What is the name of your state? Massachusetts
Two years ago, in Nov 2001, after knee surgery, I joined a health club. I signed the contract for a year, and was told verbally I could cancel after six months, as long as I paid $100 to do so. I knew that was my plan, I cancelled in April 2002, paid the fee and never heard anything.
Until about two weeks ago, almost two years later when I received a letter from a collection agency for the balance of the contract, $240. I regretfully had thrown out the contract a few months before, thinking there was no need to have it anymore. When I spoke to the agency, they said 'there was never any way to get out of this contract, so pay up' and threatened that this would all affect my credit status.
Having an excellent credit report, I grudgingly paid, because I'd been given two weeks to pay, although I doubted the legality of this action. Since I had no paper work to back it up, I knew my options were limited. Yesterday I received a direct mail piece from the health club, saying my membership had expired in Nov 2002 and did I want to renew?
Since I never heard anything by phone call or on paper, did the collection agency legally have the right to collect so far after I'd terminated? I am thinking of proceeding with the Consumer complaint division of the Attorney general's office here. Simply for the length of time it took, for them to notify me.
Two years ago, in Nov 2001, after knee surgery, I joined a health club. I signed the contract for a year, and was told verbally I could cancel after six months, as long as I paid $100 to do so. I knew that was my plan, I cancelled in April 2002, paid the fee and never heard anything.
Until about two weeks ago, almost two years later when I received a letter from a collection agency for the balance of the contract, $240. I regretfully had thrown out the contract a few months before, thinking there was no need to have it anymore. When I spoke to the agency, they said 'there was never any way to get out of this contract, so pay up' and threatened that this would all affect my credit status.
Having an excellent credit report, I grudgingly paid, because I'd been given two weeks to pay, although I doubted the legality of this action. Since I had no paper work to back it up, I knew my options were limited. Yesterday I received a direct mail piece from the health club, saying my membership had expired in Nov 2002 and did I want to renew?
Since I never heard anything by phone call or on paper, did the collection agency legally have the right to collect so far after I'd terminated? I am thinking of proceeding with the Consumer complaint division of the Attorney general's office here. Simply for the length of time it took, for them to notify me.