Fitness Connection Titan Fitness Consumer fraud through deception Raleigh, North Carolina

On 1/4/2013, I met with the manager of Fitness Connection and signed an agreement for a 1 year membership (no contract) for an initial payment of $99 and a monthly payment of $9.95 without a comittment to remain a member. I could "end the agreement after a few visits if (I) did not like the gym".

I was scheduled to meet with the trainer "Joe" on Monday, January 7 @ 8:00 am.  Joe was a fast talking, individual who presented with a "concerned" affect.  I informed him that I was not interested in the whole evaluation consisting of an "assessment of my current physical condition and how wonderful they could make me look"  Joe's presentation reminded me of a "travelling salesman" offering an elixer that could change my life.  He kept saying "talk to me" after I would say a few words he would continue with his agenda.

Unfortunately he caught my interested when he said that unlike other gyms, personal training was only $35 a session.  He mentioned the amount several times and wrote it broadly on a contract that would "lock me in" at  that amount.  His concerned questioning went on and I humored him by pretending to be interested.  I was in a hurry to start exercising. Later, I recall wondering why he handed me a contract with the top third folded over. After he folded it he stated, as if he forgot, there is just one more place I need you to sign. It crossed my mind as being odd but I signed it as I continued to believe it locked me into $35 per session when I wanted to enlist the help of a trainer.

Joe and his trainers continued to call me over the next couple days.  When I informed Joe I was currently not interested he (not so concerned) said I had no choice because I signed a contract.  After hanging up, I looked at the paper and, sure enough, under the folded top third it noted that I would pay them $460 a month for personal training! I never heard that figure come out of his deceptive mouth.

I came into the gym on the 10th and was told by two young men at the front desk that since I came in to rescind within the 3 days I could rescind the contract.  After asking what I needed to do they took the paper, went somewhere and came back a few minutes later saying it had been taking care of.

I continued to receive calls from Joe and his trainers.  The manager of the gym "handled' me when I came in saying there was nothing he could do because training was separate from the gym.  I was in a couple more times with evidence of 43 complaints to the better business bureau in the past three years.  He told me he could not talk about that. I asked if Joe was available. I went upstairs to talk with him and was told he "just walked out the door upstairs".  I returned downstairs and looking the manager straight in the eye asked him if my only option out of this was suicide?  ( I was not serious but enjoyed the discomfort in the manager's eyes).  Concerned Joe called offering to talk with me because he "heard something very disturbing from the staff".  I have saved his voicemails.

I will need to retain an attorney.  I have learned that their parent Company is Titan Fitness and they are connected to Gold's gym and started out as Vic Tanney, all of which have had consumer complaints about fraud and misrepresentation.

Victoria, Raleigh, NC