ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York's attorney general has reached settlements with 96 health club operators who have agreed to modify their contracts and pay penalties and fines for violations of state law.
According to the attorney general's office, investigators found widespread violations including failures to make required disclosures to customers and inclusion of unenforceable contract releases and liability waivers.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says January is the top month for joining health clubs, and consumers need to pay attention to what they sign.
New York law prohibits health club contracts costing more than $3,600 a year or lasting for longer than three years.
Also, all health club contracts can be cancelled within three days of signing and at any time if the club stops offering services listed in the contract or if the member has a doctor's order.
