Money Dispute - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BenzOnline · #1 05-03-2006, 10:28 AM

Hey everyone again,

Well as im trying to save up some money and spend less...this morning I check my bank statement online and see a fee taken out of $36. I see its from the gym I belonged to and cancelled a yr ago! I called my bank to confirm what "PSC FEE" was on the statement and indeed it was the gym and that the stop payment I put on it is only good for 3 months. So how all of a sudden a yr later they decide to take out money again is weird!

I was very mad. On my lunch break I will be going to that gym which is close by and paying the billing "jock" a visit. Im also thinking of changing my account because I dont trust them. So Im not sure what to do now. I forgot to mention they have been taken it out since Feb when I looked back on my statements today.

Should I fight for all those months payments back or cancel and use that gym cause I paid for the 3 past months plus make a new account?

GottaDiesel · #2 05-03-2006, 11:24 AM

This is a tough one. Go to the gym and be nice and explain the situation. If they put up a fight simply tell them that you're going to write a letter to the commissioner of banking (and insurance) for your state. My guess is that after you let them know that they are taking your money without your authorization (word it like that) they will give you your money back. Also, if you never stepped foot in the place for many many months that will help your case - as long as you don't have a contract with them. If you have a contract for say a year, and you are in months 8-10 (of 12) and you never step foot in the place you might have a hard time unless you've sent them some kind of document stating your desire to leave the gym (dirty, etc.).

Good luck.

Pete

Dee8go · #3 05-03-2006, 12:07 PM

This is exactly why I don't use automatic payment/deposit or anyother open access to any of my bank accounts. Whatever convenience one gains from this if offset by the headaches it can create when things go awry.

When it's charged to your credit card, disputing stuff like this is much, much easier.

BenzOnline · #4 05-03-2006, 12:12 PM

Its 11am and still nobody in billing in that damn place. At 1pm im walking over.

I learned from this before not use the automatic withdrawal. Ill post what happens but thanks so far.

GottaDiesel · #5 05-03-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenzOnline

Its 11am and still nobody in billing in that damn place. At 1pm im walking over.

I learned from this before not use the automatic withdrawal. Ill post what happens but thanks so far.

Keep a cool head and stay calm. If they stone-wall you, THEN escalate it.

Good Luck.

raymr · #6 05-03-2006, 01:33 PM

There was probably a cancellation policy when you signed the contract. Often they require a 30-day written notice. Is there anything in writing?

boneheaddoctor · #7 05-03-2006, 02:02 PM

Worst case there is always sueing them in small claims court....the agrivation of fighting that every time (or lose by default as a no show) should get a quick resolution for the back fees taken. Plus I would have the bank change your account numbers and issue new checks.

I always avoid automatic payments on the principle of it. Plus the possibility of abuse. They can send me a bill if they want money.

GottaDiesel · #8 05-03-2006, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

Worst case there is always sueing them in small claims court....the agrivation of fighting that every time (or lose by default as a no show) should get a quick resolution for the back fees taken. Plus I would have the bank change your account numbers and issue new checks.

I always avoid automatic payments on the principle of it. Plus the possibility of abuse. They can send me a bill if they want money.

I agree. 95% of the time, in my experience, once the person that knows they are wrong gets that little post-card in the mail (Notice to Appear) they quickly call you and fix it in minutes. It's a pain in the ass to fill out the forms, but worth it to let them know you mean biz.

BenzOnline · #9 05-03-2006, 02:13 PM

Well apparantly the membership I froze in 2004 and then it automatically activated after a year went by. They cancelled billing immediately aswell as the membership but gave me use of the gym for 6 months.

Its alright with me plus im gettin out of shape.