So … as you know, I’ve been dealing with Crunch/Ballys trying to swindle me into abiding by a 3-year contract despite the fact that the “fitness representative” told me it was a 30-day no-strings-attached free membership.

Plot thickens. FINALLY I heard from them today (after 3 letters to them and 1 email inquiry). I should say I heard from their COLLECTIONS department, telling me that I was two months behind on my dues. (For the record, I cancelled my credit card after one month was already charged and they had shown no signs of dealing with the problem). I patiently explained to the girl on the phone what the problem was, told her all the bakstory. She told me her department didn’t handle that and gave me a different number to call.

Which I did. Was on hold for 15 minutes. Finally talked to Helen Perez, badge# 6471. Went through the whole story again. She said, “Ahm yes, there was a complaint noted on your account, September 9th.” (I sent 2 letters and 1 inquiry on August 11th). Then she told me the complaint was being dealt with by someone called the Area Director. She said the dues and late fees would continue to pile up until this Area Director had finished “addressing your complaint,” that I could not cancel the membership or do anything right now other than wait to be contacted. She said I should get a contact by either phone or letter by “mid-October.” She then said, again, that it was not possible to cancel the membership at this time and also that this information might “temporarily” go on my credit report. I said, “So basically all I can do is wait.” She said, “Yes.” I thanked her and said goodbye.

While I was on hold I did a little surfing online and found http://www.ballysucks.net … looks like I’m far from alone with my problems.

Why do these lessons always have to be so hard to learn? Will I really have to file a fraud complaint with Lisa Madigan? Stay tuned for the next installment …