Karate school scam???? What else should I do???

Question

Joined a karate class with a 30 day option to cancel. A week later I got transfered with my job, called the school to cancel and they told me I had to deal with an outside funding company who does ther contracts. Over a course of 3 weeks, I called left approx. 10 msgs and called a ton of times. Got the guy I was suppose to talk to once and he said the only way I could cancel is for a medical reason with paperwork from the doctor or if I moved more than 30 miles away from school. Explained that my contract had a 30 day cancellation policy and he then said I would have to take it up with the legal dept and he cant help me. I have never once received a phone call back from anyone from the company, got hung up on twice and they refused to put a supervisor on the phone. They have been continuing to take money out of my acct. I now closed my account, am disputing the charges and made a police report. Ive also heard of a # of people who've had the same problem. Not recieved my money back yet

Answer 1

In the future, a quick phone call to the bank and they'll stop the automatic payment from going through. I strongly suggest not joining schools with contracts if at all possible -- the contracts are designed to benefit the school.

Never sign a contract on the first day -- take it, read it over, and then return to sign up. Give yourself a cooling off period in which to sign the contract.

Better Business Bureau is your friend. However, in filing a complaint to them BE RESPECTFUL. Explain the facts, be kind and relatively impartial. So many complaints to the BBB get trashed because people get on spiteful rants and they forget or obscure the actual facts of the complaint.

Talk to a lawyer, the police, the district attorney... I don't know the whole story, but you might be able to close the school down on conspiracy to defraud charges. In dealing with the company, I would use certified mail with copies of the letters made. The allegation of course was that the finance company willfully intended to not honor the terms of the contract by stalling past the cancel option (first act -- breach of contract) and continued to draw funds from the account, and that the karate school, knowing that the problem had occurred prior, did not cease and report the problem, but continued its association with the finance company. Should be sufficient for conspiracy, but contract law is full of gray areas. Caveat emptor and all that.

The fact that they told you 'take it up with legal' means they believe you have a case against them and want to intimidate you out of doing anything.

Answer 2

don't pay and if they go to collections sue the ever loving s**+*t out of them. Reread the contract first just to be sure... if you signed one. just reread the contract. That will give you everything you need wether it's good or not, as it is the legal binding document.

gotta love "fine print"

Answer 3

Do you have a local BETTER BUISNESS BUREAU  in your area .Make a report to them .A lot of people will check with them before joining a club and a lot of fitness scammers have been closed down just by word of mouth by people who recieved  bad reports from them.

Answer 4

Great answers above.

I would also try to speak directly with the school again. They may be unaware of the problem...not likely, but possible.

If they are not seriously apologetic and if they don't settle it for you, Spread the word!

Let us know which school it was.

There are a few places like Bulshido (I forget the proper name and address..and my computer is not working properly right now...) that are made for just this type of problem.

Tell the BBB.

You don't want to slander them or anything but definitely let others knwo that you had a probelm with them.

(Oh and keep proof if you can!)

Good luck!

Answer 5

Closing your account was a smart move.  Though you could have just asked the bank not to honour the payment...  The only other smart thing that you can do next is take a copy of your "contract" to a lawyer and get some real legal advice, most lawyers will give you initial advice fee of charge and will only take the case if there is a good chance of winning...  Maybe try to find a firm that offers a no win no fee type policy.

Good luck and I  hope that you have success with your problem.

Answer 6

you should of done jujitsu