, overwhelmed and embarrassed and I repeatedly stated that I had purchased a month trial through Jeanette.


My immediate reaction was to go back to Jeanette and get this sorted out. When I came into the gym the next time, she was busy with a customer so I went to the changing room in the meantime (I knew I
didnt want to ever go back there after I got at least a few sessions worth).


She burst into the locker room unexpectedly and said that as a courtesy she let me have the offer without credit card information but that it was in fact required if I were to continue to do the trial and she reassured me I would not be charged but that its just policy. I was put in an awkward position and gave her my card so that I can continue changing. I took her word for it and there was no further discussion.  

A few days after they charged my card and I immediately disputed the charge. Though the charge was added back to my account because my credit card company states that they provided authorization to charge my card.  

I was cornered and caught off guard. Its ironic that they align themselves with an anti bullying campaign when those are the exact tactics they employ to take advantage of people who might show remote interest in their product. I tried to work with them and I end up in a bigger mess.

Furious, I took the day off from work to review any communication I received from them (all email) and found a discretely attached document in my welcome email with a random numerical number for its title. I click on it to find a multiple page contract with highlighted sections and my signature plastered all over it.

Ive been bombarded with emails regarding my delinquent account and regular calls from debt collectors. It was only Sept of 2012 that I first walked in there. Yet trying to get a response from somebody at corporate (aside from a debt collector) has been impossible.

Finally I spoke to Paula in corporate. I told her that I was not informed that to partake in any activity there that I had to have a annual membership and that I cannot afford a membership. She repeatedly cut me off giving me the run around saying that I signed something and that she has never heard of anything like this.

This whole situation has been utterly exhausting and time consuming and I am definitely seeking egal assistance.