AG?Nessel wraps up holiday scam campaign with alerts on health club memberships in the new year
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is wrapping up her holiday scam campaign with consumer alerts on travel club and health club memberships. As many look to travel more or commit to fitness goals in the new year, it’s important consumers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
“The new year gives us a perfect opportunity to set goals,” Nessel said. “Before joining a membership to help tackle your New Year resolution, take the time to ask questions to protect yourself from scammers and deceptive business practices.”
Considering the following suggestions will help you make a wise decision and may help you avoid common problems with memberships.
• Budget. Carefully consider the cost of the membership and whether you can afford to make the necessary payments. If the services of instructors and/or trainers are provided, inquire about the training qualifications of the staff and whether you will be charged for the service. Do aerobics or other classes require additional fees?
• Long-term contracts. A long-term contract may not be right for you, especially when paid up front for the entire membership term. Ask whether a month-to-month or other short-term contract or trial membership is available. Regardless of the length of your contract, ask if you can pay monthly. If the club closes you may lose less money.
• Cancellation and Refunds. Make sure you understand the cancellation and refund policies before signing the contract. What happens if you move, are injured, or get a serious illness? Is there a fee to cancel? Also, what happens if the fitness center or travel company goes out of business, or moves to a different, less convenient location? A “lifetime” membership is really only good for the lifetime of the business, not your lifetime.
• Read any contract carefully before signing. Don't be rushed prior to signing any contract; take your time and make sure you understand all of the contract terms before signing. Read all the fine print! Be sure to check for inconspicuous charges. Ask for an unsigned contract to take home and review.
To file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General, residents are encouraged to contact:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388-
Online complaint form at https://secure. ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx.
“The new year gives us a perfect opportunity to set goals,” Nessel said. “Before joining a membership to help tackle your New Year resolution, take the time to ask questions to protect yourself from scammers and deceptive business practices.”
Considering the following suggestions will help you make a wise decision and may help you avoid common problems with memberships.
• Budget. Carefully consider the cost of the membership and whether you can afford to make the necessary payments. If the services of instructors and/or trainers are provided, inquire about the training qualifications of the staff and whether you will be charged for the service. Do aerobics or other classes require additional fees?
• Long-term contracts. A long-term contract may not be right for you, especially when paid up front for the entire membership term. Ask whether a month-to-month or other short-term contract or trial membership is available. Regardless of the length of your contract, ask if you can pay monthly. If the club closes you may lose less money.
• Cancellation and Refunds. Make sure you understand the cancellation and refund policies before signing the contract. What happens if you move, are injured, or get a serious illness? Is there a fee to cancel? Also, what happens if the fitness center or travel company goes out of business, or moves to a different, less convenient location? A “lifetime” membership is really only good for the lifetime of the business, not your lifetime.
• Read any contract carefully before signing. Don't be rushed prior to signing any contract; take your time and make sure you understand all of the contract terms before signing. Read all the fine print! Be sure to check for inconspicuous charges. Ask for an unsigned contract to take home and review.
To file a complaint with the Department of Attorney General, residents are encouraged to contact:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388-
Online complaint form at https://secure. ag.state.mi.us/complaints/consumer.aspx.
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