Advertisement
The feed will include Attorney General Corbett discussing ways that consumers can avoid common problems with health clubs, as well as what they should look for when considering a membership contract.
Advertisement
A full press release is below:
FEED DATE: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008
FEED TIME: 3:30 to 3:45 p.m. (Eastern)
SATELLITE: AMC - 9 (KU Band - ANALOG)
TRANSPONDER: 3
CHANNEL: 3
DOWNLINK POL: Horizontal
DOWNLINK FREQ: 11760 MHz
AUDIO: 6.2 / 6.8
TROUBLE: 717-772-4282
Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008
Consumer Advisory: Attorney General Corbett urges consumers to shop wisely for gym & health club memberships
HARRISBURG -- Attorney General Tom Corbett today urged consumers to shop wisely for gym and health club memberships, and to fully understand their rights concerning club membership contracts.
"Many consumers are shopping for health clubs at this time of year - either because of New Year's resolutions or a general desire to improve their physical fitness," Corbett said. "Joining a gym can be a very positive experience, but it is important for consumers to carefully evaluate contracts and fully understand their rights before they make an expensive long-term commitment."
Corbett explained that consumers have specific rights and protections under the Pennsylvania Health Club Act. The act requires clubs and gyms to register with the Attorney General's office if they sell long-term contracts, provides financial protection for consumers if clubs suddenly close, and also spells out a consumer's rights to cancel contracts or receive refunds in the event of relocation, injury or other special circumstances.
Corbett noted that every year, the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection receives several hundred complaints from consumers regarding health clubs and gyms - most involving struggles over contract cancellations or consumers seeking refunds when clubs suddenly close.
"For many people, joining a health club is a rewarding experience, but consumer disputes can turn that experience into a frustrating ordeal," Corbett said. "Understanding your rights and getting answers to some specific questions before you 'sign on the dotted line' can help guide consumers to a health club and a membership contract that's best for their needs."
Corbett explained that Pennsylvania law requires health clubs and gyms to register with the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection office if they offer contracts of three-months or longer.
Additionally, any health club or gym selling memberships lasting more than one-year, or clubs that collect more than one-month of payment in advance, must file a letter of credit or bond with the Attorney General's office. The bond or letter of credit is intended to protect consumers from financial losses if a club closes before their pre-paid memberships have ended.
Corbett said that the state's Health Club Act also allows consumers to cancel their gym or health club contracts in certain situations. Any health club contract can be cancelled within three business days of signing the contract, providing a "cooling off period" for consumers to evaluate the contract and determine if it best suits their needs.
Corbett said that consumers also have the right to cancel health club contracts in other special circumstances:
-- If a club closes for more than 30 days and there is no alternate facility available within 10 miles.
