Computer glitch… Tens of thousands of dollars incorrectly withdrawn from Gold’s Gym members’ accounts

PALM SPRINGS — A computer glitch in the billing system of Gold’s Gym is responsible for the incorrect electronic withdrawal of tens of thousands of dollars from the bank accounts of members, a Palm Springs Gold’s Gym official said Tuesday night.

Brenda Olsen, the general manager of the Gold’s, 4070 Airport Center Drive, near the Palm Springs International Airport, said the system malfunctioned and no money has been stolen from client accounts.

VIDEO: Error deducts cash from Gold’s Gym members

“There was no hacking,” she said, adding that the problem is located at the Texas-based company that handles Gold’s billing procedures.

Olsen said the issues should be resolved in the next 24 hours and members should not be worried.

Olsen did not know how far-reaching the problem was and could not say how many of the 7,000 members of the Palm Springs location have been affected.

She referred further comment to Gold’s corporate offices.

A representative of the Venice Beach-based corporation could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday night.

Dozens of irate Gold’s members turned up Tuesday night at the Gold’s Palm Springs location to talk to someone about the withdrawals made from their bank accounts — which left many with negative balances.

Israel Gonzales, 32, of Cathedral City, said he tried to withdraw cash from his ATM Tuesday but his account had been frozen. He said Gold’s withdrew $4,300 from his account.

“I checked my account and got a surprise right there,” he said.

Gonzales said he waited about 15 minutes at the gym to get answers and he estimated another 20 people were there at the same time.

“They were really, really mad,” he said Tuesday night.

Servanto Pinto, 32, of Desert Hot Springs, said he and his wife were supposed to be charged $54 each, but instead they each were charged $5,000.

On Tuesday night, he said his account contained “just $11 cash, which I have to make last until next Thursday.”

Some employees of the The Desert Sun were also affected by the malfunction.

The withdrawal amounts appear to vary and — based on discussions taking place on Twitter between affected members — range from $1,500 to more than $7,000.

Olsen said affected customers should check their accounts and contact their banks.