Consumers who lost membership dues when four Gold's Gym facilities unexpectedly shut down in 2010 will get their money back.
Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced Friday the Consumer Protection Division of his office has ordered the former owners of the gyms to return $559,828 to 7,555 people who paid in advance for long-term memberships. Eric and Kary Krieger also must pay an additional $755,500 in civil penalties.
The facilities were located at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Annapolis, Edgewater and Towson.
The owners continued to sell memberships and collect advance payments even after they knew they would no longer operate, the attorney general's investigation found.
"Health clubs can't keep collecting money from their members if they know they can't keep their doors open," Frosh said. "Consumers pay hard-earned money for these services and we'll make sure they either get what they paid for or be reimbursed."
Consumers seeking additional information should call 410-576-6577.
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