Bally's Total Fittness ballys total fittness claims that they didn't receive my cancelation in time now they have put a lien on my house after 7 years of run around. Albany NY New York

I was targeted by Asset Acceptance (as well as by Arrow) for an alleged debt to Bally's Fitness; the best way to handle them is let them know you won't roll over and give them your money. I'm not a lawyer but I don't believe that a collection agency can put a lien on your house, at least not until a judgement has been entered against you in a court of law. How do you know there's a lien on your house? Have you seen any documentation or are you just going by what they say? The best way to handle this is tell them you owe nothing, that if they want a penny they better be ready to go to court and that, if sued, you will countersue and definitely show up.

Check your state's laws regarding the statute of limitations and, if expired, let them know that you're aware of that. File a complaint with the appropriate state and federal agencies, print copies of those complaints and fax them to Asset Acceptance (do this from a Kinko's or a library so they don't get your home fax number). Most importantly, never acknowledge that you owe anything. Good luck!

The Original Ripoff Report Text:
In the year 2001 on Oct 2nd l joined ballys total fittness but l was a fulltime student so when l realised that l wouldn't have time for the gym with my daughter, l went back the next day to cancel the membership. the manager at the time told me that he couldn't cancel the membership but instead l had to mail the the contract to the head office which l did right away. l called the the head office to see if they had received the contract and they told they couldn't cancel it because it didn't get there in time. l explained to the lady that l wasn't going to be able to the use the gym because of the schedule but she wouldn't listen. l wrote them a letter and they told me they had received it but they couldn't cancel me out . They sold my account to the asset acceptance llc and now at the asset acceptance has put a lien on the house. They are asking me to pay 2887.95 seven years after l tried to cancel. l just spoke to the head office today and the lady told me that they will not cancel my account. I never received an ID card from the gym and they don't have a record of me ever using the gym since l signed the contract. they have given me the run around and l don't know what to do. (need help). Judith colonie ny Colonie, New York
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