In Hangzhou, China, a man’s dream of combining fitness with financial gain turned into an expensive nightmare, costing him more than 871,000 yuan (about RM512,000).
Jin, a loyal member of Ranyan Gym for three years, was approached in May by a sales executive with what sounded like an unbeatable deal. The pitch was simple: buy a one-year gym membership and the gym would resell it to another customer at a higher price, letting Jin keep the profit. If the resale failed, they promised, he would get a full refund.
Photo via South China Morning Post
Tempted by the idea of quick returns, Jin bought multiple memberships and private coaching sessions. In one transaction alone, he handed over more than 300,000 yuan (around RM176,000). The sales team kept reassuring him that if the cards could not be resold within two months, his money would be returned in full.
Between May and July, Jin signed 26 contracts, amassing memberships with a staggering combined validity of 300 years. But when the agreed repayment date of 15 July arrived, no money appeared in his account. By the end of the month, the gym’s management and sales staff had vanished without a trace.
Worse still, Jin discovered that the contracts contained no promise of resale profits and even clearly stated that the memberships were non-transferable. Speaking to local media, he admitted, “I have been brainwashed by them,” adding that he saw it as both a “health investment” and a “commitment to health.” He is now pursuing legal action.
This case serves as a sobering reminder that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always read the fine print, verify the details, and take a step back before parting with your hard-earned money.
