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Remember that episode of 'Friends' where they couldn't cancel their gym membership? I am having one of those moments (one of those weeks)

I joined a gym down the road shortly after moving here, paying by direct debit (confusion excuse: new bank account, new country, tons of new direct debits set up at the same time, plus generally crap at all things money related).

Soon afterwards, I became unable to go, cancelled membership.

Couple of years ago noticed a strange direct debit payment going out to
'Brampton II'. Phoned bank - bank couldn't tell me who it was, they suggested some kind of City Taxes. Left it.

More recently, it began to bother us again, phoned bank again. Bank said the only way to figure out who it is, crazily, is to freeze bank account. Bank can't stop payment nor trace payee because no info provided by this 'Brampton II', whoever it may be. Only thing we can do is freeze the account and see who gets in touch. Moved all banking into new accounts (hard work) and froze account.

Sure enough, quickly received a letter from this gym I've apparently been paying $25 a month to attend for the last 3 yrs. Letter detailed 'bounced' payment and also added another $25 on for 'service charge'.

Furiously called gym who said unless I could provide a copy of the cancellation form from 3 yrs ago (and of course, I chucked it), tough shit. Also that I should go into the gym and cancel (again) to ensure I don't get billed again the following month.

Went into gym next day, cancelled membership (again). Manager of gym told me that the direct debit thing was very odd as all other customers have the gym name on theirs (sneakily got that info out of her without explaining why).

Wrote shitty letter to gym.

No response to letter yet.

Today received ANOTHER invoice for now twice cancelled monthly payment, and another service charge...... apparently I now owe $100.

Phoned and was told by person in charge yes it IS crazy. Told her there MUST be some room for negotation here, they've had over 700 bucks out of me for nothing and now they're invoicing me again?? Said well the system works this way and you have to pay. Pleasantly referred to media and lawyers and she is now calling back in a half hour when she's 'investigated further'.

Bah!

Posted by katie at April 29, 2005 12:56 PM