Consumer complaint received 2016-03-28
Company: The Cherrington Firm PLLC
State: UT
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other (i.e. phone, health club, etc.)
Issue: Cont'd attempts collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt is not mine

Complaint:
Back in 2014, I went into XXXX XXXX of Utah. Prior to them changing their name to " XXXX XXXX '' I went in to the gym with a 3-day Gym pass. To use the facilities for 3 days, I went in and the trainer who validated the pass. Said for security reasons, he would need a valid form of I.D . I told him I did not have any I.D on hand. But I had my debit card and a XXXX membership card. I showed him both and he said that would be sufficient and ended up convincing me to sign up for the " no contract {$10.00} a month plan '' so I signed up. 

I specifically remember, him asking me if I wanted to sign up for a personal training program. I told him, no because " I ca n't he consistent with my work schedule. Plus I do not have the extra money. '' He kept saying it was only going to be {$40.00} a month. I kept saying no. Never saying yes or agreeing to it. 

He then proceeded to having me sign the no contract enrollment form. Which required valid state or federally issued I.D which I did n't have. I also paid for my first month of membership with them. 

Two days later, I get an email and call confirming that I had signed up for no contract gym membership. As well as, XXXX weekly training session at the rate of {$40.00} per session and a year long contract. I immediately called, and asked for the manager of the facility. He said he would pass me to the trainer. After a minute of ringing, the manager comes back on the line and says " It seems he 's on vacation for the next 3-days. '' You can come in and we can try to help you. I ended the call, saying " Thank you, I 'll be there soon '' 20 minutes later I get there and ask to get help cancelling for the fitness program that I never enrolled for. He asked for I.D, I refused to give him any. I showed him the same costco card I showed the trainer. The manager, got a little defensive and said " You know what, wait until he comes. He will fix this mess. '' and walked off. I left, and went back 4 days later. The trainer was there, when I got there he kept pressuring for me to give him I.D . after arguing with him that I would not be providing I.D or agreeing to said terms. He said " Its over the 3-day grace period. I cant cancel the contract anymore. Sorry. '' then walked off cause he supposedly had a training session. 

I kept trying for a few weeks. I immediately, went to my bank the day off the first withdrawal for {$160.00}. Blocked them from being able to pull any more money from my account. After blocking them, they immediately cancelled my membership. Started their collection process and then outsourced it to an agency/law office. These guys, came to my business with a private investigator. Gave one of my employees, a paper without asking if they were me. Told him " Sign '' he signed, gave me the paper for a summons to court. I was n't sure what to do and due to being a hectic month for our business. 

I failed to go to court, they have a ruling from the court that says I am liable for {$900.00} in debt owed to them. I am not willing to pay for something that 1- I didnt agree to. 2- Was done against my will. 3- Despite my efforts of reversing they would n't. These guys stole my identity, by using the social and other information from my membership enrollment. Then enrolled me into something I said NO to from the minute they pitched it.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation