The dollars fall away. The pounds? Now that's another matter. There's no end of plans, programs, gurus, diets and schemes out there, all promising easy, effortless weight loss. All of them are happy to take your money. However, actually losing weight isn't as easy ... nor is getting your money back if you decide to quit the program, as many LA Weight Loss clients have found out.
If you have any existing health problems -- diabetes, high blood pressure, depression -- or if you're taking prescription medications, it's very important to check with your doctor before starting any new diet.
Also, it's important to realize that getting out of the program can be difficult, not to mention expensive.
Kathy of Westminster, SC April 21, 2008
Kathy of Westminster, SC (04/21/08) I signed up in July 2007 for a total of 64 weeks. I went one day to do a weigh in and the doors were locked and everything was gone. I did not receive any kind of notice.
I spent a great deal of money on the products. I spent an estmatI am still paying on a Care Credit Card that they set up of me so I wouldn't have to pay the total up front. I am also still paying for the set up fee that the company charged me the day I signed up. All I would like is my money back.
Leticia of San Marcos, CA April 13, 2008
Leticia of San Marcos CA (04/13/08) I joined the center in 2006. I was only told there would be weekly cost. I was later told you have to pay for all weeks upfront. I could understand this as them wanting a full commiment so I joined. I was never told I would have to spend outrageous amounts on their products until after the time allowed for you to cancel the contract. I never see the same counselor, they are high pressure sales people with no background in nutrition. They are ofter rude and insensitive. The process is demeaning. I requested a refund and was simply told no.
I am out of thousands of with nothing to show for it. I am requesting an investigation and refund.
Kelly of Portland, OR March 26, 2008
Kelly of Portland OR (03/26/08) I joined LA planning to spend about 200-300 dollars and ended up spending about 1000. I only wanted to lose about 40 pounds. (Which I did) I did find the program to work and I even became an advocate for then, referring clients and posting my success story at the clinic. However, my complaint is this, my incentive to lose and commit was the refund check that was guaranteed after maintenance. (If the weight stayed off). I received a small check in late December and another in January. They told me they sent for my refund just days before the first check came because I was getting curious as to how long it was taking.
Here is what ticks me the worst. I deposited the first check immediately because I spent a little more at Christmas than planned and needed it. I then waited a few weeks more for the second one. I planned to use the cash to cover some vacation debits and thought nothing more of it. That is until I returned from my weekend away and found a bank statement with over 100 dollars in charges due to insufficient funds. I could hardly believe it. I immediately called the bank and they said they would research what happened and would get back to me. (I had perfect banking with them up until now) Later that day they called and said it was due to a stop payment on my refund check. WHAT? I was livid and called LA immediately.
Of course the manager was unavailable. (the whole day) so after picking up my bank statement the next morning, I went into the center and did my complaining. She told me that they only submitted one check so she didn't know what happened. I then said if it was a clerical error they could have had the respect and decency to pick up the phone and say so. They have all of my information on file. Communication could and would have avoided all this. No one contacted me or tried to say, hey we made mistake and need to collect. No, they almost seemed to maliciously get their money back. They did not have to use that tactic. I am an honest person.
It has been nearly three months and all they can tell me is we are waiting for a response from Pittsburgh. They said that they do not have a customer service contact there so I just have to wait. She did however say she would shoot them an e mail. The manager also said that she used to work at the bank and if it were my first offense they could take off all the fees. Wrong and insulting. I asked them for a refund of all the fees and a statement for my bank claiming ignorance and fault. I would like to keep my good standing with them. I am about to demand a contact number or email. It seems like they think that if enough time goes by may be I will let it go. Not my style.
I have lost money, gas and time addressing this. Money and time that is valuable to me. I have two small children (2 and 4) not easily dragged into the clinic. I have gone there every week since this has happened to inquire. Some times twice. It became too difficult to do with two active toddlers so I had to arrange childcare and my days just to get a polite reply that we are still waiting. If I tried to call there was even less of an answer. As a preschool teacher I am not wealthy and do not have cash to just extend to any one. I just do not know what to do next so I am hoping telling them I filed a complaint will help.
Kathleen of Morro Bay, CA February 20, 2008
Kathleen of Morro Bay CA (02/20/08) I joined in Nov. 07 and went back after the holidays in Dec. and the doors were locked and the center was closed. All the furniture was gone, the place had been cleared out. I gave them 600.00 dollars and received only two weeks of food.
I feel I got ripped off!
Mark of Studio City, CA February 20, 2008
Mark of Studio City CA (02/20/08) I am trying to settle a dispute between myself and GE Money Bank/Care Credit. Care Credit is the credit card company that L.A. Weight Loss uses to purchase their diet plan. The office closed down and has been replaced with a new plan called Pure Weight Loss. I need to know if there is anyone who has had problems with L.A. Weight Loss and their deceptive sales tactics. Is it possible to file a small claims against them or even a class action lawsuit?
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