Ohio Attorney General announced a lawsuit against Anytime Women’s Fitness

NEWARK — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine on Wednesday announced a lawsuit against the owner of the closed Heath-area gyms Anytime Women’s Fitness, 24hr Fitness Express and 24hr Women’s Workout.

The lawsuit in Licking County Common Pleas Court charges Steve Riffle with multiple violations of Ohio’s consumer laws.

“Consumers reported numerous problems with these gyms,” DeWine said in a news release. “Some consumers were charged more than they expected, and others had problems canceling their contracts. In general, many consumers did not receive what they paid for.

“Attempts to resolve these issues with the owner out of court have been unsuccessful, leaving us no choice but to file this lawsuit.”

Riffle operated gyms in various locations in the Heath area and at times moved addresses without notice to consumers, according to the lawsuit. He also used various names, including Anytime Women’s Fitness and 24hr Women’s Workout, that catered specifically to women.

Riffle closed his gyms without giving notice to the consumers or providing refunds for the unused portions of their contracts. None of the gyms are in operation.

Through his gyms, Riffle offered access to fitness facilities and equipment, as well as fitness classes, tanning packages and child-care services. According to the lawsuit, he regularly issued memberships requiring consumers to pay in advance, typically for an entire year, in order to receive his services.

According to the lawsuit, several consumers who tried to cancel the services for valid reasons were unable to do so. Other consumers experienced unauthorized charges from their bank accounts for undisclosed fees or fees they had already paid.

The lawsuit charges Riffle, doing business as Anytime Women’s Fitness, 24hr Fitness Express and 24hr Women’s Workout, with violations of Ohio’s Prepaid Entertainment Contracts Act and Consumer Sales Practices Act.

Specific violations include failing to provide consumers with proper notice of their three-day right to cancel, misrepresenting the business’ services, changing locations without notifying consumers, making unauthorized withdrawals from consumers’ bank accounts and failing to register all fictitious business names with the Ohio Secretary of State, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit seeks consumer restitution, injunctive relief and civil penalties.

Under Ohio’s Prepaid Entertainment Contracts Act, sellers must give consumers three business days to cancel contracts with health spas, dance studios, diet centers, dating agencies or martial arts schools. Sellers also must provide consumers with a written notice of their right to cancel.

Consumers who believe they have been treated unfairly should file complaints at www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov or by calling (800) 282-0515.