I had a group membership with Bally Total Fitness that was originally set for a 3 year contract. Around 4 or 5 months into the contract, one of the members moved over 50 miles from the nearest Bally Total Fitness, and the other member left to Lackland AFB for Boot Camp. Per the contract, this was reason enough to cancel the contract. I was told that, since at the time i wanted to be a member, the monthly fee would be reduced from $63.63/mo to 30 something. When I went to pay around month 5, they told me that just because the other two members exited the contract doesn't mean I get to pay a reduced priced! I disputed this and contacted the attorney general and BBB. After several months they canceled the contract (finally, JUSTICE!). I disputed the unpaid period that they were trying to overcharge me until they canceled the contract for me but Experian wouldn't correct it. What can I do now? Can I dispute again or sue?
2007-02-12 15:26:08 · 4 answers · asked by James K 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Credit
On Experian it shows up as a 90-day late account. I don't believe I was obligated, per the contract, to pay the amount they wanted me to pay.
2007-02-12 15:27:40 · update #1
Yes you can. You will have to dispute with TransUnion, Experian, and Experian as there are three credit reporting agencies. If the creditor is unwilling to remove the discrepency, then I suggest you file a grievance with the Federal Trade Comission (FTC), the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your state's Attorney General office. Provide copies of any contracts, dates, amounts paid and any information you feel is incorrect. All credit reporting agencies will have to show that the account is in dispute. This will allow you to obtain credit and protect your credit rating.
2007-02-12 15:46:44 · answer #1 · answered by The "L" Word 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have the right to send a dispute letter as often as you have energy. Send it to all 3 credit bureaus. I would send any letters your have from Bally supporting your claim. Even better... is to work with someone directly at Bally and get a letter that states the info reporting is not correct, then you could forward that info. I know this can be a pain in the butt, but it's worth it. Just make sure the contract was canceled because your claim was true and not due to lack of payments. I help clients dispute claims often...sometimes without any positive outcome and others have taken months of duplicate letters to gain the desired response. The lucky ones get resolved in 30 days.
Good Luck!
2007-02-12 15:45:52 · answer #2 · answered by Rachel R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bally's and other fitness chains are famous for these contracts. They have had numerous Class Action Suits against them for various reasons. You can search google and pick up several sites.
I would not even deal with Experian as they are only reporting what Bally's is giving them. I would write Bally's and inform them if they don't remove this information you will file suit. It might take an attorney to write an official letter for you. Since they did void the contract they have basically admited you were correct.
2007-02-12 15:58:40 · answer #3 · answered by OC1999 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can dispute anything on your credit report as many times as you need to.
If they won't take it off of your credit report and you can prove that they should do so, you can sue them.
However, you should continue to try to dispute for a while. Wait until they tell you that your claim is frivolous. Then sue them.
2007-02-12 15:46:27 · answer #4 · answered by nebula7693 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋