Consumers from throughout the United States, including two consumers from Tucson and Huachuca City, in Southern Arizona, have filed complaints with Better Business Bureau about an Illinois-based company, Waka Network, Inc.

Consumers allege that they have had unauthorized charges made to their debit and credit cards, and that they have received harassing phone calls from Waka Network. On its website the company describes itself, in part, as managing memberships of consumers and merchants for promotions, information matching, and loyalty reward programs.

A Southern Arizona consumer complained that the company called him 5-6 times a day and at all hours of the night. When he asked to be removed from their call list, the consumer says the company refused.

“BBB has received 83 complaints in the last two years. This large number demonstrates a pattern of complaints, as many consumers allege that the company contacted them repeatedly,” said Kim States, BBB President. “Some complainants describe being charged the membership fee after they cancelled.”

Because of the high number of complaints, BBB contacted Waka Network in June to discuss claims being made by consumers but the company never responded.

Many allege that for a $2.99 fee they were promised they would receive either $10 Walmart gift cards and/or $100 dollar gift cards (for Waka Network’s online store) at no charge. However, in many cases the consumers allege they never signed-up for the promotion or did not get what was promised.

For more information about Waka Network and more consumer news and tips visit www.tucson.bbb.org.

Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions after enjoying tasty holiday treats. If you’re pledging to lose pounds this year by joining a gym, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona recommends asking some questions before signing on the dotted line.

Each January, millions of thousands crowd into gyms armed with willpower and personal goals looking towards a healthier, active lifestyle. While it’s exciting to gear up towards a goal, consumers should treat this like any major purchases. BBB received over 7,000 complaints about health clubs across North America last year.

“Working out and getting healthy are fantastic goals regardless of the time of year,” said Kim States, BBB President. “But consumers who ask the right questions can expect success inside and outside the workout room.”

Five questions to ask the gym:

• What are the terms of any introductory offers? Gyms often use special introductory offers to lure in new members. Make sure you understand the terms and what price the service will be once the introductory period is over.
• Will my membership renew automatically? Many times people join a gym, but don’t consider what happens when the original contract runs out. Some gym contracts renew automatically unless they are cancel.
• How can I get out of my contract? Getting out of any contract isn’t always as easy as getting into one. Make sure you understand what steps are necessary to cancel your contract.
• What happens if I move? Gyms have any number of policies for what happens if you move. It might depend on how far away you’re moving and if they have affiliate gyms you could attend.
• What happens if they go out of business? Ask the gym to explain what will happen to your (more…)

In response to the abrupt closure of all Spa One locations in Tucson last month, BBB of Southern Arizona has received five complaints and several phone calls from consumers.

In the complaints consumers say that they’re unable to contact the company to cancel their memberships, or redeem credits and gift cards purchased from Spa One before they closed their doors. One consumer told BBB that she was charged a membership fee for August, despite the store not being open.

Consumers say signs on the doors of each location state that the business will be closed until Labor Day due to owner illness, and that at least one location has an eviction notice on the door.

Before the sudden closure, Spa One had racked up 10 unanswered complaints with BBB in the past three years- BBB’s standard reporting period- earning the company an ‘F’ rating. BBB has tried to contact Spa One since receiving word that their stores had closed, but the company has been unresponsive.

What steps can consumers take if a business closes its doors for good? BBB suggests the following:

• Go to the last known location to see if the company has posted any instructions or signs.
• Send a registered letter to the company’s last known address asking the owner to contact you. Even if the business is closed, the mail may be subject to a forwarding order. If you don’t know the name of the principals, check with your city or county clerk’s office, or the Arizona (more…)