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11 December 2007

Am I being scammed? So my cel phone rings and the person asks for Enrique. I say I'm not him, and she says well that's odd because this is the number Enrique wrote on his card, and they drew his card for a free two-week trial membership at 24 Hour Fitness, would that be something I'd be interested in?[More:]

As it happens, I say, I was planning on looking into a membership there this week. So Kelly, the caller, put me down for an appointment tomorrow afternoon.

Is this a scammy hard-sell or a fortuitous coincidence? Should I avoid going to this appointment because I'll be a sitting duck?
Say no. No no no.

Ctrl + F for "trial."
posted by mudpuppie 11 December | 16:01
You don't want to join 24 Hour Fitness. Go to google and type in "24 hour fitness" and then add a word like scam or sleazy or ripoff and see what happens. Never heard of this particular scam, but would not put it past them - it just seems so damn cheesy. You definitely don't seem like the type of person one could easily take advantage of, but just by showing up you're helping to reinforce that their slimy methods are effective.
posted by iconomy 11 December | 16:01
Sadly I go through life thinking just about everything is a scam. So I say scam. Or at least unscupulous.
posted by Slack-a-gogo 11 December | 16:06
I belonged to the 24-hour fitness here. It was OK and the PIYO class (combining Pilates and Yoga) was really really good. It was clear that I was there to sign up for a basic membership. . no frills. . .they worked hard but did not get me for any more than I wanted to be gotten for.

I would still go there, but they closed the gym and transferred me to the gym in the next town, plus gave me access to any 24-Hour fitness. I only kept on for a month before realizing that commuting to work out was stupid.

Plus they had a hypoxic chamber, which was quite addictive.

But I have seen the slimy sales people. I would not put anything past them.

I think that if you go in, like the facility, and have a bottom line of what you are willing to pay, you can either get that from them or walk. Don't even listen to the sideshow stuff and let them know that (while they may be required to pitch it to you) they will not be successful.

But if the facility itself seems creepy or does not seem like it will meet your needs, it can be a very short visit.
posted by danf 11 December | 16:15
I was hoping to use 24-hour because they have locations both where I am no and where I plan to be moving within the next month or so. Any gym recommendations? This would be my first non-collegiate gym experience.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur 11 December | 16:23
It sounds like a way around the do not call list.
posted by arse_hat 11 December | 16:24
(what I really want is my own elliptical)
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur 11 December | 16:25
I want my own treadmill. I feel really conspicuous and self-conscious running outside, and I hate running on the treadmill at the gym because it's so loud. Not the motor...my footfalls.
posted by iconomy 11 December | 16:55
I think you are being scammed, but if you feel confident enough to follow danf's advice. . .maybe. I wouldn't be. I'm already skeeved just listening to the story! Good luck.
posted by rainbaby 11 December | 16:59
I had an almost identical call on my cell phone, but I don't remember the name of the club doing the calling. I don't think it was 24 Hour Fitness, since they have no facilities in the area. Could be a slimy sales tactic that has been passed around the industry.
posted by deadcowdan 11 December | 17:50
Scam is probably not the right word, but I think the Enrique thing is a lie.
posted by grouse 11 December | 18:37
yes, slimey sales tactic. 24hr Fitness LOVES the hard-sell. And that's not to say their facilities are sub-par or a rip-off but, I personally don't respond to this kind of tactic on principal alone.
posted by parannoyed 11 December | 22:34
It's a scam. Don't encourage them by turning up for the appointment and then, if they call you back, say "That's strange, they told me I couldn't join a gym if I was a registered child sex offender, but it sounds interesting ..."
posted by dg 12 December | 02:48
This is why I like having a cell phone from another state. "Oh, really? Well, it's too bad your gym is 6 hours away..."
posted by Eideteker 12 December | 08:57
Take this, Davy Crockett! || THIS IS A SHOUTING THREAD!

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