Refund checks totaling $53,713 have been mailed to 403 former members of a Linthicum health club, the Maryland attorney general's office said.

Attorney General J. Joseph Curran Jr. said yesterday the checks represented full refunds for dues paid to Metro Fitness Health Club, which closed two years ago. He said the money for the refunds came from a $65,000 letter of credit the club posted when it opened as required by Maryland law.

"This is a prime example of how well Maryland's health club law can work if such facilities post security as required -- and consumers check with us before they join a club to make sure it is bonded," Curran said.

The Consumer Protection Division of the attorney general's office has identified another 85 consumers due refunds. But Curran said the agency, so far, has been unable to track down their current addresses. The division has set aside $9,441 for these people should their addresses become available.