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Empire Fitness Clubs
06
January
(8 votes, average: 1.13 out of 5)You need to be a registered member to rate this post.
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1/6/2009 Update:
Seems like Empire Fitness is coming clean!
From NJ Biz:
Defunct Hoboken Gym Agrees to Reimburse Customers
Consumers who bought memberships in a health club in the Mile Square City that closed in September will be able to file claims for refunds, under a consent order between the state Division of the Consumer Affairs and the club owners, the division announced today.
Empire Fitness of Hoboken, formerly located at 605 Washington St., operated without being registered with the division, as legally required, the division said.
“The post-holiday period is a time when consumers typically join health clubs,” said David Szuchman, the division’s director. “Consumers need to do their homework and make sure the health club they are thinking of joining is registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs.”
T.J.B. Inc., which operated as Empire Fitness of Hoboken, and Lucille Caputo, the club’s owner, agreed to pay the division $10,000 in civil penalties, $667 as reimbursement for its investigative costs and $405 as reimbursement for its legal fees. They also agreed to comply with the state’s Consumer Fraud Act, Health Club Provisions and Health Club Regulations in any future operation of a health club, the division said.
10/3/2008 Update:
I’ve received so many emails similar to this - (ex) Empire Fitness members are still getting charged! Are you getting financially scammed?
“Just wanted to give your readers a heads up. I took a look at my credit card statement today and noticed a charge from Empire Fitness (on 9/26) for Sept membership. I was on an automatic monthly charge to my credit card. It seems funny because they’ve been closed all month. I contacted Chase who is going to get my money back. I can’t believe they are still trying to pull these scams. “
9/16/2008 Update:
The Empire will run out of water:
(Thanks David for the pic!)
9/8/2008 Update:
The emails continue to roll in, and this time Empire is closed for a couple days due to “plumbing problems.”
Yeah, I know what that means. I typically used “plumbing problems” as my excuse to call in sick from work…
8/29/2008 Update:
I get so many emails about Empire Fitness, that it’s almost too much to post. But here’s one sent to Hoboken411 this morning:
“I am a member at Empire Fitness on Washington St. Their hours M-F are 5:00 - 11:30pm (10:00 pm) Friday. This whole week, they failed to open on time. I am not talking about 10-15 minutes late, I am talking about hours. For example today, I got there at 6:45 am, and no one got there to open the place until 7:10 am. Speaking to others inside the gym, this has been going on all week (I can only account for Wednesday and today). The more frustrating part is that the gym does not acknowledge that there is a problem, or does not even seem to offer any sort of apology. I am locked in for a year, so I have little recourse. I just thought a blurb on your site about it would be a good idea so they are held somewhat accountable.”
See other fruity reports, including the “Ripoff Report” below…
6/2/2008 Update:
Is Empire Fitness Clubs the next doomed business in Hoboken?
I only ask because a Hoboken411 reader send me this link from RipoffReport.com. It contains some pretty nasty allegations of illegal activities, shady business practices and more. Not sure if it’s just a disgruntled ex-employee, or an accurate account of what really takes place there.
Empire Fitness listed on RipoffReport.com
It is sad to be sitting here, as someone who has been burned very badly by this ‘business’, conveying my most recent experiences at a gym on Ripoff Report.com, but I feel obliged to deliver the truth. There are many terrible things going on here. Please take the time to read this completely and take the appropriate evasive action. I sincerely hope that this helps people avoid what has happened to me and many close friends at this gym.
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(— Middle three paragraphs removed - contains really serious allegations that could prove to be libelous if untrue - check Ripoff Report to read what was said.—)
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Employees are told to promise prospects that renovations like: new spin studio, classes, new stairway, new equipment, etc. will be delivered soon. Then when the members get angry, these promises are lies, then the employees are lambasted by the members they inadvertently lied to. Of course, when the employees try to seek answers from the owner, they are ignored or threatened. The members are the victims here as they are locked in a contract that continues to rob them and impose penalties without their consent or knowledge. The owner has been heard saying that if 90% of them figure out what I’m doing, then I still get 10% of them! Terrible.
I will leave this report as is and wait to see if there is interest or responses. If so, I will be glad to provide even more info, as there is MUCH MUCH more going on there that deserves exposure. If anyone out there can help my friends get the thousands of dollars that have been stolen by this terrible organization, please contact me or respond here.
Good Luck.
Karmapolice
New York, New York
U.S.A.
3/20/2008 Update:
Is anyone a member of Empire Fitness? What about previous members? Do you work there? Have you worked there? If so, read on….
Because…
What’s the deal with Empire Fitness?
We all know the drill sometimes with user comments. If someone is content or satisfied with a business, they often don’t think about stating their level of satisfaction online (although it’d be helpful if they did). Much of the time, it’s when an individual is completely unhappy with a place, such as a restaurant, hair salon, or gym that they vent their frustrations online.
I’ve received MANY user complaints about Empire Fitness lately, and I’m not sure what to do about it, other that summarize what folks have been saying, and ask that someone from Empire respond to those sentiments. You can catch up on some of the items in the comments section, but here is just a sampling of what I’ve seen come through my inbox:
- “They’re shady with the billing”
- “My rates increased without notification”
- “Staff rude, and not helpful”
- “Bad Better Business Bureau rating!”
I’ve never worked out there, but it doesn’t seem that members have a problem with the gym itself, but the gym as a BUSINESS. And if what I’ve read is true, I can agree that monetary and billing issues with an incompetent business is one of the most frustrating and time consuming processes. What’s even more frustrating is that gyms are a niche in Hoboken, and Empire seems to fill it, so it’s a catch-22. People often don’t want to go out of their way to the gym.
- If anyone from Empire wants to come on 411 and clear the air, that might help…
- Anyone who is a satisfied member with no billing problems might also want to comment as well (to get the whole story)
12/22/2006 Update:
This is just a rumor, but read on and let us know what your thoughts are.
1. The cellular place in that building closed not too long ago.
2. Happy Nails closed recently.
3. The personal trainers at Empire Fitness who have taught classes in other gyms in the metro NYC area over the years were asked by ownership if their aerobics certifications were still valid. (This came from a source who wishes to remain anonymous.)
4. Contractors were seen recently at Empire with tape measures.
5. It’s no secret that the new NYSC on 14th Street is taking a chunk of the fitness pie.
Every year, it’s common that rumors about all the gyms go around. Who’s closing, who’s in the red, etc. One of those annual rumors is that Empire will be getting an aerobics studio. Have you heard anything? Is there something to be said about these recent closings? I’ve also heard that they want H&S Giovanni to move to the corner location so that they can bust the two stores down for Empire… Stay tuned!
Description - Health Club. Large selection of free weights and machines. No group fitness classes (YET).
Services - Health club, Gym - Hammer strength, Circuit training, Cardio-theater, TV system, Free parking
Website - www.empirefitnessclubs.com
Address - 605 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Telephone - 201-222-3000
699 Responses to ** Empire Fitness Clubs **
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October 18th 2008 - 15:00:59 |
turkish_delight wrote:
Not true. I handled a member who’s wife had passed away, and they were still charging his credit card and she had passed on more then a year before that. Helbig’s answer was that of “it will be dealt with”.
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October 20th 2008 - 17:18:51 |
I spoke to Brenda Flanagan today. She made me aware that Every Member, and every EX-Employee either waiting to get paid still, have their credit cards stopped being charged wrongful business practices.. MUST FILE A REPORT WITH YOU LOCAL CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUREAU. IN NEW YORK (BROOKLYN MEMBERS/STAFF), IT HAS TO BE WITH N.Y.S- AS OF RIGHT NOW THEY HAVE NOTHING ON FILE ABOUT THIS THEREFORE NOTHING IS BEING DONE FOR YOU UNTIL YOU CALL.
IN NEW JERSEY, KEEP CALLING THEM. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS DOING AN INVESTIGATION, BUT THE MORE PEOPLE THEY HAVE A BIGGER CHANCE WE HAVE OF CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT BEING FILED.
LOG ON TO YOUR STATES GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO GET INFORMATION ON YOUR LOCAL CONSUMER AFFAIRS BUREAU. IHAVE TO DO IT, AND SO DO YOU!!!!!
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October 23rd 2008 - 21:03:42 |
I heard Empire Fitness was on My 9 news last night. Did anyone see it. Any video?
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October 24th 2008 - 10:50:21 |
I’m just wondering the progress anybody or everybody has made with regard to this scandal. I paid for a full year in July and travel for business often; wasn’t able to take advantage of my membership the way I would have liked. I filed a complaint to NJ Consumer Affairs and haven’t heard anything back.
Is there other things we can do or do we just wait? I mean the guy took our money, and for those who didn’t get it back, probably have to pay MORE for another gym membership.
Let me know if anybody has been doing something differently as far as getting what is rightfully their’s…MONEY!
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October 24th 2008 - 11:19:47 |
I just spoke to Consumer Affairs (NJ) and basically the guy told me that there needs to be a snowball effect in order for this to be remedied. So everybody effected file a complaint, call consumer affairs, do something.
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October 28th 2008 - 19:51:22 |
You can see the investigative story that aired on My 9 last week on its website.
http://www.my9tv.com/i-team/
Click on the “Gym Members Lose Money” story to the right…and it should automatically play in the video box.
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October 30th 2008 - 09:40:07 |
Wow, I can’t believe that they didn’t post the $25,000 bond required by the state. There was not real oversight into this business to begin with.
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October 30th 2008 - 10:32:19 |
Another note, how does the reporter from FOX see Tom in front of Empire on Washington street, but he is not arrested?
Isn’t he on the run?
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October 30th 2008 - 11:01:59 |
If you are still being charged you can contact your bank and stop the automatic withdrawl from Empire Fitness.
Has anyone filed a lawsuit against the owner for the money that was withdrawn after the gym closed?
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November 12th 2008 - 11:56:52 |
Wow I’m suprised….I know Thomas Helbig, he use to be a great guy, talented and creative when it came to manageing Empire fitness Facilitys. He also had a big heart and he was generous to his employees…I curious as to what happend to him, how he became this type of business man/person???????
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November 21st 2008 - 05:05:08 |
CECE wrote:
1 word: drugs.
2 more words- Rebecca Etoria, the skank he dated/married that he wasted time, money, and effort on. She sucks, and I hope she is reading this somewhere.
4 final words- The truth comes out. He was a shady man, hid a lot of lies (watch the video) and couldn’t hide it forever. I hope he burns in hell.
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November 26th 2008 - 05:01:34 |
I dont think it’s fare to defame someones wife for their shortcomings maybe he was simply a bad business person
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December 10th 2008 - 00:35:10 |
I dare her to come out and defend herself. Ask any employee that was there more than 6 months before the closing and I guarantee you that he/she will attest that while neglected, the gym was able to be run without her. With her in the picture, she tried to meddle with operations and made everyone’s life miserable. Rebecca Etoria, I hate you for all that you are and for being involved in the closing of my gym.
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December 10th 2008 - 03:11:31 |
What the heck is this all about?
superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/docket/J...seInfo.asp?casenumber=CC2008-035426
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December 10th 2008 - 09:53:32 |
“A Forcible Entry and Detainer is an action that a landlord, or new property owner can take if the existing occupant refuses to leave after appropriate notice. This occupant could be either a tenant or original owner of property that was sold at a foreclosure or trustee’s sale. The laws governing forcible entry and detainer actions are different if the property is residential or non-residential.
“The sole issue at the court hearing is whether or not the tenant/occupant has the right to possession.”
“Recovery of Rents/Use: In most cases the rightful owner can sue for recovery of rents, or a fair and reasonable satisfaction for the use and occupation of the property, pursuant to A.R.S. § 12-1271. In addition to determining the right to actual possession, the court may assess damages, attorney fees and costs pursuant to A.R.S. § 12-1178″
The Plantiff was granted a total of $10,081.00 on February 21, 2008 for back rent, attorney’s fees and other things. I guess we found out where all of the monthly membership dues went.
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January 5th 2009 - 21:06:45 |
somebody know more about this history?
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January 14th 2009 - 16:48:04 |
I just found this on the interweb, not sure if anyone has posted it yet so here goes……
New Jersey - Closed Hoboken Health Club Agrees to Reimburse Consumers for Paid Memberships
By admin • Jan 6th, 2009 • Category: News
DISCLAIMER - Any Charges Reported in these Press Releases are Merely Accusations and the Defendants are Presumed Innocent Unless and Until Proven Guilty.
Email Story Link
NEWARK – Consumers who bought memberships in a Hoboken health club that closed in September will be able to file claims for refunds, under terms of a Consent Order between the Division of the Consumer Affairs and the owners of the health club.
Empire Fitness of Hoboken, formerly located at 605 Washington Street in Hoboken, operated without being registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs as legally required.
“This is an important consent order which helps customers of a now shuttered health club,” Attorney General Anne Milgram said. “But it is also an important reminder that consumers should always check with the Division of Consumers Affairs before joining a private gym and they should read proposed contracts carefully before signing on the dotted line There should be specific provisions protecting consumers in the event the club shuts down.”
“The post-holiday period is a time when consumers typically join health clubs,” said David Szuchman, Consumer Affairs Director. “Before they work out, consumers need to do their homework and make sure the health club they are thinking of joining is registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs.”
Registration requirements include the posting of a surety bond, which is an asset that is available for consumer refunds in the event a health club closes or goes out of business. Surety bonds are required when membership contracts longer than three months are sold to consumers. Contracts between the health club and consumers also must contain specific language informing consumers of their rights.
T.J.B., Inc., which did business as Empire Fitness of Hoboken, and Lucille Caputo, the owner of the health club, agreed to provide the Division of Consumer Affairs with the club’s membership list and other records to identify the consumers entitled to refunds. The Division will inform each consumer of his/her right to file a claim for a refund and then review all submitted claims.
T.J.B., Inc., and Caputo also agreed to pay the Division $10,000 in civil penalties, $667 as reimbursement for its investigative costs and $405 as reimbursement for its legal fees. They also agreed to comply with the state’s Consumer Fraud Act, Health Club Provisions and Health Club Regulations in any future operation of a health club.
Szuchman noted that consumers can check whether a health club is registered by contacting the Division’s Regulated Business Section at 973-504-6261. Consumers also can ask health club representatives to see the facility’s state-issued registration document.
Health club operators are required to:
Issue written contracts and provide a copy of the executed contract to the consumer;
List the consumer’s total payment obligation on the first page of the contract;
Include a ‘Notice to Customer’ within the contract informing the consumer of his/her right to cancel the contract within three days after receiving a copy of the contract;
Extend the contract for a period equal to a 30-day or longer closure of the health club or provide a prorated refund to the consumer; and
Allow cancellation of the contract by the consumer and provide a prorated refund if the consumer moves more than 25 miles from the health club or an affiliated health club offering the same or similar services, at no additional expense to the consumer.
To file a complaint, contact the Division via its web site, http://www.nj.gov/oag/ca/ocp/ocpform.htm or call 1-800-242-5846 (toll-free within N.J.) or 973-504-6200.
Deputy Attorney General Jah-Juin Ho represented the state in this matter.
For Further Information:
January 6, 2009
Peter Aseltine
609-292-4791
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January 14th 2009 - 16:49:34 |
Well lookie that 411 already posted the news, sorry, move along, nothing to see here….
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April 2nd 2009 - 11:26:39 |
It seems that Thomas Helbig was not the owner after all. We have blamed everyone but the real culprit. The one who took our money to buy and sell real estate. Check out her face book: http://www.02.01.snc1.facebook.com/people/Lucille-Caputo/1025649173
I think she owes more than $10,000. What about the employees pay?
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